North Muskegon is a peninsula surrounded by two lakes
North Muskegon is a long, thin peninsula sandwiched between Bear Lake and Muskegon Lake. “The lakes are a big draw because they both go out to Lake Michigan,” says Tricia Carlson, a Realtor with Five Star Real Estate who has lived in the region since 1993. Boating, fishing and other water sports are all part of life in the lakefront community, which is just across the water from the city of Muskegon. Home prices tend to be higher in North Muskegon than in Muskegon, thanks in part to the community’s highly rated schools and scenic waterfront.
Home prices nearly double than Muskegon
The median home sale price in North Muskegon is $380,000 compared to $200,000 in Muskegon. Most houses were built between the late 1800s and mid-1900s. “It’s a narrow peninsula with a lot of older homes, so there’s not much room for anything to be built,” Carlson says. Century-old houses include bungalows and National-style homes blended with many midcentury ranch-style houses. Waterfront homes rarely hit the market, but a three-bedroom house with a private dock on Bear Lake recently sold for $950,000.
All public schools are connected and highly rated
All three public school buildings are connected. North Muskegon Elementary School receives a B grade from Niche, and North Muskegon Middle School — ranked the best middle school in Muskegon County — receives an A-minus. According to the school district website, eighth graders and their parents can meet with counselors to help chart a path at North Muskegon High School, which is also graded an A-minus.
Waterfront parks and marinas offer fishing, boating and views
Locals may keep their boats docked at the Pointe Marine Association or the Muskegon Conservation Club, which also has a public boat ramp into Muskegon Lake. Bear Lake and Muskegon Lake are popular fishing spots, and a channel leads to Lake Michigan. There are several waterfront parks, such as Bear Lake Beach with its sandy shoreline, and Custer Park, a natural green space with a gazebo overlooking Muskegon Lake frequently used for weddings. Youth leagues play baseball and soccer at Waterfront Sports Park, which also features a playground and a fishing pier. It’s about a 5-mile drive to the sand dunes and beach at Muskegon State Park.
Nationally acclaimed pizza and other businesses downtown
North Muskegon’s downtown runs along a small strip of Center Street. Bernie O’s, a local favorite for pizza, has gained national attention for its “Twist Pizza.” The restaurant was featured on Food Network and voted one of the best pizza restaurants by Pizza Today Magazine. Across the street, the Village Pub and Eatery also serves pizza and American dishes, featuring a dining area with a skylight. Bear Lake Tavern sits on the channel between Bear Lake and Muskegon Lake, serving seafood inside and on a patio by the water. More businesses are on Whitehall Road, including Harding’s Market for groceries. Several big-box retailers are about 10 miles away in Norton Shores on the south side of Muskegon.
Circle of Trees brings festive spirit around City Hall
While some towns light up one Christmas tree for the holidays, North Muskegon does things differently. The city hosts “Circle of Trees” in the green space between City Hall and the public schools. The event features several trees decorated by residents and organizations, which are all lit up during a special ceremony to kick off the season. Locals attend more annual events in Muskegon as well, including the Michigan Irish Festival, the Burning Foot Festival and several more.
Muskegon just down the road and Grand Rapids about 40 minutes away
Ruddiman Drive is the main road that goes from one end of the peninsula to the other. It leads to Whitehall Road, which locals take to get to Muskegon. U.S. 31 is about 4 miles away and runs along much of Michigan’s west coast, part of a 45-mile drive to Grand Rapids and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Travelers can also drive about 12 miles to Muskegon County Airport, which offers flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
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Written By
Nicolas Stuart
