Which Michigan communities boast the highest home values? From Metro Detroit’s upscale enclaves to idyllic lakeside hamlets up north, the Great Lakes State has its share of million-dollar neighborhoods. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the 10 most expensive home markets in Michigan, highlighting what makes each place special. A lifelong Michigander and real estate expert perspective guides you through these communities, with local flavor, real data, and an engaging, trustworthy voice. Let’s find out where home prices are sky-high, and why.
Home Values Surging in the Great Lakes State
Michigan might not be the first place you think of for luxury real estate, but locals know the state hides some surprisingly pricey pockets. In fact, while the typical U.S. home is worth about $367,000, many homes in Michigan’s top markets fetch two to five times that price. What’s driving these soaring values? Location, lifestyle, and legacy. Prime waterfronts, historic charm, and proximity to metro amenities all play a role. And with mortgage rates hovering around 6.75% in mid-2025, buyers in these elite areas are paying a premium for their piece of paradise.
In the wake of pandemic shifts, Michigan’s scenic lakefront towns and affluent suburbs alike have seen demand (and prices) skyrocket. From Detroit’s old-money suburbs to Northern Michigan resort villages, certain communities command top dollar. Below, we count down Michigan’s top 10 most expensive cities for homes, based on the latest Zillow Home Value Index (June 2025). Along the way, get insider insight into what makes each place unique, a mix of data, history, and hometown know-how that turns statistics into a story.
For insider tips on Michigan’s charming lake towns, see Michigan Lake Towns Travel Guide: Insider Tips for a Perfect Getaway.
villagegpshores, instagram
10. Grosse Pointe Shores – Historic Mansions on Lake St. Clair
-
Typical home value (June 2025): $750,803
-
1-year price change: +8.4%
-
5-year price change: +41.1%
-
Metro area: Detroit–Warren–Dearborn, MI
Grosse Pointe Shores rounds out our list at #10, offering a glimpse of Metro Detroit’s classic wealth. Nestled along the shores of Lake St. Clair, this small city is one of the famous “Grosse Pointes”, a cluster of upscale communities just northeast of Detroit. Driving through Grosse Pointe Shores feels like stepping back into an era of automotive barons: manicured estates and grand mansions line Lake Shore Drive, including the historic Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, a 1928 mansion set on 87 acres of lakefront known as Gaukler Point. Many homes here date to the early-mid 20th century, exuding old-world elegance with sprawling lawns and private waterfront access. Residents enjoy a peaceful, tree-lined atmosphere (population only 3,000) combined with exclusive perks like the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and a top-ranked public safety department. With typical homes around $750K, and rising over 8% last year alone, Grosse Pointe Shores’ legacy of luxury continues strong. Its appeal lies in stability and prestige: families have lived here for generations, and newcomers are drawn by top-rated schools, tight-knit community vibes, and the easy lakefront lifestyle just a short drive from downtown Detroit.
The Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores is now a museum and community gathering spot, hosting events on the elegant grounds and reminding everyone of the area’s deep ties to Detroit’s industrial history. It’s this blend of history, community, and shoreline beauty that keeps home prices high and inventory perpetually low in “the Shores.”
9. Northport – Up North Tranquility & Generational Wealth
-
Typical home value (June 2025): $792,053
-
1-year price change: +2.9%
-
5-year price change: +58.1%
-
Metro area: Traverse City, MI
Heading to the tip of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, Northport is a tiny waterfront village with outsized home values. With a population under 600, Northport exudes “Up North” tranquility, think cherry orchards, a quaint marina, and panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay. Stroll down Northport’s main street and you’ll find local art galleries, a few cozy taverns, and friendly faces who enjoy the slower pace. But behind this unassuming charm lies some serious real estate clout. Northport has long been a summer haven for wealthy Midwestern families. In fact, the exclusive Northport Point community, a gated 100-home peninsula with a private 9-hole golf course, has attracted affluent seasonal residents since the 1890s. Generations of families maintain estates here, passing down Lake Michigan cottages that have appreciated tremendously over time.
The result? A typical home in Northport is worth around $792K, up 58% in five years as more buyers discover Leelanau’s beauty. Many properties boast waterfrontage or water views, whether on the big lake or smaller inland lakes nearby. The limited supply (few new developments and many homes held tightly by long-time owners) keeps prices high. Northport’s appeal is also its proximity to nature; the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Leelanau State Park, and countless vineyards are at your doorstep. For those who crave privacy, pristine landscapes, and a piece of Michigan history, Northport is worth the premium. This is a place where money has quietly settled for over a century, and its understated luxury continues to endure.
Each summer, Northport hosts a Welcoming of the Fleet boat parade and a small Wine Festival, celebrations that capture the spirit of this community. Don’t expect glitz, Northport’s wealthy residents are more likely to be sipping local Riesling on a dock in worn sandals than flaunting flashy cars. Here, true luxury is the deep, generational love of the land and lake.
8. Union Pier – Chicago’s Beachy Getaway Drives Up Prices
-
Typical home value (June 2025): $797,663
-
1-year price change: +9.1%
-
5-year price change: +64.9%
-
Metro area: Niles (Southwest MI)
Tucked in Michigan’s southwest corner, Union Pier is a Harbor Country gem where home prices have surged thanks to its popularity as a Chicago escape. This unincorporated beach town sits just 5 miles north of the Indiana border, and about 70 miles from downtown Chicago, an easy drive that’s made Union Pier a weekend retreat for city dwellers. The vibe here is Lake Michigan vacation classic: a mix of vintage cottages, modern farmhouse-style vacation homes, and a few cozy B&Bs under shady maples. Union Pier’s gorgeous sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere draw big crowds in summer, renting out luxury lakefront homes for top dollar. Over the past five years, typical home values jumped 65%, reflecting the strong second-home demand. In just the last year, prices spiked 9%, one of the fastest rises on our list, as buyers continue to snap up any inventory that hits the market.
Strolling around Union Pier, you’ll find gourmet cafes, an old-fashioned ice cream stand, and maybe a celebrity or two incognito (yes, notable Chicagoans have summer homes here). Many properties are nestled on quiet lanes like Lakeshore Road, offering private beach access or membership to association beaches, a key perk driving up values. The rental potential also factors: owners can fetch high weekly rates from vacationers, offsetting costs. Union Pier’s real estate is all about location, location, location: close enough for a quick getaway, yet far enough to feel a world away from city stress. The result is a tight housing market where listings often receive multiple offers, and the community carefully balances growth with that laid-back, wooded charm longtime visitors cherish.
Locals and repeat visitors know to grab breakfast at Nani’s Café or pizza at Red Arrow Roadhouse, beloved spots that add to Union Pier’s small-town appeal. During summer evenings, bonfire aromas drift along the beach as Chicago families unwind. It’s this blissful blend of Midwestern hospitality and coastal resort living that keeps Union Pier among Michigan’s priciest places to buy.
7. Kewadin – Torch Lake’s Turquoise Allure
-
Typical home value (June 2025): $828,621
-
1-year price change: +2.9%
-
5-year price change: +88.0%
-
Metro area: Not in a metro area (Antrim County, NW MI)
If one place exemplifies Michigan’s Up North real estate boom, it’s Kewadin. This unassuming rural community (more a stretch of countryside with a post office than a traditional town) has become a hotbed of luxury home activity thanks to Torch Lake, the now-famous 19-mile long lake whose waters shine a Caribbean blue. Kewadin lies along the eastern shore of Torch Lake, about 25 miles north of Traverse City. National Geographic once named Torch Lake “one of the most beautiful lakes in the world,” lauding its surreal turquoise color and 19-mile length. As remote work and the lure of lake life spiked, demand for Torch Lake frontage exploded. The numbers say it all: Kewadin’s typical home value ballooned +88% over five years, the largest jump of any top-10 community, as lakefront parcels that might have fetched mid-six figures years ago now regularly sell for $1–3 million.
What’s driving people to Torch Lake’s Kewadin shores? The lake offers a unique combination of crystal-clear water, large size for boating, and a tranquil Up North setting with fewer crowds than tourist hubs. Buyers from across Michigan (and beyond) have built stunning modern lake houses here, or renovated classic cottages, to take advantage of Torch’s beauty. Kewadin itself has no stoplights and few businesses (except a legendary local fruit stand and a golf course nearby), but that’s part of the appeal: it’s pure lake living and privacy. Many homes have long docks for pontoon boats and jet skis, and summer brings a lively scene at Torch Lake’s famous sandbar gathering spot. Even inland, Kewadin has rolling hills and farmsteads, some now snapped up for vineyards or luxury lodges.
Torch Lake’s cachet extends beyond just visuals, it’s a community. On Fourth of July, locals and seasonal residents alike flock to the sandbar on the south end for a giant floating party, while others watch fireworks reflecting on the water. Owning a home in Kewadin means “Torch Lake life” – sunset cruises, turquoise morning swims, and the knowledge that you hold a slice of Michigan’s most coveted inland shoreline.
To see inside some of Michigan’s $10 million+ estates, check out What Does a $10 Million Home in Michigan Look Like?
Harbor Country, Facebook
6. Lakeside – Historic Charm in Harbor Country
-
Typical home value (June 2025): $829,945
-
1-year price change: +3.7%
-
5-year price change: +56.7%
-
Metro area: Niles (Southwest MI)
Just down the road from Union Pier (our #8), you’ll find Lakeside, another jewel of Michigan’s “Harbor Country” where home prices are lofty. True to its name, Lakeside is a small lakefront community characterized by quiet wooded lanes and private beaches along Lake Michigan. It’s even smaller than Union Pier, blink and you might miss the cluster of art galleries and the historic Lakeside Inn as you drive Red Arrow Highway. But Lakeside’s legacy looms large: the Lakeside Inn, a rambling Victorian-era hotel, has welcomed vacationers for over a century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This sense of history and tradition permeates Lakeside; many homes have been owned by the same families for generations, used as summer cottages since the early 1900s. Such legacy properties rarely hit the market, and when they do, expect a bidding war.
The typical home value here is about $830K, reflecting both the scarcity of inventory and the premium for Lake Michigan proximity. Whether it’s a modern shingle-style beach house tucked behind dunes or a rustic cabin hidden in the woods, Lakeside real estate is all about retreat and privacy. Wealthy Chicagoans and Michiganders alike prize Lakeside for its “away from it all” feel. There’s no central downtown, just a general store and a few boutique shops; recreation is centered on the big lake, local antiques, and bonfires under the stars. In recent years, some newer luxury builds have appeared, but strict zoning and community pushback keep development modest. That means Harbor Country’s character stays intact, and existing homes continue to appreciate steadily (+57% in five years).
One local landmark is Snowflake Ice Cream, just up the road in nearby Union Pier, a must-stop after a beach day. And if you venture to Warren Dunes State Park a short drive away, you’ll understand the allure: towering sand dunes, undeveloped shoreline, and spectacular sunsets. Lakeside residents enjoy the best of both worlds, a serene historic community with world-class natural beauty at their doorstep. The price tag for that privilege? Worth it, say those lucky enough to call Lakeside home.
5. Lake Leelanau – Wine Country Lakeside Living
-
Typical home value (June 2025): $857,704
-
1-year price change: +1.5%
-
5-year price change: +58.1%
-
Metro area: Traverse City, MI
Next, we return up north to the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula. Lake Leelanau refers to both a picturesque 21-mile lake and the small community on its shore, and it has become one of Michigan’s most desirable (and expensive) areas to own a home. Imagine waking up to vineyard-covered hills, crystal-clear water, and a gentle mist over the morning lake, that’s a typical day in Lake Leelanau. The region is famed as Michigan’s Wine Country: dozens of wineries and tasting rooms dot the surrounding hills, attracting oenophiles and tourists alike. Many visitors fall in love with the landscape and decide to buy property, driving demand for the limited homes available along the lake’s winding shoreline.
Typical home values around Lake Leelanau top $857K, after climbing 58% in five years. What are buyers getting? Often, private waterfront with sunset views (on either the North or South Lake Leelanau segments), access to boating and fishing, and proximity to charming towns like Leland and Suttons Bay. The community of Lake Leelanau itself is tiny, a handful of eateries, a boat launch, and St. Mary’s church, but it’s centrally located on the peninsula. That means Sleeping Bear Dunes, art galleries, and farm markets are all within a scenic drive. The housing stock ranges from historic farmhouses and classic cottages to brand-new custom builds taking advantage of hilltop vistas. Notably, some large legacy estates have been converted to wineries or event venues as the area’s economy shifts toward tourism, further limiting residential inventory.
A favorite local pastime is the Lake Leelanau “boat-to-winery” tour; you can dock at certain winery properties accessible from the lake! It’s easy to see why homeowners here joke that “life is better at the lake”, especially when that lake is surrounded by award-winning vineyards. Living in Lake Leelanau means embracing a slower, seasonal rhythm: bustling summers of tasting rooms and boating, followed by quiet winters that belong to the locals. For many, it’s the perfect balance, and they’re willing to pay a premium to be part of it.
4. Franklin – Historic Village with Estate Luxury
-
Typical home value (June 2025): $869,814
-
1-year price change: +4.8%
-
5-year price change: +42.3%
-
Metro area: Detroit–Warren–Dearborn, MI
Sliding back downstate, Franklin is a one-of-a-kind affluent enclave in Oakland County, Metro Detroit. Fondly nicknamed “The Town That Time Forgot,” Franklin is a small village (pop. ~3,300) that fiercely preserves its 19th-century character. Strolling through Franklin’s tiny downtown, you’ll pass an old-fashioned general store, historic brick homes, and even a vintage cider mill that’s been pressing apples since 1837. This storybook charm, paired with its convenient location (just minutes from Birmingham and a half-hour from Detroit), has made Franklin one of Michigan’s priciest residential areas. The typical home here goes for about $870K, often characterized by large historic homes on spacious wooded lots. Many houses date back to the mid-1800s or early 1900s, lovingly restored farmhouses, Colonial Revivals, and mid-century estates tucked along winding, hilly roads. There’s a little bit of Gilded Age glamor too: gated mansions hide behind mature trees, and it’s not uncommon to see classic cars or horse riders share the road in this semi-rural atmosphere.
What drives Franklin’s high prices is the rare combination of charm, exclusivity, and top-notch schools (it’s served by Birmingham schools, one of the best districts in Michigan). The village has no sidewalks or streetlights in much of its residential area, a deliberate choice to maintain a country feel, and strict zoning prevents commercial overdevelopment. Homes here tend to be unique and custom, seldom hitting the market. When they do, competition is stiff among buyers seeking that quiet, high-end community vibe that Franklin offers in spades. The past five years saw values climb 42%, a steady rise reflecting both Metro Detroit’s strong luxury market and Franklin’s evergreen appeal to those who want an elegant slice of history with modern convenience.
Autumn is magical in Franklin; locals flock to the Franklin Cider Mill for fresh cider and warm donuts, creating weekend traffic jams on Franklin Road (it’s a good kind of traffic; the smell of cider in the air makes it worthwhile!). The community also comes together for events like Franklin’s annual Round Up day, a small-town festival. These traditions underscore why families put down roots in Franklin for decades. It’s not just a wealthy suburb; it’s a tight-knit village with a soul, and that makes its homes truly priceless.
3. Orchard Lake Village – Lakeside Estates in Oakland County
-
Typical home value (June 2025): $925,303
-
1-year price change: +2.4%
-
5-year price change: +40.6%
-
Metro area: Detroit–Warren–Dearborn, MI
Cracking the top three, Orchard Lake Village represents the pinnacle of Metro Detroit’s “lake living” luxury. This small city (population 2,400) is located in Oakland County’s Lakes Area, aptly named, as water covers nearly half of Orchard Lake Village’s surface. The community is centered around Orchard Lake, a pristine 795-acre lake ringed by multimillion-dollar homes, and also touches parts of Cass Lake and Upper Straits Lake. For anyone who’s driven through this area, the scenery is jaw-dropping: winding roads with dense foliage suddenly open to glimpses of sparkling blue water and magnificent lakefront estates. Many homes boast private docks, sandy beaches, and architectural grandeur ranging from traditional brick mansions to sleek contemporary builds. It’s no wonder the typical home value here is about $925K, and many properties far exceed that, especially on coveted Orchard Lake frontage.
What makes Orchard Lake Village special (and expensive) is its blend of natural beauty, exclusivity, and accessibility. Residents enjoy a peaceful, almost resort-like environment, you can boat, fish, or paddleboard from your backyard, yet upscale shopping and dining in West Bloomfield or Bloomfield Hills are a short drive away. The community is also home to St. Mary’s Preparatory, a private all-boys high school and historic campus on a peninsula in Orchard Lake, adding a touch of cultural heritage. Over the past five years, home values rose around 40%, a solid climb that reflects continued high demand for lakefront property in Oakland County. There’s essentially no more land to develop; much of the village’s 4 square miles is water or already built out, so existing homes appreciate and often undergo luxury renovations or teardowns to maximize their lot’s potential.
Orchard Lake’s Country Club (founded 1926) is a social hub for many residents, featuring a classic golf course and events that bring the community together. In summer, a popular local event is the Wooden Keels and Wheels show, where vintage boats and cars are displayed, a nod to the area’s affluent hobbyist culture. When you hear Metro Detroiters talk about “lake life,” Orchard Lake is the epitome: an environment where every day can feel like vacation, if you can afford the entry ticket.
.jpg)
Leland Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Facebook
2. Leland – Coastal Chic in the Land of Fishtown
-
Typical home value (June 2025): $1,114,533
-
1-year price change: +1.8%
-
5-year price change: +79.4%
-
Metro area: Traverse City, MI
Sliding in at #2 (and breaking the million-dollar mark) is Leland, a postcard-perfect village on Lake Michigan that combines coastal charm with upscale living. Leland sits at the mouth of the Carp River where it meets Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, and it’s perhaps best known for Fishtown, a historic collection of weathered fishing shanties turned boutique shops and eateries along the harbor. Tourists flock to Fishtown for smoked fish and scenic photos, but the lucky few who own property in Leland enjoy that charm year-round. Nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, Leland offers small-town tranquility with a high-end twist. The downtown features art galleries, a winery, and gourmet restaurants, yet retains a friendly “everyone knows everyone” feel.
The real estate in Leland is a mix of historic cottages, modern beach homes, and secluded estates. Many homes have views of Lake Michigan’s islands (the Manitou Islands float on the horizon) or direct waterfront on either lake. With a typical home value around $1.115M, Leland commands one of the highest medians in the Midwest. Over the past five years, values have skyrocketed 79%, nearly doubling, as more buyers from across the country discover Leland’s allure. Some are retirees drawn by the beauty, others are remote professionals seeking quality of life, and many are Michigan families keeping a beloved vacation home in the family. Limited supply is a big factor: Leland is small and largely surrounded by water or protected land (like the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the south), so there’s a hard cap on how much housing exists or can be built.
Life in Leland has its own rhythm. In summer, the Mishe-Mokwa ferry departs daily for the Manitou Islands, and residents might go for an afternoon sail or a stroll to The Cove for a famous Chubby Mary cocktail (complete with a smoked chub fish!). In winter, the town goes quiet but remains stunning, with ice-kissed dunes and cozy gatherings at the library or inns. Leland’s unique blend of maritime heritage, natural splendor, and refined amenities makes it a true one-of-a-kind community, hence its place near the top of Michigan’s priciest locales.
1. Lake Angelus – Exclusive Lake Living at Its Peak
-
Typical home value (June 2025): $1,717,615
-
1-year price change: +3.2%
-
5-year price change: +47.6%
-
Metro area: Detroit–Warren–Dearborn, MI
Lake Angelus takes the crown as Michigan’s most expensive home market, and it’s a well-deserved title. Tucked away in North Oakland County, Lake Angelus is a tiny city (just 287 residents as of 2020!) built entirely around a spring-fed lake of the same name. In fact, it’s Michigan’s second-smallest city by population, and also one of its wealthiest per capita. Drive down the few quiet lanes that encircle Lake Angelus and you’ll see why this place is the pinnacle of exclusivity: gated estates with long winding driveways, expansive lawns, boathouses, and architecture ranging from classic Tudor manors to striking contemporary villas. Many homes boast 200+ feet of private lake frontage, and residents famously relish their privacy; there’s no public access to Lake Angelus, no public marina, and virtually no commercial development within the city. It’s essentially a private lake club disguised as a municipality.
With those characteristics, it’s no surprise typical home values here are around $1.72 million, topping even Leland by a wide margin. Home prices increased 48% over the past five years, a strong gain considering values were already high. Lake Angelus doesn’t see many transactions; people who buy here often stay for decades, but when an estate does hit the market, it’s a headline event in Michigan real estate circles. Buyers are often drawn from the ranks of auto industry executives, business owners, and sports stars seeking a discreet retreat. Though Lake Angelus feels hidden in thick woods, it’s actually conveniently near I-75 and the amenities of Auburn Hills (the former Palace of Auburn Hills, once home to the Pistons, was just down the road). This gives residents the unique combo of utter seclusion with urban accessibility.
Lake Angelus has a charming tradition: every Fourth of July, the residents hold a boat parade around the lake, decorating their pontoons and vintage Chris-Craft boats in patriotic flair. It’s one of the rare times you’ll see this tight-knit community out in full force together; otherwise, life on Lake Angelus is delightfully quiet. There’s no city water or sewer (homes have wells and septic systems), and street lights are minimal. But that’s exactly how Lake Angelus homeowners like it: pure, undisturbed lake living. If you value privacy, nature, and prestige, and have deep pockets, Lake Angelus is the peak of Michigan homeownership.
To understand the broader price trends fueling these luxury enclaves, read Metro Detroit Home Prices Are Surging Again: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know.
Making Sense of Michigan’s Luxury Market – and Next Steps
From the serene coves of Lake Angelus to the bustling summer beaches of Leland and Harbor Country, Michigan’s most expensive communities each offer a unique blend of location, lifestyle, and legacy. What they share is a combination of natural beauty and limited supply, whether it’s a private lake or a historic village, these places can’t simply grow more inventory, which drives values ever higher. For locals, it’s a point of pride to see these gems recognized; for buyers, it’s a reminder that Michigan’s real estate isn’t just about good value in the Midwest, it can also mean high-end, world-class living for those in the know.
Considering a move or investment in one of Michigan’s priciest cities? The key is local insight and expert guidance. Each community has its nuances, from seasonal rhythms in vacation towns to zoning quirks in small villages, so partnering with a knowledgeable local realtor can make all the difference. They can help you find hidden opportunities, whether it’s a fixer-upper cottage in an upscale lake town or an off-market listing in a coveted suburb. And even if a million-dollar home isn’t in your budget, these communities are wonderful places to visit and get inspired by.
Take the next step in your Michigan real estate journey. Explore these neighborhoods, attend an open house or two, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a local real estate expert who knows the terrain. Whether you’re dreaming of a lakeside retreat or aiming to move up to a luxury suburb, Michigan’s diverse market has something for everyone, and with the right guidance, you too can find your perfect home in the Mitten’s most magical places. Here’s to finding that dream home, wherever it may be, and enjoying the rich community life that comes with it!
DON'T KEEP US A SECRET - SHARE WITH A FRIEND OR ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
THINKING OF MOVING TO Michigan, OR LOOKING TO RELOCATE IN THE AREA? VIEW A LIST OF CURRENT HOMES FOR SALE BELOW.
Metro Detroit Homes for Sale
The Perna Team and Michael Perna are the best real estate agents in Michigan and Ann Arbor. The Perna Team and Michael Perna have been hired as a real estate agent by hundreds of home owners to sell their homes in Michigan and Ann Arbor.
The Perna Team were steady, responsive, and genuinely supportive from beginning to end. If you're buying or selling a home anywhere in Michigan, Noah is the kind of agent who shows up with professionalism, care, and your best interest at heart.
Posted by Michael Perna on
Leave A Comment