$214,395Average Value$139Average Price per Sq Ft35Homes 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
Donna Stubenvoll,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sault Sainte Marie, MI sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 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.
Sun Glo Subdivision is a quiet little neighborhood located just outside City limits. Situated along the tree line street is a classical 4 bedroom home with 1 1/2 baths, 2 car attached garage, and a full basement. Home has a double lot giving it lots of room outdoors. Recently renovated throughout. Some of the new features include kitchen cabinets and granite counter tops. Flooring and paint.
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.
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
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.
Step into this beautiful classic brick home featuring 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Rich hardwood floors and fantastic original wood stairway showcase the craftsmanship and character found throughout the home. The home features a beautiful wood burning fireplace as well as a gas fireplace. The inviting floor plan offers comfortable living spaces filled with warmth and natural light. Upstairs, three
1.6+/- acres of vacant land north of E 9th Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie. Total of 13 vacant lots with access off of E 9th Avenue. Land is directly south of Sault Ste. Marie Country Club golf course and close to Methodist Mission Reserve. Short drive to the St. Mary's River and local attractions.
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
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.
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.
20 +/- Acres on Sugar Island - Chippewa County, MichiganEscape to the quiet beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula with this 20+/- acre parcel on Sugar Island. Tucked away in a peaceful and private setting, this property offers the remote Northwoods experience Sugar Island is known for. The parcel borders 40 acres of LTC land to the east, helping preserve the natural surroundings and ensuring
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
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: 2599162Welcome to your new home in Sault Sainte Marie, MI! This charming, newly renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit is entirely pet-friendly. Convenient amenities include a microwave, refrigerator, and access to a shared washer/dryer. Don't miss out on this cozy space for $1,700/month, available to move in. P. Call now to schedule a showing
Property Id: 1670512Available now! 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom second-floor apartment located in a prime area of Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Monthly Rent: $850Property Services fee: $150 per monthProperty Services are billed separately at $150.00 per month and include all utilities, snow removal, lawn care, and trash services.Features:Located on the second floor of
Property Id: 1779878Welcome to your charming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom single family unit located at 716 Helen St in Sault Sainte Marie. This cozy home boasts modern amenities including a dishwasher, washer/dryer in unit, and hardwood floors. Rent of $1700/month, this smoke-free property is perfect for a peaceful living experience. Don't miss out on this gem - schedule a viewing today!
Property Id: 2599194Welcome 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 $2400/month!
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