$217,816Average Value$143Average Price per Sq Ft50Homes 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
Tyler Snider,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sault Sainte Marie, MI sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Sault Sainte Marie, MI over the last 12 months is $189,900, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fully Renovated 1.75 Story Home, corner lot, great location. What I LOVE about this home is the solid construction, great layout with main floor laundry, clean, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms that are feel serene and functional. This home is traditional with modern upgrades to make your home life smooth. The layout is one of its biggest strengths. With 4 bedrooms and a fully finished upper
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.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 21⁄2-bath home nestled in a quiet, desirable neighborhood. Pride of ownership is evident from the attractive curb appeal to the warm and inviting interior. The spacious floor plan features custom Acacia hardwood flooring in the living and dining rooms, a cozy fireplace, and a finished basement that provides additional space for entertaining, a
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.
Multi-family on a desirable corner lot featuring two spacious main units each with 1856 sq ft- Kitchen, Dining, Living, Bath and 3 Bedrooms on Each Level plus an additional third floor bonus suite. Each Floor has separate entrances perfect for multigenerational living or income producing. Elegant brickwork, large lead-detailed windows and one gas and one wood burning fireplaces add character and
Comfortable 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in a great downtown location. The home features a remodeled kitchen and two updated bathrooms, along with a new roof for added peace of mind. Conveniently located close to schools, shopping, and the Soo Locks. Enjoy outdoor space just steps away with a beautiful city park only one block from the home. A great opportunity for buyers looking for the convenience of
Space to spread out, room to grow, and a location families will love! This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers generous living space and a functional layout, featuring nearly 2,000 square feet of new LifeProof vinyl and beautifully refinished hardwood flooring. Major updates include a new 98% efficient furnace, gas hot water heater, refrigerator, gas range, shingles, and Trex decking on the front
Call all investors, flippers and DIY enthusiasts! If you have been searching for the perfect winter project or an investment property with massive upside, look no further. Located just minutes from Sault Ste. Marie city limits, this 4 bedroom, 1 bathroom home sits on a sprawling 4.37 acre lot and is ready for a complete transformation. With over 1,100 square feet living space, the bones are here
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
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.
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
Well maintained 2-bedroom, 1 bath home in a desirable location just minutes from Lake Superior State University. This inviting property features a practical layout with comfortable living spaces and abundant natural light throughout. Full basement with finished space currently used as a extra bedroom. The detached 2-car garage provides excellent space for parking, storage, or a workshop area.
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
Great location! Walking distance to the university and local downtown Business. Grocery, convenient store,and restaurants. 1,200 for rent. I pay heat and water bill .You pay electric and garbage. No smoking or pets. Must be able to pass a background and credit check. first months rent and a security deposit of 1,800 to move in.
4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, Rental in the Upper Level of 306 Ridge St., Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Apartment has a History of Being Rented by Group of LSSU Students, and Coast Guard Members. Would Work Great for 2 Couples Wanting to go in on a Rental Together, or Workers Coming in From Outside the Local Area. The Apartment is 2 Levels with 2 Bedrooms and Bathroom on Each Level. Downstairs Bathroom
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 for $2150/month!
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