Why Live in Old Town
Old Town in Traverse City offers residents a highly walkable and bike-friendly environment, with gridded streets, well-maintained sidewalks, and bike paths connecting to downtown. The neighborhood features Victorian and Craftsman-style homes, many with private yards and off-street parking accessed via alleyways. While there are no parks within Old Town, residents can easily reach Lay and Hannah parks along the Boardman River, and Clinch Park and Sunset Park Beach overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. The nearby Boardman Lake Trail provides a 4-mile loop for hiking and biking, complete with lookout piers and kayak launches. For entertainment, the Old Town Playhouse hosts community theater productions year-round. Dining options include Archie’s Social House, known for its local pierogis and seasonal cocktails, and Traverse City Whiskey Company, which offers mixology classes. Essential amenities like Tom’s Food Market and specialty shops are within walking distance. Schools in the area are highly rated, including Central Grade School, East Middle School, Central High School, and St. Francis High School. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, and public transportation is readily available through the Bay Area Transportation Authority. Cherry Capital Airport is conveniently located just under 5 miles east of downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Town a good place to live?
Old Town is a good place to live. Old Town is considered fairly walkable and a biker's paradise. Old Town has 2 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 7.0 people per acre and a median age of 46. The average household income is $79,273 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 43.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Old Town are home owners, with 39.3% of residents renting and 60.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Old Town can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Old Town neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Old Town?
The median home price in Old Town is $399,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $80,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.56%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,030 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $87K a year to afford the median home price in Old Town. The average household income in Old Town is $79K.
What are the best public schools in Old Town?
The best public schools that serve Old Town are:
- Central High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 23:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
- East Middle School has a B+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 21:1 and an average review score of 3.9.
- Central Grade School has a B+ Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 17:1.
What are the best private schools in Old Town?
The best private schools that serve Old Town are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Old Town, Traverse City, MI?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Old Town, Traverse City, MI?
Are home prices dropping in Old Town?
Yes, home prices in Old Town are down 4% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Old Town, MI
On average, homes in Old Town, Traverse City sell after 93 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Town, Traverse City over the last 12 months is $405,000, down 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$405,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$405,196
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$405,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$389,950
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$314
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
28
Median List Price
$399,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-21%