Traverse City, Michigan

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, which 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 Lofts and 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 the median listing price for homes is $350,000.

Zoned Schools:
- Central Grade School
- East Middle School
- Central High School
Median Home Price: $450,000–$700,000 (condos vary widely)
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Petoskey’s downtown core
-Marquette’s Third Street area

If you want to take it down a notch from living Downtown, then the 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.

Zoned Schools:
- Old Mission Peninsula School
- East Middle School
- Central High
Median Home Price: $700,000–$1.5M+
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Door County (WI)
-Petoskey’s lakeshore corridors

Central is a collection of several neighborhoods, often grouped due to proximity and the Neighborhood Association that supports the area. This support includes running the beloved Porchfest Music Festival each September, along with several 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.

Zoned Schools:
- Central Grade
- East Middle
- Central High
Median Home Price: $450,000–$750,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Holland’s historic district
-Madison’s Wil-Mar neighborhood

The Neighborhood Vibe:
Just south of downtown, Old Town blends older homes, small apartments, and a growing restaurant/bar scene. The neighborhood has a slightly more local feel than the tourist-heavy downtown blocks. Tree-lined streets, historic houses, and walkability make it popular for people who want convenience without the noise of the commercial core.

Zoned Schools:
- Central Grade School
- East Middle School
- Central High School
Median Home Price: $400,000–$600,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Grand Rapids’ Eastown
-Ann Arbor’s Old West Side (on a smaller scale)

The Neighborhood Vibe:
South of downtown, the Boardman area has historic homes on quiet residential blocks and for many a key benefit of It’s walkable to parks and schools and access to the Boardman Loop Trail. It sits close enough to downtown for easy access without summer congestion. Homes are generally older, with a mix of restored properties and more modest houses.

Zoned Schools:
- Central Elementary
- East Middle
- Central High
Median Home Price: $350,000–$550,000
Similar Neighborhoods: Kalamazoo’s Vine neighborhood; Lansing’s Westside