Why Live in Central
Central, a neighborhood in Traverse City, Michigan, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, located less than a mile from downtown. The area is highly walkable and bike-friendly, with a Bike Score of 95 and a Walk Score of 79. Central's tree-lined streets feature Queen Anne, Victorian, and Craftsman-style homes, many built from the turn of the century to the 1940s. Residents enjoy easy access to local dining options like Blue Tractor Barbeque and Forrest, A Food Studio, as well as casual spots like Brady’s Bar and Traverse City Whiskey Company. For groceries, Tom’s Food Market and specialty shops like Deering Meat Market and Oryana Community Co-op are nearby. Outdoor activities are plentiful, with Hannah Park and the Boardman Lake Trail offering scenic spots for picnics and fishing. Central is served by highly rated schools, including Central Grade School, West Middle School, West Senior High School, St. Francis High School, and TCAPS Montessori School. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, adding to its appeal. Public transit is accessible, and Cherry Capital Airport is just under 6 miles away. Traverse City’s annual National Cherry Festival and the city’s mild summers and snowy winters provide a vibrant community atmosphere year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central a good place to live?
Central is a good place to live. Central is considered fairly walkable and a biker's paradise. Central is a neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Central has 3 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 7.8 people per acre and a median age of 47. The average household income is $84,554 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 46.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Central are home owners, with 38.4% of residents renting and 61.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Central can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Central neighborhood guide.
Is Central, MI a safe neighborhood?
Central, MI is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Central?
The median home price in Central is $527,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $105,400 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.21%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,580 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $111K a year to afford the median home price in Central. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Central is $85K.
What are the best public schools in Central?
The best public schools that serve Central are:
What are the best private schools in Central?
The best private schools that serve Central are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Central, Traverse City, MI?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Central, Traverse City, MI?
Are home prices dropping in Central?
Yes, home prices in Central are down 14% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Central, MI
On average, homes in Central, Traverse City sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Central, Traverse City over the last 12 months is $490,000, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$490,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$490,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$333
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
28
Median List Price
$527,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-18%