Traverse City 91 Exceptional
Traverse City Livability #4 ranked city in Michigan#40 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Traverse City

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    None of the categories scored poorly, resulting in no identified cons for this area.

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What's it like Living in Traverse City?

Located in the state of Michigan, Traverse City is a moderately-sized city with a population of 15,525 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Traverse City is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. In Traverse City, only 49% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Traverse City is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Traverse City is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Michigan, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Traverse City, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, employment and more.

Traverse City has a livability score of 89 out of 100 and is ranked #9 in Michigan and #74 in the USA. Based on this score, Traverse City would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Traverse City also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Traverse City ranks well for amenities (A+), cost of living (A), education (B+), employment (B-) and housing (A+).

Living in Traverse City offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Traverse City provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Traverse City apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Traverse City is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Traverse City come in at $282,900, which is 121.4% higher than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Traverse City, the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 84% higher than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Traverse City

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Compare Traverse City, MI Livability

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      Traverse City transportation information

      Statistic Traverse City Michigan National
      Average one way commute18min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work65.6%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.2%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.9%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle5.5%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.5%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home8.7%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Traverse City, MI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).