$214,632Average Value$140Average Price per Sq Ft57Homes For Sale
A river city just south of Canada
Sault Sainte Marie, often called “The Sault” by locals, is the second-most populated city in Michigan’s upper peninsula, with around 13,000 residents. It is on the Saint Marys River, which splits it into an American and Canadian side. “There’s a peaceful pace of life here; you don’t have any hustle and bustle,” says city native Robyn Hungerford, a Realtor with the Smith & Company Real Estate Team. “Although we lack some of the big events larger cities have, you’ve just got to dress warm, and you’ll find lots to do.” The Sault’s ample outdoor attractions bring in thousands of tourists each year, even during the snowiest months.
Originally, the land was a prominent Native American gathering place for fishing and hunting. Today, the area’s largest employer is the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, mainly due to their ownership of the Kewadin Casino. Other major employers include Lake Superior State University and My Michigan Medical Center.
Sault Sainte Marie sits along the Saint Mary River and borders Canada.
The Kewadin Casino in Sault Sainte Marie offers a variety of entertainment and employment.
1/2
Older homes are well below the state’s median price
The median home price is $170,000, significantly lower than Michigan’s median of $260,000. “Houses do not stay on the market very long,” says Brian Cornell, a Realtor with the Smith & Company Real Estate Team who has sold homes all over the city. “But there’s a very broad price spectrum — you can buy fixer-uppers for around $100,000 or find $1 million homes on the water.” Riverside properties, especially on the east side, can come with a slight flooding risk. Most homes here were built between 1900 and 2000. “We don’t have a lot of new construction, and the housing can be tighter than you might find in a bigger city,” Hungerford says. “Many people buy homes and then remodel.”
Minimal traditional homes neatly line the streets of Sault Sainte Marie.
Bungalow homes with enclosed porches are a popular option in Sault Sainte Marie.
1/2
Watch freighters pass through the Soo Locks
The historic Soo Locks transport massive freighters along the Saint Marys River and are open for public viewing and tours. They are the only route between Lake Huron and Lake Superior, making The Sault a linchpin of the Great Lakes shipping industry. A $3.2 billion project to build a new lock is expected to be completed by 2029.
Sault Sainte Marie is also known for the International 500 Snowmobile Race, the biggest snowmobile race in the world. During the summer, the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians holds a Powwow to celebrate the area’s rich Native American culture.
Sault Sainte Marie plays a massive role in the Great Lakes shipping industry.
The historic Soo Locks transport massive freighters in Sault Sainte Marie.
1/2
Year-round outdoor attractions and hype for hockey games
Between city parks, ample waterways and the surrounding wilderness, The Sault is known for its natural attractions. “This is a beautiful place if you want to be outside,” Cornell says. “There are lots of outdoor activities — including hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and ATV trails.” The river and its beaches get busy in the summer, and when the cold winters settle in, locals can head north to Canada to ski.
Hockey is also a defining aspect of life in The Sault. “We have a very strong hockey community,” Hungerford says. “People will start their kids on the ice at three or four years old. We’ve got travel teams, local teams — and the high school games get a lot of enthusiasm.” The city has three major ice rinks for all levels, including the Taffy Abel Arena, home of the Lake Superior State University Lakers.
Watch a Lake Superior State University Lakers hockey team in Sault Sainte Marie.
Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing are popular winter activities in Sault Sainte Marie.
1/2
Sault Sainte Marie schools have the area’s only career center
The city is served by Sault Ste. Marie Area Public Schools, which gets a B rating on Niche. The local high school’s Career and Technical Education center is a hub for nine other districts in northeastern Michigan. Alternative options include Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe School, a tribally controlled charter school for kindergarten through eighth grade. St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School is a private, faith-based option.
The city is also home to Lake Superior State University, or LSSU. The college has around 1,600 students and is known for its NCAA Division I men’s hockey team. “LSSU hockey games are a big deal,” Cornell says. “You’ve got guys from there that go on to play in the NHL.”
Sault Area High School is known for it's career and technical education in Sault Sainte Marie.
Around 1,600 students attend Lake Superior State University in Sault Sainte Marie.
1/2
Downtown Sault and quick trips to Canada
Just across the river, the Canadian side of Sault Sainte Marie is a hub for industrial and manufacturing businesses. An international bridge connects the two cities. “There are a lot of people who travel back and forth for work,” Cornell says. “It’s typically pretty quick, but you do have to go through customs.” The Canadian side of the city is larger and tends to have more shopping and restaurant options. “People go over to Canada for dinner and a movie, even on a weeknight,” Hungerford says. “It’s like commuting from one side of Grand Rapids to another.”On the Michigan side, there's a quaint downtown district and a few big-brand grocery stores. Interstate 75 runs south from The Sault, connecting to the Chippewa County International Airport in 20 miles. The Mackinac Bridge, which connects Michigan’s two peninsulas, is 50 miles away.
Visit Downtown Sault Sainte Marie for various local shops and restaurants.
The quaint downtown district of Sault Sainte Marie features a historic theatre and eateries.
1/2
Important to know
According to U.S. Climate Data, temperatures in Sault Sainte Marie regularly drop below freezing from November to April. The average annual snowfall more than 10 feet, making it one of the snowiest cities in Michigan.
Based on data from the Michigan State Police, property and violent crime rates are slightly below the state averages. Crime rates have been slightly on the rise since 2021.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
Photography Contributed By
Gregory Hayes
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
CYNTHIA COLLINS,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Sault Sainte Marie, MI sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Sault Sainte Marie, MI over the last 12 months is $175,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 4626 S Nicolet St, just minutes outside of the Sault Ste Marie Michigan City Limits across from the St. Mary's River offering a beautiful water view in a peaceful serene setting. This 3-story 4-to-6-bedroom 3 bath home sits on 12. 72 acres great for recreation or sustainability! This stunning home features high ceilings, hardwood floors, large windows, formal dining, hand painted
INVITING OPEN-CONCEPT 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATH HOME ON 10 ACRES WITH A POND, COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS BEST! THIS EXCEPTIONAL HOME OFFERS MODERN UPDATES, VAULTED CEILINGS AND ABUNDANT OF NATURAL LIGHT. NEW GRANITE COUNTERTOPS IN KITCHEN & BATHROOM. ALL BEDROOMS ARE LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEVEL WITH LEGAL EGRESS WINDOWS ENSURING LIGHT, SAFETY AND COMFORT. IT ALSO FEATURES A OFFICE, LARGE LANDRY-UTILITY ROOM
PRICE REDUCED! Spacious tri-level home with attached 1 car insulated garage and fenced yard. Nice layout and lots of natural light. Updated kitchen with soft close maple cabinets and stainless-steel appliances. Dining area with access to a covered porch and adjacent living area with vaulted ceilings. Second level with 3 full bedrooms, guest bath and primary en-suite bath. Lower-level family room
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - THIS 3 BEDROOM 1 BATH HOME IS ALREADY TENANT-OCCUPIED PROVIDING IMMEDIATE RENTAL INCOME. SELLERS HAVE PUT A NEW METAL ROOF AND NEW FURNACE IN 2021. WALKING DISTANCE TO HOSPITAL, RESTAURANTS, POST OFFICE AND THE DOWNTOWN AREA FOR ALL TYPES OF SHOPPING AVAILABLE. THERE IS A SHED FOR EXTRA STORAGE AND DRIVEWAY FOR OFF ROAD PARKING. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY!!
Discover the perfect blend of privacy, nature, and convenience on this beautiful 24-acre parcel. This fully wooded property features a long private drive leading to several cleared building sites, ideal for your dream home; recreational retreat or investor. Enjoy the ease of city water and electricity already ran to a potential building location, along with an existing pole building for added
Invest in yourself with this opportunity to own and operate your own 20 unit motel with some of the best views in Sault Sainte Marie. Live in the 2 BR, 1 BA owner's suite. 6 units have already been renovated with Great Lake decor. Location is key and having over one acre of commercial land in downtown is rare. With views of the Long Ships (Freighters) coming into and exiting the Soo Locks and the
A smart start for first-time buyers or a great addition to your rental portfolio! This 3-bedroom, 1 full bath home offers alley access and a convenient location close to town. Functional, affordable, and full of potential.
This 2006 home is in a fantastic location in town but with plenty of privacy. Custom built half log home with tongue and groove cedar wall. A spacious kitchen with hickory cabinets and ceramic tile floors. A big covered front porch for sitting and enjoying the peace and quiet. Heated attached two car garage. Nice pellet stove for alternative heat source.
Bordering the 1,024-acre Round Island Point Nature Preserve, this wooded lot offers unmatched privacy, wildlife, and direct trail access. All owners enjoy preserve access, but this lot connects right to it. Located on a quiet, no-through-traffic road just 7 miles from Sault Ste. Marie. Perc tested, surveyed, and includes underground electric--perfect for your future home.
This wooded bluff lot offers breathtaking views of Izaak Walton Bay and direct access to the 1,024-acre Round Island Point Nature Preserve. Enjoy hiking trails, wildlife, and peace and quiet on a private, no-through-traffic road. Just 7 miles from Sault Ste. Marie. Underground electric, perc tested, and surveyed--ready for your dream home or retreat.
Cute family country home yet close to town. Lots of potential for the new owner. This home is the perfect blend of country living yet close to the amenities of town making it an ideal home for those who want land. Three bedrooms and a full dry basement. The 10 acres of outdoor space gives the new owner plenty of potential. Additional 10 acres adjacent land available.
PRICE REDUCED! Nicely updated home in a great location! If you've been searching for a move-in ready property, this is it. Convenient lay out with spacious kitchen, dining room, large living area and bonus office (possible 4th bedroom). Three upper-level bedrooms are tastefully decorated and there's a full bathroom on each level. This home is situated on a corner lot and also has a detached two
It’s Official! The Annex, 300 Court Street, is the newest community in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. With income limits between 60% and 120% of area median income, The Annex is providing housing to eligible applicants for one and two bedroom units! Three story building with 11 beautiful and spacious one, and two bedroom apartments! Available off street parking through the City of Sault Ste Marie
Property Id: 1779944Welcome to your dream home at 309 Maple St in Sault Sainte Marie, MI! This charming single-family unit boasts 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a plethora of amenities including a refrigerator, hardwood floors, and washer/dryer hookups. Enjoy the convenience of included utilities and the option for small dogs and cats. Don't miss out on this cozy retreat for $1800/month
Walking distance to downtown and hospital. Private entrance. Fully furnished, fully stocked 4 bedroom. Will consider short-time for visiting professional.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
