Lakefront views and neighborly vibes define Charlevoix
Once a resort town, Charlevoix still thrives as a summer destination but now keeps its appeal year-round. "The area offers quite a bit of recreational activities,” says Brett Binkley, managing broker with North Prime Real Estate and a former Charlevoix resident. “There are all kinds of great trails along Lake Michigan.” The city’s location between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix has many coastal sights like the Charlevoix Memorial Drawbridge and the South Pier Lighthouse. The area also boasts a welcoming community. “One thing about Northern Michigan people is we’re very neighborly and have each other’s backs,” Binkley says.
Waterfront estates and downtown cottages offer housing variety
Charlevoix’s variety of homes is due to its shift from industry to tourism. “Like many smaller resort towns, the architecture is very eclectic,” Binkley says. “There are million-dollar homes on the lake. But Charlevoix was also a lumber town, so nicer homes are often downtown because they weren’t built on the water back then.” Established trees line most streets downtown, and the median lot size is about an acre.
Manufactured homes in Charlevoix Estates start at about $60,000 and go up to $80,000. Most properties, from smaller cottages and ranch-style homes to larger two-story houses, sell for $100,000 to $570,000. New construction within the Charlevoix Country Club ranges from around $570,000 to $640,000. Lake Charlevoix's waterfront homes sell for between $1 million and $4 million. Condos mostly range from about $100,000 to $810,000, with some going as high as over $6 million in gated communities.
Beaches, trails and ski hills make Charlevoix an outdoor hub
Charlevoix prides itself on being an outdoor destination. There are many beaches on Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. “Fisherman’s Island State Park is fun to travel by boat because the beaches are so nice,” Binkley says. Boaters can store their vessels at the Charlevoix City Marina. Kayaks, sailboats and stand-up paddleboards are also common on the lakes. Mt. McSauba Recreation Area and Charles Ransom Nature Preserve offer extensive trails with Lake Michigan views. The Little Traverse Wheelway starts in Charlevoix and runs 26 miles to Harbor Springs. The Charlevoix Golf Club is a public 9-hole course. In the winter, outdoor enthusiasts take to the nearby ski hills.
School options include Charlevoix Elementary and St. Mary Catholic
Kindergarteners through sixth graders can attend Charlevoix Elementary before heading to Charlevoix Middle/High. Both schools have a B grade on Niche. Charlevoix participates in Michigan’s Schools of Choice, allowing students outside district lines to enroll. Seats are awarded through a lottery system. Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District brings career and technical education to several districts throughout Northern Michigan. St. Mary Catholic School is a private option serving preschool through eighth grade. It does not currently have a Niche score.
Downtown dining includes pubs, wineries and waterside views
"There’s a lot of great eateries right in downtown,” Binkley says. “The Villager Pub has been a local favorite for many years.” Wineries, breweries and waterside dining are all prevalent in Charlevoix. Stafford's Weathervane overlooks the Pine River Channel. Local shops range from boutiques and galleries to spas and salons. “It’s more of a summer town than a winter town, and some specialty shops shut down for winter,” Binkley says. Family Fare Supermarket and Oleson's Food Stores are the grocery store options in town.
Local agriculture and history shine at annual celebrations
The Charlevoix Venetian Festival is an annual summer celebration that runs for several days. Festivities include a boat parade, a party at Ferry Beach and an airshow that ends with fireworks. Candlelight Hikes illuminate Mt. McSauba in the winter, and the farmers market runs from early summer to fall. “Apple Fest is another really big event and highlights local agriculture,” Binkley says. Castle Farms is a historic estate that is a museum and hosts events throughout the year.
Walkable streets and transit options connect Charlevoix
The city is considered to be very walkable. Charlevoix County Transit provides on-demand rides. “Locals call it the pickle bus,” Binkley says. U.S. Highway 31 runs through the city. Indian Trails has a bus route through Charlevoix to Grand Rapids and Petoskey. The Ironton Ferry goes across the south arm of Lake Charlevoix. Cherry Capitol Airport and Traverse City are around 50 miles south, while Pellston Regional Airport is about 40 miles north. There are also a few shuttle options. Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital is the medical center in town.
