Flint Area, MI 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

55+ communities in Flint are ideal for homebuyers looking to settle down in Eastern Michigan. The region offers a picturesque setting with numerous parks, lakes, and recreational areas. There is a vibrant arts scene that provides plenty of opportunities for cultural enrichment, with museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing local talent. The cost of living is affordable, and the community is welcoming and friendly. Residents are also within easy reach of several larger cities, including Detroit and Lansing, providing access to even more entertainment and shopping options. 

Flint Michigan Area Affordability and Cost of Living 

The area offers an affordable cost of living, making it an attractive location for those retiring on a budget. Housing costs in the area are relatively low compared to the national average. According to Zillow, the median home value in Flint is around $158,600. The cost of essentials such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare are below the national average but transportation is above the U.S. average. 

There are plenty of affordable recreational and entertainment options in the area. Parks, lakes, and recreational areas are abundant, offering outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. Several of the area's many museums, galleries, and theaters offer cultural enrichment at reasonable prices. 

The average property tax rate in Michigan is around 1.62 percent, slightly higher than the national average. There is a flat income tax of 4.25 percent in Michigan, which includes most retirement income except for Social Security and military retirement benefits. In Michigan, there is no estate or inheritance tax, and the sales tax is lower than average. Seniors over 65 can benefit from a few tax breaks, but they are income-based.

Flint Michigan Area Climate and Geography 

Michigan is known for its unpredictable weather, and residents often joke that you can experience all four seasons in one day. Spring has the largest chance for severe storms and weather volatility. Winters are usually cold and snowy with average temperatures in the mid-20s, summers are warm and humid with temperatures in the mid-80s. Rain amounts are slightly higher during the summer with an annual average of 32 inches. Snow is common during the winter and averages about 47 inches per year.

The Flint area is located in the heart of Michigan where the terrain is relatively flat, with rolling hills and vast farmland surrounding the area. The area is dotted with numerous lakes, parks, and recreational areas that offer plenty of outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge is nearby and provides great wildlife viewing and birdwatching. The abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities in the area makes it an ideal place for those who enjoy an active and adventurous lifestyle.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment Near Flint Michigan Area 

The Flint area is a hub for a wide range of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment. 

Golf and Racquet Sports Near Flint Michigan Area

• Coyote Preserve Golf Club in Fenton
• Flint Golf Club in Flint
• Grand Blanc Huntsman's Club in Grand Blanc

Hiking, Biking, and Boating Near Flint Michigan Area

• Flint River Trail in Flint
• Genesee Valley Trail in Genesee County
• Lake Fenton in Fenton
• Holly Recreation Area in Holly

Museums and Historical Sites Near Flint Michigan Area

• Sloan Museum in Flint
• Longway Planetarium in Flint
• Whaley Historic House Museum in Flint
• Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad in Flint

Performing Arts Near Flint Michigan Area

• The Whiting Auditorium in Flint
• Flint Symphony Orchestra in Flint
• The Capitol Theatre in Flint
• Fenton Village Players Theatre in Fenton

Shopping Near Flint Michigan Area

• Genesee Valley Center Mall in Flint
• Fenton Village Marketplace in Fenton
• The Market on Saginaw in Grand Blanc
• Birch Run Premium Outlets in Birch Run

Parks and Gardens Near Flint Michigan Area

• For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum in Burton
• Bluebell Beach in Genesee County
• Flint Farmers' Market in Flint
• Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Saginaw County

Festivals and Fairs Near Flint Michigan Area

• Flint Art Fair in Flint
• Fenton Freedom Festival in Fenton
• Grand Blanc Heritage Festival in Grand Blanc
• Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival in Frankenmuth

In addition to these activities, there are also a number of college and local sporting events throughout the year. 

Flint Michigan Area Health and Wellness 

The Flint area is home to numerous medical centers and hospitals, providing top-notch healthcare services to its residents. The most prominent medical center in the area is the McLaren Flint Hospital, which offers advanced healthcare services and state-of-the-art facilities. The Ascension Genesys Hospital, located in nearby Grand Blanc, offers comprehensive medical care and is home to a Level II trauma center, providing specialized care for critical patients.

For those looking to maintain their health and wellness, the area is home to several fitness centers, yoga studios, and other wellness facilities, providing ample opportunities for individuals to fit and healthy. The many parks and natural spaces are perfect for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Community centers offer programs and activities geared towards promoting health and wellness, including exercise classes, nutrition education, and mental health support. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Flint Michigan Area 55+ Communities

Day One

Morning:

• Start the day with a coffee and breakfast at Biggby Coffee in Fenton, which serves a variety of coffee, tea, and breakfast items.
• Visit Seven Lakes State Park, which offers a beautiful natural setting with seven small lakes, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
• Head to Fenton for a visit to The Jewel of Grand Blanc, an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature course.

Afternoon:

• Grab lunch at The Laundry in Fenton, which offers sandwiches, salads, and soups made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Visit the Flint Farmers' Market, which features over 50 vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, meats, and more.
• Take a self-guided tour of the Whaley Historic House Museum, a restored Victorian home in Flint that offers a glimpse into life in the late 1800s.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Cork on Saginaw, a contemporary American restaurant located in downtown Flint that offers a farm-to-table menu.
• End the day with a show at The Capitol Theatre in Flint, a restored historic theater that hosts concerts, plays, and other events.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with a coffee and breakfast at Fenton Fire Hall, a former fire station turned restaurant that serves classic breakfast dishes and sandwiches.
• Meet with a local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss retirement community options and tour some communities.

Afternoon:

• Grab lunch at The Rough Draught Coffee & Barroom, a unique eatery in downtown Fenton that offers coffee, sandwiches, and craft beers.
• Visit the Sloan Museum, which offers exhibits on Flint's automotive history, culture, and community.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Beale Street Smokehouse BBQ, a casual restaurant in Fenton that serves delicious barbecue dishes.

Getting to the Flint, MI Area

The Flint area is easily accessible by several major highways. If you are coming from the east or west, you can take Interstate 69, which runs through the region. If you are coming from the south, you can take Interstate 75, which connects with Interstate 69 in Flint.

The closest major airport is Bishop International Airport (FNT), located in Flint, which is served by several airlines including Delta, United, and American. The airport offers nonstop flights to several destinations including Atlanta, Chicago, and Detroit.

Another airport option is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), located approximately 70 miles south. This airport is served by several major airlines including Delta, United, American, and Southwest, and offers nonstop flights to many destinations across the country and internationally.

Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses both serve the area. The Amtrak station is located in Flint, while the Greyhound bus station is located in Saginaw.