CommunityLink
Sturgis, MI
Homes"Home Sweet Home"
What a delight it is to be able to travel the streets of a town and see lovely, well-built homes; beautifully manicured lawns; and trees — so many trees! Sturgis has earned the designation “Tree City USA.” So many of these health-giving plants adorn the highways and byways of Sturgis that taking a walk downtown is a real pleasure. In the last few years over 500 trees have been planted in Sturgis’ neighborhoods.
Throughout Sturgis, residents take pride in their well-kept lawns and orderly city appearance. Sturgis residents are “property proud,” with a deep-rooted belief that they have a stake in the community. That philosophy ensures pride of community, home and self. Those who have a stake in the community want what is best for the town.
Because Sturgis’ citizens care about their community, they have adopted ordinances and codes concerning the upkeep of Sturgis and have given power to city inspectors and police to enforce these laws and make sure standards of beauty and order are maintained. Zoning and rental codes, along with housing and BOCA building codes, ensure that the quality of life and the appearance of the community are sustained. Laws concerning littering, trespassing, noise, vandalism and destruction of private property are taken seriously by the Sturgis police. Sturgis’ city code enforcement officers work tirelessly to assist residents in making their property a pleasant place to live. City inspectors deal with people who may ignore city codes against parking junk cars or leaving trash in their yard. Laws concerning pets; lawn maintenance; leaf, trash and brush burning; and many others are strictly enforced. These laws were established to protect homeowners and renters alike, giving all residents a safe, beautiful and anxiety-free town in which to live. These are some of the reasons people move to Sturgis.
A fine mixture of traditional family homes and upscale new developments are offered in Sturgis. Basic starter homes can be found in the $40,000 to $60,000 price range, and family homes are available in the $70,000 to $120,000 category. Larger or more upscale abodes — both new and long-established — are offered with price tags of $135,000 and up. Historic homes can still be purchased, including homes built in the 1800s with beautiful Victorian flare, carved woodwork, staircases with gorgeous banisters, and tongue-and-groove wood floors. These historic homes were built and occupied by the founders and leaders of Sturgis, people who left their mark not only on Sturgis, but also on the world. Envision yourself living in one of these majestic homes.
Perhaps your taste is for a more modern, up-to-date home. Sturgis has many recently built houses of all sizes, to fit all budgets, needs and tastes. Starter homes can be found as well — homes that, with a little work and TLC, can be restored to lovely, desirable homes.
A wonderful Sturgis organization was created in 1990 to help people purchase and fix up their homes. Dubbed
the “Sturgis Neighborhood Program (SNP),” this worthy nonprofit is funded through state and local foundation
grants as well as private donations. The SNP offers both rental and home ownership opportunities to applicants, making sure that each house is a safe, secure and affordable place for those who are going to live there. The Sturgis Neighborhood Program’s grant funding provides home buyers with the down payment on their home and closing cost assistance. Prospective homeowners are qualified according to their income.
The Sturgis Neighborhood Program works with other agencies throughout the county, allowing SNP to assist more people with their housing needs. Agencies such as the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Domestic Assault Shelter Coalition, Hope Network South-ARCH Inc., Michigan Addiction and Prevention Services, and Sturgis’ own Community Development Department have been successful partners with SNP in helping to increase our neighborhoods’ stability by creating pride in the ownership of property.
Other monies offered to help homeowners with necessary repairs to their houses can be obtained through programs offered by the City of Sturgis and the Downtown Development Authority.
If you prefer a rental alternative, Sturgis is home to several apartment buildings, some offering subsidized units. More than 1,600 rental units and homes are available, and some are specifically designed for seniors. Village Manor is an attractive complex with a variety of pleasant living arrangements, from apartment buildings to rental homes.
Thurston Woods Village is a multi-level retirement and health care community. It offers a wide variety of services to those who live there, and there are several living options available to people who wish to become part of the Thurston Woods Village family. Facilities and services available at Thurston Woods Village include independent apartments, adult day/respite care, assisted living and nursing care. Thurston Woods Village is a lovely, well-maintained, not-for-profit facility that is affiliated with the Mennonite Health Services.
If the desire of your heart is to own your own home, Sturgis is a prime place to settle. The variety of homes available make shopping an enjoyable task. To help you choose your prime location, Sturgis has a number of real estate agencies. These companies offer a variety of services to the home-shopping public.
Opportunities to purchase homes from the owners and through land contracts can also be found in the Sturgis area, as can all of the agencies needed to complete the purchase of a new home, from realtors, to professional abstract and title services, to surveying needs.
If sprucing up your yard or house is your desire, Sturgis offers help and advice from companies ranging from lumber yards to landscaping services and everything in between. A home in Sturgis — what could be better!
