Northport, MI Area Guide | Brick & Corbett

Welcome to Northport

Welcome to Northport, a charming harbor village tucked at the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. Historic storefronts, a working marina, and tree-lined streets give the community an inviting, storybook feel, while the surrounding shoreline, orchards, and wooded parks keep the landscape front and center. Set at the end of the iconic M-22 scenic drive, Northport pairs small-town character with sweeping Lake Michigan views and quick access to beaches, trails, and lighthouses.

Daily life here is closely tied to the water and the seasons. Residents are minutes from the Northport Village Marina, Leelanau State Park, and the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse, with opportunities for boating, camping, hiking, and beachcombing. The village’s compact core offers local shops, galleries, and cafés, creating an easy, walkable environment where errands, a coffee break, or a quick stop at a boutique naturally blend into time on the waterfront.

What to Love

Walkable harbor village with boutiques, galleries, and cafés
Easy access to Lake Michigan, Northport Bay, and nearby beaches, parks, and campgrounds
Signature events like Leelanau UnCaged, Music in the Park, and the Northport Dog Parade
Proximity to Leelanau State Park and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse
A small, K–12 public school district with a strong community feel

Local Lifestyle

Life in Northport moves at an unhurried, waterfront rhythm. Mornings may start with coffee and a pastry downtown before a walk along the marina or a short drive to nearby beaches and parks. Many residents enjoy living within walking or biking distance of the harbor, shops, and the Northport Creek Golf Course. Evenings often revolve around community gatherings—outdoor concerts at Marina Park, seasonal festivals, or neighborhood get-togethers—giving the village a friendly, familiar atmosphere. With Leelanau State Park and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse just minutes away, it’s easy to fold hiking, camping, and Lake Michigan sunsets into everyday life.

Dining and Shopping

Northport’s dining scene centers on independently owned spots that reflect the village’s relaxed and creative personality. Barb’s Bakery is a longtime favorite for morning coffee, doughnuts, and baked goods, serving as a social hub for locals starting their day. New Bohemian Café adds an all-day option with sandwiches, soups, salads, baked treats, and specialty drinks in a cozy setting.

Around the Corner Food and Fun provides an inventive, year-round food-truck kitchen with a rotating menu and outdoor seating, as well as free outdoor movie nights in the warmer months. For drinks, the Northport taproom of Mitten Brewing Co. pairs Michigan craft beer with a vintage baseball theme, providing a lively, relaxed place to gather.

Shopping in Northport reflects the charm of a small, creative peninsula village. DogEars Books offers a curated selection of new, used, and rare books, with an emphasis on Michigan literature. Enjoy Michigan and Porcupine carry apparel, gifts, and home goods with a strong regional identity, while Pier Wright Gallery showcases contemporary artwork from regional and national artists. Throughout downtown, additional boutiques, pottery studios, and galleries round out a shopping district that prioritizes craftsmanship and character.

Things to Do and Entertainment

Outdoor recreation is a central part of life in Northport. The Northport Village Marina on Northport Bay provides easy access to boating, sailing, and paddle sports, while nearby Leelanau State Park offers more than a thousand acres of hiking trails, rustic campsites, and rocky Lake Michigan shoreline. The historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse sits at the tip of the peninsula, offering tours, exhibits, and sweeping lake views. Closer to town, Peterson Park provides a bluff-top overlook, picnic areas, and a stairway leading down to a popular Lake Michigan beach.

Culturally, Northport offers a steady calendar of music, arts, and community events. Music in the Park brings weekly live concerts to the waterfront during summer. Leelanau UnCaged transforms downtown into an open-air arts festival each September with music, dance, and visual art. The annual Northport Dog Parade adds a whimsical, community-centered celebration each August. Events at the Northport Performing Arts Center, Cars in the Park, and seasonal holiday festivities add to the village’s lively and welcoming cultural scene.

Schools

Northport is served by Northport Public School, a single K–12 campus located in the village. The district offers a small, close-knit learning environment with preschool through 12th grade in one location, fostering strong connections among students and staff. Northport Public School consistently reports academic performance above state averages in core subjects. High school students have access to a variety of courses, extracurriculars, and dual-enrollment options through Northwestern Michigan College and the regional intermediate school district, creating additional pathways for advanced or specialized learning.

Overview for Northport, MI

413 people live in Northport, where the median age is 67.5 and the average individual income is $71,191. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

413

Total Population

67.5 years

Median Age

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$71,191

Average individual Income

Property Listings

Price

Living Area

For Sale

MLS® 1940055

Your Northport Real Estate Agent

Bob Brick, Senior Advisor & Partner

Primary phone
(231) 342-3232
License Number
#6502134537
Email
[email protected]
Address
500 S Union St
Traverse City, MI 49684

Get to Know Bob

Bob is an exceptional Northport Real Estate Agent, a third-generation native deeply rooted in the community, and recognized as "one of Traverse City's natural resources." Bob boasts an unparalleled 40+ year career consistently ranking in the top 1% of North American Real Estate Agents. His dedication and expertise are evidenced by numerous accolades, including RE/MAX International Hall of Fame and Titanium Club memberships, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and being named Michigan's #1 agent in 1997. Consistently a top RE/MAX of Michigan agent for over 30 years, Bob’s 50+ years in local real estate and over 5,000 properties sold speak volumes about his commitment to the Traverse City real estate market.

Bob Brick's hallmark is his deep expertise, extensive knowledge, unwavering dedication, and vast experience as a Northport Real Estate Agent. Known for genuinely caring about his clients, Bob goes above and beyond to exceed expectations and help them achieve their real estate dreams. To experience dedicated service and unparalleled local expertise, Contact Top Traverse City Real Estate Agent Bob Brick Today and let his decades of success work for you.

Around Northport, MI

There's plenty to do around Northport, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

52

Somewhat Walkable

Walking Score

36

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Woodland Herbs & Twisted Whiskers, The North End Pizzeria - The Big Hot Woody, and New Bohemian Cafe.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Woodland Herbs & Twisted Whiskers page on Yelp Search 7741 N Manitou Trl on Google Maps	Dining · $$	3.34 miles	6 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the The North End Pizzeria - The Big Hot Woody page on Yelp Search 112 W Nagonaba St on Google Maps	Dining	0.03 miles	13 reviews	4.7/5 stars
Visit the New Bohemian Cafe page on Yelp Search 110 Waukazoo St on Google Maps	Dining	0.08 miles	76 reviews	4.6/5 stars
Visit the Birdhouse Bites page on Yelp	Dining	0.09 miles	5 reviews	4.6/5 stars
Visit the Green Bird Cellars & Organic Farms page on Yelp Search 9825 Engles Rd on Google Maps	Dining · $$	2.2 miles	39 reviews	4.6/5 stars
Visit the Green Spirit page on Yelp Search 6991 N Swede Rd on Google Maps	Dining · $$	3.43 miles	4 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Yard & Lake page on Yelp Search 215 Mill St on Google Maps	Dining	0.08 miles	4 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Fischer's Happy Hour Tavern page on Yelp Search 7100 N Manitou Trl on Google Maps	Dining · $$	4.22 miles	125 reviews	4.5/5 stars
Visit the Pennington Collection page on Yelp Search 102 N Mill St on Google Maps	Shopping	0.1 miles	4 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Dog Ears Books page on Yelp Search 106 Waukazoo St on Google Maps	Shopping	0.07 miles	4 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Chrismas Cove page on Yelp Search Island View Dr on Google Maps	Active	2.78 miles	5 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the North Shore Outfitters page on Yelp Search 119 Waukazoo on Google Maps	Active	0.14 miles	4 reviews	4.8/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Northport, MI

Population Households Employment

Northport has 221 households, with an average household size of 1.84. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Northport do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 413 people call Northport home. The population density is 250.68 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

413

Total Population

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

67.5

Median Age

40.68 / 59.32%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

221

Total Households

1.84

Average Household Size

$71,191

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in Northport, MI

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Northport. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name