Clio, Michigan

Clio, Michigan, is a small town about 14 miles from Flint that for many feels a world apart from the city. It's an interesting mix of rural pickup culture, a family suburban lifestyle, and a country club scene with fancier dress-up occasions.

The community has a strong sense of belonging with families spending their time together at school events and lots of sports and outdoor play. What the town lacks in a big downtown it makes up for by being surrounded by amazing outdoor opportunities.

Clio offers great access to outdoor recreation. This starts in the town with the Clio Area Youth Sports Complex which offers facilities for baseball, softball, football, soccer, basketball, and even walking paths when the kiddos are doing their sports.

The town also has a great outdoor space in the Clio City Park. The park is kind of the city center, with 7.5 miles of hiking trails, acres of play space, fields for sports, and even an amphitheater for summer concerts and events.

The town hosts year-round events including the annual Homecoming Parade and football games at Pride Stadium, the home of Clio High School.

As noted, Clio doesn't have a significant downtown but for a town of just over 2,000, more than a dozen restaurant options is pretty significant. You're also just 10 miles to Frankenmuth, which has a great food and drink culture, and just 14 miles to downtown Flint.

The Clio Area School District receives a "B-" rating on niche.com with Teachers, in particular, getting high grades.

It's a small district with two elementary schools a middle school, and Clio Area High School.

The town does not have any private or parochial schools but if locals prefer something other than the public options the neighboring cities offer alternatives.