$748,455Average Value$528Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes 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.
Located just north of Boardman, Front Street has some nice smaller shops and dining options.
1/2
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.
Beautiful Colonial-style homes are located in the Boardman neighborhood.
1/2
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.
Silver Spruce Brewing Company serves local beer on tap to the Boardman neighborhood.
1/2
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.
F&M Park in Traverse City has a gazebo and green spaces.
1/2
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. East 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 High School is a public school located in Traverse City, Michigan.
1/2
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.
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.
Traverse City’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant is located alongside Boardman Lake.
Bryant Park in Traverse City, Michigan has a small beach adored by locals.
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
Are you familiar with the Boardman neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Boardman
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Boardman Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Boardman, Traverse City sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Boardman, Traverse City over the last 12 months is $375,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
One of the earliest Victorian homes built in Traverse City, 401 Washington has undergone a comprehensive restoration, preserving its historic character while introducing the performance and functionality of exceptional new construction. This residence was meticulously rebuilt, with all new windows, siding, roofing, decking, doors, mechanicals, electrical, plumbing, insulation, and high-end
A rare historic Victorian in the heart of Traverse City. Built in 1891, 441 E State Street offers the scale, character, and in-town presence that are increasingly difficult to find downtown. Just one block from Front Street, restaurants, shops, beaches, parks, and the Boardman River, the property combines walkable city living with the privacy and permanence of a substantial historic residence.
Few homes stop you in your tracks the way this one does. Built in the 1890s by Founding Father Henry Hull of the Oval Wood Dish Company, "The Hull House" is a three-story Queen Anne Victorian mansion that showcases the very best of late 19th-century artisan craftsmanship - and it delivers on every level. Set on a generous double lot in an unbeatable location, a meticulous, top-to-bottom
Five bedroom, two bath home located in the Boardman neighborhood close to downtown Traverse City. Situated along the 8th Street corridor with southern exposure and easy access to downtown shops, restaurants, beaches, and the TART Trail. The home offers flexible living space that can function as a single family residence or rental property. Rear parking provides convenient off street access. Solid
A landmark of timeless elegance, The Ottaway offers an exceptional luxury residential experience in the heart of downtown Traverse City, with a rare opportunity to own a fully furnished, designer-curated residence. Designed by internationally renowned architecture firm AMDG and inspired by the classic charm of Chicago’s Gold Coast and New York’s Upper East Side, this to-be-built boutique building
A rare opportunity to own one of Traverse City's most iconic historic homes... This magnificent Neo-Classical Revival estate offers the chance to own a true piece of local history. Originally built for the son of a prominent lumber baron, the property was painstakingly restored to its original grandeur through a multi-year restoration that preserved its remarkable craftsmanship, architectural
A rare historic residence in downtown Traverse City, set on a prominent corner lot with a detached three-car garage. Just blocks from Front Street, beaches, restaurants, parks, and year-round downtown amenities, 445 E State Street combines walkable city living with the privacy, utility, and presence of an established in-town home. The corner setting gives the property an open, distinguished feel,
A landmark of timeless elegance, The Ottaway offers an exceptional luxury residential experience in the heart of downtown Traverse City, with a rare opportunity to own a fully furnished, designer-curated residence. Designed by internationally renowned architecture firm AMDG and inspired by the classic charm of Chicago’s Gold Coast and New York’s Upper East Side, this to-be-built boutique building
Available: August 1st – May 31stSpecs: 3 Bedrooms | 1.5 Bathrooms | 1-Car Detached GarageTerms: 10-Month Lease | Fully FurnishedRent: $3,300 + UtilitiesThe SpaceEmbrace the perfect blend of historic downtown charm and curated modern design. Located in one of Traverse City’s most desirable, walkable neighborhoods, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom,
3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom furnished two story home downtown Traverse City in Boardman Neighborhood available for lease and immediate move-in. 12 month lease preferred. Perfect for families with large backyard. Rental Requirements: No smoking. Background and credit checks are required on everyone 18 years or older. 2.5x rent for income. No evictions or bankruptcies. Applications must be
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
