Norton Shores

Norton Shores

Located in Muskegon County

$328,850 Average Value
$195 Average Price per Sq Ft
42 Homes For Sale

The waterfront is a lifestyle in Norton Shores

A slender strip of beach traces the edge of Lake Michigan’s east side, forming one of the main attractions of Norton Shores, a town of about 25,000 near Muskegon. It's newer than most, chartered in 1968, but the town has been a lakefront destination much longer. And the third-largest of the Great Lakes isn't the only choice. There's also tiny — in comparison — Mona Lake just inland, adding another waterfront with a thin, navigable connection between the two bodies of water. "You can run smaller boats on there. It’s a channel,” says Realtor Tom Monette of Greenridge Realty, Inc. Homes vary in yard size but are generally priced below national norms. On top of that, the centrally located Muskegon County Airport offers connecting flights to major airports.

Norton Shores lies just South of Downtown Muskegon and minutes from Lake Michigan.
Norton Shores lies just South of Downtown Muskegon and minutes from Lake Michigan.
Lake Michigan's sand dunes mix with winter snow to make for beautiful views in Norton Shores.
Lake Michigan's sand dunes mix with winter snow to make for beautiful views in Norton Shores.
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Spending time on one of two lakes

Norton Shores’ most popular outdoor spaces are on the water. Lake Harbor Park showcases the Mona Lake shoreline and the Lake Michigan beach, connecting to the larger city to the north. “Norton Shores is tied to Muskegon,'' Monette says. "A lot of the waterfront is in that city.'' P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, which stretches for 3 miles along Lake Michigan south of town, is another favorite. Aside from relaxing on the sand or going for a swim, Dune Overlook Trail is known for its views. Little Black Lake is another water choice, appropriate for fishing from smaller boats.

Pere Marquette Park is one of the largest public beaches around Muskegon.
Pere Marquette Park is one of the largest public beaches around Muskegon.
Kruse Park has stretching wood walkways through the Lake Michigan dunes.
Kruse Park has stretching wood walkways through the Lake Michigan dunes.
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Heading north to Muskegon for some events

Most of the events available to residents year-round occur 3 miles north in Muskegon. In the more frigid months, there are coffee socials, book club meetings and music trivia nights. When things warm up, the Frauenthal Center hosts live concerts, and locals gather for a Labor Day celebration at Hackley Park.

Festival of Trees has live music on the stage of the Muskegon Museum of Art.
Festival of Trees has live music on the stage of the Muskegon Museum of Art.
The Port City Spectacular car show takes place annually downtown in Muskegon.
The Port City Spectacular car show takes place annually downtown in Muskegon.
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Accessibly priced homes near Lake Michigan

The median price in Norton Shores is $275,000, below the national median but an 11% increase from the previous year. Some of the area's most expensive homes on the largest lots are built on Mona Lake, often with backyard boat docks. Lot sizes typically range from a tenth- to a quarter-acre with mostly smaller lots on the north side of town and larger ones on the south side. Bungalows and ranch-styles are the most prevalent, usually with two or three bedrooms. Roosevelt Park is north of Mona Lake and east of the beach, a largely residential area.

Cape Cod and Ranch style homes are the most commonly found in Norton Shores.
Cape Cod and Ranch style homes are the most commonly found in Norton Shores.
Mona Lake, in Norton Shores, is ringed with the highest value homes in the area.
Mona Lake, in Norton Shores, is ringed with the highest value homes in the area.
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Grabbing a bite along Route 31

Most of the city’s restaurants are clustered along U.S. Route 31 on the east side of town. The thoroughfare runs north to south, bringing with it fast-food chains. A few grocery stores can also be found here, but the biggest draw is the Lakes Mall. Residents can spend an afternoon shopping inside at one of the mall’s more than two dozen retailers. For a night out after a day on the water, there are locally owned restaurants closer to Mona Lake. These range from bars to bistros to pizzerias.

Residents of Norton Shores head to Toast N' Jams for breakfast and lunch.
Residents of Norton Shores head to Toast N' Jams for breakfast and lunch.
The Brunch House is a popular restaurant on Henry Street in Roosevelt Park.
The Brunch House is a popular restaurant on Henry Street in Roosevelt Park.
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Mona Shores Public School District

Students in Norton Shores can enroll in the Mona Shores Public School District, which earns an overall A rating from Niche. Some 3,800 students attend class across the district’s six schools each day. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 17 to one, the district is on par with national figures. Mona Shores’ performing arts program continues to receive the NAMM’s Best Communities for Music Education Award year after year.

Mona Shores High School in Norton Chores, MI.
Mona Shores High School in Norton Chores, MI.
Mona Shores Middle School in Norton Shores, MI.
Mona Shores Middle School in Norton Shores, MI.
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A short drive to the beach

The distance between Norton Shores’ two farthest points is 8 miles, so even those living on the outskirts don’t have to commute far to the commercial east side. Someone living at the city’s northeast corner, for example, will have a 6-mile, 15-minute drive to the beach, with good traffic. Non-driving residents can ride the Muskegon Area Transit System, which offers bus routes to the northern residential portion of the city. A bus ride from this area to the commercial side lasts about 20 minutes. The Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital lies about an eighth-mile north of city limits. Although there are not international airports nearby, the Muskegon County Regional Airport offers connections to Chicago O’Hare.

Locals can enjoy ice fishing during the winter months on Mona Lake in Norton Shores.
Locals can enjoy ice fishing during the winter months on Mona Lake in Norton Shores.
The shores of Lake Michigan become filled with icebergs during the winter months.
The shores of Lake Michigan become filled with icebergs during the winter months.
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Crime and high temperatures in Norton Shores

According to the FBI’s data, the crime rate in Norton Shores remains lower than that of the state and the country.

According to Risk Factor, the major environmental concerns for the residents of Norton Shores are wildfires and air pollution. The latter is an issue several days out of the year, during which the air quality is deemed poor. Norton Shores tends to have worse air quality than nearly all of Michigan’s cities.

Malcolm Longerbeam
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam
Tyler Bolduc
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Charlie Lingner
Video By
Charlie Lingner

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Tanya Powell-May, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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

Norton Shores Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$294,310
Median Sale Price
$280,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$280,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$387,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$207,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
668
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$7
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$195

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
42
Months of Supply
0.80

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jun 15
    1 - 2pm

    5128 Henry St, Muskegon, MI 49441

    $489,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,650 Sq Ft
    • 5128 Henry St

    This beautiful new construction ranch sits on 1.5 acres and offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an open-concept design filled with natural light. The spacious primary suite features a private en-suite bathroom, creating a relaxing retreat.The daylight lower level offers exciting potential for future expansion, including a 4th bedroom or additional living space. Step outside to a large deck,

    Sandi Gentry RE/MAX Lakeshore

  • Monday, Jun 16
    5:30 - 7pm

    3676 Brentwood St Unit 30, Norton Shores, MI 49441

    $199,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,058 Sq Ft
    • 3676 Brentwood St
    • Unit 30
    • New 4 days ago

    Move right into this well maintained, end unit beauty! Recently painted throughout, new carpet, new dishwasher, new roof, new water heater, it's all been done!! Desirable Seminole Grove is located in the heart of Norton Shores, close to retail, pristine beaches, recreation fun, and main highways. HOA fee is a budget friendly $231/month. It covers all lawn maintenance, basic cable, gutter

    Barbara Holt Five Star Real Estate

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Norton Shores Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
23,960
Median Age
43
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$67,197
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$84,389

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.7%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
31.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.3%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.7%
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.
Norton Shores