$221,328Average Value$142Average Price per Sq Ft49Homes 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
Gary Hobson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Sault Sainte Marie, MI sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Sault Sainte Marie, MI over the last 12 months is $188,250, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don't miss this income-producing multi-unit property located in the heart of Sault Ste. Marie. Featuring a strong rental history and consistent occupancy, this property offers immediate cash flow and long-term investment potential. Whether you're looking to expand your portfolio or purchase your first investment property, this is an opportunity worth exploring. Conveniently located near local
Great location with plenty of space and potential! This older home offers a spacious layout with room to make it your own. Featuring 4-5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, and a large family room with a fireplace, there is plenty of space for a growing family or anyone needing extra room.The property also includes a large, private yard and a good-sized 2-car garage, offering great
Pride of ownership shines throughout this exceptionally well-maintained, move-in-ready home offering 2,292 finished square feet. The home features two exceptionally spacious bedrooms, including a primary bedroom with an attached half bath, a large full bath on the main level, and a three-quarter bath in the finished lower level.The nearly fully finished lower level provides plenty of
Excellent building site in the sought-after Lakeshore Subdivision! This beautifully wooded, dry lot features huge, mature trees and a peaceful setting. With an existing driveway already in place, this property is ready for your new home. A shed is also included with the property.
3-bedroom, 2-bath family home on a double lot in a great in-town location! Enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance to the college, playgrounds, and softball fields. Features include a 2-car attached garage, central air conditioning, a private backyard, and a storage shed with electricity for all your lawn and garden equipment. Plenty of room to live, play, and enjoy everything this
Welcome to 3349 Lakeshore Drive in the desirable Lakeshore Subdivision! Located in a great neighborhood, just a short walk from the St. Mary's River, this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers modern updates with timeless charm. Enjoy oak hardwood and tile flooring, recessed lighting, a stunning kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, and a private primary
Turn-key perfection meets modern design in this completely renovated 3-4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home offering views of the St. Mary's River. Culinary enthusiasts will thrive in the custom kitchen which includes a 5-burner gas stove with a elegant pot filler. There is a separate baking center with additional water & drain lines with plenty of pantry storage. You will fall in love with the Red Oak
10 Wooded Acres just minutes from Sault Ste Marie MI on a State Highway (Between S Maple Rd and Tuori Rd), electric runs through the property at the road. Multiple Species of trees and wildlife on the property. A perfect spot for your next home or a great place to park a camper for your up north retreat! Call your agent today and make this property yours today!
Owner is a licensed Real Estate Agent in the state of Michigan. This well-maintained two-story home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms on 2 city lots! This property features a 2 stall detached garage, a detached carport, a shed attached to the garage, and an overhang off the back of the shed. LOTS of room for storage! Major improvements include a new roof-2024, a new metal roof on garage-2019, and
35 Acre Farm located between Sault Ste Marie and Brimley with 6 Barns, Fenced and Setup for Horses with both indoor and outdoor riding arenas! This beautiful 2 to 3 Bedroom 2 bath with a full basement very well cared for home is a horse lover's dream. The home features tongue and grove throughout, hardwood flooring an open kitchen, dining and living room. The two lofts provide extra space for an
This single story St Marys river home is well located just 3 miles from downtown Sault St Marie, just a 1/4 mile to the golf course, 600yards to the municipal boat launch, and 2.5 miles to the casino. It is also less than 5 miles to I-75 avoiding the busy downtown area. The house has 3 bedrooms, all of which have water views. The living room and one of the dinning rooms also have water views. The
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, basement and back yard. First floor has living room, kitchen, dining room and 3/4 bathroom. Second floor has 3 bedrooms and full bathroom. One bedroom has a large walk-in closet or extra space. This home needs some TLC. Structure is good, some electrical updates, and on-demand water heater. Back yard with shed. Located close to downtown.Cash or conventional financing
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: 2599194 Welcome to your new home in Sault Sainte Marie! This spacious 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit is perfect for you and your small dog. Enjoy included utilities and modern amenities like a refrigerator, microwave, and oven. Don't miss out on this gem!
Luxury 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath family home at 709 Prospect Street in Sault Ste. Marie. This spacious property features a fenced rear yard and 1-car garage, with approximately 2,440 sq ft of living space. Available 0ctober 1 with a 6-month lease. Snow plowing and basic lawn maintenance are included, and general property maintenance is provided. No smoking and no pets allowed.
110 W. 9th Ave. — 3 Bed, 1.5 BathCharming and move-in ready! This freshly updated home features an open-concept main floor where the kitchen, dining, and living areas flow together — perfect for entertaining or keeping an eye on dinner and the game at the same time. A full bath rounds out the main level, with three comfortable bedrooms and a convenient half bath upstairs.Recent
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