Harbor Spring has a walkable downtown and seasonal recreation
While Harbor Springs has many seasonal resorts, it is more than just a vacation destination for its year-round residents. “People are drawn to the charm of Harbor Springs as a small waterfront community with a walkable downtown,” says Amy Millard, assistant director of the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. There are several large estates with a lot of privacy and land, as well as some smaller housing options. The city has opportunities for outdoor recreation during all four seasons, from boating on Little Traverse Bay to snow sports at The Highlands, a ski and golf resort.
Bayfront homes feature porches, big windows and water views
The area has a mix of housing styles, from cottages built before the 1950s to stately luxury homes built from the mid-2000s to 2024. Houses close to the bay typically have large porches to take in the water views, and large windows are a common feature in homes throughout the area. The median price of a single-family home is around $710,000, significantly higher than the national median of about $420,000. Homes farther away from the water sell from about $220,000 to $1.3 million, while houses close to the bay can sell for up to $7.9 million.
Condos under 1,500 square feet range from around $170,000 to $420,000, and condos over 1,500 square feet sell for between about $430,000 to over $1 million. Homes stay on the market for 85 days, longer than the national average of around 50 days. Houses are often on acre-sized lots, and some properties are further back from the road to offer more privacy.
Middle and high schools earn B-plus grades on Niche
Students can attend Shay Elementary for kindergarten through fourth grade, and it does not currently have a Niche score. Harbor Springs Middle and Harbor Springs High both have a B-plus grade from Niche. High schoolers can take career and technology courses in topics, including audio engineering, video editing, woodworking, furniture making and cosmetology.
Little Traverse Bay draws boaters and beachgoers alike
“Harbor Springs has spectacular skiing, golf, watersports, hiking and biking trails,” Millard says. The area has several golf courses, nature preserves and parks, including Zorn Park and City Beach with its sandy shore and a swimming platform. Those wanting to navigate Little Traverse Bay can launch their boats at Josephine Ford Park, and their vessels can be stored at the Municipal Marina. The City of Harbor Springs maintains Deer Park, a fenced-in green space with roaming deer. Little Traverse Wheelway is a 26-mile trail that runs from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix, and Thorn Swift Nature Preserve offers views of Lake Michigan. In the winter, residents can hit the slopes at Nub’s Nob Ski Area and Resort.
East Main Street is home to colorful storefronts and culture
The majority of restaurants and shops in the city are clustered downtown. East Main Street is lined with colorful storefronts, a historical society and a non-profit movie theater. The Deport Dining Club is a members-only eatery in a restored railroad depot. Pier Restaurant is a nautical-themed spot on the water. There are some small businesses, like a gourmet jam and preserve shop called American Spoon. Harbor Springs Market is a local family-owned grocery store. There are more shopping and dining options around 10 miles away in Petoskey.
Community traditions fill the calendar year-round
Harbor Springs hosts many events throughout the year, from the Downtown Harbor Springs Ice Fest to the Harbor Springs Annual Fall Festival. “The weekend of Thanksgiving is the annual Christmas tree lighting that proudly stands in the middle of Main Street and is a cherished community event for locals and visitors,” Millard says. The Harbor Springs Farmers Market runs from May to October.
Harbor Springs offers scenic travel and faces flood concerns
Many homes are within walking distance of amenities in Harbor Springs. M-119 is a narrow scenic road that's also known as the Tunnel of Trees. It connects to U.S. Route 31. Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company travels from Harbor Springs to Petoskey by boat. Pellston Regional Airport is around 20 miles away, while Traverse City and Cherry Capital Airport are around 80 miles away. Able Shuttle provides ground transportation to both airports. Due to its location on the bay, Harbor Springs has a major flood risk, according to First Street.
