$679,224Average Value$167Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes 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:
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
Wags West Dog Park
Darrow Park
Ashton Park
Traverse Area Recreational Trail
West End Beach
Veteran's Park
Traverse City Volleyball Beach
Fulton Park
Transit
Airport
Cherry Capital
14 min drive
Bus
W Front St & Maple St (Westbound)
Bus
W Front St & Cedar St (Westbound)
Bus
W Front St & Maple St (Eastbound)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Slabtown
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Slabtown Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Slabtown, Traverse City sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Slabtown, Traverse City over the last 12 months is $518,250, down 37% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
SLABTOWN FLATS is a trendy condo community that resides in the highly desirable Slabtown neighborhood of downtown Traverse City. This prime location means food, beverages, shopping, Munson Hospital and West Bay are all easily accessible. Looking for an affordable housing option close to work or for access to all that downtown TC has to offer? Or perhaps you visit in the Summers and would like a
Turn-Key Victorian Gem Just 2 Blocks from the Beach! Welcome to your Northern Michigan dream — a charming and fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Victorian just two blocks from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan and one block from downtown Traverse City’s vibrant shops, restaurants, and cafes. This lovingly maintained home blends timeless character with modern comforts and is already a proven
Check out the beach, play some pickleball, enjoy Traverse City's amazing foodie scene, and hop over to the heart of downtown and do it all quickly from the doorstep of this beautiful income-producing condo. Are you looking to relax in Traverse City for a few weeks out of the year and let the short-term rental income offset your mortgage? If so, stop scrolling, you are home. Cypress 207 embodies
One and one-half blocks from West Grand Traverse Bay, Volleyball Courts, Clinch Park and public beach. Walking distance to downtown Traverse City and the Tart Trail. Close to all downtown activities. This is a great location.
Enjoy convenient urban condo living, just steps away from West Grand Traverse Bay, all while residing in a coveted neighborhood of Downtown TC! Newly built, this 2 bed/2 bath condo features elevator access, laundry hook-up, and premium finishes. Each unit has a designated parking space. Located in a prime walkable locale, adjacent from Sleders Restaurant and close to every downtown amenity! 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
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
1,312
Median Age
49
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$81,927
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$99,912
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.9%
College Graduates
59.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.7%
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
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
60/ 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.
