Saugatuck, Michigan. Homes for Sale |
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About Saugatuck, Michigan.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck is a great tourist area. Only 1,000 individuals call it home the population swells to nearly 3,000 in the summer. It is a great weekend getaway destination with it’s proximity to Chicago, Grand Rapids and Detroit. There are many art galleries, independent shops and restaurants. There is so much to do in Saugatuck along with music and art festivals throughout the year.
History
Saugatuck was originally a lumber town and port along with the adjacent village of Douglas. In the early twentieth century, was home to the famous Big Pavillion, a large dance hall that attracted bands and visitors from across the Midwest. Saugatuck/Douglas did not experience either the destruction of the fires that hit most towns in the mid to late 1800’s or the railroad that brought modernization and urban growth. It is because of this that we are able to observe pre- and post Civil War Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. Saugatuck and Douglas thrived in the latter 1800’s when they turned to shipping and fruit growing as a source of income. Ships of all types were built in Saugatuck shipyards.
Population
The population of Saugatuck is 1,013 people. It is had a population growth of 3.19 percent since the 2000 census. The racial makeup of the city was 95.21% White, 1.60% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 1.41% other races, 0.38% from two or more races, 4.32% Hispanic or Latino. The median age is 44 years and the median household income is $44,318.
Education
The district is made up of three buildings. The early childhood center houses 3-4 year old preschoolers, Douglas Elementary School is a pre-kindergarten through 5th grade building, the Saugatuck Middle /High School houses the 6th through 12th grade students. The class sizes are small and the district proves a personalized education for each student.
In 2008, Saugatuck was ranked 23rd in America’s Top 50 Best Places in the Nation to Raise a Family for Less by Business Week Magazine. Saugatuck Public Schools were ranked 5th in the nation. Saugatuck public schools spend $7,494 per student and there is an average of 17 students per teacher.
