Michigan’s Saginaw Bay narrows and feeds into a river of the same name, around which Bay City residents enjoy suburban living and waterfront parks. The city is known for its locally owned restaurants and breweries, along with some of the most affordably priced homes in the state. Combine all that with a short commute no matter the suburb, and Bay City might just be what new home buyers are looking for.
Bay City has cottages, foursquare and ranch styles with a touch of Midwest influence.
Bay City is known for its locally owned restaurants and breweries, like W.H. Ales Brewpub.
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Home prices fit for first-time buyers
Homes in Bay City cling to the Saginaw River and the surrounding suburbs. Neatly gridded residential streets allow for many homes to be grouped along the riverside on lots of a tenth- to eighth-acre. Some 1,000 homes sold in Bay City in 2024, making the city quite popular. Despite the apparent demand, home prices remain comparatively low: the median price hovers around $145,000. Local styles such as cottages, foursquares and ranch-styles have a touch of Midwest influence.
Four Square is another standard style found in Bay City.
Cottage homes dot the landscape in and around Bay City.
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Spending a day near the Saginaw River
Residents have access to some of the best recreational spaces around, such as Veterans Memorial Park on the river’s west bank. This park offers baseball diamonds, tennis courts and an expansive playground for kids to explore. Boaters can also make use of the launch areas for a day on the water, either the Saginaw River, Saginaw Bay or Lake Huron itself. Other smaller green spaces include Wenonah Park, recognizable for its outdoor amphitheater.
In Bay City, Veterans Memorial Park is home to the Vietnam Veterans Monument.
Wenonah Park in Bay City is known for its amphitheater and arts performances.
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Summertime brings all sorts of events to downtown
Summers in Downtown Bay City are packed with events. Residents can catch live music at Wenonah Park thanks to the Wednesdays in the Park Summer Concert Series. Folks can also get active with free interval trainin and yoga sessions alongside their neighbors. Local businesses also participate, like Riverfront Grille’s Party on the Patio for multiple nights every August.
Bistros, breweries and more
Bistros and grills are easy to find throughout Bay City. Washington Avenue is home to several of these locally owned joints, most just a few blocks away from the river. Small pubs and taverns are also popular downtown, as are local breweries. Residents might spend a Saturday exploring the various flavors at Tri-City Brewing Company or the W. H. Ales Brewpub. On the upscale side, there’s the Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie and the Real Seafood Company. More than one dozen grocery stores lie scatted across the city, making them easily accessible.
Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie is a local favorite in Bay City that serves food and drinks.
Bay City residents enjoy a view of the Saginaw River while at Real Seafood Company.
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Commutes are short and swift in Bay City
Bay City is approximately 5 miles from its northernmost point to its southernmost, so commuting downtown is relatively fast and easy. With good traffic, residents can drive from one end of the city to the other in 15 minutes. Those living in the city’s outlying suburbs can either drive the 4-mile, 10-minute commute or catch one of the Bay Metro Transportation Authority’s 11 routes. The McLaren Bay Region General Hospital is 1 mile east of downtown. Residents can drive 11 miles southwest to reach the MBS International Airport, served by two airlines to a pair of hubs.
Attending class in the Bay City School District
The Bay City School District earns a B-minus overall from Niche and enrolls some 6,000 students across 12 schools. The student-to-teacher ratio of 18-to-1 is slightly higher than that of the national average. For higher education, students can apply to local institutions like Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University.
Bay City Central High School has an all-encompassing curriculum to empower young minds.
Bay City locals can attend Delta College for higher education after High School.
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Crime and water quality in Bay City
The rate of violent crime in Bay City, as reported by the FBI, remains consistently higher than both the state and national averages year over year, though rates of reported property crimes trend lower. Land along the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay has been acquired, reclaimed and repurposed during an environment cleanup program that concluded in 2005 following decades of pollution.
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam
Photography Contributed By
Scottie Davison
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Maria Garcia,
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.
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On average, homes in Bay City, MI sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Bay City, MI over the last 12 months is $147,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 1 bath home nestled in a desirable subdivision, just minutes from local schools. While this home offers a solid foundation and a functional floor plan, it presents a fantastic opportunity for updates to make it truly your own. Has new furnace, duct work and insulation. Enjoy seamless flow throughout the living areas, perfect for entertaining or everyday living.
This traditional two-story wood-frame home features 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath, offering a welcoming layout with great potential. It’s serviced by city water, city sewer, and natural gas for efficient living. The home includes a stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher—all newer appliances. While it does need new carpeting, the seller is offering a $1,000 credit toward flooring, making it easy to
Welcome to Beautiful on Baxman!!! ~ This is no cookie cutter home...it is much larger than it appears from the outside!!! This family home offers 3 Bedrooms, 1 1/2 Baths, updated kitchen cabinetry with granite countertops plus bar area, newer appliances, city water, city sewer, natural gas, plus dining area with plenty of room for the family table, oversized living room complete with fireplace,
Welcome to Lux off Washington, the brand new apartment community located in the heart of downtown Bay City, MI. Situated just a short walk away from the picturesque Saginaw River, our apartments offer the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. With onsite management and maintenance, you can rest easy knowing that your needs will be taken care of promptly. Say goodbye to the hassle of paper
Discover the perfect blend of historic charm and modern convenience at 701 Center Ave. Located in the heart of Bay City, this beautifully restored building offers several units for lease, each exuding its own unique character. Residents enjoy a host of amenities, including on-site laundry facilities, secure entry, and dedicated parking options. Plus, with downtown Bay City right at your doorstep,
BAY VALLEY HARBOR APARTMENTS is a premier living community surrounded by great views of lakes and nature. It is situated in the finest and safest location in the three county area and is adjacent to the BAY VALLEY INN where fine dining and an excellent golf course are open to tenants. The units have every amenity one could wish for with reasonable rates and flexible terms.Water fee charge $50
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