$1,051,325Average Value$548Average Price per Sq Ft35Homes For Sale
Wine country by the bay in Old Mission Peninsula
Vineyards and wine fuel Old Mission Peninsula, which stretches 19 miles into the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, just shy of the 45th parallel. These factors create longer moderate temperatures, allowing grapes and cherries to ripen for the nearly dozen wineries in this certified American Viticultural Area. “Every winery offers a unique experience,” says Brian McGillivary, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, who has lived in Traverse City for about 25 years. “They make world-class wines that win awards every year.” In 2022 and 2023, USA Today ranked it the second-best wine region in the country. The peninsula splits Grand Traverse Bay into what locals refer to as the East and West Bays, which have waterfront homes and convenient beach access.
Award-winning wines line the shelves at Chateau Grand Traverse on Old Mission Peninsula.
Chateau Grand Traverse showcases its vintages in a dark wood display in Traverse City.
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Ten wineries part of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail is not an actual walking trail but a series of 10 wineries up and down the peninsula, most of which are along Center Road. “Tour buses are very common,” McGillivary says. “The wineries in the summer are very busy on the weekends and even during the week.” Chateau Grand Traverse is the oldest winery in the region, established in 1974. Visitors enjoy relaxing on the patio with a glass of its famous cherry wine while looking out at the vineyard and bay. Other options include Peninsula Cellars, set up in a historic 1800s schoolhouse, and Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, which features a wine-tasting room and lavender gardens.
Guests gather around a rustic table at Brys Estate’s tasting room on Old Mission Peninsula.
Brys Estate’s red-roofed winery overlooks vineyard rows and Grand Traverse Bay in Michigan.
Vineyards surround the patio and tasting room at Chateau Grand Traverse on Old Mission Peninsula.
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Many variables go into buying a home by Grand Traverse Bay
From condos to single-family homes, there’s a lot to contemplate. “There are a thousand things that play into home values here,” McGillivary says. “Do you have a shared or private waterfront? Some have docks and some don’t. You may or may not have a water view. You could be right on the water or you may have to cross a busy road to get to the beach. The East Bay has the sunrise and the West Bay tends to be pricier because it faces the sunset. You have to consider all of these variables.” Small inland condos sell for around $270,000 to $330,000. Upscale condos range from around $500,000 to $940,000. Midcentury ranch-style houses, split-levels and Cape Cods off the water cost around $310,000 to $650,000. Similar houses with water views and beach access cost around $700,000 to $925,000, while larger upscale houses with those same luxuries range from about $1 million to $1.3 million. Waterfront properties typically have private beaches and a boat dock. Smaller homes along the water have sold for $675,000 to $760,000. Luxurious bayside estates range from around $1 million to $3 million.
According to recent flood map data, waterfront homes along the West Bay have a greater chance of being impacted by floods than those on the east. On average, homes stay on the market for nearly two months. The community’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1, the lowest possible score.
Green lawns and bay views surround a historic home on Michigan’s wine-producing peninsula.
Waterfront homes with private docks line Grand Traverse Bay on Old Mission Peninsula.
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Adventures at a historic lighthouse, the beach and old farmland trails
Locals and tourists are drawn to Old Mission State Park on the far north side. It features miles of nature trails, a narrow beach and the historic Mission Point Lighthouse at the northern tip. The lighthouse was built in 1870, and visitors can tour it or even pay to become a lighthouse keeper for a week. “People sign up all year long because staying on the water is an expensive endeavor, and this is much cheaper,” McGillivary says. “I’ve never heard of them being short of volunteers.” Haserot Beach is also on the north side with a spacious sandy area, a designated swimming spot and a playground. On the peninsula's south side, Pelizzari Natural Area has about 3 miles of trails through woods and meadows that were once farmland.
The Old Mission Point Lighthouse Park in Traverse City, MI.
Haserot Beach’s grassy lawn and picnic tables welcome visitors to Grand Traverse Bay.
Farm buildings and grapevines overlook Grand Traverse Bay on a sunny day in northern Michigan.
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Bay view dining at Jolly Pumpkin and Boathouse Restaurant
There are a few restaurants in town, including Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant & Bar, well known for its sour beer, artisan pub food and string-lit patio with views of the bay. Boathouse Restaurant sits along the West Bay, offering a fine dining experience by the Bowers Harbor Yacht Club’s marina. Old Mission General Store, located on the peninsula's north side, has served the community since the early 1800s. As one of the state’s oldest stores, it maintains its historic rustic look while selling produce, antiques and various knickknacks. In the center of town, Peninsula Market sells groceries and local wine. Big box retailers are about 15 to 30 minutes away.
Jolly Pumpkin’s front lawn blooms with flowers outside its 1880s Bowers Harbor Inn building.
Chateau Grand Traverse’s dining area blends rustic wood with modern metal wall panels.
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Expanding STEM education at Central High School
Students may attend Eastern Elementary School and East Middle School, both of which receive a B-plus grade from Niche. Students in grades 8 through 12 go to A-minus-graded Central High School. It opened its Innovation and Manufacturing Center in 2025 to expand its STEM program.
Eastern Elementary School is located in Traverse City, Michigan.
Students can attend East Middle School located in Traverse City, Michigan.
Students may attend Traverse City Central High School.
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Getting around the peninsula and to other areas of Traverse City
Travelers can take Peninsula Drive along the West Bay, Bluff Road along the East Bay or Center Road through the middle of the peninsula. Those who live on the south side can drive about 5 minutes to downtown Traverse City, while it takes about 30 minutes for those farther north. It’s also about a 10 to 35-minute drive to Cherry Capital Airport.
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
Julia Pietrowicz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Old Mission Point Park
Archie Park
Pelizzari Natural Area
Transit
Airport
Cherry Capital
27 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Mission Peninsula
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old Mission Peninsula Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City over the last 12 months is $795,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 1721 Timber Lane, located in the desirable Huron Hills neighborhood and surrounded by nature at the base of the Old Mission Peninsula. This spacious 5 bed + den / 3.5 bath home offers the perfect combination of privacy and access, just a short bike ride to beaches, parks, trails, Eastern Elementary, Central High School, and Downtown Traverse City. Abundant natural light illuminates the
Base of Old Mission Peninsula. Beautifully remodeled 1 1/2 story ranch situated on a secluded, peaceful cul-de-sac. Features an expansive kitchen with storage pantry, flowing into a grand post and beam sunken living area boasting a gas fireplace with striking brick mantle and integrated cherry-wood media center. Elegant dining space and inviting sun room, showcasing floor-to-ceiling Pella windows
Discover the allure of Traverse City living at The Enclave, a desirable condominium community. This detached Craftsman designed home is perfectly situated at the base of Old Mission Peninsula, offering a wooded setting and convenient proximity to downtown Traverse City, shopping, and medical services. This home embraces the best of both worlds: the freedom of a single-family residence and the
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julia Pietrowicz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
6,926
Median Age
56
Population under 18
18%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
36.8%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$103,741
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$122,577
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.2%
College Graduates
63.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
30%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
29''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
87''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
8/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
9/ 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.
