With 3,288 miles of freshwater coastline, Michigan is truly the “Great Lakes State.” Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes, and whether you’re looking for a place in the Upper or Lower Peninsula, Michigan has picturesque lakeside towns.
If you’re looking for a home on one of Michigan’s many stunning lakes, you’ve come to the right place. Redfin has compiled a list of the best lakes to buy a home on this year. From the bustling shores of Lake Superior to idyllic Crystal Lake, you’re sure to find the perfect lakefront home.
1. Burt Lake and Mullet Lake (Indian River)
Nearest city: Indian River, Michigan
Median home sales price: $485,000
population: 1,800
Indian River, MI Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Indian River, MI
The first lake on our list of Michigan lakes is Burt Lake and Mullet Lake. Nestled in the heart of Michigan, Burt Lake and Mullet Lake offer peaceful waterfront living in the quaint town of Indian River. Ideally located between the bustling cities of Petoskey and Sheboygan, these lakes are great for trout and bass fishing, as well as boating. Several parks in the surrounding area, including Burt Lake State Park and Aloha State Park, offer a wealth of outdoor activities from hiking to camping. The Indian River community of 1,800 residents is a gateway to exploring the greater Intracoastal Waterway as well as numerous other nearby lakes and rivers.
2. Crystal Lake
Nearest city: crystal lake michigan
Median home sales price: $332,500
population: 960
Crystal Lake, MI Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Crystal Lake, MI
Located in the city of the same name, Crystal Lake, Crystal Lake is a gem in the Michigan landscape. The lake is a focal point for residents and visitors seeking peaceful respite. Crystal Lake is connected to Lake Michigan and is a great area close to both large and small lakes. Crystal Lake’s clear water is perfect for swimming, canoeing, and leisurely boat tours. The city itself is rich in natural beauty and charm, from local restaurants to neighborhood gatherings.
3. Lake Higgins (Roscommon)
Nearest city: Roscommon, MI
Median home sales price: $126,000
population: 1,000
Roscommon, MI Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Roscommon, MI
Higgins Lake is famous for its crystal clear waters and sandy beaches, making it a top choice for anyone looking for a tranquil lakeside lifestyle. Located near Roscommon and surrounded by dense forest, the lake offers some of the best fishing for trout and pike in Michigan. Nearby Nancy Kings Lake State Park offers endless outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to winter sports like cross-country skiing. Roscommon itself is a cozy community with local cafes and green spaces such as Gahagan Nature Reserve, making it the perfect place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Houghton Lake
Nearest city: Houghton Lake, Michigan
Median home sales price: $160,000
population: 3,700
Homes for Sale in Houghton Lake, MI
Apartments for Rent in Houghton Lake, MI
Houghton Lake is located south of Higgins Lake. As the largest inland lake in Michigan, Houghton Lake offers fishing, boating, swimming and other activities. The surrounding area is filled with parks and recreational facilities, such as Houghton Lake State Forest and Houghton Lake Flats. Houghton Lake itself is a vibrant community with a rich history and welcoming atmosphere. In this small town, you’ll find many lakeside restaurants, golf courses, parks like Houghton Lake Heights Park, and more.
5. Grand Traverse Bay (Traverse City)
Nearest city: Traverse City, MI
Median home sales price: $300,000
Average rent for one bedroom: $1,927
population: 15,000
Traverse City, MI Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Traverse City, MI
Grand Traverse Bay offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban atmosphere with its wide expanses of water and Traverse City’s vibrant urban life. This bay area is a paradise for sailors, kayakers, and beach lovers, with miles of coastline to explore. Traverse City is known for its lively downtown and food scene, including waterfront restaurants, local breweries, and farmers markets. The bay’s clear waters are perfect for a variety of water sports, while the city’s festivals and markets showcase the best of Michigan’s local produce and crafts. Traverse City, population 15,000, combines the charm of small town living with the conveniences of a big city.
6. Lake Erie (Monroe)
Nearest city: Monroe, MI
Median home sales price: $191,000
Average rent for one bedroom: $795
population: 19,000
Monroe, MI Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Monroe, MI
Lake Erie is adjacent to the historic city of Monroe and is one of the five Great Lakes. The lake is excellent for walleye and bass fishing, and there are many parks and beaches along its shores, such as William C. Sterling State Park.
Monroe is rich in history and cultural heritage and provides a picturesque backdrop to the lake’s natural beauty. The city is home to several historic attractions such as Raisin Creek National Battlefield Park, waterfront restaurants, and parks such as Helensburgh Park.
7. Lake Huron (Alpena)
Nearest city: Alpena, MI
Median home sales price: $157,000
population: 10,000
Alpena, MI Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Alpena, MI
Lake Huron is the second largest lake on our list. The lake has the longest coastline of any of the great lakes, which means there are countless lakeside towns to explore. Alpena is one of these lake towns, known for its museums like the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Located on the shores of Thunder Bay, Alpena offers countless activities, including exploring the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary, exploring the charming downtown area along the water, or taking a ride Charter fishing boats.
7. Lake Huron (Mackinac Island)
Nearest city: Mackinac Island, Michigan
Median home sales price: $735,000
population: 850
Mackinac Island, MI Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Mackinac Island, MI
Since Lake Huron is so vast, we decided to include another popular area along its shores. Mackinac Island is located in the middle of Lake Huron, between the Lower and Upper Peninsulas of Michigan. The island is only accessible by boat or plane and has a unique feel with its car-free streets and historic buildings. Lake Huron’s pristine waters are perfect for sailing and kayaking, and the islands themselves are a treasure trove of natural beauty, with landmarks like Arch Rock and Fort Mackinac. Although Mackinac Island has a small population, it is a bustling community in the summer, with visitors drawn to its unique charm and tranquil beauty of Lake Huron.
8. Lake Michigan (Mackinac City)
Nearest city: Mackinac City, MI
population: 800
Apartments for Rent in Mackinac City, MI
The next lake on our list is the third largest lake, Lake Michigan. It spans the entire west coast of Michigan, so there are countless lake towns and beach towns to visit in Michigan. Mackinac City is located at the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and offers easy access to the scenic Upper Peninsula. There are so many things to do in the City of Mackinac, whether it’s visiting McGulpin Point Lighthouse, exploring Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse or Colonial Midgley Mackinac, or visiting lakefront parks like Gary R. Williams Memorial Park. There are many boat tours available, perfect for exploring Lake Michigan.
8. Lake Michigan (Saugatuck)
Nearest city: Saugatuck, MI
Median home sales price: $575,000
population: 1,000
Saugatuck, MI Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Saugatuck, MI
Another lakeside town along Lake Michigan is Saugatuck.lake michigan Offering endless water sports, Oval Beach beach outings and sunset viewing opportunities. The area is also home to the smaller Kalamazoo Lake, which you can see from downtown Saugatuck. Located southeast of Grand Rapids, Saugatuck is known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning natural landscape. Saugatuck’s charm lies not only in its beautiful scenery but also in the creative spirit of its community, with galleries, studios, and boutiques lining its streets.
9. Lake Superior (Marquette)
Nearest city: Marquette, MI
Median home sales price: $185,000
Average rent for one bedroom: $850
population: 20,000
Marquette, MI Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Marquette, MI
Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes, borders the vibrant city of Marquette and offers spectacular natural scenery and a wealth of outdoor activities. Lake Superior is known for its rugged beauty and is great for kayaking, hiking, and winter sports. Explore outdoor attractions like Presque Isle Park, home to Black Rock, Wright Street Falls, and Marquette Mountain Lookout. Marquette blends natural beauty with a lively cultural scene, hosting festivals, arts performances and a thriving local food scene. With a population of 20,000, it has a small-town feel with big-city amenities, making it an ideal place for nature lovers.
10. Lake St. Clair (Lake St. Clair Shores)
Nearest city: St. Clair Shores, MI
Median home sales price: $220,000
population: 59,000
St. Clair Shores, MI Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in St. Clair Shores, MI
Lake St. Clair is the last great place to live on our list of Michigan lakes. The town is located along the St. Clair Shores and is a great location for boating, fishing, and waterfront along the lake. Lake St. Clair, with its marina and park, creates a lakeside retreat for residents looking to escape the city. St. Clair Shores, with a population of nearly 60,000, blends lakefront living with city life. The area features a variety of local shops, restaurants and landmarks such as the Ford Building.
Please note that this list does not include all lakes in Michigan. Median home sales price data from the Redfin data center in April 2024.
