You SHOULD Know This About Living In Ortonville Michigan!

There’s some buzz about Ortonville, Michigan, and for good reason. This hidden gem in northern Oakland County combines small-town charm, scenic landscapes, and a tight-knit community with easy access to urban conveniences. From its picturesque downtown and thriving local businesses to good schools and affordable housing, Ortonville has a lot to offer. I’m going to tell you why Ortonville Michigan is taking over conversations. Let’s get to it.

Welcome to Ortonville, Michigan!

Tucked away in northern Oakland County, the village of Ortonville, Michigan, is a hidden gem of a small town with a big heart. Covering 0.97 square miles and home to just under 1,400 residents, it’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone—or at least their dog’s name. Despite its small size, Ortonville’s location is a major perk. It’s within an easy drive to larger cities like Flint, Pontiac, and even Detroit, giving residents the perfect balance of small-town tranquility and big-city convenience. Although Ortonville is a village, it’s located within the township of Brandon. Brandon Township is 35.98 square miles in size, with a population of around 15,400 people. Villages, townships and cities can be confusing in Michigan so I’ll link HERE explaining all that, but you’ll want to stick around because it affects your property taxes too.

Living In Ortonville Michigan

Ortonville Michigan Location

Ortonville’s charm begins with its location. Nestled among gently rolling hills and wooded areas, it’s a haven for those who want the serenity of rural living without giving up access to urban amenities. A 30-minute drive gets you to Flint or Pontiac, while downtown Detroit is just under an hour away. Whether you’re commuting for work or itching for a day of shopping and entertainment, Ortonville’s location makes it easy to have the best of both worlds. Residents also appreciate the proximity to major highways like I-75 and M-15, making regional travel a breeze. While it might not be a hub of public transportation, the ease of navigating local and nearby areas by car is a significant advantage. Of course, "easy" is relative if you’re prone to Michigan winters—snowy roads can make even the shortest trips an adventure. But hey, consider it a built-in excuse to stay in and binge-watch your favorite shows.

Living In Ortonville Michigan

Ortonville Michigan Community

Ortonville Michigan Recreation

Ortonville’s identity is rooted in its rich natural beauty and community-focused spirit. Surrounded by lakes, forests, and trails, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Bald Eagle Lake and Big Fish Lake are local hotspots where you can fish, kayak, or just sit by the water and pretend you’re the star of a nature documentary. And don’t forget the Ortonville State Recreation Area, where hiking trails and horseback riding paths wind through stunning landscapes that practically beg for an Instagram post. During the fall, Ortonville transforms into a vibrant canvas of reds, yellows, and oranges. Leaf-peeping isn’t just a pastime here; it’s practically a competitive sport. If you’re not out snapping photos of the foliage, are you even living in Ortonville?

Ortonville Michigan Downtown

The downtown area is a slice of small-town Americana. Picture historic storefronts housing unique shops, cozy cafes, and family-owned restaurants where the servers might just know your “usual” after one visit. Popular spots include Papa Bella’s Pizza—locals swear by the thin crust—and A Bean To Go, a coffee roastery that’s basically a caffeine lover’s paradise. Community events are another highlight. CreekFest celebrates the area’s waterways with live music, crafts, and activities that are equal parts fun and educational. The Ortonville Farmers Market is a must-visit for fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts. Basically, if you’re not leaving with a bag full of goodies and a slight sugar rush, you’re doing it wrong. The area’s rich history also shines through. The Ortonville Historical Society actively preserves local landmarks and organizes events that give residents and visitors a glimpse into the past. From historical buildings to community programs, there’s always something to discover.

Living In Ortonville Michigan

Ortonville Michigan Things To Do

Despite its size, Ortonville is packed with things to do. Outdoor activities take center stage, from hiking and fishing to kayaking and camping. If you’re more of an indoor adventurer, the local shops and restaurants offer plenty of ways to spend a cozy afternoon. The local economy is driven by small businesses, and the community takes pride in supporting them. Whether you’re grabbing dinner at MacPhee’s Restaurant & Pub (Meach's Pit stop now) or shopping for handmade treasures at a local boutique, you’re not just a customer—you’re a part of the community. History buffs will appreciate the Ortonville Historical Society’s efforts to preserve the village’s past. From landmarks to educational programs, there’s a lot to learn about this little town with a big story. During the winter months, the village comes alive with seasonal activities. Think holiday markets, tree lighting ceremonies, and snowman-building competitions. It’s the kind of place where you can embrace the magic of winter—as long as you’ve got a warm coat and a good pair of boots.

Living In Ortonville Michigan

Ortonville Michigan Schools & Education

Education is a cornerstone of the Ortonville community, and the Brandon School District doesn’t disappoint. Known for small class sizes and a dedicated teaching staff, the district provides a personalized learning environment where students can thrive. If your child’s teacher doesn’t know their favorite color and what they had for lunch yesterday, are they even trying? The district shines with its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs, which prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. Robotics competitions, coding clubs, and state-of-the-art labs are just a few of the highlights. But it’s not all calculators and coding. The arts programs—including music, theater, and visual arts—are top-notch, with plenty of opportunities for young Picassos and future Broadway stars to shine. Sports are also a big deal. Brandon High School’s Blackhawks are regular contenders in regional competitions, whether it’s football, basketball, or track and field.

The sense of camaraderie and community pride during games is contagious, and attending a Friday night football game is practically a rite of passage here. Noteworthy achievements include high graduation rates, strong college acceptance levels, and a variety of vocational programs that set students up for success in trades or higher education. Parents looking for a well-rounded educational experience for their kids will find it here.

Living In Ortonville Michigan

Ortonville Michigan Real Estate

Ortonville Michigan Housing Market

Ortonville’s housing market is as inviting as its residents. Whether you’re dreaming of a historic home with quirky charm or a sleek new build with all the modern bells and whistles, there’s something for everyone. The best part? The median home price is significantly lower than in many neighboring Oakland County communities, so your dream home might actually fit your budget—a rarity these days. Homes with acreage are a big draw. Want space for a garden, a hobby farm, or just a backyard big enough for epic snowball fights? Ortonville has you covered. Recent trends show steady growth in property values, so buying here isn’t just a lifestyle choice—it’s a smart investment. For DIY enthusiasts, Ortonville offers plenty of fixer-uppers at reasonable prices. If you’ve ever wanted to test your HGTV-inspired renovation skills, this might be the place to do it. Just be prepared for your neighbors to swing by with unsolicited advice—and maybe a plate of cookies.

Just to put the home prices into perspective, here’s a graph provided by the MLS going over the average sale prices over the last 3 years, the whole MLS is in blue, Ortonville is in green, Brandon township is in yellow and I thought it would be cool to add Oakland county as a whole in red to give you an idea of the average price tag in Oakland county versus Ortonville which is roughly a $111,000 difference which can definitely impact a person's affordability, so if Oakland county is your destination, and small town living is in the cards, chalk Ortonville up as a contender. Over the last year, there have been 155 home sales in Ortonville and Brandon township combined ranging from a $38,000 manufactured home to a $800,000 colonial on almost 5 acres. As far as Rental options, they are more limited but available. As of recording this there’s 4 results on Zillow that range from a $900 a month condo to a $1,600 am month single family home.

Want To Buy A Home in Ortonville Michigan?

Living In Ortonville Michigan

Ortonville Michigan Property Taxes

When it comes to property taxes, it’s a crucial expense to keep in mind when finding a spot to land in Michigan. In Brandon township, there’s 2 school districts: Oxford area schools and Brandon schools. And in the village of Ortonville, it’s just Brandon schools. If you’re wanting to go to Brandon schools, pay close attention. Brandon schools in Brandon Township have a millage rate of 35.0053, where as Brandon Schools in the village of Ortonville are 43.0053, then oxford Schools in Brandon Township are 30.7453. Just to give you more perspective on the financial burden, let’s take the average home sale price from the graph earlier of $324,400. The high estimate for yearly property taxes is taking 50% of that home price, which is $162,200 then you multiply it by the millage rate, starting off with Brandon Townships of 35.0053 and dividing by 1,000 which is $5,677.85, where as in Ortonville, we multiply it by 43.0053 and divide it by 1,000 and we have $6,975.45 which is a $1,297.60 difference every year for being in the same school district. Granted you’ll be closer to town being situated in Ortonville but you need to weigh the pros and cons of course.

Living In Ortonville Michigan

Ortonville Michigan Summary

Ortonville, Michigan, is more than just a village—it’s a way of life. With its stunning natural surroundings, close-knit community, and easy access to larger cities, it’s an ideal place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while staying connected. Excellent schools, affordable housing, and a wealth of recreational opportunities make it a standout choice for families, retirees, and anyone in between. Sure, it’s not perfect. Winters are cold enough to make you question your life choices, and you’ll definitely need a car to get around. But those are small trade-offs for everything Ortonville has to offer. If you’re ready to swap traffic jams for tree-lined streets and crowded malls for community festivals, Ortonville might just be the perfect place to call home. So why not visit and see for yourself? You might just find everything you’ve been looking for—and more.

So what are your thoughts on Ortonville Michigan? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

If you’re thinking about moving to Michigan in 1 day or a million, feel free to reach out anytime. I also have a link to the Living in Michigan newsletter (below) to give you insight on all things Michigan, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss out! Thanks for watching, until next time.

Cheers,

Andrew

Andrew McManamon is a Michigan REALTOR® with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and provides real estate services to Buyers, Sellers and Investors throughout SE Michigan including Livingston County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, Genesee County & beyond. Andrew has become one of the pillars of Michigan real estate. Prior to his real estate career Andrew was responsible for managing a senior living facility in Brighton, Michigan as a dining supervisor and an activities assistant. Andrew’s passion to help people is unlike any other, and he continues to strive to be the best resource he can be. Andrew graduated from Cleary University in Howell, Michigan with a double major in business and marketing, and currently resides in Brighton, Michigan.

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