Living in Harrison Township, Michigan: A Waterfront Lifestyle Most People Overlook

You ever hear about a place and think, “How have I never been there before?” That’s exactly the energy Harrison Township gives off. It’s not loud. It’s not flashy. But it has a magnetic pull if you love the water, want space to breathe, and still need to stay connected to Metro Detroit.

Here you’ll find sailboats gliding past backyards, waterfront restaurants that feel like vacation spots, a military air base with fighter jets overhead, and more marinas than most people think exist in one town. Harrison Township quietly delivers one of the strongest waterfront lifestyles in Michigan—and once you see it clearly, it makes a lot of sense.

The Overall Vibe: Lake Life Meets Metro Detroit Work Ethic

The vibe in Harrison Township is relaxed but grounded. Many residents work in automotive, aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, or logistics. When the workday ends, life shifts to the water—pontoon rides, marina dinners, and sunset cruises.

There’s a strong “work hard, enjoy life” mentality here. It’s lake living without the pretension you sometimes see in more famous waterfront communities.

Waterfront Parks, Outdoor Life, and Lake Access

Water access is the heartbeat of Harrison Township. Harrison Township Waterfront Park is a local favorite for kayaking, picnics, and watching boats cruise through the channel.

Then there’s Lake St. Clair Metropark, which is a major regional draw. The park features a mile-long boardwalk, beaches, a golf course, splash pad, nature center, and winter activities like cross-country skiing.

Beyond the big parks, locals know smaller spots like Point Huron, Black Creek, Sunshine Point, and Grass Island for paddleboarding, fishing, and sunset views that don’t need filters.

Fishing, Boating, and Marina Culture

Fishing on Lake St. Clair is no joke. Walleye, perch, muskie—this is the kind of place where people take days off work for prime conditions. Charters run daily, and even if you don’t fish, you benefit from it at waterfront restaurants.

Marina culture is everywhere. Harbor Club, Keenan Marina, River Bend Marina, Island Cove, Safe Harbor Belle Maer, and MacRay Harbor anchor the social scene. Many marinas double as entertainment hubs with live music, restaurants, and events that stretch all summer long.

Restaurants and Waterfront Dining

Dining with a breeze is the norm here. Terry’s Terrace has been around since 1938 and is a true local landmark. Other favorites include Lake Breeze, Luigi’s Original, River Rat, Gino’s Surf, Sandbar, and several marina-side spots where boats pull up instead of cars.

Community, Events, and Selfridge Air National Guard Base

Harrison Township doesn’t have a traditional downtown strip. Instead, community life revolves around the waterfront, marinas, yacht clubs, and local events. Summer festivals, boat shows, parades, and fundraisers are common.

A defining feature of the township is Selfridge Air National Guard Base. One of the oldest continuously operating military airfields in the country, Selfridge brings jobs, air shows, and a unique energy to the area. Jets overhead are part of daily life—and many residents move here specifically because they work at the base.

Schools Serving Harrison Township

Harrison Township is served by L’Anse Creuse Public Schools. The district includes multiple high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools and is generally viewed as well-rounded with strong extracurricular offerings.

Niche ranks the district solidly in the middle of the pack statewide, with a 20:1 student-teacher ratio and a strong sense of community involvement.

Home Prices in Harrison Township, Michigan

Home prices in Harrison Township are one of its biggest surprises. As of late 2025, the median sale price sits around $280,000, significantly lower than nearby Shelby Township and competitive with Clinton Township.

But the range here is wide. You can find condos under $200,000 with lake access, canal homes in the $300s–$500s, and luxury waterfront estates reaching into the millions—especially in areas like Huron Pointe.

For a waterfront community less than 40 minutes from downtown Detroit, pricing remains relatively accessible.

Property Taxes in Harrison Township

Property taxes are based on the L’Anse Creuse School District millage rate. For a primary residence, the millage sits around 34.4609 mills. Using a $280,000 home as an example, that equates to roughly $4,825 per year in property taxes.

Secondary or non-homestead properties carry a higher rate, which is important to factor in for second-home buyers or investors.

Pros and Cons of Living in Harrison Township

The pros are clear: water access, strong community, dining, boating, and a lifestyle that feels like a vacation without leaving Metro Detroit. Summers are unbeatable.

The trade-offs come with waterfront ownership. Seawalls, docks, flood insurance, winterization, and maintenance add cost. Traffic on I-94 can back up. Winters bring wind, snow, and potholes. Big-box shopping usually means a short drive to Clinton Township or Sterling Heights.

For most residents, those trade-offs are worth it.

Long-Term Stability and Why People Stay

Harrison Township doesn’t spike and crash. It stays steady. Limited waterfront land, Selfridge employment, and consistent demand keep values stable. People move here for lifestyle—and they tend to stay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harrison Township, Michigan

Is Harrison Township a good place to live?

Yes. Harrison Township offers waterfront living, strong community ties, and access to Metro Detroit without big-city congestion.

How far is Harrison Township from Detroit?

Harrison Township is about a 35-minute drive from downtown Detroit, depending on traffic.

Are there waterfront homes in Harrison Township?

Yes. Many homes have canal or direct access to Lake St. Clair.

How much do homes cost in Harrison Township?

Prices range from under $200,000 for condos to multi-million-dollar waterfront estates.

Are property taxes high in Harrison Township?

Taxes are moderate for a waterfront community and depend on homestead status.

What school district serves Harrison Township?

L’Anse Creuse Public Schools serve the township.

Is Harrison Township good for boating?

Yes. It’s one of the most boating-oriented communities in Southeast Michigan.

Does Harrison Township have a downtown?

No traditional downtown, but community life centers around marinas, waterfront parks, and nearby Mount Clemens.

Final Thoughts: Is Harrison Township Worth It?

If you want water, space, community, and stability—without paying Grosse Pointe prices—Harrison Township is one of Metro Detroit’s best-kept secrets. It’s lifestyle-driven, not hype-driven, and that’s exactly why it works.

If you’re thinking about moving to Michigan—whether that’s one day or a billion—I help people do just that. My contact info’s below, and I’ve linked the Living in Michigan newsletter for updates, guides, and things I don’t always share publicly.