In Burton, sprawling farmlands meet suburbia. A little more than 29,000 people call it home, and it’s about 24 square miles, but "We have a small-town feel," says Steven Heffner, a council member for Burton. . "It's a good community in which to raise a family. We have wonderful parks and many neighborhood events." While it’s just east of Flint, Burton is a more rural alternative with larger lots and modern subdivisions that continue to spring up.
Many of the rural homes in Burton are on large lots.
Burton locals enjoy outdoor activities year-round, including cross-country skiing.
Prospective home buyers will find affordable, well-maintained homes in the City of Burton.
Burton has new developments popping up in rural areas.
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Five parks and two golf courses
Burton has several parks, but most outdoor adventures start at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum. The park spans over 380 acres and offers wetland views and a treehouse for conservation events and wildlife watching. Those wanting to learn more about the area's plants and wildlife can join a guided walking tour over wood bridges and stop at the butterfly garden. There's also Joe Szilagyi-designed IMA Brookwood Golf Club, which offers public tee times, tournaments and First Tee events for children interested in learning the game.
Burton locals head to For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum to enjoy nature.
Burton locals enjoy walking across bridges during their afternoon stroll.
Get up close to the butterflies at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Park.
The IMA Brookwood Golf Club is one of the many golf courses in and around Burton.
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Celebrating holidays together
Downtown Flint has festivals and fairs, but Burton offers more intimate events for its residents to meet and celebrate together. "We like to celebrate our veterans, and the Memorial Day event is huge here," Councilmember Heffner says. A 5K run/walk and a candle lighting service take place. The day ends with a large fireworks display that brings in locals from the surrounding counties. Burton also celebrates Halloween with a Trick or Treat Trail in October and Christmas with a tree lighting ceremony at Fire Station 1.
Affordable homes on large lots
Ranch-style homes are the most predominant in the city. Still, subdivisions and developments have brought new traditional homes to the area in the last 20 years. Homes closer to Flint, like Webber Place, often offer a more suburban layout with quarter-acre lots. Homes further southeast offer more yard space and feel more rural, but nearly every home has room for a small garden, above-ground pool or shed. According to Councilmember Heffner, about 100 houses in Burton were affected by the 2014 water crisis, and the city replaced the lead pipes almost immediately. "We don't mess around when it comes to the health and safety of our residents," he stated. The median home price is about $163,000, around 2.5 times cheaper than the US average, and homes sell in 31 days on average compared to the US average of 44 days.
Ranch homes with manicured lawns line the streets of Burton.
Owners take great pride in maintaining their homes in Burton.
Homes neatly line the streets of Burton.
Newer homes are springing up all around Burton.
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Three school districts
Depending on where they live, Burton students fall under one of three school districts: Bendle Public Schools, Bentley Community Schools and Atherton Community Schools. Bendle Public Schools has a C-minus rating on Niche and serves about 1,000 students. There are two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Bently Community Schools has a C rating and serves about 750 students. There’s only one elementary, one middle and one high school. Atherton Community School is just as small, with one elementary school and one junior/senior high school. It has a C-minus rating and also serves about 750 students.
Bentley Middle School offers students a dynamic learning environment.
Children are offered an excellent education at Bentley High School.
Barhitte Elementary School inspires, educates and empowers all students.
Kids are challenged to excel at Atherton Middle and High School in Burton.
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No lack of retail destinations
Despite its suburban roots, Burton is home to several big box stores along East Court Street and Lapeer Road. There isn’t a downtown, but it has various family-owned establishments that have been around for decades, like Fredi's Grille and Family Restaurant. Starlite Burger and Coney Shop is across the street from Courtland Center Shopping Mall. This family-owned restaurant stands out among the national chains in the area, serving burgers, poutine and Flint-style coney dogs since 1966. The Red Baron is a dim-lit taproom and brewpub with wings, handhelds and colossal onion rings for a side. Despite its vast beer menu, it’s mostly known for its ranch dressing.
Fredi's Grille and Family Restaurant is a local hot spot in Burton.
Burton has many shopping options, including Courtland Center Shopping Mall.
The Red Baron has been serving the locals of Burton for decades.
Burton locals head to Starlite for poutine and Flint-style coney dogs since 1966.
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Working and commuting
Many residents commute to surrounding cities for work. The 400-acre Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Black Township is the largest medical employer. It’s one of many Michigan healthcare facilities recently purchased by Henry Ford Health System. Michigan's second largest healthcare system behind Corewell Health, Henry Ford operates over 550 healthcare locations across Michigan. Downtown Detroit is about 70 miles southeast of Burton, while Ann Arbor is 60 miles south. Both can be reached in about an hour if traffic permits. Commuting is relatively simple, with Interstates 69 and 475 running through the city. Bishop International Airport is 10 miles away, and multiple bus lines run along the area's main roads.
High crime rates, a low chance of natural disasters
In 2023, Burton reported a violent crime rate that was 63% higher than the US average and a property crime rate that was 45% higher, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer. It’s not prone to natural disasters like tornadoes and wildfires, but it experiences all four seasons.
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