$190,299Average Value$149Average Price per Sq Ft1Home 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
DAVID GUNNELL,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sault Sainte Marie, MI sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Sault Sainte Marie, MI over the last 12 months is $130,000.
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