Owosso, Michigan, is the historic home of one of Michigan’s most famous authors, James Oliver Curwood, known for his adventure tales and conservation efforts. Sitting on the Shiawassee River, the city is now home to roughly 14,600 people—a population that has declined slowly since 1980—and major employers like Baker College and Woodard, LLC. “The hospital is a major employer. We have a great hospital here,” says Mike Selleck, broker with Richard J. Selleck and Sons Agency. Memorial Healthcare Hospital in Owosso is the city’s certified Level IV Trauma Center.
Memorial Healthcare Hospital is Owosso's certified Level IV Trauma Center.
Curwood Castle is the former home of James Oliver Curwood, known for his conservation efforts.
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Many older homes that range in price
Custom homes along the Shiawassee River can sell as high as $519,000, while older homes that need repair and aren’t by the water can sell as low as $26,000. The median home price is $166,175, up 11% from the previous year but less than half the national median. On average, Owosso homes stay on the market for 34 days, over a week below the national average. “Everything has gone up,” Selleck says. “But we’ve always been one of the top five counties in the state with the lowest average price per household.”
The median home price in Owosso is $166,175.
Homes along the Shiawassee River in Owosso are sought after and have higher value.
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Owosso Public Schools
Owosso Public Schools earns an overall B-minus on Niche. Home to roughly 2,900 students, the district maintains a 21:1 student-teacher ratio and an average graduation rate of 80% across one preschool, three elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools. Baker College offers a private university setting for post-secondary students. The university has more than 85 degree programs across fields like business, health science and more.
Baker College offers a private university setting for post-secondary students in Owosso.
The Owosso Public School District earns an overall B-minus on Niche.
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12 parks and roughly 250 acres of green space
Selleck says outdoor sports are a popular part of life in the small Michigan city. “We’ve got some nice trails, and the parks are great,” Selleck says. Owosso Parks range from the one-acre Fayette Square to Collamer Park, with more than 160 acres of space. The city has 12 parks spanning over 250 acres and offering more than 90 facilities and amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas and sports fields. Nearby state parks include Sleepy Hollow Park, home to Lake Ovid and 16 miles of biking and hiking trails, and the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, which holds over 9,800 acres of land home to diverse wildlife.
Hopkins Lake at Collamer Park offers more than 160 acres of space within Owosso.
Outdoor sports at Grove Holman Park are a popular part of life in Owosso.
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Shopping and dining in downtown Owosso
Owosso’s downtown district lies around the intersection of West Main Street and South Washington Street. Italian, American and Chinese restaurants give downtown a variety of dining options, and major chains like McDonald’s are available just east of the Shiawassee River. Local shops include cannabis dispensaries and a small butcher shop. “We’ve got the Lebowsky Center downtown,” Selleck says. “That’s a performing arts center that hosts different shows throughout the year. And James Oliver Curwood was a nationally known author born in Owosso; we’ve got his castle on the banks of the Shiawassee River.” Curwood Castle Park, the former writing studio of James Oliver Curwood, is a popular tourist attraction and venue for community festivities.
The Lebowsky Performing Arts Center puts on shows throughout the year in Owosso.
Owosso's downtown district offers restaurants like Sakura with Japanese and Thai specialties.
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The Curwood Festival and other events
Curwood Castle hosts annual events like the Curwood Festival, a celebration of James Oliver Curwood, and Moonlight Market, which features live music, balloon art and food from local vendors. In August, The Owosso Bike Fest brings together the city’s bicycle enthusiasts for a day of bikes, food and fun.
Shiawassee Area Transit Agency
Owosso’s residential lanes offer plenty of sidewalks, and the Shiawassee Area Transit Agency serves the city, offering on-demand ride services. South Michigan Route 52 is the city’s primary roadway, connecting drivers to Interstate 69 roughly 11 miles south. The latter heads west to Lansing or east to connect with I-75 to downtown Detroit, 92 miles away. Nearby Owosso Community Airport offers service for chartered and private flights, but residents must head 26 miles east to Bishop International Airport in Flint for commercial flights connecting them to larger airports nationwide.
Some environmental and weather considerations
With the city sitting along the banks of the Shiawassee River, environmental data shows there is a risk of flood impact to the city’s infrastructure within the next 30 years. Data shows that the city’s air quality is better than most other cities in Michigan. Owosso does not sit close enough to the Great Lakes to experience the Lake Effect, but low temperatures still average in the teens during winter. On average, the city gets roughly 30 inches of snow per year, though the city is prepared and roads are cleared quickly. Still, Selleck says the area’s winters are growing milder and 2024, he says, “was the first year in three years we’ve been able to go ice fishing, because our lakes and rivers haven’t frozen.”
Environmental data shows Owosso along the Shiawassee River has a risk of flooding.
Data shows that Owosso's air quality is better than most other cities in Michigan.
Hi, I'm Kirsten Kroh, a dedicated real estate agent with a passion for helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives—buying or selling a home. I’ve been in real estate since 2016, inspired by my own home-buying experience. After purchasing my first home and facing numerous challenges, I decided to get into the business—not for the money, but to ensure others don’t face the same struggles. I want to protect my clients and make sure they’re informed every step of the way.
I live in Livingston County with my high school sweetheart, who is also a proud Marine Corps veteran, and our two busy kids. In 2022, my mother and I joined forces to create an unstoppable real estate team. We work seamlessly together, combining our strengths and experiences to provide exceptional service to every client.
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