Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $251K |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $89K |
| Highest Price | $685K |
| Total Listings | 16 |
| Avg. Days On Market | 165 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $181 |
Property Types (active listings)
Browse Downtown Tawas City Homes for Sale
- All Listings
- Under $100,000
- $100,000 - $200,000
- $200,000 - $300,000
- $300,000 - $400,000
- $400,000 - $500,000
- $600,000 - $700,000
Tawas City, MI Downtown Homes for Sale – Discover 15 Reasons to Love This Lakeside Gem
Downtown Homes for Sale offer cozy charm, lakefront views, and unbeatable lifestyle perks. Explore this must-read homebuyer's guide.
Introduction to Tawas City, MI
Where Is Tawas City and What Makes It Special?
Tawas City, located in Iosco County, sits on the western shore of Lake Huron's Tawas Bay. With a population under 2,000, it features walkable neighborhoods, friendly locals, and a scenic lakeside atmosphere. It's a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty.
Historical Charm Meets Modern Comfort
Established in the mid-1800s, Tawas City retains its vintage appeal through Victorian homes and a classic main street. At the same time, many residences offer modern amenities like smart home features and energy-efficient systems.
Check out this video for a look at the Tawas City community.
The Appeal of Downtown Living in Tawas City
Proximity to Lake Huron’s Beauty
Living downtown means quick access to the beach, boating, and breathtaking sunsets. Residents enjoy lakefront walking paths and seasonal water activities.
Small-Town Atmosphere with Big Amenities
Downtown offers locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, and fitness studios. You get the community spirit of a small town with the conveniences of a larger one.
Types of Downtown Homes for Sale
Single-Family Residences
These are the most common downtown housing option, ranging from two to five bedrooms. They often include detached garages, porches, and updated interiors.
Charming Historic Homes
Historic homes include Craftsman, Colonial, and Victorian styles. Many are fully restored, offering features like original hardwood floors and decorative moldings.
Waterfront Properties
Lakefront homes offer direct access to Tawas Bay, private docks, and stunning views. These tend to be newer builds with modern finishes.
Townhomes and Condos
For low-maintenance living, townhomes and condos provide community amenities, HOA-covered landscaping, and walkability to the town center.
Check out this video for a look at the downtown lifestyle
Current Real Estate Market Trends
Average Home Prices in Downtown Tawas City
As of 2025:
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Downtown homes average $285,000
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Historic homes: $210,000–$260,000
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Waterfront homes: $400,000+
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Condos/townhomes: $180,000–$240,000
Inventory and Time on Market
Homes typically stay on the market for 30 to 45 days. The spring and summer months bring more listings and faster sales.
Who’s Buying in Tawas City?
Ideal for Retirees
Retirees are drawn to the peaceful lifestyle, healthcare access, and walkability. Single-floor homes and condos are popular options.
Young Families and First-Time Buyers
Families benefit from affordable homes, good schools, and a safe environment. Kids can walk to parks, schools, and the beach.
Real Estate Investors and Vacation Buyers
Vacation rentals are in demand during summer. Investors see strong ROI due to tourism and lakefront appeal.
Financing and Mortgage Tips
Down Payment Assistance in Michigan
Programs include:
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MSHDA: Up to $10,000 for first-time buyers
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USDA Rural Development: 0% down for eligible homes
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HomeReady/Home Possible: Low down payments and reduced insurance
Local Lenders and Pre-Approval
Pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious. Local lenders offer personalized service and may know of unique financing products.
What to Look for When House Hunting Downtown
Home Inspection Must-Haves
Key areas to inspect:
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Roof and foundation
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Plumbing and electrical
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HVAC systems
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Moisture or mold issues
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Insulation and windows
Walkability and Nearby Conveniences
Seek homes near:
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Parks and beaches
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Coffee shops and stores
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Schools and libraries
Popular Downtown Neighborhoods
Newman Street District
Heart of the downtown area with shops, galleries, and historic homes.
Tawas Bay Waterfront Area
Offers newer homes, luxury upgrades, and panoramic lake views.
Historic East Tawas Border
Features tree-lined streets, larger lots, and a quieter vibe close to the action.
Local Amenities That Boost Home Value
Schools, Parks, and Libraries
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Tawas Area Schools
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East Tawas City Park
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Tawas City Library
Healthcare Access and Services
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Ascension St. Joseph Hospital
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Clinics and specialists
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Senior services and assisted living
Recreation and Lifestyle Perks
Boating, Fishing, and Water Sports
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Public marinas and docks
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Kayaking and paddleboarding
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Ice fishing in winter
Downtown Events and Festivals
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Tawas Uncork’d
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Blues by the Bay
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Farmers markets and holiday parades
Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment
Local Boutiques and Artisan Shops
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Village Chocolatier
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The Ladies’ Room
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Northwoods Outlet
Farm-to-Table and Lakeview Dining
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Barnacle Bill’s
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Boathouse Beer Co.
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G’s Pizzeria
Cost of Living in Tawas City
Utilities, Groceries, and Taxes
| Expense Category | Monthly Average |
|---|---|
| Electricity & Gas | $120 |
| Water & Sewer | $60 |
| Internet | $70 |
| Groceries (Family of 4) | $600 |
| Property Taxes | ~1.8% annually |
Home Maintenance and Insurance Costs
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Home insurance: $1,200–$1,500 annually
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Seasonal upkeep: $1,000–$2,500
Investment Potential and ROI
Vacation Rental Income Potential
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Peak season: May to September
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Nightly rates increase near lakefront
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Strong bookings for updated, walkable homes
Long-Term Value Appreciation
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Annual appreciation: 4–6%
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Factors: low inventory, increased remote work, retiree relocation
How to Choose a Real Estate Agent in Tawas City
Qualities to Look For
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Local expertise
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Strong negotiation skills
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Clear communication
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Client testimonials and market knowledge
Questions to Ask Your Agent
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Experience in Tawas City?
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Specialize in lakefront or historic homes?
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Provide recent comps?
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Negotiation strategies?
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Connections to lenders or inspectors?
Tips for Relocating to Tawas City
Moving Services and Local Utilities
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Movers: M&M Moving Services, D&D Transport
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Utilities: Consumers Energy, Tawas Utilities Authority, Spectrum
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Forward mail via USPS
Getting Involved in the Community
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Clubs: Garden Club, Sail & Power Squadron
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Volunteer groups: Friends of the Library, local rescues
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Events: Music nights, craft fairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is downtown Tawas City walkable?
A. Yes. Most homes are close to parks, shops, and the beach.
Q. Are there good schools nearby?
A. Yes. Tawas Area School District is well-rated.
Q. Can I find move-in-ready homes downtown?
A. Yes. Many homes have been fully renovated.
Q. Is it easy to rent out homes in downtown Tawas City?
A. Yes. Especially during summer months.
Q. What types of homes are most common downtown?
A. A mix of single-family, historic homes, townhomes, and waterfront properties.
Q. How competitive is the real estate market right now?
A. Homes sell quickly in spring and summer. Pre-approval is key.
Conclusion: Your Dream Home Awaits in Downtown Tawas City
Tawas City, MI downtown homes for sale offer lifestyle, charm, and investment value. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retirement, a vibrant vacation spot, or a strong investment, downtown Tawas has what you need. Contact a local expert and take the first step toward your lakeside dream home.
Explore homes in the downtown lifestyle communities below or contact Brook Walsh to help with your search. You can also reach Brook by phone at (231) 459-3179 for all of your Northern Michigan real estate needs.
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