Oak Park is a residential neighborhood within blocks of shops, restaurants and parks in downtown Traverse City. Its streets are gridded and lined with shade trees alongside a mix of older and newer homes. As Traverse City grows, neighborhoods close to downtown stand to gain from increased activity. “Downtown just keeps growing and growing, benefiting nearby neighborhoods like Oak Park and Boardman,” says Shawn Schmidt Smith, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors in Traverse City. “There are restaurants on Front Street that have been here for decades, and new spots keep popping up. It’s walkable and lovely, with beautiful views.”
Downtown Traverse City and all the shops and eateries are only a few minutes from Oak Park.
The shops and restaurants of downtown Traverse City are only minutes away.
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A hidden gem
Oak Park was developed in the early 1900s and has a variety of house styles, including Craftsmans, brick cottages and Italianates. More recently, in the 2010s, modern industrial townhouses were built to add to Oak Park’s housing inventory with a population growth rate in the city of about 2.2%. Many houses have fenced yards, some with front-facing gardens, and the city’s Department of Public Services keeps the paved sidewalks neat and accessible. Houses range in price from $400,000 to $600,000, depending on size and condition, and the neighborhood is seeing an increase in home values, along with the city in general. “Tourism is a main industry here, but locals get to enjoy Traverse City year-round,” says Janene Silverman, the owner of Raduno, a restaurant on Eighth Street. “Every year, streets and parks are upgraded and new shops and restaurants open.”
Mature trees line the residential streets of Oak Park providing an abundance of shade.
There are a few examples of large homes with Victorian and Queen Anne styles in Oak Park.
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All aboard the Recreation Express
F & M Park is located between East State Street and Railroad Avenue on the west side of the neighborhood. With a train-themed playground called the “Recreation Express” and a seasonal ice-skating rink, the park is designed to be enjoyed by children of all ages. 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.
Just west of the Oak Park neighborhood is the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. This 45-acre park offers sports fields, walking and biking paths, picnic tables and pavilions, plus plenty of shaded spaces to enjoy nice weather. The park also includes the Campbell Community Playground, the outdoor amphitheater called the Parallel 45 Theatre, an indoor rink at Howe Ice Arena -- named after hockey legend and former city resident Gordie Howe -- and an outdoor skate park for BMX, skateboarding and rollerblading. In addition to playing sports, locals can learn about Traverse City’s history at the park. The city commemorates the original inhabitants of the land by protecting a 200-year-old white oak tree that was used as a trail marker by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa tribes.
A block to the north, just across East Front Street, a pair of beach parks -- Bryant Beach Park to the east and Sunset Park Beach to the west -- offer swim access, but water temperatures rarely climb above 75 degrees.
F&M Park in Traverse City, MI.
Hull Park in Traverse City, MI.
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Round's and Potter's
Oak Park residents don’t go hungry with a handful of restaurants nearby. Grab doughnuts, fresh bread or muffins at Potter’s Bakery, a fourth-generation family-owned shop that opened in 1929 and decorates wedding and specialty cakes for local events. On Eighth Street, Round’s Restaurant serves all-day breakfast with diner-style seating along its circular front wall. Dating back to the 1940s, Round’s retro décor and consistent pricing have made it a popular spot.
Dinner is served down the street at Raduno, a relaxed deli known for its fresh-made egg pasta and meals made with local produce. “Traverse City has grown a lot in recent years, and even the off-season now has a booming tourism scene,” says Silverman. “But we focus on our regulars—most of our customers are our neighbors—and we’re lucky to call many of them our friends.” While several corner stores are within walking distance, most residents get groceries at Family Fare Supermarket on East Eighth Street.
Head to Potter's Bakery for fresh made donuts, cookies, cakes and more.
You can head down to Round's for that classic American diner feel and fare.
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The best-rated school district in the county
Oak Park students are zoned in the Traverse City Area Public School District, which is listed as the best-rated school district in Grand Traverse County, according to Niche. Students may attend Eastern Elementary School, graded B plus by Niche; East Middle School, graded B plus; and Central High School, graded A minus. Located next to the Northwestern Michigan College campus, Central High School offers an Early College Program for students to earn college credits.
Central High School is a public school located in Traverse City, Michigan.
East Middle School is 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 and over 100 events, the festival is a huge source of income for the city and surrounding areas. Most events are held at the Open Space Park, northwest of Oak Park, but satellite events are set up throughout the city. 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.
Environmental factors
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. It’s noteworthy that Traverse City’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant is located on the coast of Boardman Lake, southwest of Oak Park. The plant provides job opportunities to the area but occasionally produces an unpleasant smell.
You can head to Grand Traverse Bay to enjoy boating, swimming and fishing.
Bryant Park in Traverse City, Michigan.
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Public and private transit
With major employers such as Munson Medical Center, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City Area Public Schools and Tyson Foods located in the city, most Oak Park residents don’t need to commute far for work. Traverse City Transit offers reliable bus trips around the city, with stops at Eight and Front Streets, near the Oak Park neighborhood. For longer-distance travel, Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) is close by—just under 3 miles east and around an 8-minute drive.
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.
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Fully renovated 2 bed/1 bath and 1 bed/1 bath duplex, turnkey, entirely furnished, and income-ready! Nearly every inch of this property has been meticulously reconstructed from the studs with premium finishes, new mechanicals, appliances, insulation, drywall, trim, flooring, tile, paint, electrical, and plumbing systems. Exterior improvements include new siding, windows, doors, trim, foundation
Charming and full of potential, this tiny home on Washington Street is perfectly nestled in the heart of downtown Traverse City. Just steps from Bardon’s, the Civic Center, and Bryant Park, the location doesn’t get more walkable or convenient. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this home offers a rare opportunity to get into the downtown market—whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking for
Whether you're seeking a year-round residence, vacation retreat, or investment opportunity, this little gem is perfectly located in the heart of Traverse City—just steps from Grand Traverse Bay, public beaches, restaurants, shopping, and the TART Trail. This beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home sits on a large city lot with potential to add a second residence. Thoughtfully updated
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,184
Median Age
42
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$58,084
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,903
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.1%
College Graduates
57.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
29''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
87''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
88/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
71/ 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.
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.
