$209,142Average Value$111Average Price per Sq Ft49Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Jessica Steele,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Alpena, MI sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Alpena, MI over the last 12 months is $174,250, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This truly move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home has it all. Thoughtfully upgraded and meticulously maintained, it features a brand-new central air-conditioning system installed August 20, 2026, a new epoxy-coated garage floor installed July 6, 2026, a new 35-year roof, new windows, a highly efficient 99.9% furnace, and a brand-new hot water heater. Every improvement reflects exceptional
Enjoy waterfront living in this 2,500 sq. ft. home on Long Lake. Designed to highlight its prime setting, the residence features panoramic water views from the living room, dining room, and upper-level bedrooms.4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths: Generous floor plan providing space for daily living and entertaining.Cozy Living Area: Gas fireplace set against a backdrop of lake views.Extensive
Opportunity awaits! 6.91 acres in a convenient Alpena location, directly across from the junior high. Plenty of space, endless possibilities, and a great location to bring your vision to life!
40 acres, for hunting or whatever you choose. Not far from 23. Priced to sell! MUST SEE! IDRBNG, Buyer/Buyers agent to speak with city regarding use or plans and verify possibilities of use with Alpena Township during inspection period. No utilities on the property currently. MOTIVATED
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!
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
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
A Local Landmark You Can Call Home --If you've driven down Werth Road during the holidays, chances are you already know this house! Known throughout the area as the famous Gum Drop Christmas Tree House, this recognizable property is now ready for a new owner.Situated on just over an acre just outside the city limits, this sprawling ranch offers the space and versatility you've
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
MOTIVATED SELLERS!!! 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. Main floor laundry, and walk our basement Updated living space throughout, full finished
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.
Bring your vision and unlock the potential of this 2-story home at 611 Commercial Street. This property is ready for renovation and offers a great opportunity for an investor, flipper, or buyer looking for a project. The home features a spacious kitchen with plenty of cabinetry, multiple bedrooms, an enclosed front porch, and a detached garage. The property is conveniently located within the City
This adorable 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home is MOVE IN READY! Comes furnished and has been extremely well maintained! The ideal location keeping you close to everything in Alpena. NO PETS ALLOWED, please do not apply if you have animals. Security Deposit $1,800 + First Months Rent $1,200 + Non-Refundable Cleaning Fee $250 = Total to move in is $3,250In order to be considered for this property the
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
