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
Valarie Arington,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Saint Clair Shores, MI sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Saint Clair Shores, MI over the last 12 months is $245,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home! This charming 3-bedroom brick and vinyl home offers the perfect combination of modern convenience, comfortable living, and an established neighborhood feel.Built in 2000, the home features cathedral ceilings, a beautiful large bay window, central air, and three generously sized bedrooms with double closets. The spacious bathroom provides plenty of room, while the full basement
Welcome to this beautifully maintained newer-built colonial in the heart of Saint Clair Shores—offering the perfect blend of space, functionality, and lifestyle.The sellers have recently upgraded the home with new flooring in the living areas and stairs, as well as added recessed lighting through out the home!Built in 2000, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home stands out from the
Welcome to 21325 Frazho!This charming 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath home offers a spacious and functional layout in a great St. Clair Shores location, just off the Harper Avenue corridor. Step inside to find beautiful hardwood floors and a welcoming flow between the living room, dining room, and kitchen—perfect for everyday living and entertaining.The oversized second-floor primary
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
Welcome home! This charming 3-bedroom brick and vinyl home offers the perfect combination of modern convenience, comfortable living, and an established neighborhood feel.Built in 2000, the home features cathedral ceilings, a beautiful large bay window, central air, and three generously sized bedrooms with double closets. The spacious bathroom provides plenty of room, while the full basement
Conveniently located along the "Nautical Mile" on beautiful Lake St. Clair, this upper level ranch style condominium offers an array of amenities that will please anyone looking for carefree living in a very private setting. This spacious 2-3 bedroom, 2.5 bath residence was just freshly painted from top to bottom and is in move-in condition. It has a wonderful floor plan and all the modern
Reduced $30,000!! Home needs a foundation repair. Welcome home to this well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath colonial in the heart of St. Clair Shores. Offering approximately 1,740 square feet of living space, this charming home features a spacious living room filled with natural light, a formal dining room with crown molding. Two bedrooms and a full bath are located on the main floor, conveniently
Here is your opportunity to own a house on the water in St Clair Shores. Situated on a rare double lot with 80 feet of frontage along the canal, this cape cod style home is cozy and welcoming with tons of natural lighting and open spaces! When you walk in you are greeted by the family room with a natural fireplace and views of the canal and back deck through the large sliding back door. The
This well-maintained three-bedroom ranch has so much to offer! The standout kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a built-in dishwasher, and plenty of space for casual dining. A generously sized living room with an adjoining dining area provides a comfortable, flexible setting for relaxing or entertaining. The finished basement adds even more room to enjoy, complete
Absolutely move in condition with all major mechanicals in great shape. Furnace, Air and Hot water tank only 1 yr old. Beautiful hardwood floors thru-out lower level. Knock out kitchen featuring, custom cabinetry, granite counters and ceramic backsplash. Upgraded appliances included. Family rm, W/NFP and matching cabinetry. You will love the 4 season room over looking 200 ft deep back yard with
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Just minutes away from the water. Welcome to 22228 Bon Heur, a stunning newly remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in a very desirable St. Clair Shores neighborhood! This home has all of features and the modern updates you have been looking for! The open-concept, kitchen has updated cabinets, a nice quartz countertops, ceramic tile backsplash, and stainless steel
PRIME LOCATION**LAKE BREEZE**LARGE SPACIOUS BACKYARD Well maintained SCS move-in ready 2-bedroom, 1-bath home. Ideally located just off Jefferson to enjoy the lake breeze. Included is a sunlit bonus room, updated appliances & central air. A long driveway with room for an RV or boat. Enjoy park priviledges to 3 parks. Connveniently located to dining/shopping/marinas/golf and the Nautical Mile.
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath brick ranch home offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. From the moment you arrive, you’ll appreciate the pride of ownership and modern updates throughout this move-in-ready home. Inside, you’ll find a spacious and inviting layout featuring an updated interior, warm natural light, and a cozy fireplace perfect for
Welcome to waterfront living on Ardmore Park in St. Clair Shores. This 3-bedroom, 1.1-bath ranch offers 57 feet of canal frontage with direct boating access to Lake St. Clair and sits on a deep lot with partial Lake St. Clair views. The home features a functional single-level layout, comfortable living spaces, and an attached garage. Recent exterior improvements include a new driveway, updated
This pleasant ranch home is in need of some updates. Large family room with fireplace, living room, dining room or 3rd bedroom, dining room with door wall to patio and nice private fenced rear yard. 3rd bedroom needs door.
RARE WATERFRONT FIND IN ST. CLAIR SHORES! ???Situated on a rare, extra-wide 80-foot double lot along the canal, this 2-bedroom home is an absolute dream for boaters and water enthusiasts. The crown jewel of this property is the grandfathered 10x25 cut-in boathouse with hoist—a premier waterfront feature that is virtually impossible to build under modern state shoreline
Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can
Two-bedroom, one-bathroom ranch in Harper Woods with Grosse Pointe Schools. Updated in 2018, this open concept home features large kitchen appliances included, a spacious backyard with a large shed. It's conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, the nautical mile, downtown Detroit, I-94, and I-696. The lease is for 2 years, and pets are negotiable with an additional fee. The move-in costs
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
Property Id: 2808720 Welcome to your new home at 21705 Bon Heur St in Saint Clair Shores, MI! This charming 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom single_family house is perfect for small_dog owners. Enjoy amenities like a fenced yard, washer/dryer in unit, and garage. Close to parks and with a beautiful lawn, this property won't stay on the market for long. Don't miss out on this gem! Contact us now for a
Property Id: 2824224 Welcome to your new cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom single family home in St. Clair, MI. This charming property features a fenced yard, security cameras, washer/dryer in unit, and designated parking. Enjoy the convenience of included utilities and pet-friendly policy. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
Property Id: 2827262 GROSSE POINTE SCHOOLS! Remodeled 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath house with detached 2 car garage. Remodeled kitchen with brand new stove & dishwasher, plus newer fridge. Fresh paint throughout. Freshly refinished Hardwood Floors throughout, partially fenced yard with refinished deck. Pet Friendly! Tenant is responsible for gas, electric, water & sewer, lawn care and snow removal. All
Property Id: 855050 Clean, updated one-bedroom apartment in a small 9-unit Roseville building near St. Clair Shores. Ideal for someone looking for a quiet, well-maintained place to call home without the traffic and feel of a large apartment complex. The approximately 600-sq.-ft. apartment features an updated kitchen and bathroom, generous closet space, through-wall air conditioning and
Property Id: 1030276 Clean, updated one-bedroom apartment in a small 9-unit Roseville building near St. Clair Shores. Ideal for someone looking for a quiet, well-maintained place to call home without the feel of a large apartment complex. The approximately 600-sq.-ft. apartment features an updated kitchen and bathroom, generous closet space, through-wall air conditioning and plenty of
2000 sqft unit for rent, on the 3rd floor of building accessible with person elevator or staircase. Was a CrossFit gym before. Has a private half bath in unit.
Discover Nautical Mile Apartments in St. Clair Shores, MI — an upper-unit, newly renovated one-bedroom, one-bath residence on the famed Nautical Mile. This updated apartment blends modern finishes with convenient access to waterfront dining and shopping. Ideal for those seeking a well-maintained, contemporary living space in a vibrant lakeside neighborhood. The apartment includes gas and water,
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