$453,148Average Value$319Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Suburban living near Boardman Lake in South Traverse City
South Traverse City, or as locals call it, “SoFo” for being south of Fourteenth Street, offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle next to Boardman Lake, the largest lake in city limits. Most residents live in subdivisions away from the water, though there are a few waterfront developments. Stores, restaurants and bars are all nearby, some even within walking distance of homes. The community is also home to Traverse City Country Club and is only a few minutes from downtown and Grand Traverse Bay beaches.
Homes on and off Boardman Lake
South Traverse City has a suburban layout of mostly single-family homes built between the late 1800s and 2000s, with lot sizes typically close to a quarter of an acre. Older one-to-four-bedroom bungalows range from around $250,000 to $360,000. Midcentury ranch-style houses, bi-levels and Cape Cods sell for about $390,000 to $560,000. New Traditional homes built in the 2000s typically cost between $560,000 and $675,000, though one with upscale interiors recently sold for $1 million. Single-family homes along Boardman Lake rarely come on the market. In recent years, only one sold for $860,000. Waterfront condominium units range from $520,000 to $590,000. Three-bedroom townhouse condominiums built in 2016 range from around $550,000 to $700,000.According to flood map data, there are some flood risks along Boardman Lake. However, most waterfront homes are elevated away from the shoreline, adding a layer of protection. Several homes on and near Veterans Drive are also at risk of flooding.
Sailing at Boardman Lake and golfing at Traverse City Country Club
Boardman Lake features 339 acres of water and is a common spot for boaters to practice before heading out to Lake Michigan. “It’s a great fishing lake, but it isn’t heavily used. The biggest user is probably Traverse Area Community Sailing,” McGillivary says. “It’s a non-profit organization that teaches how to sail.” The lake is also home to Traverse City Tritons Rowing, which offers competitive rowing programs for middle and high schoolers. Hull Park lies on the north side of the lake with a boat launch and access to the Boardman Lake Loop, which wraps around the lake. It also connects to the TART Trail, which leads to downtown. Traverse City Country Club has been part of the community since 1915. “It’s the city’s only country club,” McGillivary says. “I’ve had dinner there and the food is great.” Members have access to a private golf course, outdoor pool, tennis courts and a fitness center. During winter, the golf course is used for sledding, cross-country skiing and other winter activities.
Stores, restaurants and two Traverse City watering holes
The neighborhood is home to two popular Traverse City watering holes. Locals hang out at Right Brain Brewery, which offers more than 30 beers on tap with unique flavors, such as Creamsicle Breeze nitro cream ale and Cake Walk vanilla cream ale. A few blocks away on Fourteenth Street, Traverse City Whiskey Co. serves a variety of whiskey concoctions, including American Cherry, which infuses cherries from the city’s orchards. Also on Fourteenth Street is Leone’s Frosty Treat, where locals hang out over ice cream, and Common Good Bakery, known for its homemade pastries. On Division Street, also known as U.S. Route 31, residents have access to the city chain grocery store Tom’s Food Market, fast food chains and Flap Jack Shack, a local breakfast staple serving the community for more than 30 years.
Traverse City Area Public Schools and NMC University Center
Public elementary students may attend Central Grade School, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche. They can go on to East Middle School, also graded a B-plus. Students in grades 8 through 12 go to Central High School, which receives an A-minus. The high school expanded its STEM education by opening the Innovation and Manufacturing Center in 2025. Though the high school is about 3 miles away, the Central Trojans’ football stadium is in the neighborhood. The Greenspire School, an independent public charter school focusing on environmental education for sixth through 12th graders, is next to Boardman Lake. Right next door is Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) University Center, where students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees from NMC or several other affiliated institutions.
A 1-mile trip to downtown via car or BATA City Loop bus
Locals can get around the city and reach downtown by taking a Bay Area Transit Authority (BATA) City Loop bus. Downtown is about 1 mile away, and it takes approximately 5 minutes to drive to its shops, restaurants, beaches and entertainment venues. U.S. Route 31 runs through the neighborhood, and it’s about a 4-mile drive to Cherry Capital Airport, which takes about 10 minutes.
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
Hull Park
Transit
Airport
Cherry Capital
13 min drive
Bus
Bay Hill Terrace & Garden
Bus
Hillview Apts
Bus
Cass St. & 16th St. (Inbound)
Bus
14th St. & Veterans Dr.
Bus
Fitzhugh Dr. & Us-31
Bus
Veterans Dr. & Bay Hill Dr.
Bus
Bay Hill Office
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Traverse City
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Traverse City Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Traverse City, Traverse City sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in South Traverse City, Traverse City over the last 12 months is $460,000, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lake Views & Shared Frontage in downtown Traverse City! This second floor end unit has water views from both bedrooms, living room and deck. Lake Ridge offers walking and cycling on the Boardman Loop & Tart Trail, located a few steps away. This unit has shared frontage on the Boardman Lake with Kayak Storage, Fire Pit and Dock. Security entrance to building with beautiful landscaping around the
A condo that's as cheerful & stylish as it is private. Designed by an award-winning interior designer, this 2-bedroom plus den, 2-bath condominium combines modern luxury with cheerful, youthful style. Hardwood floors flow throughout, complemented by natural stone and quartz finishes, tall counter heights, and luxury appliances. A cozy fireplace anchors the open living area, while you're serenaded
In-town charming 3 bedrooms 1.5 baths home. Walk or bike to miles of Traverse City's finest beaches, parks, Tart trail, downtown shopping, dining, and so much more. Home features include semi-open layout with hardwood flooring in living room, tiled kitchen and dining area with slider to rear deck, stainless appliances, central a/c & main floor primary. Full finished lower level with daylight
Enjoy Boardman Lake and its wonderful location. Walk or ride around the lake. Kayak and paddle boards on the lake. Walk to downtown Front st and Grand Traverse BayNewly updated fully furnished townhouse for rent. 3 bedrooms two and a half baths In unit washer and dryer. Large 2 car garage. Modern and spotless. Min 6 month rental.
For lease: Charming and clean 2 bed/2 bath, 1,400 sq ft ranch home located in a quiet and private neighborhood that backs up to the Traverse City Golf and Country Club. Possible 3rd non-conforming bedroom without closet. Features include a full basement, screened porch, and 1-car attached garage. Home is unfurnished, but the following appliances will remain: refrigerator, electric stove/range,
Luxury 1,700 square foot apartment just built in the heart of mid-town Traverse City! Exceptional second floor new space with many high end finishes, beautiful kitchen and island, motorized blinds, over 13' ceilings, ample parking with one reserved private parking space in our dedicated lot. Perfect for a business live-work space adjacent to the Tart Trail, Boardman Lake and less than 1 mile to
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 Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,490
Median Age
43
Population under 18
20.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.5%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$42,066
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,501
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.5%
Advanced Degrees
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.4%
Below the national average
65.1%
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®
83/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
71/ 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.
