Michigan / County

Moving to Traverse City, MI

Thinking of making a move to Traverse City, MI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Traverse City, MI

Considering a move to Traverse City, MI? This welcoming community of 15,600 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $375,000 and average rents near $1,450. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (51% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Traverse City's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Traverse City, MI

Traverse City has a population of 15,600 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 91% White, 2% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
15,600
Density
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age
42.1
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
90.8%
Black
1.6%
Asian
1.8%
Others
5.8%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Traverse City, MI?

The cost of living in Traverse City is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 112.4. Median home values are around $375,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,450. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$375,000
Gross Rent
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$620
State Taxes
Low: 4.25%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
112.4
Grocery
106.8
Housing
121.5
Utilities
104.9
Transportation
101.7
Health Care
100.8
Miscellaneous
103.2

Crime

Is Traverse City, MI a safe place to live?

Traverse City is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 390 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 40. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Michigan.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
390
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,480
Crime Index
2,870
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 257
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 40

Weather

What is the weather like in Traverse City, MI year-round?

Traverse City experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 79°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 51% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
31°F

Summer

Min
59°F
Max
79°F

Spring

Min
36°F
Max
59°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
51%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $71,500 and a low poverty rate of 12.4%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,500
Household Income
$71,500
Family Income
$89,000
Per Capita Income
$39,200
Income Male
$49,000
Income Female
$38,500
Poverty Rate
12.4%
Non English Speakers
9.5%
Rent
$1,450
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
Public Transport Usage
4.1%
Commute Time
18.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.0%
Bachelors or More
38.6%

Education

How are the schools in Traverse City, MI?

Traverse City offers quality education options, with public schools like Traverse City West Senior High School and Traverse City Central High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including NMC University Center and Northwestern Michigan College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Traverse City West Senior High School
Street
5376 N High School Rd
Phone
231-933-7500
Students
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio
18.0
Name
Traverse City Central High School
Street
1150 Milliken Dr
Phone
231-933-6500
Students
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio
17.6

Private Schools

Name
St. Francis High School
Street
123 E Eleventh St
Phone
231-946-8110
Students
220

Colleges

Name
NMC University Center
City
Traverse City
State
MI
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,300
Name
Northwestern Michigan College
City
Traverse City
State
MI
Distance
3 miles
Students
4,200

Healthcare

Traverse City residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Munson Medical Center and Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 95.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Munson Medical Center
Address
1105 Sixth St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone
(231) 935-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital
Address
400 Hobart St, Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone
(231) 876-7200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
95.1%
Health Care Index
79.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Traverse City, MI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $375,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 65%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Traverse City offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$375,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Traverse City handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Lansing. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Michigan
Department
Michigan Secretary of State
Address
Lansing, MI 48918
Phone
(888) SOS-MICH

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Traverse City, MI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Traverse City, review the core fields on this page: population 15,600, median home value $375,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,450, commute time 18.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 51%.

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