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
Lyndsie Cook,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Bay City, MI sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Bay City, MI over the last 12 months is $150,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great location, this charming brick ranch needs a little TLC to restore its former appeal. The home offers three bedrooms, two baths, a spacious kitchen, dining area, vaulted living room with natural light, first-floor laundry, and an office or den. The lower level provides space for entertaining or fitness. Set in peaceful woods, it includes a potential sun porch, a two-car garage, and a
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 11/16/2025 from 1-3pm! This well-maintained bi-level offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths (one on each level), and a layout that feels warm, inviting, and easy to live in from day one. Nothing over the top — just a solid, comfortable home that’s been cared for the right way.Head upstairs and you’ll find bright, welcoming living space and bedrooms that feel instantly cozy.
Welcome to this charming Bay City home that radiates warmth and personality from the moment you arrive. Thoughtfully maintained and full of character, this inviting 2 bedroom, 1 bath property offers an ideal blend of comfort and functionality. Perfect for a first-time buyer, someone looking to downsize, or anyone seeking a cozy retreat. The layout provides an easy flow between living spaces,
ProVisions, LLC is proud to offer this exceptional 6.52-acre development site, strategically located at 1515 N Johnson in Bay City, Michigan. Boasting 950 feet of frontage, with cleared, development-ready land. This property presents a rare opportunity for investors and developers seeking a built-to-suit opportunity This expansive parcel is a blank canvas. Zoned for M2 General Industrial, this
Investment property. New windows. There is a fireplace and new wiring, but condition unknown. Main and upper level has been totally gutted down to the studs. The basement has not been gutted and has an egress window. The roof is good. There is no source of heat currently in the house. One full bath on each level and you build apartments to your specification. There is upper level access at
Motivated sellers have found their next home. See this meticulously maintained spacious Victorian updated with modern amenities. Four bedrooms with fifth currently being used as an office. Enjoy a custom-designed kitchen, imported hand-painted sink in the main floor bath, oversize jetted whirlpool tub. Cozy up with a gas log fireplace and surround sound in living room. Original woodwork features
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
Beautiful, historic building in downtown Bay City. Second floor apartment bathed in natural light. A true must see! The building features covered parking, on site coin operated laundry, and a cargo elevator. *Photos are from similar unit*
Located in the historic neighborhood of Bay City within walking distance to downtown, Sheridan Arms Apartments offer modern apartments in a unique setting unlike any in the area. Built in the 1960’s the building is influenced by the mid-century modern design with sleek lines, oversized windows, large floor plans (900 to 1500 square feet) and period cabinets and hardware. First-floor apartments
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