$205,482Average Value$112Average Price per Sq Ft45Homes For Sale
A nature-based community on the banks of Lake Huron
Alpena rests on the shores of Lake Huron, built around a river and a wildlife preserve. “We are a nature-based community with a slower pace of life, freedom of movement and fresher air,” says President of the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Mary Beth Stutzman. “But we still have all the modern conveniences of city living.” Although the population remains steady at around 10,000, Alpena is the largest commercial hub in northeast Michigan. Though tourism is a significant part of the economy, the largest employer is the Alpena Regional Medical Center.
Explore the NOAA center which covers the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena.
Alpena is home to Besser and several other large concrete manufacturing companies.
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Older homes with a high demand
The median home price in Alpena is $170,000, well below the state and national median. Homes along the lakeshore can be $500,000 or more. “There is a large demand, but inventory can be limited,” says Bill Houston, a Realtor with Re/Max New Horizons who has worked in the city for over 45 years. “So, we often see multiple offers on homes.” It's common to see bungalows from the 1920s and ranch-style houses from the 1950s to the 1990s. “Like many northern Michigan cities, we are lagging behind in terms of new construction,” Houston says. Because of all the surrounding waterways, many homes are at risk of flooding and may require additional insurance.
Large lakefront homes can be found in small quantities in and around Alpena.
Historic bungalow, ranch, and national style homes are found throughout Alpena.
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Shipwrecks, stargazing, fossil hunting and more outdoor attractions
Rockport State Recreation Area is a 300-acre limestone quarry and designated dark sky zone, meaning it has some of the lowest light pollution on the Great Lakes. Visitors can watch meteor showers and glimpse the northern lights, and the rocky beaches are popular for fossil hunting. “You literally trip over the fossils because there are so many,” Stutzman says. Alpena's coastline is also home to over 200 shipwrecks, preserved in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The wrecks can be viewed via glass-bottom boat tours and scuba diving expeditions.More traditional outdoor recreation is almost at every corner. “We are surrounded by water and every kind of outdoor recreation,” Houston says. “Hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, snowmobiling — you name it, we’ve got it.” During chilly winters, the city has a large athletic center and an indoor hockey rink.
Observe the night sky unimpeded by light pollution at Rockport State Recreation Area.
Cross country skiers flock to Thunder Bay River State Forest for its well-groomed trails.
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Alpena Public Schools teaches environmental stewardship
Alpena Public Schools gets a C rating from Niche. “Our district has a lot of unique programs about environmental celebration and preservation,” Stutzman says. “Kids get to watch salmon grow from eggs or take field trips to clean up the riverside.” Alpena High offers Career & Technical Education courses. A dual credit program with the local Alpena Community College allows students to graduate with an associate degree.
Alpena High School has 1,101 students and earned a B- rating in 2025 according to Niche.com.
Alpena Community College is home to Kaiser Paul, a Paul Bunyan statute made from car parts.
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Home-grown businesses bring local flair
Alpena’s riverside downtown district is the city’s hub for shopping and dining. “Downtown is truly the heart of the community for people who live here,” says Anne Gentry, executive director of the downtown development authority. “It’s where they go to meet up with friends for dinner or a drink, or to peruse locally owned stores and galleries.”
“We have a lot of local home-grown businesses that bring their special passion to Alpena,” Stutzman says. “Whether that’s a cider tasting room, an authentic Polish restaurant, or a comic bookstore serving gourmet hot dogs.” Although the Alpena Mall closed in 2022, the city still has brand-name grocers.
Downtown Alpena is home to several locally owned breweries, like Presque Isle Farm Cider.
Gather with friends after work for craft cocktails at Red Brick Tap & Barrel in Alpena.
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Festivals center around the arts and the outdoors
The city hosts the annual Brown Trout Festival, the longest-running fishing tournament in the Great Lakes. During the Alpena Flower Festival, local businesses decorate with elaborate floral displays. More than 30 ice sculptures are set up around town for the Alpena Ice Festival. The Besser Planetarium showcases the stars and Thunder Bay Theater hosts year-round performances.
Religion also plays an important role in the community. There are more than 20 houses of worship in the Alpena area, most of them Christian denominations. The city also has one of the only synagogues in northern Michigan.
Alpena’s airport has flights to Detroit
Unlike most northern Michigan cities, Alpena has its own commercial airport, but the Alpena County Regional Airport only offers flights to Detroit. The city is at the intersection of U.S. Route 23, which runs along the coast of Lake Huron, and Michigan Route 32. A few bus services run through Alpena, connecting south Detroit and north to the Canadian border.
Important to know
According to Michigan State Police, both violent and property crime rates in Alpena are below the state average.
Summers are warm, and winters can be long and cold. According to the National Weather Service, the city's average annual snowfall is more than 6 feet.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Owen Kaufman
Video By
Derek Fowler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alan Peasley,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Alpena, MI sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Alpena, MI over the last 12 months is $175,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lovely 3 bedroom 2 bath Ranch 1345 sq ft upstairs and 1345 sq ft in basement This Spacious Updated Brick Ranch Very Desirable neighborhood owns park subdivision with partially finished basement, Hardwood Floors, Fireplace, Air conditioning, all new stainless fixtures, recently painted and decorated outdoor shed for storage, two bathroom one with walk-in tiled shower, Garage is Heated composite
Diamond in the rough. Investor special! With a bit of love this place could be your dream home. 2 bedroom, 2 bath with a full basement and detached garage. Enjoy summer nights on the covered front porch. Conveniently located in the City of Alpena. Priced to sell!
Tucked beneath a canopy of towering trees and surrounded by 4.16 private acres, this Long Lake retreat captures the heart of true Up North living. With an incredible 578 feet of frontage, mornings begin with peaceful water views and evenings end around the glow of the stone woodburning fireplace. The log-style home blends rustic charm with warm tongue-and-groove interiors, creating the cozy
EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP. REFINED LIVING. REMARKABLE PRIVACY.Designed for the selective buyer, this exceptional custom ranch blends timeless craftsmanship, sophisticated finishes and an impressive amount of beautifully designed living space.The main level offers more than 3774 sq ft, and an additional 795 sq. ft above garage, and almost 4000 sq ft in the finished lower level, giving it a
Just over 187 feet of morning sunshine on Long Lakes West side. Located just about 3 miles from us 23 tucked between Sand Bar and Grill and Long Lake market for your convenience! The upper level is a great addition and is being utilized as 2 bedroom areas with a shared full bath. Lower level also has an additional 2 bedrooms and bathroom, a double living room that features great views! Sellers
Tucked beneath a canopy of towering trees and surrounded by 2.44 private acres, this Long Lake retreat captures the heart of true Up North living. With an incredible 338 +/- feet of frontage, mornings begin with peaceful water views and evenings end around the glow of the stone woodburning fireplace. The log-style home blends rustic charm with warm tongue-and-groove interiors, creating the cozy
Welcome to your private retreat! This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is conveniently located just off US-23, minutes from Alpena and down the road from popular Long Lake. Nestled on a private, tree-lined lot, this move-in-ready home features an open-concept layout, updated flooring, a beautifully remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances, subway tile backsplash, and a large center
OVERSIZED RESIDENTIAL LOT NEAR THUNDER BAY! GREAT SPOT FOR A CABIN OR WEEKEND RETREAT! ABOUT THE PARCEL: ACCESS: GERONIMO RD ALPENA, MI County: ALPENA Parcel#: 043-107-000-502-00 Acres: 0.37 X/Y Coordinates (STREETVIEW):Center: 45.080456, -83.520638NE: 45.080754, -83.520742NW: 45.080601, -83.520977SE: 45.080443,
40 acres of rolling hills hunting property, Property is bordered on east and south by state land. Private land to the north and south. There was a well about 15 feet to the right to the cabin. Hand pump is missing. Water was clear and cold. Mineral revenues cover the property taxes. State access road is maintained for gas well access.
Welcome home to this spacious ranch located in a desirable subdivision just outside the city limits! Offering comfortable one-level living, this home features a functional layout with plenty of room to spread out. Situated on a large lot, you'll enjoy outdoor space for entertaining, gardening, or simply relaxing. Step outside onto the expansive deck, perfect for summer barbecues or your morning
Welcome to easy, low-maintenance living in this highly desirable Alpena condo! This well-maintained ranch-style home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a comfortable, functional layout. The spacious primary suite includes a walk-in closet, while the attached garage adds everyday convenience and additional storage. Located in a sought-after condominium community, this inviting home offers
Introducing The Castle — an extraordinary stone residence of rare historical architectural character overlooking beautiful Lake Huron with a presence that is simply unforgettable. Built in 1902 for State Senator and inspired Romanesque style, this iconic home has been thoughtfully restored and improved, blending timeless craftsmanship with extensive modern updates.Defined by commanding
Susan Lozano@properties Christie's Int'l R.E. Birmingham
Welcome to down home living in the growing community of Lakeshore Estates. Lakeshore Estates Mobile Home Community is one of the areas finest mobile home communities in the Alpena area. If you enjoy friendly faces and the convenience of town just minutes away but set in a country surrounding. Then call Lakeshore Estates your new home!
Thunder Bay Estates Mobile Home Community is located in the down town area of Alpena, In walking distance to the beautiful Lake Huron. If your looking for that ability to be close to shopping centers and wonderful walking areas this is your place. No need to worry about maintaining your own yard as we are here to do that.
Property Id: 845788 RENT LOWERED to $1700 SECURITY DEPOSIT LOWERED to $1700 RENT+utilities QUICK AVAILABILITY - 9/1/26 move in available DO NOT FALL FOR SCAMS ASKING FOR DEPOSITS Great location on 1st Ave in Alpena - steps away from the lake (Huron) and local restaurants. Two bedroom house with newer washer, dryer, and fridge. Nice and spacious living room with large
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