Section Image

Traverse Heights

Traverse Heights

$337,858 Average Value
$509 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

A dense residential neighborhood

Traverse Heights is a residential community built to accommodate walking and cycling, close enough to destinations to leave the car behind. Streets laid out in a grid pattern complement connected sidewalks that link to bike and pedestrian routes beyond the neighborhood. Hull Park and the Boardman Lake Trail provide opportunities to get outside, and the Traverse Area District Library, within the neighborhood, hosts community events such as ice cream socials, music workshops and educational clubs.
Traverse Heights contains a variety of different homes, big and small.
Traverse Heights contains a variety of different homes, big and small.
The Traverse Area District Library offers community events and classes to Traverse Heights.
The Traverse Area District Library offers community events and classes to Traverse Heights.
1/2

Going kayaking in the lake

Hull Park overlooks Boardman Lake, with picnic pavilions and access to the Boardman Lake Trail. Next door is the Grand Traverse Area Children’s Garden, a community garden managed by volunteers that offers a place for children to learn about growing fruits, herbs and vegetables. By the park and garden, the Traverse Area District Library offers community events, classes and a multitude of reading choices. There’s plenty of parking at the library and park, and the Boardman Lake Boat Launch provides a place to set off on boating or kayaking adventures. To the north, the Traverse Area Recreation Trail offers over 10 miles of paved multi-use path that stretches to Leelanau County.

When the weather cools, Elev8 Climbing and Fitness, Rhythm Fit, Elite Fitness North and CrossFit Due North all can serve as workout spots within the neighborhood. Another recreation option is attending a show at the Traverse City Comedy Club. The club hosts Friday and Saturday night shows featuring local and touring comedians. The club serves food and drinks from its bar menu but doesn’t allow minors without their parents to attend shows.
Hull Park is a wonderful place for boating in Traverse City.
Hull Park is a wonderful place for boating in Traverse City.
The Grand Traverse Area Children’s Garden offers children a place to learn about growing plants.
The Grand Traverse Area Children’s Garden offers children a place to learn about growing plants.
1/2

Houses built in the 1960s

Ranging from ranch to shotgun-style, houses here average two beds and baths and come with small, neat front gardens and shaded back yards. Townhouses and condos in newer buildings offer one and two bedrooms and bathrooms. Homes range in price from $250,000 to $500,000, with one-bedroom condos at the lower end, older, single-family homes in the middle and modern townhouses at the highest end. “Comparing the price per square foot with Central or Boardman neighborhoods highlights how much more affordable Traverse Heights is,” Porter says. “This is the place to get a downtown location without downtown prices.”

Accessory dwelling units are allowed in the neighborhood, permitting owners to maintain small living spaces such as back yard carriage houses or above-garage apartments. "They can be rented out or used as in-law suites, so there’s plenty of opportunity for additional income or space to live with family,” she said.
Traverse Heights has many smaller, more traditional styles of houses.
Traverse Heights has many smaller, more traditional styles of houses.
Ranch-style homes are plentiful in Traverse Heights.
Ranch-style homes are plentiful in Traverse Heights.
1/2

Multiple shopping centers provide options

In the northeast corner of the neighborhood, Oakwood Proper Burgers is a retro family-run restaurant serving signature “smashburgers” made from Michigan craft beef. A few blocks down on South Garfield Avenue, Randy’s Diner, another family-run spot, has served all-day breakfast, sandwiches and comfort meals with 1950’s style décor since opening in 1997. Nearby, Great Lakes Chocolate & Dessert Co. serves pies, cakes, cheesecakes and tortes, available for walk-ins or scheduled to cater for events. Save A Lot and Edson Farms Natural Foods are two supermarkets in Traverse Heights. In addition to restaurants and grocery stores, Traverse Heights has specialty shops and clothing boutiques in multiple shopping centers. Between Garfield Centre, Garfield Square and Garfield Village, there are plenty of places to hunt for the perfect fit.
Save A Lot is a well-known store supplying groceries and more to Traverse Heights.
Save A Lot is a well-known store supplying groceries and more to Traverse Heights.
Swing into Oakwood Proper Burgers in Traverse Heights for a delicious burger and craft beer.
Swing into Oakwood Proper Burgers in Traverse Heights for a delicious burger and craft beer.
1/2

Eating cherry pie at the National Cherry Festival

Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” Traverse City hosts the annual National Cherry Festival every June and July. With an average of nearly 500,000 visitors, the festival is a huge source of income for the city and surrounding areas. Most events are held at the Open Space Park, but satellite events are set up throughout the city. Over 100 events are held over the festival’s eight days. With community picnics, markets, orchard tours, pie-eating contests and even “Cherry-Pit-Spit” competitions, there’s plenty for locals and tourists to explore. There are also concerts held at the Pepsi Bayside Music State, with celebrity artists, including the Goo Goo Dolls, T.I. and Stone Temple Pilots, performing during the 2024 season.

Walking to class

Students growing up in Traverse Heights may attend Traverse Heights Elementary School and East Middle School, both graded B minus by Niche, and Central High School, graded A minus. “The elementary school’s location is a huge selling point for families,” says Porter. “Kids can walk to Traverse Heights Elementary School from nearly any point in the neighborhood.”
Central High School is a public school located in Traverse City with a grade of A- on Niche.
Central High School is a public school located in Traverse City with a grade of A- on Niche.
East Middle School is located in Traverse City, Michigan, and graded B- by Niche.
East Middle School is located in Traverse City, Michigan, and graded B- by Niche.
1/2

Getting around in Traverse Heights

With major employers such as Munson Medical Center, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City Area Public Schools and Tyson Foods located in the city, most Traverse Heights residents don’t need to commute far for work. Bay Area Transit Authority has bus stops along Barlow, Carver and Hastings streets that provide direct routes to downtown and loop around the neighborhood, providing access to Garfield Centre, Garfield Square and Garfield Village shopping centers. “The city’s buses are convenient for quick trips and people without cars, but Traverse Heights’ bike paths and access to the TART trail are the predominant modes of transportation here,” says Porter. “Walk downtown, to shopping centers, to schools or stores—this neighborhood lives up to its pedestrian-friendly reputation.” Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) is about 2 miles east, so long-distance travel is easily accessible.

What's the weather like?

It’s noteworthy that Traverse City’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant is located on the banks of Boardman Lake, directly west of the neighborhood. The plant provides job opportunities to the area but occasionally produces an unpleasant smell.

The moderating effects of nearby lakes mean that Traverse City maintains warm and mild summers (perfect for growing cherries and grapes) and cold winters. Snowfall generally occurs between November and April.
Hull Park is a wonderful place for boating in Traverse City.
Hull Park is a wonderful place for boating in Traverse City.
Traverse City’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant is located on the banks of Boardman Lake.
Traverse City’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant is located on the banks of Boardman Lake.
1/2
Caitlyn Tierney
Written By
Caitlyn Tierney
Jonathan Fairfield
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Fairfield
Colleen Carey
Video By
Colleen Carey

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Transit

Airport

Cherry Capital

9 min drive

Bus

Traverse Area District Library (Inbound)

Bus

Barlow St. & Carver St. (Outbound)

Bus

Traverse Area District Library (Outbound)

Bus

Hastings St & Father Fred

Bus

Barlow St. & Centre St. (Outbound)

Bus

Barlow St. & Hannah Ave. (Outbound)

Bus

Carver & Save-A-Lot

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Traverse Heights US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Traverse Heights Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$520,000
Median Sale Price
$465,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$465,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
11%
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-17%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$509

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
944
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1958
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,054
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,203
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,087
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
729
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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
2,016
Median Age
41
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$54,606
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$63,353

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.7%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
39.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.1%
% Population in Labor Force
63.6%

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®

76 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

65 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Traverse Heights neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Traverse Heights