Torch Lake Real Estate / Direct Answer
Torch Lake is a premier 19-mile inland lake in Antrim County, Michigan, located 20 to 35 minutes northeast of Traverse City. Known as the longest inland lake in Michigan and ranked among the clearest lakes in the Western Hemisphere for its Caribbean-like turquoise water, Torch Lake features luxury waterfront homes, classic summer cottages, and private acreage. It is part of the 75-mile Antrim County Chain of Lakes, connected to Elk Lake and Grand Traverse Bay.
Torch Lake waterfront listings are strictly limited and highly sought-after, with many prime properties trading off-market. Brick & Corbett Real Estate provides direct access across the Antrim County Chain of Lakes.
Submarket / Location | Primary Waterfront Character | Commute to Traverse City | Local School District | Primary Real Estate Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
West Shore (Kewadin / Torch River) | Sunset views, calm waters, sandbar proximity | 20 to 25 minutes via US-31 | Elk Rapids Schools | Luxury waterfront estates & custom builds |
East Shore (Alden / Clam River) | Walkable village access, boat slips, sunrise views | 30 to 35 minutes via M-88 | Bellaire Public / Mancelona Public | Classic lakefront cottages & estate parcels |
North End (Eastport) | Deep water, high bluffs, quiet residential feel | 35 to 40 minutes via US-31 | Central Lake Public Schools | Private shoreline homes & wooded acreage |
South End (Rapid City / Sandbar) | Shallow sandy bottom, iconic Sandbar access | 25 to 30 minutes via US-31 | Kalkaska / Elk Rapids Schools | High-demand summer homes & cottages |
Torch Lake combines unparalleled water clarity with extensive boating infrastructure, making it the flagship destination for luxury waterfront real estate in Northern Michigan.
Ranked among the clearest lakes in the Western Hemisphere, Torch Lake features a white sand and marl lakebed that reflects sunlight to create a vivid turquoise color comparable to Caribbean waters.
Connected via the Torch River and Clam River to the 75-mile Antrim County Chain of Lakes, boaters can navigate seamlessly between Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Lake Skegemog, and Grand Traverse Bay.
Located at the southern end, the waist-deep Torch Lake Sandbar serves as Northern Michigan's most famous summer gathering spot for boating, swimming, and socializing.
Living on Torch Lake provides access to several charming Northern Michigan villages, offering local dining, marinas, and year-round recreation.
On the north end in Eastport, Torch Lake Cafe offers year-round dining and live music. In downtown Bellaire, Short's Brewing Company operates its flagship pub and taproom. Nearby in Clam River, Dockside serves casual waterfront dining right on the channel.
Located 20 minutes from the south end of Torch Lake, Elk Rapids serves as the primary service center. Local dining favorites include Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen, Short's Pull Barn, and The Dam Shop in the village marina district.
Brick & Corbett Real Estate is a leading luxury brokerage serving Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties. Our advisors specialize in Torch Lake waterfront valuation, riparian rights, shoreline regulations, and off-market inventory across the Chain of Lakes.
Where is Torch Lake, Michigan located?
Torch Lake is located in Antrim County in northwestern Lower Peninsula Michigan. It lies approximately 20 to 35 minutes northeast of Traverse City, with shorelines touching the communities of Kewadin, Eastport, Alden, and Rapid City.
Why is Torch Lake's water so clear and turquoise?
Torch Lake's clear turquoise color comes from its extreme depth (320 feet max), clean glacial spring feeds, and a light-colored sand and marl lakebed that reflects sunlight, giving it a tropical lagoon appearance.
What is the Torch Lake Sandbar?
The Torch Lake Sandbar is a large, shallow sandy area at the southern end of the lake where the water is waist-deep. It is Northern Michigan's premier summer boating destination for anchoring and swimming.
How far is Torch Lake from Traverse City?
The southern end of Torch Lake near Rapid City and Torch River is approximately 20 to 25 minutes from Traverse City via US-31. The northern end near Eastport and Alden is approximately 35 to 40 minutes away.
What is the real estate market like on Torch Lake?
Torch Lake real estate is highly competitive with limited waterfront availability. Home prices range from classic cottages around $800,000 to custom luxury waterfront estates exceeding $5 million. West shore properties with sunset views command premium pricing.
Torch Lake waterfront properties are limited, and prime real estate frequently sells off-market. Connect with Brick & Corbett Real Estate for confidential waterfront advisory.
Source Notes: Hydrological and geographic data sourced from Michigan DNR and Antrim County GIS mapping. Real estate metrics compiled from Aspire MLS reporting, current through 2026.
2,392 people live in Torch Lake, where the median age is 59.2 and the average individual income is $56,277. 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 Torch Lake 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 Torch Lake 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 Torch Lake, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Waterfire Vineyards Torch Lake, WOLVERINE DISTRIBUTING, and King Orchards.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining · $$ | 1.22 miles | 29 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining | 1.6 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 1.74 miles | 28 reviews | 4.7/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.49 miles | 2 reviews | 4/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 3.49 miles | 28 reviews | 4.5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.66 miles | 7 reviews | 3.7/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.9 miles | 9 reviews | 2.3/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.76 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.81 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.81 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.81 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.82 miles | 0 reviews | 0/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.69 miles | 1 review | 5/5 stars | |
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Torch Lake has 1,152 households, with an average household size of 2.06. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Torch Lake do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 2,392 people call Torch Lake home. The population density is 88 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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