East Bay balances beachfront and rural living near Traverse City
East Bay Township blends beachfront appeal and rural living about 9 miles from downtown Traverse City. The Beach District along the East Ann Grand Traverse Bay shores is a mix of hotels, condos, restaurants and waterfront recreation that draws in tourists and residents. “There’s a significant amount of people who are here for the summer, whether that’s three months or six months,” says Ken Weaver, longtime resident and Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Traverse North. Just as many locals are here year-round, especially further inland. While shopping and dining are more limited farther out, there is plenty to do, from skiing at Mt. Holiday to boating on one of the many lakes.
There are several ongoing projects to improve amenities in the area. In spring 2025, the township introduced a plan to create housing, walkability and business diversity in the Beach District over the next 5 years. Grand Traverse County acquired Camp Greilick, a former Boy Scout camp, in 2024 and has been adding more signage and recreation, with an opening in late 2025. “It’s a balance of conservation and development,” says East Bay Charter Township Supervisor Beth Friend.
Plenty to do with the Beach District, trails, lakes and township parks
The Beach District includes the sugar sand beach at Traverse City State Park along the bay. Jet ski and boat rentals are available through businesses like Break’N Waves. Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails connect the district to the rest of the township, including the Vasa Pathway, a series of multiuse loops ranging from 3K to 25K. Skiers visit Mt. Holiday, a nonprofit ski lodge that also has tubing, a zipline and live music. Arbutus Lake is one of several lakes that allow fishing, swimming and boating.
According to Friend, the township’s parks “go from very natural to more intensely used parks.” More natural settings include Gens Park, which has paved trails near the Beach District, while Grace Macdonald Park includes athletic fields and a playground. Once it opens, Camp Greilick will have a disc golf course, archery range and human foosball court.
Residences include older homes, custom-built houses and waterfront con
Acres of woodland surround inland East Bay homes, including those on the lakeshore. Along the bay, homeowners swap the trees for views of the water. Mid-20th-century properties include cottages, ranch-style houses and bilevels, and there are some early-1900s farmhouses. Newer construction includes custom-built and Craftsman-style New Traditional homes. Smaller single-family houses range from $220,000 to $670,000, depending on size and condition. “You can get a decent, entry-level home for $325,0000 or $350,000,” Weaver says. Larger properties and waterfront homes can cost $670,000 to over $1.6 million. Most townhouses and condos cost $200,000 to $450,000, although some properties on the beach cost as much as $550,000 to $620,000.
According to First Street, East Bay properties along the East Ann Grand Traverse Bay are at a major risk from flooding.
Students attend Traverse City public and charter schools
East Bay students attend Traverse City Area Public Schools, which have open enrollment and School of Choice. Courtade Elementary earns an A-minus from Niche, while East Middle School receives a B-plus. At the A-minus-rated Central High, students can join academic communities in STEM, global studies and visual and performing arts to meet with peers, go on field trips and get some hands-on experience in their fields. Grand Traverse Academy, about 3 miles from the township, is a tuition-free charter that teaches kindergarten through 12th grade.
Locals dine at the Beach District, Peegeo’s and Traverse City
Residents visit the Beach District for restaurants and recreation within walking distance of hotels and condos. Don’s Drive In has maintained its retro setting since opening in 1958. Red Mesa Grill serves Latin American dishes and has a dog-friendly patio. The township is working with businesses and residents to improve the district along U.S. Route 31 by adding sidewalks, crosswalks, restaurants and retailers.
There are only a handful of restaurants outside of the Beach District. “Out here in the lakes area, Peegeo’s is the place to go,” Weaver says. While it is known for its pizza, Peegeo’s menu also includes burgers, ribs and Mexican dishes. The East Bay Corners Farmers Market has a small selection of fresh produce on Thursday afternoons from June to October. Weaver says more people shop at Groleau’s Farm Market, which also sells homemade canned and baked goods. Otherwise, residents get groceries from Oleson’s Food Store. Locals travel to Traverse City to dine at downtown restaurants or shop at major retailers like Costco and Walmart.
East Bay residents rely on cars and TART Trails to get around
While most residents rely on cars and U.S. Route 31 to get between East Bay and Traverse City, Weaver says biking is becoming more popular because of the TART Trails. “I can ride my bike into the city in 45 minutes,” he says. Cherry Capital Airport is about 6 miles away and offers nonstop flights to 20 destinations. The closest hospital is Munson Medical Center, about 10 miles away.
East Bay’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
