While the city has long been a summer resort, it is now becoming a year-round destination as more people relocate there for the warmer weather. The result is an increase in real estate prices, which have now surpassed $1 million, and residential development has been expanding to accommodate the increased demand. The city is currently undergoing a controversial mixed-income development plan involving two 9-story buildings on Pine Street, near downtown's high-rent district.
The city's central business district is on Front Street, which was once a thriving Victorian shopping district. To the southwest, US 31 features a large mall anchored by Target, JCPenney, and Macy's. For sports enthusiasts, there is also the Huntington Rink, a local ice rink that hosts the Traverse City North Stars hockey team. Other recreational opportunities include parks and community centers that offer volleyball, soccer, and basketball.
The city is laid out on a grid plan, with major streets running north-south and east-west. North-south streets are named after people and trees, and east-west streets are named after numbers. Many tall buildings are located in the city. The Park Place Hotel is the tallest building in Traverse City. If you are looking for a place to live, Traverse City is definitely the right place for you!
The median age of residents in Traverse City, MI was 41.4 in 2019. The number of native-born citizens in the city was 18.4 in 1950, and it was on its way to twenty by the 1970 poll. However, the population dipped slightly and fell to 15,516 at the 1980 census. From there, it dropped to 15,516 in 1990, and then continued to decrease over the next 10 years. However, recent estimates show a slowly growing population.