Home to nearly 60,000 residents, St. Clair Shores sits on the shores of Lake St. Clair across from Canada, only 14 miles northeast of Detroit. The lake itself is a big part of the lifestyle of residents. “A move to Saint Clair Shores will expose you to a happy, leisurely life with more opportunities for self-expression than inland areas,” says Lynne Juanita Summers, a relocation expert and senior specialist agent at River Realty Group in Detroit. “Lake Saint Clair makes everyone happy. We don’t even care if it’s a fish tank in the driveway; we want to look at water.”
There’s more to the city than just a body of water. It was the birthplace of Car City Records and Crow’s Nest East. It’s also home to the Miss St. Clair Shores Scholarship Program, one of the longest-running preliminaries for the Miss America contest. This combination has earned it a unique position as a contributor to the Detroit music scene and American pop culture.
Residents of St. Clair Shores enjoy living in close proximity to the lake and all it affords.
St. Clair Shores' sailboat-themed clock tower pays tribute to the lake it borders.
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Lake St. Clair, 15 major parks and a golf course
Lake St. Clair is the city’s most significant natural amenity, but its park system also holds holds 15 major parks and a collection of smaller neighborhood parks and recreational facilities. The parks include courts and facilities for residents to play volleyball, bocce ball, shuffleboard and more. Memorial Park offers public space on the lake’s shore and a splash pad for families to take children 12 and under. Disc golfers can enjoy the park’s 24-hole course, while traditional golfers can head to St. Clair Shores Golf Club and enjoy a challenging 18-hole course.
Concerts in the Park on Wednesdays are a hit during the summer in St. Clair Shores.
Enjoy views of the lake from Lac Sainte Clair Park.
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The Downtown Social District
Saturdays bring residents to the Downtown Social District, where they can enjoy live music, food trucks, yard games and more. Every April, Blossom Heath Park hosts the Big Brew Fest, a celebration of beer featuring live music and local food vendors. The St. Clair Shores Summer Concert Series hosts artists across different musical genres, and the city’s popular Memorial Day attracts crowds from all over the Detroit metro area to watch the parade and enjoy local food and live music.
The St. Clair Shores Big Brew Fest attracts a couple hundred people each year.
Bands play through the weekend at Aqua Freeze Festival in St Clair Shores.
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Smiles on the Nautical Mile
Known locally as Nautical Mile, the stretch of Jefferson Avenue between Nine Mile and Ten Mile Roads features a variety of locally owned shops and restaurants. The city’s boating scene comes to life in this area, with boaters docking and launching from the area while land lovers enjoy the shopping and dining hub. Restaurants offer American fare, Greek, Michigan’s famous Coney Island hot dogs and more, while shops offer fishing and marine supplies. The district is also home to the St. Clair Shores Farmers Market, which offers fresh, locally grown produce on the 4th Saturday of each month from May through September. “It just seems like a community that understands what a small business is, and they’re excited to support it,” says Joshua Jankiewicz, owner of Nerdtopia, a video game and collectible shop on Harper Avenue. “It’s been good to us since we moved here.” There is a Meijer on the city’s northside, just off 13 Mile Road, and Kroger and Walmart sit just beyond Interstate 94, which defines the city’s western limits.
Boaters living in St. Clair Shores can find a variety of services found along the Nautical Mile.
Residents of St. Clair Shores visit Kroger on 9 Mile Road for all their home cooking needs.
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Interstate access to Canada and downtown Detroit
The city stretches from 8 Mile Road to 14 Mile Road, with Interstate 94 running along its western edge, connecting drivers to downtown Detroit 19 miles south or the Canadian border 50 miles north. The interstate also takes drivers 33 miles south to the Detroit Metro Airport, which connects to major airports worldwide. The SMART bus system provides a public transit option, with stops along most major roads. Pedestrians have plenty of sidewalk space to enjoy, and the city’s Sidewalk Replacement Program makes repairing and replacing damaged sidewalks an annual affair. Bike lanes are rare, but the city’s park system offers miles of trails to ride.
A wide range of home prices and sizes
The area’s home inventory offers a variety of homes ranging from small bungalow and ranch-style homes that start around $50,000 when significant work is needed to lakeside estates that surpass $1 million. Most homes date to the middle of the 20th century, when the city saw a massive population boom and needed new housing. These mid-century homes usually sit back a block or two from the shore on tightly packed lots rarely bigger than a tenth of an acre. Homes spend an average of 24 days on the market, and the median home price was $231,500 in 2024, up 8% from the previous year.
Well maintained ranch style homes are found throughout St. Clair Shores.
Large lakeside homes in St. Clair Shores provide plenty of space for growing families.
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Three school districts to expand horizons
Students can attend one of three districts: Lakeview Public Schools, South Lake Schools and Lake Shore Public Schools. Lakeview earns an overall B-plus on Niche, South Lake earns a B-minus, and Lake Shore earns a C-plus. All three districts offer early childhood centers and opportunities for students to learn virtually.
Jefferson Middle School invites students in Saint Clair Shores, MI.
Lakeview High School received a B rating from Niche.com in 2024.
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Low crime rates but some environmental risk
Property and violent crime rates are significantly lower in St. Clair Shores than the overall state of Michigan and average rates for the United States. Environmental data shows only a minor risk of flood damage over the next 30 years despite the city’s location on the lake. The data also shows some concern regarding air quality, forecasting that the city’s air quality will worsen over the next 30 years.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
Owen Kaufman
Video By
Andrew Perrius
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mario Nona,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Saint Clair Shores, MI sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Saint Clair Shores, MI over the last 12 months is $240,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful 2nd floor, 2 Bedroom Ranch Condo at the Links at Lakepointe. Spacious, light-filled rooms with an outdoor balcony off the living room to enjoy the summer breeze. Primary bedroom has an attractive coved ceiling, a walk-in closet, 8 x 8, and attached bathroom with granite counters and double sinks. The open concept flows seamlessly for comfortable living and entertaining. In unit laundry
**OPEN SUN 1-11, 11-12:30 **Modern updates with classic old world charm! A full bath on every floor including the brand new bath in the basement. Other 2 baths are updated with tile, granite & style. The huge Family room is a showstopper. Beautiful gas fireplace and raised area for an open office or additional sitting area and D/W leads to large deck in fenced yard that includes a shed and 2 car
Spacious all-brick ranch in the heart of St. Clair Shores, a community known for its city parks, waterfront dining, and vibrant local atmosphere. Now offered at the same great price, this home has a brand-new furnace, delivering added peace of mind, improved efficiency, and long-term value for the buyer. Situated on a double lot, including a second parcel that can be split or sold to create added
Adorable updated Bungalow - Move in ready for quick occupancy! Enclosed front porch for added living space! First Floor Bedroom & Full Bath + 2 large bedrooms on 2nd floor. Mud Room off the back entrance with 1st floor laundry availability and basement for loads of added storage! Don't miss out! Great access to shopping and dining + freeway access! Minutes from Everything!
Spacious brick ranch located in a very desirable location in St. Clair Shores with quiet streets and roomy lots. This home backs up to a county lot giving the feel of an extended backyard offering a serene patio and private green space. Meticulously maintained by the same owners since 1960, this light filled home offers 3 generous sized bedrooms, gleaming hardwood floors and living room with a
LARGE CANAL LOT ON THE BEST CANAL IN ST CLAIR SHORES, 57' FRONTAGE - 236' DEEP. STEEL SEAWALL, NO FLOOD INSURANCE, MANY NEW AND UPDATED HOMES ON THIS GREAT STREET.
This stunning ranch-style home is currently available in the beautiful St. Clair Shores! Located in the desirable Lakeview school district, this home is close to schools, churches, restaurants, and shopping. No expense was spared in this renovation, which features custom finishes throughout. The main floor boasts beautiful blonde wood and white marble flooring, three great-sized bedrooms, and two
First floor 2-Bedroom 2 bath St. Clair Shores condo; 1 full bath and a convenient half bath with ceramic tile floors; updated vinyl flooring in other areas. Stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher and electric stove are included. HOA fee covers gas, water, trash, insurance, exterior maintenance and snow removal. Enjoy your own private balcony and assigned carport parking. Additional parking for
Yvette Walters
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Loft Warehouse
**PRICED TO SELL** MOVE IN READY! Freshly painted.. Brand new roof (Sept. 2025). Brand new furnace (Feb. 2025). 3 Bedroom SCS brick ranch bath & half on main floor. Hardwood floors under the carpet. Newer kitchen with Cherry wood cabinets and coriander type counter top. Vaulted ceiling. Deep closets W/extra space. Custom Pella front Living Room window w/interior blinds. Additionally Wallside
One of the least expensive single family homes in St. Clair Shores! Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch nestled on a quiet residential street near the Nautical Mile, local parks, Lake St. Clair, and less than one mile from the downtown St. Clair Shores social district. A smart alternative to condo living, this thoughtfully renovated home offers modern updates, private outdoor space, and
Move right into this spotless, beautifully maintained condo offering comfort, functionality, and an unbeatable location near the water. Thoughtfully designed with a main-floor primary bedroom and renovated full bath, this home is ideal for easy living.The living room features cathedral ceilings and a cozy gas fireplace, creating an open, welcoming space. Laundry is conveniently located just
Welcome to 22997 Carolina Street! This beautifully updated home is just minutes from Lake St. Clair, The Nautical Mile, downtown St. Clair Shores, and shopping. Updates include new roof, fresh paint, modern new flooring,all new electrical fixures updated plumbing, new energy efficient furnace with new A/C evaporator in 2024, complete turnkey, move-in ready with nothing left to do but add your
2 Story Apartment Building, with 8, 1 Bedroom Apartments. The building has 2 hallways that serve as a entrance way to 4 apartments per each hallway. Each apartment has Central Air Conditioning, and Forced Air Heating. Each apartment has its own chain link locker in the basement. Each apartment has its own mailbox located in the hallway that services it. Each apartment has it's own forced air
Welcome to this charming and comfortable home offering plenty of desirable features. The inviting living room boasts beautiful hardwood floors, a spacious layout, and abundant natural light, along with a convenient hallway closet for extra storage. The well-equipped kitchen features tile flooring, a stove and refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and an attractive tile backsplash. The bedroom includes
Kitchen w/ new floor, stove / fridge / disposal included. Large living room w/ new carpeting, bedroom w/ new carpeted floor, walk in closet. Ceramic tile bath, 1st floor laundry room w/ private storage room, wall a/c, ceiling fans. Walking distance to shopping, park, Lake St. Clair, post office and more! Application, credit check, background check, job verification and income verification.A
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom residence located in the heart of Saint Clair Shores! Nestled on a quiet street, this home offers a comfortable and functional layout perfect for everyday living. Enjoy generously sized bedrooms, abundant natural light, and inviting living spaces designed for both relaxation and entertaining. The property features a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of room
AVAILABLE February 14th! Showings will be available to pre-qualified applicants now though. Contact me for an application or do via Zillow . Great 3 bedroom home, 2 car garage, basement, 1 1/2 bathrooms, fenced yard, & central air. Great neighborhood and schools. New carpet, new windows, freshly painted. Must have good credit score, rental history, and proof of income. Fill out Zillow application
Introducing Mack Lofts! This one of a kind loft style living experience is now available for immediate occupancy. Located steps from St Clair Shores' thriving social district, Lake St Clair, The Nautical Mile, and so much more, this property is a must see! Exterior features include maintenance free exterior and roof, dedicated parking spaces for building residents, and more. The exquisitely
Property Id: 1854992Welcome to this beautiful 2 bed, 2 bath condo in Saint Clair Shores located on the beautiful Nautical Mile!! Enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, some utilities included and secure building. Pets allowed and some utilities included. Location offers many attractions such as Restaurants/ Bars, Boating, Fishing etc.... Don't miss out on this gem!Will be
Introducing Mack Lofts! This one of a kind loft style living experience is now available for immediate occupancy. Located steps from St Clair Shores' thriving social district, Lake St Clair, The Nautical Mile, and so much more, this property is a must see! Exterior features include maintenance free exterior and roof, dedicated parking spaces for building residents, and more. The exquisitely
Property Id: 2274161Welcome to your dream home at 20628 Alger St!This 3 bedroom 1 bath home has been fully renovated and is move in ready. Brand new Furnace, AC & new windows! Entry door leads you into the welcoming living room with new laminate flooring throughout the entire home. Home has been freshly painted with newly remodeled bathroom & kitchen with new cabinetry,
Welcome home to this charming and move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom bungalow located in a wonderful pocket of St. Clair Shores. Perfectly situated just steps from Avalon Elementary and minutes from local shopping, dining, and expressways, this property offers both comfort and convenience. The home features a spacious layout with 1,211 sq. ft. of living space. The standout feature is the private
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