$189,102Average Value$139Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
A lumber town turned waterfront downtown community
Nelson embraces its past with some of Muskegon’s oldest homes while welcoming the growth of the city’s downtown lakefront. Two massive 19th-century Victorian homes with elaborate designs stand in Nelson, known as the Hackley & Hume Historic Site. Charles Hackley and Thomas Hume are credited for putting Muskegon on the map as a prosperous lumber town in the 1850s. Their lumber mill, along with others, ran strong next to Muskegon Lake for decades. But when business waned in the late 1900s, the city turned to recreation and tourism on the waterfront, converting the rundown downtown into a vibrant area of shops, restaurants and entertainment. “First they put in a big mall that encompassed our historical buildings,” says Terry Puffer, a local Realtor and team lead with Five Star Real Estate. “They tore it all down, and now there’s a lot of new development there.” Part of Nelson’s revitalization also stems from the work of the Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association. April Thompson, a board member of the NNIA, says, “Nelson has been a neighborhood in need of repair and people to move here to care for it. One way we do that is through Adopt-a-Lot. Neighbors will pick an empty lot and commit to maintaining it.” The neighborhood also strives to have a close-knit community by hanging newsletters on every doorknob three times a year, and hosting annual events, from summer concerts to Christmas celebrations in the park.
The Nelson neighborhood is the heart of Muskegon on the shores of Muskegon Lake.
The Nelson neighborhood is home to the LC Walker Arena, where the Lumberjacks play.
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Heritage Landing, Hackley Park and museums
Heritage Landing is the neighborhood’s lakefront park, where people can look out at the water from the compass-rose shaped pier. Trails wind around the green space and over a small, curving bridge above an inlet, leading to a sandy playground and amphitheater, where city events are held. Locals can keep their boats at the Adelaide Pointe marina or launch them from the boat ramp to go fishing and explore Muskegon Lake, or cross the channel to the open waters of Lake Michigan. Away from the water but still in the downtown area, Hackley Park is an urban square that was donated by Charles Hackley to the city. A 76-foot monument called “Soldiers and Sailors” stands in the middle with four other statues in the corners honoring Civil War heroes, including Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Several community gardens can be found all over the neighborhood as well. “The garden committee provides the seeds, dirt and water to anyone who might not be able to finance them,” says Thompson. “Some people grow flowers and some grow produce and share it with neighbors.” One garden is at the Hackley Public Library, another example of Victorian architecture wrapped in stone. It’s right next to the Muskegon Museum of Art, which is just one of many museums in Nelson. The Hackley and Hume Historic Site gives tours of the two mansions. A wooly mammoth statue greets visitors outside the Muskegon Museum of History & Science. And the USS LST 393 Veteran’s Museum takes people inside a World War II Landing Ship Tank.
Hackley Park is located in Muskegon and gets its name from a prominent founding family.
The Muskegon Museum of Art in Nelson hosts rotating displays and exhibits.
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Muskegon Irish Music Festival and Christmas lights at the park
Tens of thousands of people gather at Heritage Landing for the Muskegon Irish Music Festival. The four-day event is held every September, featuring live Celtic music. A cruise ship typically stops by, adding more people to the spectacle. The Muskegon Farmers Market is open year-round with vendors moving inside from December to April. Locals have been attending Parties in the Park for more than 40 years at Hackley Park. The summertime event is held on Fridays and is a time for people to come together over food and live music. “A lot of people come to Parties in the Park,” says Thompson. “You bring your own chairs, grab something to eat from a food truck and enjoy the music.” The holiday season is kicked off with a tree-lighting ceremony at Hackley Park. But it’s not just the tree that lights up. The entire park, plus several blocks downtown illuminate with holiday lights.
Downtown shopping and dining
Many local businesses have set up shop on Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon. The area is full of restaurants, such as Dr. Rolf’s Barbecue, which was opened by local physician, Dr. Rolf, who also had a passion for cooking barbecue. There are also several breweries downtown, including Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, where people can eat and drink in the taproom or out on the patio. Locals can stay casual by hitting up Hamburger Mikey, a longtime staple serving burgers, fries and milkshakes, or head to The Lake House Waterfront Grill to enjoy small-plate seafood while watching the sunset behind Muskegon Lake. Shoppers will find several boutiques and gift shops on Western Avenue. For everyday shopping needs, locals are no more than 5 miles from big box retailers such as Walmart and Meijer.
Rad Dad's is a 90's-themed taco restaurant that's part of the LC Walker Arena in downtown.
The Cheese Lady is a regional wine and cheese market originally from Nelson.
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Bungalows, Victorians and contemporary lakefront houses
Residential grid-pattern streets are lined with sidewalks and single-family homes, most of which were built between 1900 and the 1930s. Single- and two-story Craftsman-style bungalows are common. In good condition, they sell for around $100,000 to $250,000. Fixer-uppers can sell for as low as $25,000. The neighborhood also has some larger 2,500- to 3,500-square-foot Colonial Revivals and Victorian-style homes near the Hackley & Hume Historic Site. These can range anywhere from $250,000 to $650,000. Developers have recently been filling empty lots with New Traditional houses ranging from $300,000 to $350,000. The Viridian Shores development is right along Muskegon Lake, with 1,800-square-foot, three-bedroom contemporary houses selling for $600,000 to $700,000.
The Nelson neighborhood has a large variety of homes, historic Victorian to new Traditional.
The Victorian style can be felt throughout the Nelson neighborhood homes.
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Home of the Big Reds
Muskegon Public Schools has a school choice program for elementary students. The district’s three elementary schools are about 2 to 3 miles away, with Oakview the closest, earning a C-minus grade from Niche. Charles Hackley Middle School has yet to be rated since opening in 2024. Muskegon High School, which earns a C-plus, won the Division II state football championship in 2023. The Big Reds' stadium is in the southeast corner of the neighborhood across the streets from homes, so it’s common to hear Friday night football games.
Charles Hackley Middle School is a public school located in Muskegon, Michigan.
Muskegon High School is located in Muskegon, Michigan.
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Getting around Muskegon
Public transportation is available with Muskegon Area Transit System bus stops located throughout the residential area and on the main roads. The neighborhood is about 7 miles from Pere Marquette Park, the city’s most prominent Lake Michigan beach. U.S. Business 31 runs through Nelson leading to U.S. 31, which runs north and south throughout the entire west coast of Michigan. It can also be taken 8 miles south to Muskegon County Airport, which offers 30-minute flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Nelson neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Nelson
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Nelson Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Nelson, Muskegon sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Nelson, Muskegon over the last 12 months is $159,500, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located just blocks from schools, parks, downtown Muskegon, Heritage Landing, and Muskegon Lake, 1388 7th St offers convenience and value in one great package. This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home features nearly 1,000 square feet of comfortable living space. Recent major updates include new windows, roof, mechanicals, and appliances, giving you peace of mind from day one. The updated aesthetic
318 Houston Avenue - The Historic Hovey HouseOwn one of Muskegon County's most iconic estates. Built in 1889 by lumber baron Horatio Hovey, this Michigan Historic Site blends Gilded Age architecture with strong income potential just steps from Muskegon Lake, the Convention Center, Third Street dining, and the waterfront redevelopment district.Currently generating over $100,000 annually,
Vacant .2 acre lot located in the Nelson neighborhood within walking distance to Western Ave. and downtown shops and restaurants. May qualify for tax incentives through Muskegon City. See attached documents and incentive map.
Opportunity awaits! Fire-damaged Craftsman-style home with significant upside potential. The current layout has been converted to a 2-bedroom, 1-bath configuration to allow for an expanded bathroom. The upper level offers potential for a future primary suite. Great opportunity for investors, contractors, or buyers looking to restore a home with character. Sold as-is.
Great opportunity for an Investing in a multifamily home or live in one unit and rent the other! This house has had a lot of updates over the last couple of years and is ready for a new owner. Main level unit is a 3 bedroom, 1 bath with a full basement that could be shared space for both units. The upstairs is a spacious 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath with a fully renovated bathroom. Don't miss your
Welcome Home! 1204 4th St blends modern updates with timeless charm in a move-in ready package. The main floor features new luxury vinyl plank flooring and fresh carpet throughout, creating a bright and inviting feel. Enjoy a spacious living room that flows into a vaulted dining area perfect for entertaining. The main level also offers a large bedroom with oversized closet, updated full bath,
Rachel AsialaCity2Shore Gateway Group of Byron Center
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow offers a completely refreshed interior and is move-in ready. Inside, you'll find new flooring, updated light fixtures, and fresh paint throughout, creating a bright and modern feel. The kitchen features beautiful quartz countertops and brand-new stainless-steel appliances, while the updated bathroom showcases a stylish tile shower surround and box wainscot
Completely updated and move-in ready, this Muskegon home combines classic charm with modern finishes throughout. Recent improvements include new windows, fresh paint, updated flooring, remodeled bathrooms, and a fully renovated kitchen featuring new cabinetry, countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The spacious kitchen offers ample storage and room for dining, while the bright living spaces
Charming bungalow full of character and timeless appeal featuring beautiful hardwood floors, classic plaster walls, and elegant cove ceilings. The spacious living and dining rooms offer plenty of room for gatherings while showcasing the home’s charm and character. The updated kitchen comes with stainless steel appliances. First-floor laundry and a one-car garage add everyday practicality, while
Welcome to 313 Washington Ave, a cute 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home in Muskegon! This home has been freshly remodeled and is ready for new owners. Highlights of this property include a 1-stall, attached garage, large kitchen and living room areas, a dedicated dining room, and a massive backyard with a patio! Schedule a private showing today and make this house your home! The seller is requesting a
Build your dream home on the last available lakefront lot in the prestigious Veridian Shores development. Enjoy beautiful waterfront living with access to the community pool and convenient proximity to downtown Muskegon's dining, entertainment, and recreational amenities. Located within Muskegon's Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ), this property may qualify for substantial property tax
Nice investment opportunity in the City of Muskegon. Larger unit has 3 bedrooms and 1 bath and the lower unit has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. Whether you're looking to launch your next venture or invest in a property with long-term upside, this site is ready for your vision. Buyer to verify all information.
Major capital improvements already completed -- new water heaters, new furnaces, and a full renovation of Unit 1. Unit 3 was rebuilt from the studs up. The work is done; just step in and collect.Currently stabilized with reliable long-term tenants plus one booked midterm rental, this property is cash-flowing and positioned for immediate returns. Whether you're an investor adding to your
Lofts of Muskegon is a thoughtfully designed four-story family community located in the heart of Muskegon, Michigan. Featuring 42 modern apartment homes, the community offers spacious two- and three-bedroom layouts — including 28 two-bedroom and 14 three-bedroom residences — created to provide comfort, convenience, and contemporary living.
Terrace Flats are conveniently located in downtown Muskegon next to the Muskegon Farmers Market and within walking distance to restaurants, distilleries and shopping. Located on the top two floors of Terrace Plaza, these market rate apartments have excellent views of downtown Muskegon and Muskegon Lake. Enjoy Amazing Views of Muskegon Lake and downtown Muskegon from one of the tallest buildings
The Leonard - Muskegon's Newest High-rise! This new, prestigious, multi-use property in a prime location on the corner of West Western Avenue and Second Street in Downtown Muskegon. Great restaurant/retail/office location with plenty of parking on the site and in the immediate area. This property contains twenty-four residential apartments on floors three thru six, one floor of office space and
Beautiful, Modern & Newer Downtown Living in Muskegon close to all this eccentric city has to offer! Loft Style 2 bedroom Floorplans- Different options to choose from all come with balconies and some with breathtaking water views!
Two bedroom, one bathroom lower level duplex available for rent in Muskegon just northeast of Laketon and Seaway. Recent updates include; a large enclosed porch, refinished hardwood floors, and spacious kitchen with eating area. Access to shared basement with separate washer/dryer hookups is available for resident use. Tenant is responsible for gas, electric, and a $15/month flat rate utility fee
Spacious 2 Bedroom Layout – Three well-proportioned bedrooms offer plenty of space for families, roommates, or anyone in need of extra room to live and grow800 SF of Comfortable Living Space – A smart, functional floor plan that makes the most of every square foot for easy, everyday livingFull Bath – A clean, functional bathroom serving the household with convenience in mind with two shower
Grow your business at this prime location in Downtown, Muskegon! Located at the corner of Third and Monroe Ave, this location gets heavy foot traffic and drive by visibility. During the fall/spring/summer months, Muskegon City events draw more people to the area increasing visibility. Matched with the ideal location, the unit is fully equipped and functional with a bathroom included. Get in
Spacious 3 Bedroom Layout – Three well-proportioned bedrooms offer plenty of space for families, roommates, or anyone in need of extra room to live and grow800 SF of Comfortable Living Space – A smart, functional floor plan that makes the most of every square foot for easy, everyday livingFull Bath – A clean, functional bathroom serving the household with convenience in mindDedicated Parking –
This cute yellow house is a spacious 2 Bedroom, with an enclosed front porch and parking in the back. Large kitchen has enough room for a table, plus there is a separate dining room. Fresh paint throughout, ready for you to move in! Centrally located for easy access to downtown Muskegon, schools and shopping.Tenant pays for gas, electric and water.Pets considered on a case by case
Welcome to this stunning 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom house that offers a perfect blend of comfort, character, and convenience. Situated in a desirable location in downtown Muskegon, only a 10 minute walk to the Muskegon Social District, Farmers Market, and Muskegon Lake.Key Features:Recently refreshed kitchen featuring freshly painted cabinets, granite, and upgraded stainless steel
Two bedroom, one bathroom duplex available for rent near Peck and Laketon in Muskegon. Residents enjoy off-street parking and an office/den space. Tenant is responsible for gas, electric, and lawn care/snow removal. Renters insurance required. Cat friendly, fees apply. Schedule a tour today! Application Fee: $55 (non-refundable after processing)Security Deposit: Equal to 1-1.5x the
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