In the palm of mainland Michigan’s mitten-like shape, Mt. Pleasant is a town with more attractions, events and goings-on than a typical town of about 21,000. Home to Central Michigan University and its 14,000 students, the campus is a center of activity, with such things as Division I sports, concerts and amenities. But the town itself caters to the recreational and cultural needs of its full-time citizens with its own calendar of events and amenities. "We have a lot of stuff going on,” says Realtor Liz Bliss of Keller Williams Northern Signature Group. Medicine is big business in Mt. Pleasant, with an on-campus medical school and a pair of hospitals in the city.
Mount Pleasant has a population of just over 23,000, of which the University contributes.
Central Michigan University has over 14,000 students enrolled and offers more than 200 programs.
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Classic bungalows and ranch-styles
Mount Pleasant’s suburbs spread out generally north and east of downtown. Lot sizes vary depending city-core proximity. Typically, buyers will find three-bedroom bungalows and ranch-style homes on lots between a tenth- and quarter-acre. The price range for these homes is from $130,000 to $330,000, with a median of $240,000. Condos are less common and are often built in styles resembling single-family homes. They sell for about $170,000 to $350,000. Rental apartments are concentrated in the southwest corner of the city, near the university.
Smaller ranch and bungalow-style homes are the most commonly found in Mount Pleasant.
One of the most prevalent home styles in Mount Pleasant is simple ranch.
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Spending the day on the Chippewa River and its trails
The Chippewa River winds along Mount Pleasant’s west side, around which are some of the area’s best parks. Nelson Park is known for its gazebo and walking trails. Mill Pond Park has a playground for kids, but the real attraction is its wildlife. Residents might see a neighbor paddling by on a kayak. Dogs are welcome at Chipp-A-Waters Park, trails from which connect to other parks. “We have trails from one end of the river to the other, and they’re paved,” says Bliss.
The Ziibiwing Center was created by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe to honor and preserve their culture. Another source of fun-based education is the Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum. Kids can learn about science, world cultures and natural history in a hands-on manner.
Some fitness facilities on the university campus are open to the public.
Chipp-A-Waters Park allows locals easy access to the Chippewa River for fishing and kayaking.
Island Park is entirely surrounded by the Chippewa River, allowing for scenic walks.
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Beat the Heat Summer Series
Mount Pleasant’s Beat the Heat Summer Series is a collection of warm weather events designed to bring neighbors together. Every few weeks beginning in June, the city holds sponsored events like Bark at the Park, Soak Up Summer and Back to School Bash. Each of these is held at a different park, but the parks are all chosen for their spots along the Chippewa River. July's Isabella County Fair takes place at the fairgrounds north of town.
The CMU Chippewas compete in 16 sports, many of which are open for spectators. Plays and musical events take the stage at three campus venues.
A blend of locally owned and fast food spots along U.S. Route 127
Many of Mount Pleasant’s eateries are along Mission Street, which branches off U.S. 127 through the center of the city and adjacent to CMU. These include Korean, Chinese and breakfast spots, as well as various bars and bistros. Several fast-food chains appear on the same road. Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort features dining, gaming and entertainment.
The Pixie Diner is an eclectic restaurant with an old-fashioned feel and menu.
Ponder Coffee is popular with students and professors alike from CMU.
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Mount Pleasant Public Schools
Mount Pleasant Public Schools is rated B-minus overall by Niche. Some 3,300 students attend the district’s seven schools. Central Michigan University's nearly 900-acre campus is in the southwest corner of the city. Its specialties are engineering, psychology and computer science and was named in the 2025 top 10% of four-year schools by U.S. News and World Report.
Central Michigan University is one of the largest employers in Mount Pleasant.
Mt. Pleasant High School has an overall B+ rating on Niche.com.
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The crossroads makes downtown commutes easy
Mount Pleasant is about 50 miles from Lake Huron to the east and about 80 miles to Lake Michigan to the west, “so it’s not a far drive from any water,” says Bliss. The Isabella County Transportation Commission operates three shuttle routes -- each of which touch the university campus -- and a broader-reaching on-demand ride service. Airline service is about 60 miles away at the Midland-Bay City-Saginaw airport, but more options exist at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, about 150 miles away, McLaren Central Michigan Hospital is closest to downtown.
Crime and PFAs in Mount Pleasant
According to FBI statistics provided by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, the city;s crime rate generally remains lower than both Michigan’s and the United States’. Aside from the occasional exceptions occurring every few months when the city’s rate meets or exceeds the state’s and country’s, all violent and property crimes are low.
The Great Lakes have a year-round effect on local weather, tending to moderate summer temperatures and contributing to lake-effect snows in the winter. Recent decades have revealed the presence of PFAs, also known as “forever chemicals,” in the city’s groundwater. Since 2019, professionals have worked to regularly test the city and surrounding areas’ groundwater supplies.
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Mount Pleasant, MI sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Mount Pleasant, MI over the last 12 months is $225,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This inviting bungalow offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, blending classic charm with modern updates. Enjoy relaxing on the large newly built front porch or entertaining in the fenced-in backyard, perfect for grilling just off the kitchen. Recent upgrades include new vinyl windows, a brand-new furnace, and a water heater (2023). Conveniently located within close proximity to all the dining,
Charming and updated, this two-story, three bedroom, one bath home is move-in ready and full of recent updates! The main floor features all new flooring (2023) and a kitchen complete with newer appliances. A recently added bedroom provides additional space for guests, a home office, or growing needs. The bathroom has been thoughtfully remodeled with a new vanity and toilet for a fresh, clean
Nicole NoteboomKeller Williams of NM Signature Group
Welcome home to The Village at Bluegrass in Mt. Pleasant, MI! Our vibrant community offers two, three, and four-bedroom floor plans, with options for both furnished and unfurnished homes. We can’t wait to show you all of the exciting amenities and features at The Village at Bluegrass! Earn those late-night study cookies with a workout in our fitness center or our indoor basketball court. Relax
Premier equestrian facility for lease: nine 14x16 stalls with individual access to pastures, 2 outdoor arenas with sand and limestone, 7 fenced pastures, 69x120 indoor arena, with overhead doors on the side and end of the arena, grooming stall, washing stall, manure storage area, feed room, tack room with 1/2 bathroom and 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment and office with windows overlooking indoor
We have future availability for our income and student restricted apartments.Studio-Move In Date 06/27/25 $1,046.00 Monthly Apt #211Studio-Move In Date 06/27/25 $1,046.00 Monthly Apt #412We currently have future availability for our market rate apartments.Two Bedroom-Move In Date 10/07/25 $1,528.00 Monthly Apt#316Please continue to check on our website for
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
