Dexter, Michigan, a pure Americana town with big-city amenities and small-town appeal, offers many exciting events, a true sense of community, a welcoming environment, and plenty of wonderful attributes. With excellent schools, extensive parks, and great community events, Dexter is the perfect place to make a home.
Dexter is also home to a beautiful Farmers Market, held downtown every year from May to October. Every Tuesday and Saturday, residents can enjoy walking through beautiful rows of fresh vegetables, fruits, and locally made goods.
Dexter is one of the fastest growing cities in Michigan. Residents are flocking to the town for its schools, parks, and location. As real estate agent Kathlene Costello puts it, Its a very supportive little community. Ive only been here a couple of years and theyve made me feel very welcome. The whole town is known for being friendly and welcoming. Another sign that this is more a community than just another town, Kathlene shared that many shop owners and residents have even nicknamed her dog, Nick, as the Mayor of Dexter.
Downtown Dexter offers many wonderful, unique shops and restaurants. Nichols and Stafford features unique gifts, personalized memorabilia, and a touch of Americana style. Acme Lumber continues a history of amazing customer service. The Dexter Cider Mill is another great downtown feature, where residents can get some of the best cider in the state and enjoy amazing treats each fall.
Dexter boasts access to the Border-To-Border Trail which runs throughout Washtenaw County. The regional trail system connects many parks and community spaces, and the county is also working to expand the system. Dexter values outdoor space and events and the summer months offer Music in the Park every Friday night, a wonderful variety of musicians treating residents all summer long to a variety of audio nirvana.
The city is also only a short drive from Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Detroit, making all the big-city amenities available. Dexter has all the small-town charm and appeal, while being just minutes from amazing concerts, museums, and top universities.
Dexter residents enjoy weekly and seasonal events bringing the community together for celebrations, fairs, and great music. The city is active with programs and opportunities for residents of all ages and interests. Dexter is a quality city priding itself on being safe, friendly, and a shining example of the best Michigan has to offer.
Dexter as a whole is a beautiful city with a friendly atmosphere, a bustling downtown area, and the best amenities any future resident could want. Dexter looks like a magazine cover, says Costello. From its pristine parks to its excellent schools, Dexter is as idyllic as it seems. Dexter is a lovely town, pedestrian, bike, and family-friendly. Residents get to know their neighbors and their community leaders. The community values safety, engagement, and takes pride in itself. Dexter is truly a place to call home.
Interested in learning more about this great city? Contact Kathlene Costello at kcostello@piperpartners.com.
Events, Venues, Schools and Parks Listing
Dexter Daze
Dexter Daze is one of the communitys premiere events, held every summer since the early 1970s. The community comes together every summer for arts, eats, and great live entertainment. Artists come from all over the United States to share their paintings, clothing, jewelry, home goods, and much more. Local businesses also offer great sales at booths all throughout downtown. Dexter Daze is a wonderful event for all ages, and a definite highlight from Dexters many summer offerings! This years celebration will be held on August 8th and 9th.
The Dexter Cider Mill
The Dexter Cider Mill is one of the city’s best attractions. The Cider Mill was founded in 1885, and has been open and operating ever since. The Cider Mill offers far more than tasty cider, visitors can also enjoy fresh apples, delicious doughnuts and pastries, incredible apple pies, and many other country-style treats. Every fall, the community bustles with excitement to get their share of the mill’s sweet treats. The owners have also produced a famous apple cookbook and distribute a number of their delicious products to local eateries and grocers.
Dexter School District
Dexter Community Schools are known for their excellence; they are among the top-rated in the state and offer every opportunity a parent could want for their children. Students will have access to some of the state’s best educators, many AP and advanced courses, exciting extracurricular activities, and a variety of clubs and academic teams. Dexter High School and Mill Creek Middle School, in particular, have received top ratings from the state and are examples of the great opportunities for children in Dexter.
Schools include:
Dexter High School (9-12)
Mill Creek Middle School (7-8)
www.dexterschools.org/millcreek
Creekside Intermediate School (5-6)
www.dexterschools.org/creekside
Wylie Elementary School (3-4)
Bates Elementary School (K-2)
Cornerstone Elementary School (K-2)
www.dexterschools.org/cornerstone
Parks
Dexter is home to many beautiful and open public parks. The parks range from small mini-parks with just a few benches and lovely landscaping
that add bursts of bright green space, to large, sprawling parks with long walking trails and acres of natural woods. The park system is truly unmatched in Washtenaw County and affords many opportunities to explore the beautiful Michigan landscape on walking trails, in community spaces, and at special events in the parks.
Monument Park
At the center of town, residents enjoy Monument Park, where many wonderful community activities are held. Monument Park is the site of Dexter Daze, Music in the Park, and many other holiday celebrations. The park features a Civil War and Veterans Memorial Monument, a lovely gazebo where community events and concerts are held, and a winter ice rink.
Peace Park
Peace Park is one of Dexters mini-parks, located within the welcoming downtown area. The park offers benches, picnic tables, and a touch of green in between shops and restaurants.
Dexter Community Park
Dexter Community Park boasts a great location and many fun and engaging features, including basketball courts, a playground, walking paths, and a large gazebo.
First Street Park and Lions Park
First Street Park and Lions Park are both great summertime parks with many fun games, benches, and a public gazebo available during the warmer months.
Smith Wood
Smith Wood Park is the citys largest at 17 acres. The land was donated to the county in 2008, and provides many miles of walking trails and natural forest areas. The paths are great for enjoying better weather, walking dogs, and getting active in nature.
Mill Creek Park
Mill Creek Park offers over six acres (split by the road) of public land filled with walking paths, wetland habitat, and easy access to the river with a community boat launch and playground. The park is easily accessed from downtown and has stairs leading to the Public Library and the Dexter Farmers Market. Community trails also cross Mill Creek Park which makes it a great place to pick up on the many community and park trails available in Washtenaw County.
Community Park
Community Park boasts 5 rolling acres with a wonderful pavilion area with picnic tables. This is a great place for community and family events. The park offers walking trails to view and enjoy the lovely surroundings. Residents will also enjoy basketball courts, playground equipment, benches, and grills.
Warrior Creek Park
Warrior Creek offers over two acres of open land with playground and picnic equipment. The park also features a gorgeous scenic viewing area.