Traverse city : Michigan

What Traverse City is like for active adults

Traverse City, Michigan, the Cherry Capital of the World,” enjoys a reputation as one of the top arts towns in the country. It has become popular retirement community for active adults in northern Michigan because in addition to arts and music, it has terrific golf, skiing, and other outdoor activities on Lake Michigan. In 2005, the Traverse City Micropolitan Statistical Area was the 13th largest in the United States, with a population estimate of 141,011. The campus of Northwestern Michigan College is here. Traverse City is the seat of Grand Traverse County. The historic downtown area of Traverse City has great shops, restaurants, and offices. New building construction downtown has been active resulting in River's Edge, Harbor View Centre, Radio Centre Phases 1 and 2, and a parking deck. Active adults over 50 will find plenty of housing options in this community. Slightly inexpensive (and rustic) cabins are located in the woods near the water. Small lots on the water are available in the $200’s. There are older homes downtown or in new developments. The median selling price of Traverse City homes offered in early 2009 was $158,000. Many of the homes offered for higher prices are on the water.

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What is special about this retirement community

• The National Cherry festival is held each July • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore • Many festivals throughout the year, including the Traverse City Film Festival • Numerous golf and ski resorts • Fantastic boating and beaches • 13 museums including the Bellaire Historical Museum, and the Grand Traverse Art Center & Gallery • Convenient airport

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What is not special about this retirement community

It’s cold in the winter. It is a small town far from anywhere

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Traverse City draws in active adults who are interested in living in a small town with a rich cultural arts environment. They are also interested in its access to the water, and outdoor activities such as skiing and golf.

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Local economy is driven by

Tourism and agriculture. The downtown functions as the major commercial nexus for a seven-county area.

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Climate and Physical Environment

Traverse City is located at the head of the Grand Traverse Bay on the 20 mile long Old Mission Peninsula. It is in northern Michigan.

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Cultural environment

Traverse City area is one of the richest fine arts communities in the nation. The Interlochen Center for the Arts (13 miles south of Traverse City) offers 750 concerts, visual art exhibits and theater and dance productions annually. Some of the other busy cultural venues include the Music House Museum, Old Town Playhouse, Dennos Museum Center on the Northwestern Michigan College campus, Encore Society of Music, and the Traverse Symphony Orchestra. Many artists live and work here with over 21 galleries in the areas.

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Medical facilities

Munson Medical Center is the regional medical referral center serving patients from 32 counties

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Transportation

Cherry Capitol Airport has regular service to Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis. The Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) serves most of the Grand Traverse region with dial-a-ride services and a bus service

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Facts about TRAVERSE CITY

State: MI
Environment: College Town,Lake,Small Town,
City Population: 10,000-25,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 0 -20
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: NA
Total Crime Index: <80 (Very low)
Cost of Living Index:
Culture Index: 121+ (very high)
State Sales Tax:
State Income Tax:
Name of the Guide: retirementguy

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