Beachwood-Bluffton
Muskegon's largest beach and a WWII submarine museum
Pere Marquette Park is one of the most popular summertime destinations in Muskegon. While neighborhood locals can walk to the beach, people from all over the city park their cars along Beach Street and Beach Street Road, which loop together to form what locals refer to as "The Ovals." The white sandy beach features lots of space to lounge and look out at the water. "Even when parking is full, the beach doesn't get overcrowded," says Tim Updyke, a Realtor with Five Star Real Estate and a native of Muskegon. "You're not going to be on top of somebody." The two lighthouses are on their own piers, where people like to get close-up views of the ferry. While many enjoy swimming, personal watercrafting and kiteboarding at the beach, the waves can get pretty rough. "I've been Jet-Skiing out there, and you'll easily have seven- to eight-foot rollers," says Updyke of the surf. "People underestimate it. When you get out there, it's pretty intimidating." About 1 mile south is Kruse Park, which takes people on a boardwalk journey through dunes next to a narrow beach. Meanwhile, Margaret Drake Elliot Park can be found along the Muskegon Channel with walkways that weave through grassy fields and by the water's rocky edge. The USS Silversides Submarine Museum is right next to Margaret Drake Elliot Park, where visitors can tour the vessel, which played a significant role in World War II. All of the neighborhood's marinas offer access to Muskegon Lake, whether residents keep their boats docked or launch them from a boat ramp.Homes on the water and inland
Waterfront properties can be found along both lakes, the channel and the Harbour Towne Marina inlet. Edgewater Street runs along Muskegon Lake with houses on both sides. Most have boat docks, including those on the opposite side of the street from the lake. Houses along Beach street face Pere Marquette Park and Lake Michigan. Only a few dozen have views of the Great Lake's open water, as the rest are blocked by a mound in the middle of The Ovals. According to Updyke, heavy winter winds blow a lot of sand onto the yards of these properties along Beach Street. Houses in front of both lakes can be anywhere from 600 to 3,500 square feet, with prices ranging from $400,000 to $850,000. A few houses face the Muskegon Channel, featuring front decks where residents can watch the ferry and other boats go by. These homes are in a similar price range, though some have sold for more than $1 million. Condominiums in the Harbour Towne homeowners association surround the community's marina, where locals can keep their boats. Most condominiums are about 3,000 square feet, featuring three to four bedrooms and a built-in garage, with prices ranging from $520,000 to $620,000. Inland houses include side-by-side ranch styles, bungalows and contemporary designs ranging from around $300,000 to $600,000. In 2024, city leaders were considering a range of potential restrictions on vacation rentals, including a proposal to limit them to 4% of the homes and condos in 11 areas around the city. Some areas, though, might be exempt.Upscale and casual lakefront dining
Each of the neighborhood's three restaurants provide different waterfront views. Lake Bluff Grille at Muskegon Country Club offers a fine-dining experience with a covered patio overlooking Muskegon Lake. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine, some served with fire rocks, which diners use to cook their own food. There's also a wrap-around bar with wine lockers, allowing regulars to store their favorite wines. Dockers Fish House is set up by a canal at Harbour Towne Marina, offering a lively tiki bar atmosphere. The outdoor string lights, colorful décor and live music all add to the Caribbean spirit of this seafood restaurant, where some popular menu items include fish and chips, lobster rolls and bang bang shrimp tacos. The Deck is right on the beach at Pere Marquette Park. Open from mid-spring through the end of summer, this Lake Michigan beachfront restaurant serves barbecue and draws crowds to enjoy live music, whether relaxing on a beach chair or on the restaurant's upper deck on a swing that faces the lake.The closest big box retailers are about 6 miles away on Henry Avenue. They include Walmart, Meijer, Aldi and The Home Depot.
Annual beer and kiteboarding festivals on the beach
Several events are held on the beach at Pere Marquette Park throughout the year. The Burning Foot Beer Festival has the beach filled with tent campers for a weekend of craft beer from dozens of breweries, food trucks and live music from local, regional and national artists. Another event that draws a big crowd is the annual King of the Great Lakes Kiteboarding Test Fest, which has the whole lake full of kiteboarders while spectators watch from the beach and enjoy live music or even take a kiteboarding lesson from professionals.2023 high school football state champions
Students are served by Muskegon Public Schools, which has an elementary school choice program. Parents may apply to have their children attend one of four elementary schools. Those who are not accepted or don't apply are zoned to Bunker Elementary, which earns a C-minus grade from Niche. Charles Hackley Middle School has yet to be graded because it was built in 2023 with its first school year starting in 2024. Muskegon High School gets a C grade. The high school is notable for its football program, with the Big Reds winning the Division II state championship in 2023.6 miles to downtown and 9 miles to major highways
Locals typically take Lakeshore Drive to leave the neighborhood and drive to other areas of Muskegon, including downtown, which is about 6 miles away. It's about a 9-mile drive to U.S. 31 and Interstate 96, Muskegon's two major highways.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Andrea Crossman
Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt
(616) 312-2291
575 Total Sales
1 in Beachwood-Bluffton
$179,000 Price
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Pamela Derks
Responds QuicklyFive Star Real Estate Fremont
(231) 538-6445
344 Total Sales
1 in Beachwood-Bluffton
$425,000 Price
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PS
Patti Styburski
Responds QuicklyFive Star Real Estate GH
(616) 201-3030
122 Total Sales
2 in Beachwood-Bluffton
$222K - $655K Price Range
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NB
Nate Bostrom
Responds QuicklyRE/MAX West
(231) 666-0462
141 Total Sales
1 in Beachwood-Bluffton
$377,500 Price
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Brian Klingel
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Woodland Schmidt Grand Haven
(231) 666-6471
654 Total Sales
3 in Beachwood-Bluffton
$216K - $390K Price Range
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Brian McDonald
Responds QuicklyRE/MAX Executive
(616) 816-5005
511 Total Sales
1 in Beachwood-Bluffton
$104,900 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Beachwood-Bluffton | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 1 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 1 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 1 | 4 |
Robbery | 1 | 4 |
Burglary | 1 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 4 |
Larceny | 1 | 4 |
Crime Score | 1 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Beachwood-Bluffton Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Beachwood-Bluffton, Muskegon sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Beachwood-Bluffton, Muskegon over the last 12 months is $506,000, up 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
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