NOBODY Talks About Living In Goodrich Michigan! (Here’s Why)

By Andrew McManamonPlaces To Live In Michigan

What if I told you there’s a small town in Michigan that almost became the state capital, has Martians as its high school mascot, and could realistically save you thousands per year in property taxes compared to living just 15 minutes away?

That town is Goodrich, Michigan — and it’s one of the most overlooked places in the state.

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Intro: Why Goodrich Flies Under the Radar

Goodrich is one of those towns people rarely bring up — and when they do, it’s usually with a casual, “Oh yeah… Goodrich.”

What most people don’t realize is that Goodrich nearly became Michigan’s state capital in the early 1800s and has quietly maintained its identity ever since. It never exploded with industry, never turned into a major suburb, and never tried to compete with nearby cities for attention.

That’s exactly why I wanted to break it down — to give you a realistic, no-fluff look at what living in Goodrich is actually like.

A Brief History of Goodrich, Michigan

Goodrich’s roots go back to the early 1830s, when Levi Goodrich and his brothers migrated from New York in search of farmland. The area’s fertile soil, water access, and timber made it ideal for agriculture and early settlement.

The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s connected Goodrich to regional markets, allowing it to grow beyond farming alone. By the late 1800s, the village had grain mills, blacksmith shops, churches, and schools — the backbone of a self-sustaining rural community.

Unlike nearby Flint, which grew rapidly during the auto boom, Goodrich stayed small and stable. That decision — intentional or not — is why it still feels rural, quiet, and community-centered today.

Why the Goodrich Martians Exist (Yes, Really)

Before the 1930s, Goodrich students were known as the Gladiators, and the district was officially the Goodrich Rural Agricultural Schools.

When the mascot changed to the Martians, it wasn’t about aliens. The name references Mars, the Roman god of both agriculture and war — symbolizing the town’s farming roots and competitive spirit.

The agricultural designation eventually disappeared, but the Martians mascot stuck, becoming one of the most recognizable and unique school identities in Michigan.

Location, Size, and Day-to-Day Life

Goodrich is located in Genesee County, right along the Oakland County border.

Approximate drive times:

Davison: ~10 minutes
Grand Blanc: ~15 minutes
Clarkston: ~20 minutes
Flint: ~25 minutes
Detroit: ~55–65 minutes (traffic dependent)

The village itself covers 2.26 square miles and has just over 2,000 residents. Surrounding Atlas Township spans about 36 square miles with roughly 8,500 residents total.

This is a place where:

You recognize people at school events
You wave at passing cars
“Traffic” usually means farm equipment on M-15

Downtown Goodrich remains small and historic, centered around the Millpond, with local staples like ice cream shops, diners, taverns, bookstores, and seasonal events. For larger retail and dining options, most residents head to Grand Blanc or Clarkston.

Outdoor access is a major perk, with Atlas County Park and Ortonville Recreation Area nearby, plus orchards, trails, and farmers markets throughout the year.

Schools in Goodrich, Michigan

The Goodrich Area School District serves about 2,000 students total, which is a big reason families intentionally choose the area.

Smaller enrollment means:

Tighter class sizes
More access to extracurriculars
Easier opportunities for leadership and athletics

The district offers AP courses, dual enrollment options, career-technical programs, and strong arts participation. Athletics are a point of pride, with competitive programs across football, basketball, wrestling, track, bowling, softball, and more.

According to Niche.com, the district holds a B+ overall rating and ranks #4 out of 17 nearby districts — particularly strong for academics and community support.

Source:

Niche.com – Goodrich Area School District
Michigan Department of Education

Home Prices & Property Taxes (The Part That Surprises People)

Median home prices:

Village of Goodrich: ~$278,000
Atlas Township: ~$409,000

Because Goodrich is an incorporated village, it has an additional village tax.

Current approximate millage rates:

Primary residence: 43.9828 mills
Non-homestead: 62.1628 mills

Michigan’s statewide median millage rate is roughly 29–30 mills, so Goodrich is above average — but the lower home prices help offset that.

Example estimate (high-end planning figure):

$278,000 home → SEV ≈ $139,000
$139,000 × 43.9828 ÷ 1,000
≈ $6,100/year (estimated, not guaranteed)

Atlas Township millage varies by school district (Goodrich, Davison, or Grand Blanc), with primary residence rates in the mid-30s.

Important note:
Property taxes shown on Zillow are often based on the seller’s taxable value, not yours. Always estimate using SEV and current millage rates.

Sources: