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Norton Shores

Norton Shores

Located in Muskegon County

$338,946 Average Value
$187 Average Price per Sq Ft
37 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 Andrea Zoet, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing 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

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
8,677
Number of Homes for Sale
37
Median Year Built
1963
Months of Supply
1.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,511
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,611
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,492
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,393
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,503

Open Houses

  • Thursday, Mar 19
    Open Thu 4PM - 6PM

    7248 Atwater Dr, Norton Shores, MI 49456

    $349,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,336 Sq Ft
    • 7248 Atwater Dr

    Welcome to Atwater Springs, Norton Shores' most exciting new development, where low-maintenance living meets lakeside beauty. This thoughtfully planned community is nestled around picturesque Lake Lorraine and offers stunning views along with convenient access to area attractions. The 1,338 sq ft NightHawk model features three second-floor bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, an open-concept main living

    Joseph Keck-Dion Core Realty Partners LLC

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  • Thursday, Mar 19
    Open Thu 4PM - 6PM

    7236 Atwater Springs Dr, Norton Shores, MI 49456

    $379,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,703 Sq Ft
    • 7236 Atwater Springs Dr

    Welcome to the hottest new development in Norton Shores! This low-maintenance community nestled around beautiful Lake Lorraine boasts stunning scenery and tons of nearby attractions. The MeadowLark plan offers a spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom layout with a finished walkout basement. Atwater Springs puts you in the heart of it all. Enjoy breathtaking views of the lake directly from your

    Joseph Keck-Dion Core Realty Partners LLC

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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
$79,601
Average Household Income
$84,389

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.7%
Above the national average
89%
College Graduates
31.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.3%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.7%

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

40 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

30 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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