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Boardman

Boardman

Neighborhood in Traverse City, Michigan

Grand Traverse County 49686

$704,194 Average Value
$442 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Living in the Cherry Capital

Tucked between State Street and Eighth Street is the 18-block neighborhood of Boardman, a residential enclave of Traverse City known for its walkable streets, eclectic houses and historic charm. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its 1890s architecture, Boardman is largely residential, with a small commercial district consisting of local shops along its southern border. But bayfront and lakeshore parks are just outside the boundaries as are more commercial options. At Sunset Beach Park to the north, locals can swim, paddleboard and boat in the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay, where water temperatures average about 70 degrees throughout the summer. “Tourism is a huge pull for the city, but locals get to enjoy the city year-round,” says Janene Silverman, the owner of Raduno, a restaurant located on Eighth Street. “The lakes are absolutely gorgeous.” Hull Park to the south overlooks Boardman Lake, which connects to the bay via the Boardman River. Boats and kayaks launch from Hull Park, and visitors can walk for five miles on its pedestrian pathways.

The Boardman neighborhood includes properties with historic appeal.
The Boardman neighborhood includes properties with historic appeal.
Located just north of Boardman, Front Street has some nice smaller shops and dining options.
Located just north of Boardman, Front Street has some nice smaller shops and dining options.
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Hidden gems and historic homes

Nearly 175 houses, most in the Victorian and Craftsman styles, date back to the late 19th century. There are also Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and Tudor styles available, as well as the occasional cozy cottage from the early 20th century. The streets are lined with established trees, and the city keeps the sidewalks neat and accessible. The average home is priced between $700,000 and $1.2 million. Outliers include properties with historic appeal, which can sell for more than $2 million. Boardman is densely populated, and space is at a premium. However, there are opportunities for homebuyers to invest by purchasing one of the area’s older homes in need of restoration—these properties are priced typically between $150,000 and $300,000.

Victorian-style homes are plentiful in the Boardman neighborhood.
Victorian-style homes are plentiful in the Boardman neighborhood.
Beautiful Colonial-style homes are located in the Boardman neighborhood.
Beautiful Colonial-style homes are located in the Boardman neighborhood.
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Just blocks from shops and dining

Because Boardman is only a few blocks from Front Street’s retail district, locals have plenty of options for dining and shopping. Search for treasures at EB2 Vintage Shop and Penny Lane or find new music at Eugene’s Record Co-op. Spend a weekend getting tattooed at Front Street Tattoo or pick up something to read at Higher Self Bookstore—all walkable from Boardman’s residential streets. For a meal out, head south of the neighborhood to Eighth Street for a freshly made sandwich. Raduno is a relaxed deli that offers dining and carryout, caters for local events, and is known for its fresh egg pasta, made daily in-house. “Traverse City has grown a lot in recent years, and even the off-season has a booming tourism scene,” says Silverman. “But we run a local place—most of our customers are our neighbors who walk over for dinner. We have a wonderful customer base, and we’re lucky to call many of our customers our friends.” After eating, walk to Silver Spruce Brewing Company to sample local beer on tap. While there are several corner store grocers within walking distance, most residents drive to Family Fare Supermarket just outside of Boardman’s boundaries for grocery shopping.

Penny Lane provides some vintage resale clothing to Boardman residents and visitors.
Penny Lane provides some vintage resale clothing to Boardman residents and visitors.
Silver Spruce Brewing Company serves local beer on tap to the Boardman neighborhood.
Silver Spruce Brewing Company serves local beer on tap to the Boardman neighborhood.
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Train-themed playgrounds

F & M Park, located just outside the Boardman neighborhood boundaries to the east, is a popular place for locals to spend time. With a train-themed playground called the “Recreation Express” and a seasonal ice-skating rink, the park is a hit with neighborhood children. It also has public restrooms, basketball courts, gazebos and a grassy field used for sports and picnicking. During the city’s National Cherry Festival, F & M Park hosts several events, including the Cherry Pie Bike Ride, Kids Cherry Teddy Bear Tea and Kids Cherry Pie Eating Contest.

Kids love the train-themed playground at F & M Park in Traverse City, Michigan.
Kids love the train-themed playground at F & M Park in Traverse City, Michigan.
F&M Park in Traverse City, MI.
F&M Park in Traverse City, MI.
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Top-rated school district

Students in Boardman are zoned in the Traverse City Area Public School District — which, according to Niche, is the best-rated school district in Grand Traverse County. Eastern Elementary School and Eastern Middle School both receive a B-plus from Niche. After middle school, students may attend Central High School, graded A-minus by Niche. CHS is located beside the Northwestern Michigan College campus and offers an Early College Program for students to earn up to two years or an associate degree in collaboration with the college.

Central Grade School is a public school in Traverse City, Michigan.
Central Grade School is a public school in Traverse City, Michigan.
Central High School is a public school located in Traverse City, Michigan.
Central High School is a public school located in Traverse City, Michigan.
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The National Cherry Festival

Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” Traverse City hosts the annual National Cherry Festival every June and July. With an average of nearly 500,000 visitors, the festival is a huge source of income for the city and surrounding areas. Most events are held at the Open Space Park (just north of the Boardman neighborhood) but satellite events are set up throughout the city. Over 100 events are held over the festival’s eight days. With community picnics, markets, orchard tours, pie-eating contests and even “Cherry-Pit-Spit” competitions, there’s plenty for locals and tourists to explore. There are also concerts held at the Pepsi Bayside Music State, with celebrity artists including the Goo Goo Dolls, T.I. and Stone Temple Pilots performing during the 2024 season.

Traverse City’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant is located alongside Boardman Lake.
Traverse City’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant is located alongside Boardman Lake.

Environment and transportation

Traverse City’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant is located alongside Boardman Lake, directly south of the neighborhood. The plant provides job opportunities to the area but occasionally produces an unpleasant smell. The moderating effects of nearby lakes mean that Traverse City maintains warm and mild summers (perfect for growing cherries and grapes) and cold winters. Snowfall generally occurs between November and April. With major employers like Munson Medical Center, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City Area Public Schools and Tyson Foods located in the city, most Boardman residents don’t need to commute far for work. For travel, Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) is close by—just under 4 miles east of Boardman, around a 10-minute drive.

Caitlyn Tierney
Written By
Caitlyn Tierney
Jonathan Fairfield
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Fairfield
Joshua Kassabian
Video By
Joshua Kassabian

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Danielle Jerome, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Cherry Capital

10 min drive

Bus

8th St.At Wellington St. (Inbound)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Boardman US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$297,000
Median Single Family Price
$335,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$259,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$179,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$442
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
28
Months of Supply
1.70
Median List Price
$357,499
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
77%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
166
Median Year Built
1896
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,668
Below the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,602
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,605
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Danielle Jerome, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
339
Median Age
44
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$60,625
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,454

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.3%
College Graduates
55.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
29''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
76''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

87 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

77 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Boardman