Saint Clair Shores

About Saint Clair Shores

Located in McComb County, Saint Clair Shores lies on the western shore of Lake Saint Clair about 13 miles northeast of Detroit. With nicknames like the Gateway to the Great Lakes or the Boating Capital of Michigan, Saint Clair Shores offers abundant recreational activities on both land and water. More than 58,000 residents call this family-friendly suburban community with award-winning schools home.

Saint Clair Shores History

The earliest inhabitants of the area were Native Americans, who had many numerous names for Lake Saint Clair as it was integral to Great Lakes navigation.

French settlers arrived in the early 1700s. Saint Clair Shores was mostly agricultural until the early 20th century when it became a resort area that in 1927 boasted America’s longest rollercoaster. After World War II, it evolved into a greater Detroit inner-ring suburb where marinas replaced the amusement parks.

Living and Working in Saint Clair Shores

The famed Nautical Mile along Jefferson Avenue between Nine Mile Road and Ten Mile Road is considered downtown Saint Clair Shores. There you’ll find shops, marinas, city hall, and Nine Mile Tower, the 28-story Shore Club Highrise that provides an excellent landmark for lake boaters.

Saint Clair Shores is renowned for its superior youth hockey association, as well as a long-running beauty pageant that grants academic scholarships to young women. A wide range of service organizations offer ample ways to give back while having fun and making new friends. Year-round festivals bring everyone together, including the wintertime Tunnel of Lights to a summer luau to its signature Memorial Day Parade.

Residents pursue careers locally, county wide, or work for Detroit firms by commuting, telecommuting, or a combination of the two. The largest employment sectors include automotive, healthcare, energy, finance, hospitality, and maritime pursuits.

Things to do in Saint Clair Shores

There are wonderful parks throughout Saint Clair Shores for organized sports, playgrounds, picnic sites, and enjoying the beach. In summer, outdoor concerts include Music on the Lake at Veterans Memorial Park and a chamber music series at Wahby Park. Music lovers who sing can join the Community Choir.

Launch your boat at one of three ramps, two of which are for residents only. The vibrant Senior Activity Center offers all kinds of fun and recreation. Play a round on the municipal fairways of Saint Clair Shores Golf Club. Fish the fully accessible Blossom Heath Pier. Take the ice at the Civic Ice Arena, where you can figure skate or join the Adult Hockey League. Twice a month from May to October shop the farmers market in Blossom Heath Park.

Saint Clair Shores Transportation

Major arteries serving Saint Clair Shores include I-94, which runs north-south, and I-696, which runs east-west. Senior Transportation Services are provided by Saint Clair Shores, with priority given to medical appointments.

Saint Clair Shores Housing

Housing prices in Saint Clair Shores run below the national average whether you rent or own your home. About 90% residential, this family-friendly lakeside community offers house hunters single-family homes on tree-lined streets or condos with lake or golf-course views. Most residents own their own homes.

Saint Clair Shores Schools

Saint Clair Shores includes three award-winning school districts: Lake Shore Public Schools at the north end of town offers education for K-12, preschoolers, and adults.

Lakeview Public School in central Saint Clair Shores provides K-12 and latchkey services. South Lake Schools handles advanced placement and honors courses. The exceptional public library has a range of resources and all ages fun/educational programs. McComb Community College is about 5 miles away in neighboring Warren.

Resources for Moving to Saint Clair Shores

Register with Saint Clair Shores for water/sewer service. GFL Environmental handles trash, recycling, and yard-waste collection. Contact DTE Energy and Consumers Energy for your utilities, or ask your real-estate agent for more options.

With quality schools, plenty of parks and lakeside recreation, as well as proximity to big-city amenities in Detroit, Saint Clair Shores is a great fit for young professionals, growing families, empty nesters, and retirees.