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.  

LookyLOO Review of Fenton

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. 

Lifestyle

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. 


Worklife

[**Fenton Public Schools**](https://www.fentonschools.org/) is an above-average district, receiving a [**"B+" grade on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/fenton-area-public-schools-mi/). It gets particularly high grades for the quality of the Teachers and the Clubs & Extracurriculars offered. 

-[**Fenton Senior High**](https://www.fentonschools.org/o/fhs) 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**](https://www.stjohnfenton.com/) 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. 




Schools

**l0ts0fpulp**
Living in Fenton
🦉🦉🦉

#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**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/fenton/reviews)

Reviews of Fenton from Locals

Fenton

**l0ts0fpulp**
Living in Fenton
🦉🦉🦉

#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.

**xYEET_LORDx**/6mo ago/🦉🦉🦉

Fenton is not built to be the home to so many people. Also people coming into town for work every day. When I worked at a factory here there wasn’t a single person there other than me that lived in Fenton. Everyone came down from Flint, Davison, etc.

It's an absolutely gorgeous area that feels very posh at times. Either way, it's appearently one of the fastest growing cities in Michigan. One of my teachers said they're trying to commit to small town AND big city life, and that since the city won't choose between either or its stuck in this awkward place. If I could, I'd probably live there still though. Always felt extremely safe there, great school system too

**iHunt4MyFood**/6y ago/🦉🦉🦉

For BBQ which FFH is, I would say go to Beale St Smokehouse, better food and better prices. I also heard the mac and cheese is frozen and shipped in from the Union.

Best Pizza is at Fenton Winery & Brewery. Beer is top notch and the wine is good too. Best staff too.

Laundry and Fenton Hotel are always worthwhile for higher end food. Holly Hotel for wild game dinner night was amazing.

Blackthorn is good but the food has gone downhill the past couple years. The taps are by far better than any bar in the area and the tap takeovers are always worth a look.

I heard the new Italian place is good but Da Eduardo’s on N. Holly has never been bad for us.

Fenton, Michigan

Be Closer

Looklyloo Score: 88

Reviews

What's it like to live in Fenton?

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