$701,387Average Value$401Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Slabtown offers quiet living close to downtown and the bayfront
During the mid-20th century, Traverse City was a small town centered around lumber manufacturing. Many of the industry’s skilled workers, largely Czech immigrants, began building small dwellings on the city’s west side out of slab wood brought home from the sawmills. This would become the origin story of Slabtown, a walkable suburb that's a bike ride away from West Arm Grand Traverse Bay. Today, residents enjoy the area's proximity to local restaurants like the historic Sleder’s Family Tavern, the city’s downtown district and abundant waterfront recreation. “It’s a deeply historical neighborhood with a variety of housing and plenty to do nearby,” says Nan Ray, a local Realtor with Century 21 Northland and a longtime city resident.
Grand Traverse Bay makes Slabtown's Open Space Park a top walking destination.
Traverse City Farmers Market highlights the neighborhoods walkability and accessibility.
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Locally owned businesses dot the community and fill the city's center
Sleder’s Family Tavern on Randolph Street has been serving pub-style food since 1882, making it the longest-running restaurant in the state. The tavern features original slab flooring from the community’s early days, and its taxidermy moose is considered a good luck charm for patrons who kiss it. Ray mentions Dairy Lodge and Slabtown Burgers as other neighborhood favorites. Downtown’s Front Street offers more locally owned restaurants and a series of specialty shops like Cherry Republic and Rocket Fizz. Residents shop for groceries at Tom’s Food Market, a mile north, and will need to drive 4 miles to Grand Traverse Mall for major shopping.
Sleder's Family Restaurant in Slabtown is Michigan's longest running restaurant.
Slabtown residents enjoy grabbing gifts and treats at Cherry Republic on Front Street.
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Homeowners will find varying architecture and a wide price range
Old and new-growth trees line the wide streets of Slabtown. Sidewalks run throughout the neighborhood, cutting through well-kept lawns and intersecting with paved pathways leading to front doors. These properties, which date back to the mid-1800s, showcase various architectural designs, from Victorians to Craftsmans and Cape Cods. Almost all homes feature backside alleyways with space for parking and detached garages. However, the handful of properties within the Incochee subdivision come with attached garages and long front driveways. Prices for single-family homes typically range from $400,000 to $700,000. Larger, recently built or remodeled homes can exceed $800,000 and top out around $2 million. Condos in the area start at $260,000 and go up to $700,000 for newly built units.
Victorians and more modern homes intermingle seamlessly in the Slabtown neighborhood.
Condos are highly sought residences in Slabtown for their amenities and proximity to the water.
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Trails, city parks and waterfront recreation keep locals active
The trails of Hickory Meadows connect to the community’s western side and double as skiing routes in the winter. Veterans Park on North Division Street has pickleball and tennis courts, a playground and the adjoining Wags West Dog Park. Residents can bike the Traverse Recreational Trail, which runs along the shoreline southeast to Clinch Park. “It should be more popular than it is,” Ray says. “I loved taking my kids there when they were little." The park is home to Duncan L. Clinch Marina, a splash pad, and Bijou by the Bay, a longstanding movie theater. The sands of the adjacent West End Beach fill during summer. “Locals prefer the west side of the beach since it’s a bit less touristy."
Veterans Park in Slabtown boasts new pickleball and tennis courts.
Sunset at Clinch Marina is a special time of day for Slabtown residents.
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New Innovation & Manufacturing Center at West Senior High
Willow Hill Elementary School has an A-minus on Niche and keeps guardians updated with student activities and other relevant information on its website’s live news feed. West Middle School earns a B-plus, alongside West Senior High School. In April 2025, the high school opened its Innovation & Manufacturing Center. The new wing is devoted to STEM, manufacturing and trade education, emphasizing hands-on learning. Local private options include The Greenspire School and Immaculate Conception Elementary.
West Middle School is highly rated on Niche and serves Slabtown students.
West Senior High School is STEM leaning with a hands-on learning emphasis for Slabtown students.
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Traverse City hosts the largest cherry festival in the nation
For nearly 100 years, people across the state have gathered here for the National Cherry Festival, the nation's largest. It takes place over a week at Open Space Park in midsummer, hosting live musicians, carnival rides and several cherry-related activities. “It’s a pretty touristy occasion, so a lot of locals choose to leave town for that weekend,” Ray says.
Getting around and out of Slabtown
Bike lanes pass through the community along main roads like Front Street, which leads straight into downtown. Bay Area Transportation also operates bus service along the street, with routes connecting riders to greater Traverse City and Munson Medical Center, a half mile south. Those commuting from the area to surrounding towns and cities can take state Routes 22, 72 or 31, each accessible from the neighborhood.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Slabtown, Traverse City sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Slabtown, Traverse City over the last 12 months is $525,000, down 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This remarkable property located in the historic Slabtown district of Traverse City offers an incredible opportunity. Positioned just two blocks from the beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay, this destination site is waiting for your unique touch. With R1-b zoning, it includes a corner lot and features four rooms ready for customization. You will be in close proximity to various amenities such as
Premium Slabtown location 2 blocks from the beach, biking - walking trails, downtown restaurants & shops. This house has a feel good vibe the moment you walk in. Move in ready with generously sized rooms and lots of updates. Great corner lot with an enviable backyard yard perfect for entertaining, gardening or yard games. Deck is big enough for a grill & plenty of seating. Attached, oversize 2
Welcome to 1024 W. Front Street—a beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home ideally situated near all that Traverse City has to offer. Just minutes from downtown, West Grand Traverse Bay, Munson Medical Center, and neighborhood schools, this home combines convenience with modern comfort. Step inside to find a thoughtfully renovated interior with new hardwood floors (2024), a brand-new AC unit
Property Id: 954486This home is located in downtown Traverse City in popular Slabtown, just two blocks from the beach with one car garage. This charming, well maintained home is loaded with character. Home is freshly painted with newer carpet and remodel bathroom. This ideal downtown location is a stone's throw from restaurants, schools, grocery stores, Munson hospital, places of
Available October 1, 2025, this nearly new 3 bed/2.5 bath home in the coveted Slabtown neighborhood offers modern style and unbeatable location for $3,750 per month. Featuring hardwood floors, granite counters, bay-view decks, central A/C, and a 2-car garage on a deep lot, it’s designed for easy living just steps from downtown Traverse City. The home is unfurnished but includes kitchen
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