Guide to East Jordan Lake Charlevoix Real Estate

Welcome to the East Jordan Community on Lake Charlevoix, Where River, Lake, and Friendly People Meet

During his exploration of the Great Lakes, home to the native Ottawa people, French explorer Pierre Francois de Charlevoix happened upon this area in the 1850s and while conflict and strife was constant as a result of competing settlers, the area ultimately found balance and progress, especially when the Pine River Channel was dredged in 1869 that connected what is now Lake Charlevoix to Lakes Michigan and Round Lake.

Lumber became the region’s claim to fame and by the early 20th century, cruise ships began docking at the town’s piers. Prohibition spurred a burgeoning gambling industry and Lake Charlevoix speakeasies quickly became places to see and be seen. Among the areas that were settled, three remarkable towns sprung up around the lake: Boyne City, Charlevoix and East Jordan. Each community has developed its own unique personality, say residents whose fascination with the lake remains a primary reason they chose this region to settle down.

Lake Charlevoix offers residents the best in resources and recreation. It covers approximately 17,200 acres and sports 56 miles of shoreline, so driving from one town to another along the lakefront makes for a lively trip.

For lake dwellers choosing this prime area, boating remains a popular activity. With an average lake depth of 52 feet (the deepest spot is 122 feet), residents and vacationers who love to fish and have a modest amount of patience can catch small mouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, brown trout, rainbow trout and walleye. No permit is required to fish Lake Charlevoix and residents have unlimited access to the body of water via their motorboats and jet skis, too.

Scientists prove that lake living can add years to one's life
Researchers and scientists have explored the benefits and impact of living near bodies of water for generations and found that people fortunate enough to reside in close proximity to lakes tend to experience less stress, less anxiety and more tranquility. Some call it “blue mind science,” the study of health benefits enjoyed only by people residing on waterfront property.

This is no new phenomenon. Herman Melville wrote of the impact blue water had on his soul while writing the classic Moby Dick, and more recent experiences described by people living in close proximity to water extend far beyond the soul. Lakeside living has been shown to have a close correlation to improved physical sense and wellbeing.

To what do lakeside dwellers attribute this state of bliss? "There seems to be something very special about water," notes University of Exeter environmental psychologist Mathew White. Float in a lake and theta brainwaves kick in, slowing things down and unleashing creativity. Stopping to allow the mind to settle has become increasingly critical as our lives hurtle into the stressors produced by too much stimulation, especially nonstop interaction with electronic devices. Lakeside living is more than an address. It can be a life changer -- especially for home shoppers lucky enough to find the right lake.

8 reasons home shoppers choose lake living
According to people who are attracted to the idea of lake living, there are two kinds of people in the world: those who spend much of their lives hoping to live on a lake and those who know that life is short so that’s exactly where they choose to reside. Everyone has their own list of reasons for craving this lifestyle, but these are the ones most often cited by home shoppers seeking Lake Charlevoix Real Estate in Charlevoix, Lake Charlevoix Real Estate in Boyne City and Lake Charlevoix Real Estate in East Jordan.

1. Lakes are fun. It’s practically impossible to adopt a boring lifestyle when living on a lake because running out of things to do year-round is unlikely. From fishing and sailing to kayaking, swimming and boating, water activities not only keep residents fit and healthy, but remaining isolated from the like-minded people who are neighbors and ultimately friends is unlikely if at all possible.

2. Lakes are relaxing. From stress-producing jobs and the perpetual call of devices seeking attention day and night, it’s almost impossible not to breathe deeply and unwind when a beautiful, tranquil lake is situated at the edge of your home’s property line. On days filled with work, errands, chauffeuring kids around and keeping up with social obligations, there is no more serene, peaceful experience than shedding shoes and ties enroute to your perch overlooking the water, having stopped only long enough to pour a glass of wine.

3. Lakes are private. Lake dwellers choose to live on bodies of water because lake lots tend to be more isolated from the rest of the world. Lake communities are known for an abundance of green space that further separate homes from neighboring residences and because developers are more protective of mature trees, plants and bushes that create natural privacy zones, residents enjoy more tranquility and less noise.

4. Lakes attract wildlife. There is no more endearing natural image than watching a mother goose escorting a long line of goslings behind her. Because Lake Charlevoix attracts animals that require water to sustain themselves -- and because the lake is surrounded by miles of wooded terrain, one of the biggest benefits of owning a lake home is enjoying visits from wildlife attracted to the water.

5. Lakes are made for entertaining. For folks who truly enjoy entertaining friends and family and who look for any excuse to do so, lake living is the epitome of gathering places. From summer parties and company get-togethers to the ability to host a wedding on a sprawling lawn that leads to the lakefront, the sky is literally the limit. Residents, renters and visitors celebrate seasons in ways no homeowner can imagine when living in urban environments..

6. Lakes promote community. People living on lakes tend to build strong bonds, not only because everyone shares a love of lake living but because everyone is invested in the health of the lake so it remains a vibrant conduit to everyone’s recreational goals and desires. Neighbors able to diagnose why jet skis don't work or happy to provide gas to power a boat in a pinch are priceless.

7. Lake homes make ideal investments. Choose a lakefront property and chances are that your real estate will depreciate is highly unlikely. Homes on lakes have traditionally been subject to high demand and limited supplies so they tend to deliver an excellent return on investment. Homeowners investing in property upgrades are adroit at driving up the value of residences and upwardly mobile shoppers are the beneficiaries of this largesse.

8. Lake homes can lead to stronger relationships. The ability to meet and interact with like-minded people who share goals and values can be enhanced when moving to a lakefront home. Lake dwellers tend to have a taste for quality and luxury and making connections can prove invaluable in terms of business and social connections and relationships.

What you should know about the real estate market on Lake Charlevoix
According JC Reindl writing for the Business section of the Detroit Free Press newspaper, even the pandemic and signs of recession have not made a dent in the “red-hot Up North” real estate market, especially lake communities that continue to exhibit all of the signs of growth. Prices are up as much as 10-percent from a year ago, before Covid-19 came along, proving once again that the lakefront property market has the potential to remain healthy despite extreme challenges.

Reindl suggests that this market boom is a direct reaction to the virus, saying that while Michigan property shoppers have been cooped up and locked down, thoughts of purchasing vacations or second homes have proliferated. Additionally, “working from home” no longer requires careerists to limit their choice of residences to locations in close proximity to home offices in urban cities like Detroit.

For professionals at Northern Michigan Escapes, a premier property management and real estate firm specializing in Lake Charlevoix properties, this trend is nothing new. The data-savvy lifestyle real estate firm is well aware of this trend as agents have been tracking market resilience and agree with the Detroit Free Press analysis that homes around the lake are holding strong. Even Chicagoans are flocking to Lake Charlevoix, touting the area’s new high-speed internet service upgrades that make working from any home on the planet a more viable option than ever before.

An introduction to the city of East Jordan 

East Jordan is one of three towns that borders Lake Charlevoix (Boyne City and Charlevoix are the others). Once known as Pine Lake despite being located on Lake Charlevoix, East Jordan was founded in the 1870s, thus history and tradition are a large part of this town’s personality. Yes, there’s a Jordan River, one of the cleanest in Michigan, that spans 33 miles and helps define the character of this area. In fact, the river was the first to be designated a National Wild and Scenic River. Residents rave about the unique character of this small town, filled with parks and hosting an annual Freedom Festival that draws crowds from far and wide, but the heart and soul of this hometown remains rooted in the town’s character.

Parks and Recreation

The City of East Jordan and the surrounding area encompasses some of the most abundant and diverse natural resources in northern Michigan. Lake Charlevoix, the Jordan River and the many small streams, wetlands, forests, hills and open spaces that make up the landscape provide area residents with a unique natural environment and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. The City of East Jordan is also home to several parks and recreational facilities that provide opportunities for organized recreation, personal exploration, relaxation and social interaction.

Recreational Facilities and Parks:

• Community Park. At 40 acres, Community Park is the largest park in the City of East Jordan, located on the east side of M-32 in the Southeastern corner of the City, Community Park serves the entire city and surrounding area. The park is a state–of-the-art recreation facility featuring three soccer fields with irrigation, four regulation baseball/softball diamonds with irrigation and fencing, with concessions and heated restrooms.
  
  In addition to the ball fields, Community Park offers disc golf, hiking trails, a sledding hill, ice skating rink, a picnic area and playground nearby.

• Tourist Park. Set on the shores of Lake Charlevoix at the intersection of M-32 and M-66, East Jordan Tourist Park is a fabulous getaway destination for the whole family. At East Jordan Tourist Park, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of home and still get the fresh air and beauty of the great outdoors year round. This comfortable campground offers 90 campsites, 75 of which are full-hookups with water, electricity and sewer connections and Wifi internet access available throughout the park. There are also 12 tent campsites (with no hook-ups) and 3 cabins.
  
  
• Memorial Park. Memorial Park is part of the Municipal Harbor and features a lakefront walkway. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic or to just relax while watching birds, boats and fishing action. There are picnic tables, grills and public restrooms within the park. Memorial Park is the site of the East Jordan Garden Club Farmer’s Market, May through October.
  
  
• Centennial Skate Park. Centennial Skate Park is a 2.7-acre community park located along the north side of State Street, east of downtown. The park includes an asphalt skate pad with a halfpipe, quarter-pipe, multiple grind rails, and a multipurpose ramp.
  
  
• Sportsman’s Park. Sportsman’s Park is located on the south side of M-32, along the banks of the Jordan River. The 16.3-acre park is primarily an undeveloped natural area comprised of extensive wetlands. The developed portion of the park features a lighted boardwalk and viewing platform is at a great vantage point where Lake Charlevoix and the Jordan River meet, it is the perfect spot for viewing the wetlands and wildlife including bald eagles and osprey. The park also provides several fishing piers at the south end of the park. Spring brings fishermen rainbow and brown trout, while the fall brings the return of spawning Chinook salmon. Other park amenities include a gazebo, sidewalks, and restroom facilities.
  
  In June of 2017 the historic East Jordan and Southern Locomotive Old No. 6 train engine, which fascinates kids and adults alike was moved from Memorial Park to a permanent spot in Sportsman’s Park. Sportsman’s Park also features a historic building that serves as the educational center for the Jordan River Valley. Sportsman’s Park is a lovely place to enjoy a picnic or to just relax while watching birds, boats and fishing action.
  
  
• Civic Center. The East Jordan Civic Center is located along Main Street, north of M-32 downtown. The building is situated on a 0.4-acre site and can host a variety of civic activities, shows and programs. The building features a commercial kitchen writers for hire, meeting rooms, gymnasium, showers, and restrooms. The gymnasium is used for indoor volleyball and basketball.
  
  
• Elm Pointe. Elm Pointe is located on M-66 at the point where Monroe Creek winds it way to the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix. Situated on approximately 11 acres of land with extensive frontage on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix, Elm Pointe is one of East Jordan’s most lovely parks. Park amenities include restrooms, grills and picnic tables. This beautiful location is primarily used for passive recreational activities such as picnicking and swimming. The beach and picnic areas are pen 10am-10pm May 15-October 15.
  
  Elm Pointe is the site of the pioneer homestead of John Munro and Marceline LaLonde Munro and their family and been added to the Michigan National Historic Register. A caretaker’s house and the East Jordan Portside Art and Historical Museum that is also located here. The Cygred Riley Art Gallery celebrates the present with a fine display of art purchased from prize winning participants in the annual Portside Arts Fair. The museum and gallery are open on Saturday and Sunday from 1:30pm-4:30pm, June – September or by appointment. 
  
  
  
  
• Mill Street Park. Mill Street Park is a mini-park located at the northwest corner of Mill and Maple streets. The park features playground equipment, picnic tables and an open grass area. The park also serves as the trailhead for a mountain bike trail along Brown Creek.
  
  
• Watson Field. Watson Field Park is located north of downtown East Jordan along the south side of Division Street. A quiet neighborhood park that features one Little League baseball field, playground equipment and restrooms.
  
  
  
  
• Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Park is a 0.2-acre mini-park located at the northeast corner of Main and Williams Streets in downtown East Jordan. Park amenities include a small gazebo, benches, flagpole, and a lawn area. This park also features a memorial marker that pays tribute to Civil War veterans.
  
  
• Murphy Field and the Softball Field are located along M-32 along the southern edge of the Tourist Park complex. In addition to Loveday Field, an adult softball field (lighted) and Murphy Field (Little League field), there are two full-size basketball courts (lighted) and two tennis courts (lighted) between the 2 fields. Additional facilities include a playground area, press box, restrooms, informal gravel parking areas and limited open space.
  
  
• The City of East Jordan’s Basketball Courts are located between Murphy Field located at 404 Water Street and Loveday Field located at 510 Water Street. It consists of 2 full courts and lights.
  
  
  
  
• The Tennis Courts are located between Murphy Field at 404 Water Street and the Adult Softball Field located at 510 Water Street.
  
  
  
  
• The City Marina is located on the north side of M-32 on the east bank of Lake Charlevoix in downtown East Jordan and is the land entry to our beautiful harbor. Located only one block off Main Street, the Municipal Harbor is within walking distance to local restaurants and friendly shops. The Municipal Harbor offers 27 seasonal boat slips, 27 transient boat slips, shopping docks, full service midgrade (87 Octane) and premium non ethanol (91 Octane), along with pump-out stations, ice and restrooms. Shower facilities are available for seasonal and transient slip holders. The East Jordan City Marina monitors channel 9 on marine radio.
  
  

• The City Boat Launch is located off of Dickens Drive behind Loveday Field and Basketball Courts. The boat launch is situated on a 1.9-acre site that features a new boat launch with  lighting and paved parking. 
  
  

Lake Charlevoix Real Estate in East Jordan

For families interested in living on the rim of Lake Charlevoix who are upwardly mobile but not quite where they hope to be, East Jordan is the ideal place to make a home. Residents get all the perks of lake living and the average home price is under $320,000. That doesn’t mean homeowners can’t aspire to more luxury down the road: there are homes in East Jordan boasting $1M+ price tags.

Best known as the city where natural wonders abound adjacent from the Jordan River where it meets Lake Charlevoix, recreational opportunities are everywhere residents turn and cultural opportunities abound as well. From water sports and boating to hometown festivals and celebration, anyone seeking upscale down home charm will find what they seek in this classic American town.

East Jordan residents send their youngsters to 11 local public schools, three public school academies and six private schools, serving more than 9,000 area students. This is truly the place to be for young families since crime rates are low, a predominance of residents are around the age of 40 and since the land area is just a little over 3 square miles, it’s possible to reside in this charming place and get around on a bike for much of the year. From beautiful trails to a delightful downtown area, anyone drawn to this lake region will find it possible to make a home in this lovely community where people start off as neighbors and soon become fast friends.

Why Popular Lake Charlevoix Condominiums Are Trending
For homeowners who have enjoyed the luxury and prestige of one or more single family homes, it could come as a surprise that 21st century housing trends appear to be heading in the direction of condominium living. From young couples to retirees, the lure of the condo is unmistakable, and for busy entrepreneurs, career builders and innovators, owning a luxurious, beautifully constructed condo is fast becoming the choice of home shoppers of all ages and at all stages of life.

Retirees fed up with the ever-present need for home upgrades, repairs and renovations when large homes must be reconfigured for any number of reasons, are finding that condominiums on a lake are an answer to their prayers, especially since seniors are as likely to live in close proximity to Millennials who are currently a huge segment of home buyers and the numbers just keep growing. It’s no mystery why demographics are skewing younger:

Who wants to throw money away on rent when ownership is a better option?

• Condos located in high-end locations that are well-maintained can appreciate in value as well as single-family houses (sometimes better)
• Building equity has become a major goal for savvy Millennials and young families
• Because costs are shared by other owners via homeowner’s associations, residents tend to become more invested in decision-making processes due to living in close proximity
• Access to a single resource for every maintenance task under the sun (snow shoveling? What’s that?)
• Home shoppers are discovering innovative amenities they seek so they needn’t go elsewhere for access to community rooms, swimming pools and gyms.
• Condos give home buyers access to neighborhoods and communities that might otherwise fall outside the budgets of growing families

There is more to love about condominium complexes and for those whose idea of heaven is owning one on a lake that is surrounded by bastions of elegant living, there is no more prestigious address on the Lake Charlevoix rim than the three towns profiled here that are home to a premier selection of condominiums that grace their shorelines.

Popular East Jordan Lake Charlevoix Condominiums

Harborage Pointe Condominiums
Home shoppers and tourists seeking small, manageable communities with access to Lake Charlevoix find East Jordan to be an ideal choice for investing in a condominium or booking a stay at one that provides all of the amenities lake living offers. Harborage Pointe is located in East Jordan at the south arm of the Lake and offers residents a diverse variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. Every unit features a private patio designed for relaxation and entertaining, while the sand beach below the property is a swimmer’s delight.

For boat owners, proximity is everything, thus moorings at the condominium association’s docks is just steps away and for residents and owners who wish to explore East Jordan beyond the water’s edge, opportunities to roam the Jordan Valley watershed where Michigan's first designated wild river plus miles of trails are a hiker’s paradise where it’s not unusual to spot small game during a trek.

For those who can’t get enough of water sports, kayakers, canoers and river tubing enthusiasts are found in abundance. Some bring their own gear and go it alone while others prefer group experiences led by knowledgeable guides. Back on short, a charming collection of shops, cafes, bakeries and galleries satisfy residents and visitors of all ages, as do concerts and festivals staged throughout the year.

Hemingway Point Club Condominiums
Most often referred to as East Jordan’s artsy epicenter, East Jordan does not disappoint home seekers eager for life in the outdoors. At Hemingway Pointe Club Condominiums, two- to four-bedroom homes offer a degree of privacy and peace that stops home shoppers in their tracks. This remarkable property is located at the edge of the Jordan River Valley, an 18,000-acre slice of nature dominated by ancient trees and bordered by the languid Jordan River.

Hemingway Pointe Club's amenities include 4000 feet of shoreline, a pool and clubhouse plus tennis courts, and nature trails that sprawl across 100+ of natural vegetation, which is why visitors and home browsers find this development to offer unprecedented serenity because East Jordan isn’t a bustling community but a tranquil haven rarely found in lake communities that tend to attract crowds, especially in summer.

This 68 unit condominium is more than just a place to reside, entertain and relax. The complex includes a 62-slip private marina that is located directly on Lake Charlevoix so for visitors and residents alike, Hemingway Pointe is the quintessential condominium development for home seekers who have been searching endlessly for a place they can find bliss.

Shoreline Condominiums
For home shoppers eager to live on Lake Charlevoix who find association fees to make the difference between making a purchase and letting a home go, Shoreline Condominiums are a perfect solution because residents and guests enjoy the same amenities as other properties along the shoreline but those high fees don’t exist here. Often referred to as “affordable lakefront living” that still delivers on perks and amenities, these two or three bedroom condominium units come with sale prices that are surprisingly affordable.

Surprisingly spacious, Shoreline condos range in size from 650- to 2,300-square feet and there is no shortage of amenities. Homeowners enjoy private, 30-foot docks, indoor boat storage to house these valuable assets during Michigan winters and all residents share a generous 137-feet of frontage from which to enjoy Lake Charlevoix’s aquatic recreational opportunities.

Access to hiking, bike trails and other diversions for which East Jordan are known wrap around the small town vibe that includes a small shopping plaza, local eateries and all of the hometown ambience for which this area is known. Come for the lake. Stay for the good life.

Smuggler’s Cove Condominiums
No parrots, patches or treasure chests required when taking ownership of one of these quaintly-named condominiums located at East Jordan. Also located at the south arm of Lake Charlevoix, Smuggler’s Cove is also known for affordability in addition to its unique name. Spacious one- or two-bedroom condos range in size between 600- and 1,200-square feet, but for home shoppers well aware of Michigan winters, the fact that most of these units come with roomy garages is a deciding purchasing factor.

In addition to waterfront access that invites swimmers, canoers, kayakers and folks drawn to myriad recreational activities, Smuggler’s Cove is adjacent to a park-like setting that serves as extra parking when it’s not attracting picnickers and families. Gain all of the advantages of East Jordan living – history, wildlife and small town living – as a Smuggler’s Cove resident where residents and visitors alike discover relaxed home ownership that comes complete with lakeside living.

Guide to Lake Charlevoix Real Estate

This post is actually a partial post from our Guide to Lake Charlevoix Real Estate. 

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