Firstly why Traverse-City, Michigan?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Traverse-City
• State: Michigan
• Population: 15,394 people
• Traverse-City’s quick summary would be Traverse City locals endure Cherry Festival crowds, love the turquoise waters of Grand Traverse Bay, and proudly display M-22 stickers.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 2,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 2,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 100

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its tourism and cherry orchards attracting families and tourists

Perk #1: Traverse-City Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $73,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Traverse-City is $80,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Traverse-City’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 120 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,677
• Property Tax %: 1.37%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Traverse City
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Traverse-City, Interlochen, Kingsley, Lake-Anne, and probably could include Acme
• Avg. Age of Homes in Traverse-City: 26 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.8%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Traverse-City’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Traverse-City are  Tourism, Agriculture, and Retail
• Traverse-City Job Scene: healthy job market focused on tourism and agriculture
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech community centered around agriculture and tourism technology , ,
• Traverse-City Resident’s pay $600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Traverse-City: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 60 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 5

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Traverse-City

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 31 runs through Traverse City facilitating travel
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on 31 North
• Transportation Score: 26 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Traverse-City: 30,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1.9
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Traverse-City: michigan.gov/sos
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
• Local Airport: Cherry Capital

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Traverse-City’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Traverse-City is best described as experiences a humid continental climate characterized by cold snowy winters warm summers and beautiful seasonal transitions with stunning colors
• Winter Weather in Traverse-City i’d describe as very cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Traverse-City can be described as cool and rain likely
• Summer’s in Traverse-City are mostly mild and pleasant
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Traverse-City is usually cool and breezy
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 3 days in summer
• Days in a row in Traverse-City below Freezing: 100
• Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality supported by natural surroundings
• Traverse-City Winter Air generally good air quality minimal pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Traverse-City Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Traverse-City 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Traverse-Citys’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Traverse Area District Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Traverse-City Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Traverse-City only Doctors is about 25
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Traverse-City only Police Officers is about 80
• Crime Rate Index: 20/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Traverse-City’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Traverse-City’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Traverse-City’s Water Quality Score: 81

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Traverse-City

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: known for its cherry blossoms and beautiful waterfront
• You might enjoy concerts at the City Opera House
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Traverse-City  features local bars breweries and dining options appealing to visitors and locals alike

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Traverse-City

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a vibrant dining scene and local wineries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 15 scattered around Traverse-City
• The Popular Sports Team is Traverse City Pit Spitters
• Top Level Political Climate in Traverse-City can be described as liberal area focused on environmental and social issues
• Traverse-City’s Longer standing religious establishment is Traverse City First Christian Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Traverse-City Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Traverse-City has 15 Parks?
• Traverse City State Park is Traverse-City’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Traverse City Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, wine tours, and hiking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Traverse-City Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Traverse-City can be described as relaxed pace with a focus on vineyards beaches and local events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Traverse-City beach outings sports activities community picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Traverse-City are Benzie-County 24 miles away Cadillac 40 miles away Suttons-Bay 12 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Traverse-City or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on 31 North. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Traverse-City’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Traverse City is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Traverse-City are Benzie-County 24 miles away Cadillac 40 miles away Suttons-Bay 12 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 20 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Traverse-City has 100 days in a row below freezing and 3 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Traverse-City people have an average (positive or negative) $7000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   100 homeless people living in Traverse-City. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal area focused on environmental and social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Traverse-City.

Retiree & Senior Life in Traverse-City

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from tax credits aiding in living expenses
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Traverse City
• Traverse City Senior Center hosts art classes social programs and health resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Traverse-City, Michigan?

If Traverse-City, Michigan ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Traverse-City, Michigan, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!