Charlevoix - Community Overview

Enjoying more lake frontage than just about any Northern Michigan community, Charlevoix is one off the most beautiful destinations in the Midwest. Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan surround this community, with the small Round Lake connecting the two. Charlevoix has a signature drawbridge in the heart of downtown, which allows large vessels to navigate in and out of Lake Michigan to inland waters. The City of Charlevoix and surrounding Charlevoix Township is made up of just over 4,000 year-round residents. While Charlevoix itself is a small economy, it is close to Petoskey & Boyne City, and is roughly an hour from Traverse City. Many residents enjoy the quiet serenity of Charlevoix, while commuting to their work in one of the larger neighboring towns.

Real estate in Charlevoix is quite varied. Most Charlevoix seasonal homes are high-end and come with either lake views or frontage of some kind. There area number of multi-million dollar homes along the Round Lake/Lake Charlevoix shorelines. The Belvedere Club is also home to many high-end seasonal properties located just a short walk from downtown. In general, buyers looking for a waterfront or view home in Charlevoix will be spending at least $1,000,000 and very likely several million dollars. There are a number of condo solutions as well that present more affordable routes to the water. Condos overlooking Round Lake/Lake Charlevoix or Lake Michigan can run $500,000-$1,000,000 or more depending on amenities and style.

Another unique real estate offering in Charlevoix is the signature Earl Young Mushroom Houses. These truly distinct homes are infrequent yet notorious in the Charlevoix marketplace. Many visitors schedule tours just to see these remarkable homes while taking in the broader Charlevoix area beauty. 

For year-round residents, there are a number of more affordable housing solutions. Quality Victorian-style homes can be found frequently around downtown Charlevoix for $400,000-$800,000. A lot of year-round residents are drawn to the north side of Charlevoix’s drawbridge, as it allows more direct access to Petoskey without navigating the traffic that comes from the bridge opening every 30 minutes in summer months.

One of the benefactors of the drawbridge is the Emerald Isle. This vessel is a ferry that taxis visitors (and their vehicles) to Beaver Island, which is located in Lake Michigan to the west of Cross Village. The island can also be reached by plane, with charter flights offered from the Charlevoix Municipal Airport. This airport is also available to private aircraft owners, a service often utilized by owners of seasonal waterfront homes on Lake Charlevoix or other nearby waters.

Charlevoix is also a popular golf destination, with a number of popular courses nearby. The Belvedere Golf Club, Dunmaglas, and Charlevoix Country Club each provide unique and exceptional playing experiences. For locals, the Charlevoix Golf Club is an affordable and fun playing option. Charlevoix is also home to exquisite dining options. The Argonne Supper Club is famous for its shrimp and seafood offerings, while Grey Gables is a popular destination for formal dinners and other special occasions. The Villager Pub, the Weathervane, and Bridge Street Taproom are just a few of the great solutions for more casual fare. For such a small town, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy yourself!

My family’s name was once synonymous with the City of Charlevoix. My grandparents owned and operated Liebermans, the popular downtown clothing store, for decades (today it is home to Cherry Republic). Some of my youngest memories are from strolling the streets of downtown, celebrating the Venetian Festival in summer, and fishing the waters of Round Lake/Lake Charlevoix. I know this community, and I understand what makes is so special. If you are looking to purchase in Charlevoix, or looking to sell in the area, please give me a call at (231) 622-1535, or reach out to me by clicking here!