Houghton is an outdoor destination where each season is welcomed and anticipated, regardless of how cold it may be. "We generate quite a bit of tourism because of our location and recreational activities," says Chris Coponen, Realtor at Century 21 Affiliated. In winter, locals and tourists ski, snowshoe, snowmobile and play outdoor hockey. Summers include mountain biking, boating, hiking and camping, all within eyeshot of The Keweenaw Waterway or a short drive from Lake Superior.
According to NOAA, winters in Houghton are cold and snowy, with months of below-freezing temperatures and more than 200 inches of snow per season, It snows for an average of 90 days, and lake-effect storms bring large amounts of snow all at once. However, locals embrace the cold weather and don't just make do – they make fun. "We get a lot of snow, but we look forward to that up here," Coponen says. "We celebrate the winter just as much as the other seasons."
You'll often see snowmobiles on the frozen waters around Houghton.
Downhill skiers often train at Mont Ripley, near Houghton.
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Michigan Tech is a large employer and an important institution
The city of Houghton more than doubles in size during the school year when 7,000 students come to Michigan Technological University. In addition to being a destination for outdoor recreation, "Houghton is a college town," Coponen says. "Many people who move to Houghton are actually Michigan Tech alumni who move back here after 10 or 20 years because they miss the area, too." Michigan Tech was the first post-secondary school in the Upper Peninsula, founded in 1885 as Michigan Mining School. The university is the city's largest employer, followed by UP Health System Portage.
The university hosts Winter Carnival each year to celebrate the cold weather the area is known for with ice and snow sculptures, a Carnival Queen coronation, broomball tournaments and ice-hockey games on campus.
Michigan Technological University was founded in 1885 and offers more than 150 undergraduate programs.
Michigan Technological University in Houghton is always bustling with students.
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Median home prices are well below the national median
Colonial Revivals and workers' cottages from the early 1900s are the oldest homes in the area, selling between $100,000 and $300,000. Bi-levels and ranch-style homes from the middle of the century and new traditional houses from the past 10 years are more expensive, selling between $275,000 and $770,000. The median price for the area is $250,000 – much lower than the national median – and prices are up 1% from the previous year. Plots of land with multiple acres sell between $15,000 and $100,000, depending on location.
Newer two story homes are also common throughout Houghton.
Many of the homes in Houghton's established neighborhoods date to the late 19th and early 20th century.
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Locals enjoy the water in summer and play ice hockey in winter
Houghton is the birthplace of professional hockey in the United States, with the Portage Lakers being the first fully paid team in 1903. Though the team is inactive, hockey is still a favorite pastime for the city. The Michigan Tech Huskies have won three NCAA Division I national championships, and recreational hockey leagues occur at West Houghton Park and Dee Stadium.
Houghton has ample space for water activities along the Keweenaw Waterway, with waterfront parks, a public fishing pier, a boat launch and the Waterfront Trail. When winter comes, the area's rolling hills become a snowmobiling labyrinth with more than 200 miles of motorized trails. Snowmobiling is not just a recreational activity – it's a means of transportation for those living in Houghton after a blizzard or lake-effect storm.
East Houghton Waterfront Park offers a pavilion and access to snowmobile trails.
West Houghton Park offers an ice rink and playground equipment.
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Houghton-Portage Townships Schools are highly rated
Houghton-Portage Township Schools serves primary and secondary-age students in the city and is rated A on Niche. The district is the second-best in the county and in the top 40 districts of Michigan. All children attend A-rated Houghton Elementary School, followed by A-rated Houghton Middle School. Houghton High School is rated A-minus and has a sports rivalry with Hancock Central High School across the waterway.
Houghton Elementary School has earned an overall grade of A from Niche.com.
Houghton Central High School has earned an overall grade of A from Niche.com.
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Restaurants, shops and a festival along the water
Walmart, Marketplace Foods and fast-food restaurants are southwest of downtown, on West Memorial Drive. Downtown Houghton has two-story brick buildings on gradually declining hills towards the waterway. Bridgefest is a summer festival in downtown Houghton celebrating the Portage Lift Bride. The City of Hancock joins the festivities, and "There are vendors, concerts, waterskiing shows and fireworks beside the waterway," Coponen says.
People can find dining and entertainment throughout downtown Houghton.
Downtown Houghton is often bustling with people visiting the shops and restaurants.
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Ease of transportation often depends on the weather
The Portage Lift Bridge connects Upper Peninsula's northern and southern parts from Houghton, and "traffic can get really bad, especially in winter," Coponen says. When roads are clear and buses are running, Indian Trails and Houghton Motor Transit lines stop in the area, with a designated stop across the waterway at Mont Ripley Ski Area. U.S. Route 41 and Michigan State Road 26 are the main roads connecting the city to the rest of Michigan and northern Wisconsin. Houghton County Memorial Airport is 7 miles north, and the nearest hospital, UP Health System Portage, is 3 miles north in Hancock.
Crime rates are lower than average national rates
According to the FBI, the number of property crime incidents in Houghton has steadily declined over the past eight years, while violent crimes had a slight spike in the past five. Still, violent and property crime rates in Houghton are well below the average national rates.
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Video By
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Houghton, MI sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Houghton, MI over the last 12 months is $259,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING, MOVE-IN READY, ONE-OF-A-KIND HOME IN THE HEART OF THE KEWEENAW! Located in Pilgrim River Hills in Portage Township, this high-end custom-built home offers exceptional quality, upscale finishes, and a highly convenient location less than 10 minutes from Houghton, Michigan Tech, and Chassell, and less than 5 minutes from Portage Lake Golf Course. Set on 1.72 beautifully
Nice home on FIVE City of Houghton lots (two lots undeveloped to right of home) in West Houghton neighborhood. One floor living with three main floor bedrooms, one basement bedroom, and two full bathrooms. The five city lots (Lots 3 through 7) will give you space you normally do not find in the city limits. Main floor has the kitchen, living room, three bedrooms, and one of the full bathrooms.
Welcome to this 3BR Home with Portage Canal Views! Close proximity Michigan Tech & Downtown Houghton! Inside you will find a bright and functional main floor that includes a living room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, pantry, lavatory and a mudroom/laundry. The home includes solid wood floors that run throughout the entire home. The inviting living room flows effortlessly into a formal dining room,
West end of Houghton property that currently has an active rental license and renters. The lease for these renters goes until June 2027. This rental license is for four unrelated and will transfer with the property. This property has been a rental for several years for this Seller with constant rental history. Property is located in a very nice part of town close to Michigan Tech and all Houghton
New Construction Home in Houghton Public Schools. This traditional two-story home offers 1,882 sqft of thoughtfully designed living space with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, blending everyday comfort with timeless style. The home also features a 20x24 two-stall garage, providing space for vehicles, storage, tools, or recreational equipment. The great room is positioned at the front of the home,
Investment Opportunity with R-3 Zoning in the City of Houghton, located minutes from Michigan Tech's campus! This 4 to 5 bedroom (one is walk-thru), 2 1/2 bathroom home is licensed for 8 occupants. The main floor includes kitchen (updated 3+/- years ago), pantry, living room, dining room, family room, half bathroom and unfinished storage room. The second level includes 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
Keweenaw waterfront living at its finest! Stunning views of Portage Lake are the centerpiece of this beautiful home on Canal Road. This property features three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a three-car garage. Step inside to the bright and spacious main floor, with sweeping views of the lake greeting you at every turn. Strategically placed windows provide plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
Rural living at its best! This house is very appealing from its curb appeal to its special charm on the inside! The house has been well cared for from its recently refinished hardwood floors in the living room, new carpet in a bedroom, updated furnace, remodeled bathrooms, and more! The main floor has a living room, dining room, landing area, 2 bedrooms, full bathroom, and kitchen. The bathroom
Nestled just above the banks of the Pilgrim River, this beautiful parcel is ready for your future dream home. Parcel M24 is set on A knoll top with almost 5 acres, apple trees on lower meadow, easy trail options and privacy. The River Trails Development is directly adjacent to the Michigan Tech Trails, which offer access for mountain biking, trail running, hiking and Nordic skiing. Adventure
Located near the banks of the Pilgrim River, this beautiful parcel is ready for your future dream home. Parcel M17 is a private lot with Hunters Creek on the east, with beautiful aspens & pines scattered throuout. The River Trails Development is directly adjacent to the Michigan Tech Trails, which offer access for mountain biking, trail running, hiking and Nordic skiing. Adventure awaits as
Comfort and Convenience on Peepsock Road! Located in a Portage Township neighborhood just minutes from downtown Houghton, Michigan Tech’s campus, and the Michigan Tech Trails, this warm and inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers approximately 1,450 square feet of comfortable main-floor living. Step inside to a practical central foyer with a generous closet. To the right, picture windows fill
Visit our website at TheElementsHoughton dot com for video walkthroughs, information about all our available floor plans, and a link to our application!The Elements is an off-campus student housing community in Houghton, MI located just steps from Michigan Technological University.We've got a variety of options to choose from when you live with us - furnished or non-furnished
Right in the heart of historic Downtown Houghton Gazette Apartments is conveniently close to Michigan Tech, local trails, and all the amenities of the downtown. It boasts affordable lofts and 1 and 2 bedroom options for rent, some with stunning views of the portage canal and bridge. Water, heat and garbage included. There is coin laundry on site, and parking available just a few steps across the
2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment just minutes away from MTU. Washer and dryer in unit. Parking area for 2 vehicles per unit. Water, sewer, garbage pickup, snowplowing included. Owner is a licensed Real Estate Broker in The State of Michigan.
$1,950 per month
3 Bedroom Freshly Renovated Family Home in Houghton
Beautiful family home available for rent on Douglass Ave in Houghton, a quick commute from Michigan Tech Campus! This 3 bedroom freshly renovated home includes amenities such as in unit laundry, off street parking including a single car garage, and heated floors!
Enjoy comfortable living in this fully furnished home located near Michigan Technological University in Houghton. The property offers convenient access to downtown Houghton, as well as a quick commute to MTU.Inside, the home is move-in ready with furnishings included, making it an excellent option for students, faculty, professionals, or families. Large windows provide plenty of natural
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