Charlevoix, Michigan
A Pretty Lakeside Town, Charlevoix is Known for its Fun Events, Cute Downtown, Water Recreation and Baskets of Petunias
Scenic northwestern Michigan is the home of Charlevoix (Shar-lay-voy), a pretty town along the shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix and Round Lake (often called the best natural harbor on Lake Michigan). Originally settled by commercial fishermen in the late-1800s, it soon became a resort town and was even popular with Chicago gangsters in the 1920s. Today, it is a boaters’ Paradise and the site of several resorts.
Streets are wide and tree-lined, and the downtown is cute and touristy. Every year volunteers hang 450 baskets filled with petunias all around town, creating a colorful tableau. Residents enjoy a lakeside summer concert series, the beautiful Charlevoix Venetian Festival, the Apple Fest and more.
The 67-slip city marina, five private marinas, two public boat launches and four public beaches provide plenty of water access. Five golf courses have a Charlevoix address, and camping, hiking and snowshoeing venues are nearby. Leafy East Park is the home of the five month long farmers’ market.
Everyday supplies can be found in town, but many residents travel to Petoskey (15 miles) for more shopping and services.Â
Charlevoix has a lot of second home owners. Condos and timeshares are plentiful, but so are ranch ramblers in quaint neighborhoods. Gorgeous lakeside residences are here, too.
The summer population swells to 30,000, but winters are very quiet.
Population: 2,300
Median Home Price: $485,000
Climate: Summers are cool with temperatures in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Winter temperatures are in the single digits, teens and 20s. On average, the area receives 32 inches of rain and a whopping 105 inches of snow each year.
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Age 45 or Better: 55%
Hospital: Charlevoix Hospital
Public Transit: No
Political Leanings: Conservative
Is Michigan Retirement Tax-Friendly: Somewhat
Drawbacks:Â Summer traffic can be a headache, particularly along Bridge Street which has a bridge that opens and closes to let boats pass between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan.