Traverse City

A lakeside haven where natural beauty meets everyday ease

Welcome to Traverse City

Welcome to Traverse City, a picturesque and vibrant community nestled along the turquoise shores of Grand Traverse Bay. Known for its charming downtown, inviting waterfront, and abundant year-round recreation, the city blends small-town warmth with a lively cultural spirit. Its walkable streets, tree-lined neighborhoods, and access to several beaches just steps from downtown create a setting that feels both relaxed and effortlessly inspiring.
 
Traverse City is a place where residents embrace the best of Northern Michigan living—farm-fresh food, locally crafted wines, outdoor adventure, and an authentic sense of connection. Whether strolling to the farmers market, catching a show at a historic venue, or spending a quiet morning along the bay, life unfolds at a comfortable, unhurried pace. For anyone considering a move, this friendly and welcoming community offers a refreshing blend of beauty, convenience, and personality.
 

What to Love

  • Walkable downtown filled with local restaurants, boutiques, and breweries
  • Easy access to multiple beaches, including Clinch Park and West End Beach
  • Vibrant seasonal festivals and community events
  • A thriving arts and culinary scene
  • Picturesque natural surroundings with endless outdoor recreation

Local Lifestyle

Life in Traverse City balances the energy of a vibrant cultural hub with the ease of lakeside living. Residents enjoy a rhythm shaped by the seasons—summer evenings on the beach, crisp autumn hikes through colorful forests, and cozy winters spent exploring local shops and cafés, or enjoying outdoor activities like snowshoeing, skiing, and fat tire biking. The community’s welcoming atmosphere encourages connection, and the strong emphasis on local food, wine, and outdoor activities creates a lifestyle that feels both grounded and enriching.
 

Dining and Shopping

Traverse City’s culinary landscape is widely celebrated, with an emphasis on local ingredients, fresh flavors, and chef-driven creativity. Beloved restaurants such as The Cooks’ House, Red Ginger, and Mama Lu’s reflect the city’s diverse tastes, while spots like Poppycocks and The Flying Noodle add to the variety. The Little Fleet, a popular food-truck hub, offers an ever-changing lineup of casual, inventive dining options.
 
Downtown is equally known for its charming boutiques and specialty shops. Cherry Republic captures the region’s iconic cherry heritage with gourmet treats and gifts, while Fustini’s delights visitors with artisanal oils and vinegars. Longstanding favorites like Nifty Things provide a mix of unique home goods and whimsical finds, making shopping here an enjoyable, leisurely experience.
 

Things to Do and Entertainment

Traverse City hosts a full calendar of beloved events, including the world-famous National Cherry Festival, the Food & Wine Festival, Traverse City Restaurant Week, and popular traditions like the Downtown Light Parade as well as Ladies' Night and Men’s Night. The city is also home to major endurance events like the Bayshore Marathon—one of the most scenic races in the Midwest—and the Iceman Cometh Challenge, the largest single-day point-to-point mountain bike race in the country. Beyond annual celebrations, residents enjoy access to stunning waterfront parks such as Clinch Park and West End Beach—perfect for swimming, sunshine, and lakefront relaxation.
 
The city's arts and entertainment scene is equally vibrant. The historic City Opera House and the community-focused Old Town Playhouse offer high-quality performances, while The Alluvion provides a contemporary venue for music, film, and creative programming. Combined with countless outdoor activities, it’s easy to stay entertained and engaged throughout the year.
 

Schools

Traverse City is served by several well-regarded educational options. St. Francis provides a private, faith-based learning environment, while Traverse City Central High School and Traverse City West High School offer comprehensive public education with a wide range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. Families will find a strong emphasis on student success and community involvement throughout the area’s schools.

Overview for Traverse City, MI

15,491 people live in Traverse City, where the median age is 42.2 and the average individual income is $53,630. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

15,491

Total Population

42.2 years

Median Age

High

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

$53,630

Average individual Income

Property Listings

For Sale
MLS® 1927455

$1,590,500

TBB 120 N Cedar Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
3 Beds 3.5 Baths 4,085 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 1941795

$1,200,000

507 Fifth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
4 Beds 2 Baths 2,177 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 1940490

$1,150,000

704 Webster Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,891 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 1934225

$744,000

109 E Front Street # 213 Unit: #213, Traverse City, MI 49684
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,860 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 1940690

$519,900

109 Boughey Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
4 Beds 2 Baths 2,738 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 1939810

$450,000

624 Eastwood Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686
4 Beds 1 Bath 1,793 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 1940620

$384,900

111 W Fourteenth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
1,252 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 1939276

$384,900

111 W Fourteenth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
3 Beds 1 Bath 1,252 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 1941807

$310,000

143 E Eighth Street # 103, Traverse City, MI 49684
1 Bed 1 Bath 660 Sq.Ft.
Search Homes

Around Traverse City, MI

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

68
Somewhat Walkable
Walking Score
81
Very Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including The Daily Grind Coffee Drive Thru, Slabtown Cookies, and Factory Man Roasting House.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
The Daily Grind Coffee Drive Thru Logo
Dining 0.29 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Slabtown Cookies Logo
Dining 2.02 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Factory Man Roasting House Logo
Dining 0.75 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Cracked Logo
Dining 1.03 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Nico's Pizza & Griders Logo
Dining 2.84 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Chubby Unicorn Logo
Dining 0.85 miles 44 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Traverse City, MI

Population Households Employment

Traverse City has 7,312 households, with an average household size of 2.02. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Traverse City do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 15,491 people call Traverse City home. The population density is 1,871.81 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

15,491

Total Population

High

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

42.2

Median Age

48.29 / 51.71%

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
7,312

Total Households

2.02

Average Household Size

$53,630

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 Traverse City, MI

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Traverse City. 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
Category
Grades
School rating

Sold Properties in the area

Sold
MLS® 1900753

$3,500,000

867 E Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
5 Beds 3 Baths 3,852 Sq.Ft.
Sold
MLS® 1918486

$2,650,000

124 N Oak Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
8 Beds 10 Baths 8,200 Sq.Ft.
Sold
MLS® 1933646

$2,150,000

133 Uptown Court, Traverse City, MI 49684
4 Beds 4 Baths 4,595 Sq.Ft.
Sold
MLS® 1930138

$2,150,000

133 Uptown Court, Traverse City, MI 49684
4 Beds 4 Baths 4,595 Sq.Ft.
Sold
MLS® 1912731

$2,100,000

1217 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686
5 Beds 2.5 Baths 3,581 Sq.Ft.
Sold
MLS® 1920999

$1,575,000

512 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
4 Beds 3.5 Baths 5,421 Sq.Ft.
Sold
MLS® 1924732

$1,560,000

534 E State Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
4 Beds 4 Baths 3,350 Sq.Ft.
Sold
MLS® 1915741

$1,500,000

1320 Randolph Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
6 Beds 4.5 Baths 4,951 Sq.Ft.
Sold
MLS® 1909239

$1,440,000

213 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
4 Beds 3 Baths 3,300 Sq.Ft.
Traverse City Traverse City Traverse City Traverse City Traverse City

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Contact Details

Brick & Corbett

Phone

(231) 715-1464

Email

[email protected]

Address

500 S UNION ST TRAVERSE MI 49684

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