Traverse Heights
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.
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.
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.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.”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.



Agents Specializing in this Area
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Danielle Jerome
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Schmidt Traver
(947) 886-8274
157 Total Sales
1 in Traverse Heights
$350,000 Price
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Ree Zerafa
Responds QuicklyWolff Properties
(231) 715-5789
10 Total Sales
1 in Traverse Heights
$395,000 Price
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Brian McGillivary
Responds QuicklyBerkshire Hathaway Homeservices - TC
(231) 714-6145
27 Total Sales
1 in Traverse Heights
$205,250 Price
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Sander Scott
Responds QuicklyNet Real Estate
(231) 714-6871
84 Total Sales
2 in Traverse Heights
$273K - $310K Price Range
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AG
Amber Griswold
Responds QuicklyCENTURY 21 Northland
(231) 714-6674
70 Total Sales
4 in Traverse Heights
$200K - $446K Price Range
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Christina Ingersoll
Responds QuicklyREMAX Bayshore - Union St TC
(231) 714-6374
408 Total Sales
2 in Traverse Heights
$361K - $645K Price Range
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
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
On average, homes in Traverse Heights, Traverse City sell after 113 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Traverse Heights, Traverse City over the last 12 months is $465,000, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
Somewhat Walkable
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.
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