Traverse City

Welcome to Traverse City

Discover the dynamic blend of urban vibrancy and natural beauty in Northern Michigan’s most celebrated city.

Traverse City, set against the backdrop of stunning Grand Traverse Bay, is a premier destination for those looking to blend urban amenities with the tranquility of lakeside living. Known for its social community, Traverse City offers a diverse range of housing options that cater to various lifestyles and budgets, making it an attractive location for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Its proximity to Cherry Capital Airport and a myriad of shopping, dining, and entertainment options ensures that residents enjoy a high quality of life with all the conveniences of city living.

The strong demand for homes in Traverse City, combined with high property appreciation rates and competitive pricing, makes it a hot spot for real estate investment. The city’s cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty contribute to its status as one of the most sought-after places to live in Northern Michigan.

What to Love

Community Atmosphere: A welcoming environment where security and friendliness are at the core.
Urban Amenities: A wealth of shopping, dining, and cultural opportunities right at your doorstep.
Natural Beauty: Proximity to Grand Traverse Bay and numerous parks and trails, including the popular Tart Trail.

Local Lifestyle

Traverse City offers a lifestyle that balances urban convenience with natural beauty. The city is bustling with activity, from its vibrant downtown filled with shops and cafes to the scenic waterfront areas that are perfect for a day of relaxation or recreation. Residents can enjoy cycling or walking along Tart Trail Lane, boating on Grand Traverse Bay, or exploring the local farmers markets. The community is deeply engaged with the arts and culture, frequently hosting festivals, live music events, and art shows that draw crowds from across the region.

Dining and Shopping

Traverse City is a haven for foodies, featuring an impressive array of dining options from farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine. The city's culinary scene is bolstered by its status as a major cherry-producing area, with local specialties often featuring the fruit.

Shopping in Traverse City is equally varied, with options ranging from boutique stores in the downtown area to larger shopping centers. Local artisans and craftsmen contribute to a unique shopping experience, offering goods ranging from handmade jewelry to custom furniture.

Things to Do and Entertainment

Cultural enrichment is plentiful in Traverse City. Northwestern Michigan College often hosts educational and cultural events that are open to the public, while the Dennos Museum Center features rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection that includes a renowned assembly of Inuit art. The Grand Traverse County Civic Center serves as a hub for community sports and events, adding to the city’s vibrant social scene.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Grand Traverse Bay offers endless opportunities for water sports, and the surrounding areas are ideal for hiking, fishing, and camping. Traverse City's active lifestyle is complemented by its beautiful natural surroundings, making it a perfect place for those who love to explore the outdoors.

Overview for Traverse City, MI

15,263 people live in Traverse City, where the median age is 40.4 and the average individual income is $41,461. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

15,263

Total Population

40.4 years

Median Age

High

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

$41,461

Average individual Income

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.

66

Somewhat Walkable

Walking Score

81

Very Bikeable

Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Slabtown Cookies, Cracked, and Buchan’s West Bay.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Slabtown Cookies page on Yelp Search 228 Monroe St on Google Maps	Dining	2.02 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Cracked page on Yelp	Dining	1.02 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Buchan’s West Bay page on Yelp Search 13000 S W Bay Shore Dr on Google Maps	Dining	2.99 miles	9 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Rocket Fizz page on Yelp Search 111-B E Front St on Google Maps	Dining	1.17 miles	7 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Modern Bird page on Yelp Search 541 W Front St on Google Maps	Dining	1.57 miles	56 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the The Honey Baked Ham Company page on Yelp Search 815 S. Garfield Ave. on Google Maps	Dining	0.47 miles	6 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Benjamin Twiggs page on Yelp Search 1213 E Front St on Google Maps	Dining · $$	0.9 miles	15 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Top Comics page on Yelp Search 966 West South Airport Rd on Google Maps	Shopping	1.51 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the My Secret Stash page on Yelp Search 122 Cass St on Google Maps	Shopping	1.05 miles	15 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Daydreamer Charters page on Yelp Search 826 Avenue D on Google Maps	Active	1.64 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Storm Hawk Sport Fishing page on Yelp Search 225 E Sixteenth St on Google Maps	Active	0.85 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Mega-Bite Fishing Charters page on Yelp Search 613 Randolph St on Google Maps	Active	1.72 miles	12 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Riding Electric page on Yelp Search 10381 E Cherry Bend Rd on Google Maps	Active	3.46 miles	13 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Bay Meadows Family Golf Course page on Yelp Search 5550 Bay Meadows Dr on Google Maps	Active	3.85 miles	19 reviews	4.8/5 stars
Visit the Kris Gagnon Hair page on Yelp Search 516 E Front St on Google Maps	Beauty	0.78 miles	35 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Salon West page on Yelp Search 824 W Front St on Google Maps	Beauty	1.8 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Bella Amici Salon page on Yelp Search 400 W Front St on Google Maps	Beauty	1.41 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Bliss Tanning Studio page on Yelp Search 1126 E Eighth St on Google Maps	Beauty	0.54 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Robertson's Hair Center page on Yelp Search 109 S Union St on Google Maps	Beauty	1.17 miles	11 reviews	4.9/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Traverse City, MI

Population Households Employment

Traverse City has 6,844 households, with an average household size of 2.14. 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. 15,263 people call Traverse City home. The population density is 1,844.26 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

15,263

Total Population

High

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

40.4

Median Age

47.77 / 52.23%

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

6,844

Total Households

2.14

Average Household Size

$41,461

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