Residents Cite Schools, Outdoor Recreation as Dexter's Top Features

Dexter residents are still basking in the news that, according to official numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau , the village's population has grown nearly 75 percent since 2000.

The Census Bureau reported Dexter saw the largest growth rate of any city or village in the state during the past 10 years. It grew from 2,338 residents to 4,067.

"We've seen a lot of new growth in the Huron Farms, Westridge and Dexter Crossing subdivisions over the last 10 years," Assistant Village Manager Courtney Nicholls said. "I think it has to do with the fact that we're seeing more families move to Dexter looking for an urban area while still having that small-town feel."

Village Council Trustee Joe Semifero said he was surprised to see the dramatic increase.

"It is surprising because we had always heard the estimate was closer to 3,500, but it is not too surprising because I'm sure many other people moved to Dexter for the same reasons I moved here—the schools, the downtown, the surrounding area and, most of all, the people and sense of community," Semifero said.

Trustee Paul Cousins said the news of growth came as a welcomed shock.

"It does not surprise me, as I have seen the new subdivisions develop in the village. We have handled the growth pretty well, though being first in the state came as a bit of a shock," he said.

Cousins said he attributes the growth to the village's outstanding sewer and water system.

"The excellent school system also is a driving force," he said.

Resident Claire Burke echoed Cousins' thoughts.

"I love the sense of the small town," Burke said. "There's also a lot of restaurants and recreational things for kids outdoors. The school district is very good. The schools are why we moved to Dexter in the first place."

Sarah Seta, co-owner of , said she moved to Dexter in 1998 and loves the small-town feel while still being close to Ann Arbor.

"I lived in a small town when I was growing up, and you had to drive 20 or 30 minutes to the nearest city," she said.

Dexter Community Schools Superintendent Mary Marshall said she, too, enjoys the small-town atmosphere.

"Dexter is a community that supports its kids, its families, preserves its history and provides a peaceful respite from a very busy world," Marshall said. "The culture captures your heart pretty quickly, and that hometown feeling sticks with you, no matter where in the world your path takes you."

Dexter District Library Director Paul McCann said literacy and education appear to be two driving forces behind Dexter's attractiveness to new families.

"I think Dexter is a great place because it is a friendly, involved, educated community. From my first day on the job, people were welcoming, and that tradition continues today," he said. "I have always been impressed with the way folks come together to get things done. Whether it has been the school projects, the library or Gordon Hall, community involvement makes this a great place. The focus on education, reading and learning enrich the community and really make it dynamic while still keeping the small-town charm."

Cousins said in the coming years, the village will have to watch intently if growth continues.

"I do not think the momentum will continue at this rate for a very long time, due to the depressed housing market and the economy. We do still have some growth space in the suburbs, but we need to redevelop in the 'old village' to accommodate future growth," he said. "This growth has given the residents some different options in the village, such as restaurant choices, food and shopping choices, but the expansion of the school needs have also created traffic issues in the village. Any major expansion in the future will be tied to sewer and water capacity."