$203,625Average Value$113Average Price per Sq Ft34Homes 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
Erica Blair,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Alpena, MI sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Alpena, MI over the last 12 months is $175,200, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRIVATE LONG LAKE ACCESS, NEARLY 3000 SQ FT, THEATER ROOM, WALK-OUT BASEMENT, TWO-STORY BARN Enjoy private lake access without paying waterfront prices. This spacious 2,800sq.ft. home offers access to boating, kayaking, fishing, & swimming on beautiful 9-mile Long Lake while providing space & privacy. Inside you'll find 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths, dedicated office, den, rec room & an immersive
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
This home is truly move-in ready, reflecting the pride of meticulous ownership. It's packed with all the bells and whistles a new roof, new windows, a 99.9% energy-efficient furnace, and a brand-new hot water heater-all expertly maintained and upgraded to the highest standards. Owned by someone with an eye for detail, everything is impeccably finished and done to perfection. Just bring your
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
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,
RARE OPPORTUNITY, Combination of land and Water Front, 4 acres - 870 Ft of water frontage on Lake Winyah. 4 Bedroom 3 bath home, a bonus room was turned into a beautiful en-suite. The room has its own gas fireplace to enjoy while looking at the view of the lake from the upper level. Updated living space throughout, full finished basement. Large attached heated garage, 30x40 pole barn work shop or
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.
Discover Effortless Living in Village Green - A Beautifully Updated, Move-In-ReadyTownhome!Imagine coming home to a charming, tree-lined community where peaceful sidewalks,beautifully maintained grounds, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for everyday living. Nestled within the highly desirable Village Green Condominiums, this meticulously updated
This unique and beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is nestled on an oversized lot in the heart of the city and will steal your heart the moment you step through the front door! Timeless elegance meets modern convenience with gleaming hardwood and tile floors, updated kitchen and baths featuring quality cabinetry and high-end appliances, and unique chandeliers throughout. Tastefully designed rooms
Looking for the perfect spot to build your dream home? This beautifully cleared and leveled lot is ready for your vision. Situated in a desirable subdivision, the location offers convenience to the bike path, hospital, shopping, and dining--making everyday living easy and enjoyable. Seller has also fenced in the property to provide privacy. Call for your appointment today.
Classic architecture and timeless charm define this beautifully preserved 2-unit apartment building. Original woodwork, hardwood floors, pocket doors, and an ornate staircase showcase its historic character. Ideal for multi-generational living or as an income-producing investment, this property offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additional features include a fireplace with flanking, built-in
Breathtaking sunrise views on your very own buildable lot on Lake Huron. Here is your chance to own one of the only current vacant lots available and only minutes from Alpena and on a paved road. Mostly cleared and ready to build your dream home this spring!
Motivated seller! Older style home with lots of charm and character. The large apartments feature updates that include newer flooring, kitchen upgrades, and fresh painted entrances, This building brings in great gross income and just a short walk to the beaches and downtown, This will be a great addition to your portfolio. The new coin operated laundry for the tenants is a plus for the tenants
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.
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