Iron River residents and visitors, alike, enjoy the scenic views, outdoor adventures and quiet setting. The area first saw substantial growth when early settlers discovered iron ore deposits nearby and opened mines, attracting those looking for work. Lumber camps, logging from the nearby forests, followed suit, using the nearby railroads to transport their goods. The two industries that fed off the land mostly came to a halt more than a century ago, but Iron River remains a place where residents are closely connected with the land. "The big draw of the area is the forest and the open space," says Stephen Remondini, an associate broker at Stephen's Real Estate and lifelong local of Iron River. "There are over 300 lakes throughout the county, so everyone is within a short drive of somewhere to boat or fish, too." The community of about 3,000 full-time residents is slowly shrinking. However, new people are still moving in – attracted to the area for more than just its natural surroundings. "I have a few friends in their 30s moving back to the area because they're done with the big city life and the cost," Remondini says.
Iron River
Located in Iron County
Homes
Bungalows, Cape Cods and small ranch-style homes from the first half of the 20th century are common, with prices ranging between $45,000 and $150,000. Detached garages are accessible from alleyways that intersect the residential blocks. "Our homes are so much more affordable than other places that it affects the local real estate," Remondini says. "We have buyers coming up from Wisconsin cities since the prices here are way lower." Some homes needing repairs, listed as investment properties or handyman specials, sell for as low as $15,000. Small Colonial Revivals, larger ranch-style homes and split-levels sell for $170,000 to $330,000. Cabins and log homes, usually found near the forests and lakes of the surrounding county, are often used as vacation homes for hunters, anglers and outdoor recreation aficionados. "About 50% of the people who own homes here are only here seasonally," Remondini says. They range between $180,000 and $640,000, depending on location and size.
Parks
Nature preserves, national forests, lakes and campgrounds are around the county, within an hour's drive of Iron River. "The outdoors are the brunt of why people come here," Remondini says. Ski Brule has downhill skiing and snowboarding, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in the forests during winter. "People hunt and fish throughout every season," Remondini says. "And you can bike, hike, camp and snowmobile." Back in the city, residents play baseball, tennis and pickleball at Nelson Field. The park, where the local schools play their sports, has a football field, a rubber track and a playground.
Events
The Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo has been running for almost 60 years at the arena in Bachman Park, with events like bull riding, steer wrestling, bareback horse riding, barrel racing and more. "It draws people from all over the country," Remondini says. The event takes place over one summer weekend, and the arena is used for more local events like demolition derbies and the county fair.
Schools
Stambaugh Elementary School teaches prekindergarten through fifth grade and is rated B by Niche. West Iron County High School teaches sixth grade through graduation and is rated B-minus. The two school buildings share one campus, connected by an atrium. Across all grade levels, there is a one-to-one student-technology ratio. Kindergarteners each have an iPad for in-class use, while the remaining students each have a Chromebook. Through Michigan's Schools of Choice program, students can attend any public school outside their district.
Shopping and Dining
The small shopping and dining strip along Genesee Street has local stores, including a gift shop, a boutique, an outdoor gear store and a drugstore. Contrast Coffee Co. moved along the main street from one location to another, adding more seating space for patrons to enjoy the shop's coffee, tea and light bites. Super One Foods and Dollar General are in town, and the nearest Walmart is in Iron Mountain . "It's only about 45 minutes away," Remondini says. "But most people just order stuff online if they can wait a few days for their items."
Transportation
U.S. Route 2 and Michigan state highways 189 and 73 are the area's main roads, and Iron Mountain is about 45 miles southeast via Route 2. While some commute outside Iron River for work, Remondini explains that many residents work remotely or at Aspirus Iron River Hospital. Ford Airport in Iron Mountain has regional and domestic flights, and the nearest airport with international flights is Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay , Wisconsin.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Agents Specializing in this Area
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Jeremy Oberlander
Jeremy Oberlander
Responds QuicklyREDMAN REALTY GROUP, LLC
(715) 522-5679
281 Total Sales
9 in Iron River
$65K - $1.4M Price Range
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Daniel Menard
Daniel Menard
COLDWELL BANKER SCHMIDT REALTORS
(906) 936-6206
134 Total Sales
1 in Iron River
$219,900 Price
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Rachel Martin
Rachel Martin
REDMAN REALTY GROUP, LLC
(715) 418-8463
185 Total Sales
17 in Iron River
$45K - $300K Price Range
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Jordyn Leonarduzzi
Jordyn Leonarduzzi
RE/MAX NORTH COUNTRY
(906) 284-5274
6 Total Sales
2 in Iron River
$40K - $74K Price Range
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Jim Mulleady
Jim Mulleady
Responds QuicklySHOREWEST - EAGLE RIVER
(715) 666-3636
204 Total Sales
2 in Iron River
$115K - $200K Price Range
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Tammy Kauranen
Tammy Kauranen
Responds QuicklyFIRST WEBER, INC
(906) 285-6022
213 Total Sales
2 in Iron River
$295K - $1.9M Price Range
Iron River Housing Trends
On average, homes in Iron River, MI sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Iron River, MI over the last 12 months is $110,000, up 33% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Area Facts
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Distribution of Home Values
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
Iron River Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
