c.1909 Foursquare Affordable Michigan Home $58K

3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home built in 1909, featuring spacious rooms and beautiful hardwood floors. Enjoy the classic appeal of original oak woodwork throughout. A timeless treasure waiting to be yours!

• 3bed
• 1bath
• 1,320sqft
• 4,356sqft lot
• Circa 1909

437 S 11th St, Saginaw, MI 48601     $58,000

If interested in a property, please contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended. 

• Contact Realtor: Nonkhane Nonnie Saycosie
  Brokered by CENTURY 21 Signature Realty
• Google Map
• Niche

Here are some of the key pros and cons of living in Saginaw, Michigan:

Pros:

• Affordable cost of living: Housing, groceries, and other living expenses tend to be quite affordable in Saginaw compared to many other parts of the country.
• Rich history and culture: Saginaw has a long and interesting history as a former industrial hub, with many historic buildings and museums to explore.
• Outdoor recreation: The Saginaw River and nearby state parks provide ample opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
• Proximity to larger cities: Saginaw is within driving distance of larger metro areas like Detroit, Flint, and Ann Arbor, providing access to more amenities and job opportunities.
• Tight-knit community: Many residents describe Saginaw as having a strong sense of community and small-town feel.

Cons:

• Economic challenges: Saginaw has faced economic decline and high unemployment rates in recent decades as manufacturing jobs have declined.
• High crime rates: Parts of Saginaw have struggled with relatively high crime rates compared to state and national averages.
• Aging infrastructure: Some of Saginaw’s roads, bridges, and public facilities are in need of repair and modernization.
• Limited job opportunities: The job market in Saginaw can be limited, especially for those seeking specialized or white-collar careers.
• Harsh winters: Like much of Michigan, Saginaw experiences long, cold, and snowy winters that can be difficult for some.

Overall, Saginaw offers an affordable cost of living and small-town charm, but also faces economic and social challenges that potential residents should weigh carefully. As with any city, individual experiences and priorities will shape whether Saginaw is the right fit.

This home was built for Robert A. Kolbe (1855-1932) and his wife, Carolina “Lena” Passolt Kolbe (1855-1943). The couple married in Germany in 1881 and came to Saginaw in 1887. They raised their children in this home, Carl, William and Isle, and the family lived there for decades, no mortgage, well into the 1940s. Robert was a machinist, and as the children became adults, they contributed to the household. William worked in a jewelry store and Carl was a bartender. When William was age 24, his buggy was destroyed when it was hit by an automobile in 1914.

FYI: Michigan did not require a driver’s license in 1914. Michigan introduced its first driver’s license requirement in 1919. Initially, the license was simple, with no formal driving test, and it mainly served as a registration for drivers. The state began to develop more structured licensing and testing processes in the following decades.