Traverse City, Michigan

Small Town Vibe, Big City Dreams

Looklyloo Score: 96

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Downtown Traverse City

Young Professionals/Empty Nesters/Retirees

Downtown is where the action is so if you want to be a short walk to the shops, restaurants, and entertainment, then Downtown Traverse City is the place for you. Front Street is the center of the Downtown scene and the brick sidewalks and 19th-century Victorian storefronts are a big draw for locals and visitors. State Theatre is on Front, as are many of the best restaurants, pubs and cool shops. You also have direct access to Clinch Park, that sits on West Grand Traverse Bay and is perfect for a quiet afternoon or a summer festival. Housing in Downtown includes a mix of historic homes, modern apartments, and condos, all within walking distance to the city's social and cultural experiences.

Good options for apartments/condos for young professionals or empty nesters include West End Loftsand TC Lofts, both of which offer Bay views and easy walking to everything Downtown has to offer. Median rentals for Downtown average just below $2,000 and median listing price for homes is $350,000.

Old Mission Peninsula

Families/Retirees

If you want to take it down a notch from living Downtown then Old Mission Peninsula is perfect. Incredibly serene and scenic, you are surrounded by vineyards, orchards and have breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay, but remain a short drive from Downtown.
Locals appreciate the slower pace of life, with opportunities for wine tasting, hiking, and boating. Homes here range from cozy cottages to sprawling estates, many with waterfront access or panoramic vistas.

The median home list price for homes in the area is $350,000.
Schools in the neighborhood include Eastern Elementary and Central High School, the #1 Rated Public High School in the area.

Central Neighborhoods (Slabtown, Oak Park, Boardman)

Families/DINKs/SINKs

Central is a collection of several neighborhoods, often grouped together due to proximity and the Neighborhood Association that supports the area. This support includes running the beloved Porchfest Music Festival each September, along with a number of other summer and yearly events. These Central neighborhoods run along the waterfront and offer a mix of beautiful housing options, including historic homes to modern developments. Slabtown, known for its eclectic charm, features trendy cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops. Oak Park boasts tree-lined streets and spacious parks, perfect for families. Boardman Neighborhood is close to the Boardman River, offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and picnicking.

Median Home price for Central is $630,000 and kiddos attend several highly rated schools including: Central Grade School, Willow Hill Elementary, and Central High.