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Traverse City, MI

Frequently asked questions

Traverse City, MI

Traverse City is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the county seat of Grand Traverse County, although a small portion extends into Leelanau County. The population was 15,678 at the 2020 census, with 153,448 residents in the four-county Traverse City metropolitan area. Traverse City is the most populous city in the Northern Michigan region. 

Traverse City is located at the head of the East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay, a 32-mile-long (51 km) bay of Lake Michigan. Grand Traverse Bay is divided into arms by the 17-mile-long (27 km) Old Mission Peninsula, which is attached at its base to Traverse City. The city borders four townships–East Bay, Elmwood, Garfield, and Peninsula–all of which contain substantial suburban sprawl. 

Traverse City is nicknamed "the Cherry Capital of the World", as the area surrounding Grand Traverse Bay is a hotspot for cherry production. The city hosts the National Cherry Festival, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually. The Traverse City area is also well known for its wine production and has two American Viticultural Areas located adjacent to the city. Traverse City is home to the Traverse City State Hospital, a former state psychiatric institution. The city is also home to Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, Traverse City has a total area of 8.66 square miles (22.43 km2), of which, 8.33 square miles (21.57 km2) are land and 0.33 square miles (0.85 km2) is water.

Traverse City is located in the northwest of Michigan's Lower Peninsula and is located at the head of Grand Traverse Bay, a long, natural harbor separated from the waters of Lake Michigan by the Leelanau Peninsula. The bay is divided into an East Arm and West Arm by the Old Mission Peninsula, a thin strip of rolling hills and farmland known for its cherry crop and viticulture industry. As Traverse City contains shores on both of Grand Traverse Bay's East and West Arms, one cannot access the Old Mission Peninsula without entering Traverse City.

The Boardman River is a prominent river bisecting Traverse City from south to north. It also snakes through Traverse City's downtown district, effectively forming a peninsula, and dividing it from the Grandview Parkway. The river terminates at Grand Traverse Bay northeast of downtown Traverse City. The river's 287-square-mile (740 km2) watershed contributes one-third of the water volume to the bay and is one of Michigan's top-ten fisheries, with more than 36 miles (58 km) of its 179 miles (288 km) designated as a Blue Ribbon trout fishery. It is also a state-designated "Natural River". As of 2023, only one of the five dams constructed on the Boardman River remains.

Traverse City is surrounded by a substantial suburban ring, especially within Garfield Township, to its southwest. Garfield Township is the largest municipality in Northern Michigan by population. Other adjacent townships, East Bay, Elmwood, and Peninsula, and nearby Blair and Long Lake townships, boast significant suburban populations dependent upon Traverse City.

Traverse City places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Urban Oasis Salt Spa provides a unique retreat with salt therapy sessions, massages, and facials designed to promote relaxation and respiratory health. Yen Yoga & Fitness hosts a variety of yoga, Pilates, and fitness classes aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Michigan Health and Wellness Center focuses on spinal health, pain relief, and overall wellness with a comprehensive range of chiropractic services. Planet Fitness promotes a judgment-free environment with an extensive selection of exercise equipment and group fitness classes. The GYM Traverse City offers state-of-the-art facilities, including an indoor track and a range of fitness classes. Munson Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Anytime Fitness offers comprehensive fitness services including group classes and personal training. 

Top sites in Traverse City, MI are Dennos Museum Center, Mission Point Lighthouse, and Clinch Park.

Population: 15,707 (2023). ZIP codes: 49684, 49685, 49686, 49696. Area code: 231. Elevation: 626 ft (191 m). Area: 8.61 sq mi (22.30 km2).

FAQs

What is Traverse City, MI is known for?

In between nature and water, you’ll find a community connected by both where there’s always something happening. If you’re not near the water, or on the trails, you’re likely exploring the county roads in search of scenic overlooks and local treats. Traverse City is a destination where your journeys are filled with moments between activities that allow you to realize you are exactly where you should be. Traverse City is known as the "Cherry Capital of the World." The area is also known for its natural attractions like freshwater beaches, vineyards, wineries, and the proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 

Is Traverse City, MI a good place to live?

Traverse City is in Grand Traverse County and is one of the best places to live in Michigan. Living in Traverse City offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Traverse City, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Traverse City and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Traverse City are highly rated.

Is Traverse City, MI expensive?

Traverse City is a city in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, with a population of 15,474. The total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities for a single adult in Traverse City is $34,651 a year — greater than the annual cost of living for Michigan of $32,897 yet less than the national figure of $38,433. Housing is one of the largest components of the cost of living. In Traverse City, the median home value is $240,100, greater than the national median home value of $204,900.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Traverse City

Michigan

Niche

247 Wall St

Dennos Museum Center

Mission Point Lighthouse

Clinch Park

Urban Oasis Salt Spa

Yen Yoga & Fitness

Michigan Health and Wellness Center

Planet Fitness

The GYM Traverse City

Anytime Fitness

Munson Medical Center

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