9 Best Michigan Beach Towns to Live in 2023

Michigan is known for many things including its stunning beaches located along the shores of Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior. Sparkling waves, lush greenery, boating and surfing, fishing and sightseeing, these Michigan beach towns are top-tier. Whether you’re looking to relocate to the Midwest or are one of the many Michiganders looking for a lakefront property, you have lots of towns to choose from.

But if you’re not sure where to start on your hunt for the best Michigan beach town, we’re here to help you find the right coastal area. Redfin has put together a list of 9 of the best Michigan beach towns from Holland to Traverse City. Let’s explore some of the state’s top coastal cities, listed in alphabetical order, and you might just be tempted to move there.

#1: Grand Haven

Median home price: $270,250 
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,225 
Grand Haven, MI homes for sale
Grand Haven, MI apartments for rent

Grand Haven, located along the shores of Lake Michigan, kicks off our list. About 11,000 people live in this coastal Michigan town, and there are plenty of beaches to explore like Grand Haven City Beach. If you’re considering moving to this beach town make sure to check out the Grand Haven Musical Fountain, explore the charming downtown, and visit Duncan Woods.

#2: Holland

Median home price: $325,000 
Holland, MI homes for sale
Holland, MI apartments for rent

Another one of Lake Michigan’s great coastal towns to consider buying a home in is Holland. Home to 34,000 people, there are many picturesque beaches to visit like Ottawa Beach. You can also explore the DeGraaf Nature Preserve, check out Windmill Island Gardens, and visit the Holland Historic District.

#3: Ludington

Median home price: $248,750 
Ludington, MI homes for sale
Ludington, MI apartments for rent

Next up on our list is Ludington, a quaint town with about 7,700 residents. There are lots of beaches to explore on a sunny Michigan day like Ludington State Park Beach and Stearns Park. If you find yourself moving to Ludington, make sure to explore downtown Ludington, check out one of the many museums, and spend the day at Cartier Park. 

#4: Mackinac Island

Median home price: $265,000 
Mackinac Island, MI homes for sale
Mackinac Island, MI apartments for rent

Home to beautiful beaches like British Landing, there are countless places to spend a beach day on Mackinac Island. Located on Lake Huron, there are about 600 year-round residents living on Mackinac Island. Other than a beach day, you can check out Fort Mackinac as well as the gardens and historic locations in Mackinac State Park, check out Arch Rock, and hike the Lost Lake Nature Trail.

#5: Muskegon

Median home price: $149,700 
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $820 
Muskegon, MI homes for sale
Muskegon, MI apartments for rent

The quaint coastal town of Muskegon has about 37,600 residents, making it a great place to consider moving to. You’ll find gorgeous beaches such as Harbour Town Beach, Muskegon Beach, and Pere Marquette Park. Living in Muskegon, you can check out the Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse, visit the Muskegon Farmers Market, and explore downtown.

#6: Saugatuck

Median home price: $1,080,000 
Saugatuck, MI homes for sale
Saugatuck, MI apartments for rent

With just about 880 people living in Saugatuck, it’s a great beach town to consider buying a house in. There are plenty of waterfront spots to check out including Oval Beach. Make sure to grab a bite at one of the local cafes and restaurants, explore the charming downtown, and check out Mount Baldhead Park while in Saugatuck.

#7: South Haven

Median home price: $491,000 
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $785 
South Haven, MI homes for sale
South Haven, MI apartments for rent

With a population of close to 4,000, South Haven is a magnificent coastal spot to live in. There are plenty of beaches to explore, like North Beach and South Beach. If you’re going to call this beach town home, plan time to grab a bite at a waterfront restaurant, hike the Van Buren Trail or Kal-Haven Trail, and visit the Michigan Maritime Museum.

#8: St. Joseph

Median home price: $344,725 
St. Joseph, MI homes for sale
St. Joseph, MI apartments for rent

St. Joseph has picturesque beaches such as Lions Park Beach and Silver Beach, great for taking in the water views. Once moving to St. Joseph, you can also check out parks like Lookout Park and Tiscornia Park, stop by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ina Morris Harper House, and ride the Silver Beach Carousel. 

#9: Traverse City

Median home price: $1,200,000 
Traverse City, MI homes for sale
Traverse City, MI apartments for rent

Roughly 15,600 people live in this town where you’ll find beaches like Bryant Park Beach, Clinch Park Beach, Sunset Park Beach, West End Beach, and Traverse City State Park Beach. Other attractions in Traverse City include checking out downtown, visiting one of the many local breweries, and enjoying the National Cherry Festival during the summer.

Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in Michigan. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.