A destination defined by deep-water marinas, Gilded Age legacies, and profound coastal seclusion. Northport sits at the northernmost reach of the Leelanau Peninsula, where Grand Traverse Bay meets Lake Michigan and the land runs out.
Key Facts About Northport Real Estate and Peninsula Living
Northport is a village at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in Leelanau County, Michigan, approximately 30 miles from Traverse City via M-22. It occupies one of the most geographically distinctive positions in Northern Michigan: the northernmost point where Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan converge, with deep-water marina access, 1,300 acres of protected state park land, and two of the peninsula's most private enclaves at Northport Point and Cathead Bay. The real estate market ranges from historic village homes and marina-access condos to gated waterfront estates on Northport Point with private golf and multi-generational family compound histories. Northport is served by Northport Public Schools, a small K-12 district distinct from Traverse City Area Public Schools.
Northport's appeal is geographic and irreducible. The Leelanau Peninsula narrows as it travels north, and Northport is where it ends: a small village on a deep-water bay, surrounded on three sides by water, and bracketed by Leelanau State Park to the north. There is no through traffic and no resort corridor. Buyers arrive intentionally.
The village marina anchors daily life. Northport Village Marina provides deep-water slips with open Grand Traverse Bay access for sailing and powerboating. The walkable downtown holds historic storefronts, artisan retail, and New Bohemian Cafe, a longstanding community gathering point. The overall scale is genuinely small, with a character that remains distinctly residential rather than commercial.
Northport Point sits just north of the village, a gated enclave with a private 9-hole golf course and some of the most private waterfront estate properties on the Leelanau Peninsula. Cathead Bay, to the northeast, offers a quieter bay frontage with a different exposure and character from the main village harbor. Both sub-markets require local knowledge to navigate effectively.
Northport Point, Cathead Bay, and village marina properties each have distinct inventory dynamics and pricing floors. Brick Corbett's team has deep roots across the Leelanau Peninsula and can help you navigate which sub-market fits your goals.
Talk to the TeamNorthport Village Marina is the operational center of village life, with deep-water slips and direct Grand Traverse Bay access for sailing and powerboating. The walkable downtown along the main corridor holds historic storefronts, artisan retail, and New Bohemian Cafe as a community anchor. The scale is genuinely residential rather than commercial, giving the village a character that distinguishes it sharply from busier Leelanau Peninsula communities like Suttons Bay or Leland.
Northport Point is one of the Leelanau Peninsula's most private residential enclaves: a gated community with a private 9-hole golf course, strict covenants, and waterfront estate properties with multi-generational ownership histories. Cathead Bay to the northeast offers a quieter, more protected bay frontage with different solar exposure and a smaller number of properties. Both require buyers who understand the specific access dynamics, covenants, and market timing that govern each enclave.
Leelanau State Park covers 1,300 acres of protected dunes, hardwood forest, and shoreline immediately adjacent to the village. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse, built in 1858, sits within the park and is one of Michigan's most visited historic structures. Miles of hiking trails connect the park interior to Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay shoreline. For buyers who prioritize preserved land adjacency and outdoor access as a quality-of-life driver, Northport's position adjacent to the park is a material differentiator from other Leelanau Peninsula communities.
Northport is a village at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in Leelanau County, Michigan, approximately 30 miles northwest of Traverse City via M-22, about a 40-minute drive. It sits at the northernmost point of the peninsula where Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan converge, bordered by Leelanau State Park to the north and the Northport Village Marina to the south. It is one of the most geographically private communities in Northern Michigan.
Northport Point is a gated residential enclave just north of Northport village. It features a private 9-hole golf course, strict architectural covenants, and some of the most private waterfront estate properties on the Leelanau Peninsula. Many properties have multi-generational ownership histories. Northport Point requires buyers to understand specific covenants, access restrictions, and market timing that are distinct from the broader Northport village market.
Northport is approximately 30 miles from Traverse City via M-22, about a 40-minute drive under normal conditions. The M-22 route follows the Leelanau Peninsula coastline through Suttons Bay and Leland, making the drive itself one of Michigan's most scenic. Traverse City provides access to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), Munson Medical Center, and full retail and dining amenities within practical reach of Northport residents.
Leelanau State Park covers approximately 1,300 acres of protected dunes, hardwood forest, and Great Lakes shoreline at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, immediately adjacent to Northport village. The park contains the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, built in 1858 and one of Michigan's most visited historic structures, as well as miles of hiking trails connecting the interior to both Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay shorelines. The park's protected status ensures no future development on the land surrounding the northern tip of the peninsula.
Northport real estate divides into three distinct sub-markets: village homes and marina-access properties close to the harbor and downtown; Northport Point gated estate properties with private golf and deep waterfront histories; and Cathead Bay properties with quieter northeastern bay frontage. Inventory across all three sub-markets is limited, and properties in Northport Point in particular rarely come to market publicly. Brick Corbett Real Estate has represented buyers and sellers across the Leelanau Peninsula and can provide current market context for any of the three Northport sub-markets.
Village marina access, Northport Point estates, or Cathead Bay frontage -- each requires a different approach. Brick Corbett's team has deep roots across the Leelanau Peninsula and can help you navigate which sub-market fits your goals.
Talk to the Team413 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.
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Primary phone
(231) 742-7318License Number
#6502134537Address
500 S Union StGet 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.
There's plenty to do around Northport, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Woodland Herbs & Twisted Whiskers, Yard & Lake, and The North End Pizzeria - The Big Hot Woody.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
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| Dining · $$ | 3.34 miles | 6 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.08 miles | 5 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.03 miles | 14 reviews | 4.7/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.08 miles | 78 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.09 miles | 5 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Dining | 0.08 miles | 5 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Dining | 2.09 miles | 3 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 3.43 miles | 4 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 0.1 miles | 4 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 0.07 miles | 4 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.78 miles | 5 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.14 miles | 4 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
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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.
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