$715,260Average Value$420Average 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:
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 Slabtown neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Slabtown
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Slabtown Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Slabtown, Traverse City sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Slabtown, Traverse City over the last 12 months is $497,000, down 26% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This is the Slabtown location you’ve been looking for! This oversized 195’ x 50’ lot is one of the largest you’ll find in Downtown Traverse City’s most sought-after neighborhood. Whether you renovate the existing 2-bedroom ranch home or build from the ground up, this parcel offers tremendous potential for your vision and your investment. R-1b zoning provides flexibility, allowing for accessory
Discover the allure of Randolph's Acqua condominium, a meticulously designed new residence situated in the heart of Traverse City's "slabtown". This fully furnished unit offers a seamless blend of style and functionality, featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the main floor for effortless living. Luxurious touches abound, including sleek solid surface finishes and the added elegance of luxury
Located in downtown Traverse City on the west side! Within walking distance to the beach of Grand Traverse West Bay, the Open Space Park and all things downtown Traverse City has to offer. This home was recently a rental and could be used as such moving forward or it could be great investment property to bring your new home vision forward. Fixer Upper in a prime location. The adjacent home at 617
Newly updated 4 bedroom in Slabtown. New updated bathrooms and all new kitchen and laundry appliances. The house has a beautiful enclosed front porch and huge windows throughout. All new flooring and paint. The property has a great backyard with firepit, and outdoor kitchen area. Two car garage and excess side parking. Great location just down from Ace Hardware, Loco Boys, and Coffee shops.
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, and Downtown
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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.
