$747,026Average Value$509Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes 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 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 92 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Slabtown, Traverse City over the last 12 months is $497,500, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
West Grand Traverse Bay Views & Luxury Living set high on Traverse City’s prestigious Wayne Hill, this exceptional 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath walkout ranch delivers the ultimate Northern Michigan lifestyle. Enjoy your private oasis with a sparkling private pool surrounded by expansive decking and a backyard basketball court. The Interior features Vaulted ceilings, rich hardwood floors, and a chef’s
Experience luxury waterfront living in this exceptional 3-bedroom penthouse offering panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay and endless blue-water horizons. Perched on the top floor, this elegant residence is filled with natural light and features a spacious, chef-inspired kitchen thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and entertaining. Retreat to the beautifully appointed primary suite,
A Century of Memories in the Heart of Slabtown. For more than 100 years, this home has been part of the same family's story. Lovingly cared for by multiple generations, 1026 W Front Street is now ready for its next chapter, and for a new owner to make it their own. Located in the heart of Traverse City's beloved Slabtown neighborhood, this 5-bedroom, 2-bath home offers more than 2,000 square feet
Location, Location, Location! Live and work location! This standalone brick building from the 1800s is situated in a unique zoning area: the Neighborhood Center at The West End Beach, just over 5000 sq ft! It also includes a deeded scenic easement of West Bay. Featuring two upstairs apartments and a main floor ready for your plans, you can own and live in a historic property.
Experience elevated waterfront living in this sophisticated 3-bedroom penthouse showcasing breathtaking million-dollar bay views and endless blue-water vistas. This stunning top-floor residence offers sun-filled living spaces, an elegant chef-inspired kitchen centered around a spacious island, and a beautifully appointed ensuite designed for comfort and style. Relax on your private balcony and
Stunning Slabtown Condo with Breathtaking Grand Traverse Bay Views! This condo boasts incredible views of Grand Traverse Bay, providing a picturesque backdrop for your everyday life. Featuring two spacious bedrooms and two beautifully designed bathrooms, this home is perfect for both relaxation and entertainment. The custom kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, elegant countertops, and
Experience the best of town living from one of Slabtown’s quietest streets. This historic 1862 West Side Victorian balances vibrant walkability to local schools, Slabtown beach, Ace Hardware, and Hickory Hills trails with a peaceful, tucked-away feel. Fully renovated for modern living while preserving its 160-year integrity, the 4-bedroom, 3-bath home features a Farrow & Ball palette, deVOL
Ideally positioned in the heart of Traverse City’s vibrant west side, this beautifully appointed 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and modern design. Being sold fully furnished, the residence is ready to enjoy from day one and also offers the flexibility for short-term rentals with a permit in accordance with the City of Traverse City’s Short-Term Rental
Downtown development opportunity. Zoned C-1 Commercial which allows either Commercial or Residential development. Located at a corner location on lightly traveled Randolph street. Close to downtown core and Division Street. Residential condominium development plans in hand which can be provided to Buyer. Or, create your own concept, single family homes, townhomes, duplexes, or multi story
Few properties stop you in your tracks. This one does. Set on one of downtown Traverse City's most coveted walkable streets, 124 North Oak is a contemporary urban residence unlike anything else in Northern Michigan. At over 8,000 square feet with 8 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, the scale alone is remarkable - but it's the thoughtfulness of the design that truly sets it apart. The architecture makes
Step into easy downtown living, in the coveted Slabtown neighborhood, where West Grand Traverse Bay is just a short stroll away and the best of Traverse City is right outside your door. Completed in 2023, this 2 bed/2 bath condo pairs clean design with everyday comfort. Sunlight pours through large windows, filling the airy living space and connecting seamlessly to your private balcony, perfect
Steps from the best of Traverse City on a spacious corner lot, this west downtown home offers convenience, comfort, and charm in abundance. Two bedrooms and 2 baths make this home a sweet primary residence or perfect up-north retreat. Inside, the open layout and large rooms provide thoughtful space, with two separate family spaces to relax and gather. A big covered porch is perfect for enjoying
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