Kingsley is a small community, surrounded by forest and farmland
Founded at the crossroads of timber and rail in the late 1800s, Kingsley remains a largely rural village, surrounded by woodlands and farmland, with a small downtown and plenty of outdoor recreation. People are drawn here for a quieter country life, about 15 miles from the more touristy Traverse City — known for its freshwater beaches, vineyards and wineries. "Over time, with Traverse City getting more built up and busier, everyone will have to go out a bit," says Kingsley resident Danielle Jerome-Peters, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors, who has 11 years of experience. "As you get farther away from [the city] into Kingsley, it's more calming. The farmland, flower stands and farmstands are all quaint and charming."
Trails, lakes and outdoor recreation for year-round fun
Kingsley offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Civic Center South Park serves as a year-round gathering spot, including sports courts and fields, a playground and an ice-skating rink. Rodes Field is dedicated to Kingsley High School sports, while Brownson Memorial Park draws visitors with its playground, splash pad and picnic tables. Within 6 miles of the village is the Kingsley Club, a private golf course. The Brown Bridge Quiet Area, roughly the same distance away, is filled with trails surrounding the Boardman River. The eastern side of the park is used for hunting. The creeks that flow through the community are popular with anglers and paddlers. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — known for its mix of dune formations, forests and beaches — stretches out along Lake Michigan, within 35 miles of Kingsley.
Variety of housing types with space for gardening or hobby farming
The housing market offers variety: ranch and farmhouse styles, Colonial Revivals and some manufactured properties. "You see a lot more acreage except for in town, where the lots are smaller," Jerome says. Some residents use their land for vegetable gardening or hobby farming if they have the space. Building eras range from the late 19th century to the 2020s, with some occasional new construction. The median sales price in Kingsley is about $370,000, compared to Traverse City, where it's around $450,000.
Local schools get solid ratings and support career advancement
Kingsley Area Schools covers public education and participates in school choice. Kingsley Elementary School earns a B-plus rating from Niche. Kingsley Middle School gets an A-minus while Kingsley High School maintains a B-minus. The high school prepares students for college through advanced placement courses and partnerships with Northwest Michigan College and Northwest Education Services Career Tech Center in Traverse City.
Some shopping and dining, but more options in Traverse City
Downtown Kingsley is small but features a few highlights. The Kingsley Inn is known for its comfort food and handcrafted cocktails, with menu items ranging from loaded mac and cheese to chicken parmesan. The Village Cafe & Ice Cream Shop sells caffeinated brews, lunch and breakfast food, and hand-dipped ice cream. "There's a chain in Traverse City called J&S Hamburg, which is well known for its breakfast, and it's pretty exciting because we've got one in Kingsley now," Jerome says. Local retailers include an antique shop, a florist shop and Northland Foods Center. Broader choices — brewpubs, waterfront dining and major chains — are in nearby towns. "The beauty of Kingsley is you are almost an equal distance between Cadillac and Traverse City, so you could do either." The closest is Traverse City, roughly 16 miles away, where there is a Walmart Supercenter.
Library events and outdoor programs for kids and families
The Kingsley Branch Library hosts events for all ages, including Books to Movie matinees and an Outdoor Explorers series for children. Kingsley Heritage Days, usually held in August at Civic Center South Park, is on hold in 2025 while its organizing committee explores future plans.
Public transit connects Kingsley with Traverse City and beyond
Michigan 113 passes through Kingsley, and bus stops are scattered throughout the area. Grand Traverse County's BATA public transit links the village with Traverse City and other regional hubs, offering scheduled routes and dial-a-ride options.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
