Houghton Lake

Located in the northern part of Michigan's lower peninsula, Houghton Lake has always been a popular summer getaway for those hailing from the state’s southern cities and towns. Over time, many people realized that an annual summer visit to Houghton Lake wasn’t enough. They wanted to experience Houghton Lake’s stunning beauty year-round.

This page gives a very detailed overview of the homes, condominiums, land, and commercial property for sale in Houghton Lake, Michigan.

Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $371K
Lowest Price $69K
Highest Price $1.8M
Total Listings 142
Avg. Days On Market 24
Avg. Price/SQFT $220

Property Types (active listings)


Browse Houghton Homes for Sale

Houghton Lake Homes for Sale

What does Pure Michigan mean to you? Does it make you think of glittering waters and majestic fall colors? Does it make you want to breathe in crisp, fresh air while you explore intricate trails and parklands? If you would like to experience Pure Michigan, put Houghton Lake on your list.

If you are searching for your next home in Houghton Lake, you’re in luck. Whether you plan to purchase a summer cottage or a year-round family home with deluxe amenities, you’ll find what you are looking for in this idyllic Michigan community. With highly-regarded schools, plenty to do, and everything you need close to home, you won’t regret your decision to relocate to Houghton Lake.

Houghton Lake Real Estate: Your Piece of Paradise
If you want the friendly vibe of a small town, adore being outdoors and dream of lake living, check out homes for sale in Houghton Lake. Are you concerned that you might not be able to afford the price tag of a home located in a lake community? Put those worries to rest, because in Houghton Lake, you’ll find housing options to suit a variety of budgets.

In Houghton Lake, home sales prices range from as low as $75,000 for a well-maintained cottage to as much as $1.4 million for a lakefront luxury home. As of September 2021, the median list price of homes for sale in Houghton Lake was approximately $150,000.

Houghton Lake is currently experiencing a seller’s market. This means that as of fall 2021, there were more buyers than homes for sale. A seller's market creates stiff competition among buyers. As a result, most Houghton Lake homes for sale are selling for their asking price, and some are selling for more.

If you have a long list of features that you want in your next home, consider purchasing a fixer-upper. Find a Houghton Lake home that needs a little love, and get to work adding your personal touches. Buying a home that needs updating is a great way to score a piece of lakefront property that might otherwise be out of your budget.

If you want to start from scratch, look at land for sale in Houghton Lake. You’ll find wooded lots with plenty of acres to hunt, hop on your ORV or simply explore on foot. Build the home of your dreams, or set up your camper on the weekends—the choice is yours!

Do you want to test out Houghton Lake before you make a real estate purchase? Try renting an apartment or a single-family home. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment falls around $550 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment is just under $1000 per month.

Living Large Without Spending a Lot in Houghton Lake
Houghton Lake has a lot to brag about, and a low cost of living tops that list! With an overall cost of living that falls 22% below the rest of the country, lake living is within reach for many people. Housing costs in Houghton Lake are a surprising 60% less than the rest of the country.

There are many different housing options in Houghton Lake including condominiums for saledowntown homes for saleland lover homes for saleluxury homes for sale, and waterfront homes for sale.

Please watch this casual drone tour of Houghton Lake or continue reading to learn more about the Houghton Lake, Michigan community.

Houghton Lake Community Highlights

Houghton Lake is a perfect example of small-town living. It has a population of 3,350 residents. Lake dwellers have a reputation of having a friendly demeanor, and Houghton Lake residents are no exception.

Houghton Lake is located in Roscommon County. The community lies along the southwest shore of the lake with the same name. Houghton Lake residents enjoy picturesque views, exciting recreation, and plenty of shopping and dining options along Houghton Lake Drive.

If you are thinking about moving to Houghton Lake, you might also consider homes in adjacent Houghton Lake Heights or Prudenville. These communities offer a similar lifestyle and additional housing options for those looking for specific features in their lake home.

Fun Facts About Houghton Lake
If you’re not familiar with Houghton Lake, you’ll quickly learn why this community has stolen the hearts of so many people. Here are a few interesting tidbits of information to help you get acquainted:

  • Houghton Lake is the largest inland lake in Michigan, measuring 10 miles from north to south. It also boasts 30 miles of picturesque shoreline.
  • Although it’s large, Houghton Lake is relatively shallow. Its deepest point measures approximately 20 feet, and the average depth is only seven-and-a-half feet.
  • Houghton Lake was named in honor of Douglass Houghton, the first state geologist who explored the area.
  • Tip-Up Town USA is one of Houghton Lake’s most popular events. The festival centers around ice fishing, with many activities taking place directly on the lake.
  • If you need a break from the lake in the winter, head to a nearby ski resort. There are two options for ski enthusiasts within 30 minutes of Houghton Lake.

Spending Time Outdoors in Houghton Lake
Houghton Lake offers the beauty of four distinct seasons, with different recreational opportunities available year-round. Here is a quick rundown of the outdoor fun that’s waiting for you:

  • Spring
    As the flowers bloom, the snow melts, and the weather gets warmer, don’t be surprised if you experience a sudden burst of energy that makes you want to get outside! Give in to this excitement and enjoy the beautiful vegetation and wildlife that you haven’t seen all winter. One of the best ways to do this is to take a nature hike through one of the scenic trails in the area. If you want to see the sights in a different way, get your kayak or canoe out a little early and check out the view from the water!

  • Summer
    It goes without saying that your summer fun will definitely include the lake! If you’re up for an adventure, try your hand at waterskiing. If lazy living is on your agenda, soak up the sun on one of the area’s many public beaches. Do you fall somewhere in the middle? Splashing along the shore, or a leisurely paddleboard excursion are sure to bring a summer smile to your face.

  • Autumn
    When autumn arrives, Houghton Lake turns into a jewel-toned wonder. The beautiful color is fleeting, so you will want to revel in it in as many ways as possible. Get an up-close nature view with an ORV color tour in Roscommon County. Grab your hiking boots and take a fall foliage hike along the Lost Twin Lakes Pathway to see a color show that you won’t soon forget.

  • Winter
    In Houghton Lake, the snow flies as early as November and sometimes lasts past the first day of spring! That gives winter fanatics plenty of time to play in the fluffy stuff. In addition to downhill skiing and the area’s beloved Tip-Up Town event, cold-weather enthusiasts can cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile on the many trails located within Roscommon County.

Delicious Eats in Houghton Lake
Did you know that Houghton Lake is a fan favorite for foodies? Whether you are in the mood to dress up and savor a steak dinner or dress down and grab pizza for the road, you can devour it in Houghton Lake.

In addition to the mouth-watering options mentioned above, here is a list of cuisine that you can sample. Best of all, it is all found minutes from your doorstep!

  • Your favorite bar foods, including giant burgers and fresh-cut fries
  • Bacon, eggs, biscuits and pancakes, served throughout the day
  • Seafood! You’re at the lake, so why not?
  • All of your fast-food favorites, for a tried-and-true meal on the run.
  • Ice cream! It’s a must-have treat for a summer evening in Houghton Lake!

Many of Houghton Lake's eateries take advantage of Michigan’s near-perfect summer weather and offer outdoor dining from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Some even keep their patios open longer if they can get away with it!

If carry-out is more your style, you can enjoy Houghton Lake’s delectable options in the comfort of your own home. Most restaurants offer takeout services. Some even offer delivery to local residences for folks who are too tired to hop in the car after a day on the water!

Let’s Go Shopping in Houghton Lake!
When you need a break from the water, check out some of Houghton Lake’s locally-owned shops! You’ll experience exceptional customer service that big-box stores don’t provide. Many of Houghton Lake’s shops are located along Houghton Lake Drive or M-55. Take a ride down these roads to find gift shops, resale shops or stores selling specialty goods. Houghton Lake is home to these types of specialty retailers:

  • Gift shops
  • A yarn and craft shop that offers knitting classes
  • Resale shops—you never know what treasures you’ll uncover!
  • A pet store—don’t forget about your furry friend!

Of course, sometimes big-box stores have exactly what you need. In Houghton Lake, you’ll find Walmart, Home Depot and a full-service supermarket. Whether you are working on a home improvement project or picking up ingredients for tonight’s dinner, these stores stand ready to serve.

If you want to venture a little farther from home, take your wallet to downtown Roscommon. You’ll find a fun selection of specialty shops on quaint, walkable streets.

Make Your Lake Living Dreams Come True!
Brook Walsh Real Estate has helped countless buyers and sellers reach their real estate goals. Whether you are looking for a summer home, a permanent residence or want to move from one side of town to the other, Brook Walsh will use his real estate, financial and marketing expertise to guide you through the most important investment of your life. Contact Brook Walsh Real Estate today to learn more!

Schools Near Houghton Lake, Michigan

When you’re relocating your family, the quality of the local schools can make or break your decision. Fortunately, Houghton Lake Community Schools get rave reviews from local families.

Houghton Lake Community Schools is a small district that serves just over 1,200 students from preschool through twelfth grade. The district consists of only three buildings, offering consistency and a close-knit community for students. The district’s grades are divided as follows:

Collins Lower Elementary: The lower elementary houses kindergarten through second grade. This building is also home to the district’s preschool program and offers grade-level special education services.

Collins Upper Elementary: The upper elementary houses third through sixth grades, including a grade-level special education program.

Houghton Lake Junior/Senior High School: The junior/senior high school houses seventh through twelfth grades. This building also offers extracurricular enrichment opportunities for students, such as athletic teams, STEM programs, robotics and yearbook.

Focused on Northern Michigan Investment Real Estate

Brook is focused on lifestyle real estate investment properties as most people want a vacation home to make lifelong memories that endure for their entire family, leave a profound legacy for generations, and they want a solid financial investment at the same time. 

While the area does have many good realtors, there aren’t many with the unique financial, vacation home investing, and technology marketing background. Brook uses his diverse skill set to help clients properly evaluate and determine whether a vacation home makes financial sense.

"I have significant experience buying and selling Northern Michigan Real Estate and I'd like to help you find the perfect Houghton Lake, Michigan home. Send me a message or give me a call at 231.459.3179 to learn more today."

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