Fenton, Michigan

Be Closer

Shiawassee River in Fenton
Shiawassee River in Fenton
Downtown Fenton
Downtown Fenton
Fenton Freedom Festival
Fenton Freedom Festival
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

11,807

Population

Sunny Days: 174
100100 Affordability
85100 Schools
60100 Diversity
100100 Safety

LookyLOO Review of Fenton

Fenton has two incredible things going for it. It's a toss-up which is more important to the locals. The most visually obvious is the amazing lake culture surrounding the town, making it an ideal place for anyone who craves an outdoor lifestyle with an endless supply of fishing, boating, paddling, swimming, and water views everywhere you turn.

The other is, what you hope for in any small town, a vibrant, tight community, that works together to make it a place that feels more active than it has any rights, given a population of just around 12k. It's the very definition of Mainstreet USA that if you like 4th of July parades and hanging with other families doing school activities you're going to love it.

On the other hand, if a small downtown, and limited social options freaks you out, then perhaps check out some of the bigger cities, a short drive away.

Lifestyle

The lifestyle in Fenton starts with the fact it is home to 58 lakes, the largest one is Lake Fenton. This means that going fishing with friends or your kiddos, enjoying boat rides, swimming, kayaking/canoeing, and beach lounging, is all going to be a part of your weekend if not daily routine. Surrounding these lakes are endless forests, filled with trails for hiking, and campgrounds for weekend outings.

When you aren't playing outdoors, many Fentonites enjoy the food, drinks, and coffee offered at the locally owned spots downtown. There isn't a ton but what is there is good and popular. If you crave more you're a short drive to Ann Arbor, Detroit, or of course, Flint.

Local businesses and residents pull together for several social events during the year. There's a big 4th of July parade, an ice festival during the winter, flea markets throughout the summer, a farmer's market, and community flower planting downtown when summer arrives.

The lifestyle is well-suited to families, particularly those up for the lake life.

Worklife

Fenton, Michigan, has a local economy that is shaped by its proximity to larger cities like Flint, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, and even Detroit (although that's a long commute if you're trying to do it daily).

-Healthcare is a common job with Henry Ford Health Genesys Hospital a big local employer.
-Retail and Hospitality: Some locals work in small businesses, eateries, and retail shops within Fenton and neighboring towns.
-Manufacturing and Light Industrial: Manufacturing remains a big deal in the area. The area has light manufacturing facilities in town and larger mostly auto industrial employers in Flint and Auburn Hills area.
Education: Schools in the Fenton area, including Fenton Area Public Schools and nearby private schools, employ a lot of locals. Affordable housing in the area means teachers and administrators can afford to live and work here.
Professional Services: The stunning growth of remote work has supported some residents in professional roles, especially those commuting or working from home for employers based in Flint, Detroit, or other cities. We imagine future growth will come from this segment as the idyllic outdoor lifestyle, close community, and relatively affordable housing attract more and more transplants.

Schools

Fenton Public Schools is an above-average district, receiving a "B+" grade on niche.com. It gets particularly high grades for the quality of the Teachers and the Clubs & Extracurriculars offered.

-Fenton Senior High is the major public school in the city. It gets good grades for the quality of the Teachers and the Academics.
-St John the Evangelist Catholic School is a popular faith-based elementary school.

Locals looking for private or parochial options beyond elementary school will reach outside the city limits for options in neighboring towns.

Reviews of Fenton from Locals

l0ts0fpulp
Living in Fenton
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1

Fenton would be my suggestion. lots of lakes around plus newer restaurants. water issues aren't a problem in the suburbs and even parts of Flint so don't let that be a distraction.

2

I highly suggest Fenton as well. It's a really nice little city that's on the come up and is developing quickly. Plus all the lakes are really nice. The restaurant scene is starting to remind me of Grand Rapids too, so you would appreciate that.

For more reviews of what living in Fenton is like from locals check out: The Reviews