Tawas City

If you are looking for a quaint spot in Michigan to settle down with your family, look no further than Tawas City. This hamlet on the shores of Lake Huron is situated along the Lower Peninsula in the state of Michigan, with a population of around 1,800. 

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

Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $282K
Lowest Price $65K
Highest Price $850K
Total Listings 21
Avg. Days On Market 240
Avg. Price/SQFT $155

Property Types (active listings)


Browse Tawas City Homes for Sale

Tawas City Homes for Sale

Is Tawas City your new home?
If you are looking for a quaint spot in Michigan to settle down with your family, look no further than Tawas City.

This hamlet on the shores of Lake Huron is situated along the Lower Peninsula in the state of Michigan, with a population of around 1,800. The city was founded in 1854 as the county seat of Iosco County, in an optimal location that takes advantage of rich natural resources that include forests, wildlife, lumber industries, and of course, access to Lake Huron and the many water-based industries and recreations offered by the inland sea.

The city developed naturally along the shore in its early years and is a primary shelter spot along Tawas Bay for freighters seeking shelter from the storms of the Great Lakes. Tawas City derives its name from the Ojibwa Chief O-ta-was, from which Ottawa gets its name, and from which the name "Tawas" eventually evolved. When the lumber industry got up and running in the area, lumber mills drew in even more settlers, which later led to farming.

As the years marched by, the cities of Michigan grew in number, but Tawas City remained comfortably small in comparison, giving it a "small town" feel. This city is packed with amenities for residents, including water activities, boating, and fishing, as well as land-based activities, such as outdoor adventures and local festivals.

Here, we outline the many amenities and recreation of Tawas City, including the cost of living, an overview of the schools, employment information, dining and shopping, and a general community overview.

Real Estate Trends

The average home sales prices in Tawas City are on par with much of Northern Michigan. Median listings for single-family homes are around $140K, with $300K ranging on the high end, and $96K on the lower end. Homes typically stay on the market for around 80 days on average, and condominiums for sale typically range around $200K depending on the location. The median rent is around $720. One can expect to pay around $96 per square foot on a home in Tawas City, again depending on the location.

The township is comprised of twenty-seven zip codes, and as of the time of this writing, there are fifty-eight homes for sale. Due to recent economic factors, prices for homes have been trending down this past year, making the real estate market in the city limits a buyer's market, indicating that the supply of homes for sale is greater than the demand. If you are looking to move into town, the odds are in your favor at the bargaining table when searching for a home.

What you should know about Tawas City Real Estate
If you like the idea of property ownership in an area filled with amenities and activities all year round, with a small population where everyone knows their neighbors, and just far enough away from the big cities to avoid the rush and noise, but close enough to take advantage of big-city amenities, then Tawas City is the place for you. Life moves more slowly here, at a relaxed pace, and the natural environment is beautiful.

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

No doubt, demand for real estate in Tawas City will start to go up in the coming years as city dwellers retire or seek refuge from the crush of the big cities into the smaller towns. Tawas City has an advantage, in that it is close enough to the larger cities of Midland and Saginaw to make commuting to a job feasible, but also just far enough away as to not be impacted by the goings-on of a larger city. It is expected that home values in Tawas City will start to climb in the coming years making an investment into real estate in the area a good choice.

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

Tawas City Community Highlights

What to expect in living in Tawas City
One of the things to consider when moving to a new community is how your quality of life will change for the better.

Even if all you are looking for is a vacation home, taking into account the amenities and benefits of your destination city is essential. Within Tawas City, there are a variety of diverse neighborhoods and living spaces sure to suit a wide variety of individuals with needs and lifestyles. Living in this small hamlet you can expect to have access to the lakefront, historical locations, public parks, cultural activities, and many other perks.

For those living on the waterfront, you will have immediate access to fishing and water skiing, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the rising property value of your home, and the stress-reducing benefits that come with living near water and exposure to sea breezes. If you choose to live in a more luxurious area, such as a high-quality condo or a home of newer, quality design, you can expect to find magazine-quality homes in certain neighborhoods of Tawas City that will be the envy of many.

You may, instead, choose to live right in the heart of the town, with beautiful shops and historical districts that are friendly to pedestrians, boutiques, culinary opportunities, specialized activities, and recreation. There are year-round festivals in downtown Tawas City, and Tawas State Park is located in nearby Baldwin Township.

The town is easily accessible via US 23, the Sunrise Side Coastal Highway that runs along the Lake Huron shore, and also via M-55, which junctions with US 23 in Tawas City. There is a bus service between the town and Bay City and St. Ignace via Indian Trails/Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach service.

Tawas City Shopping
Just because it is small does not mean the town is bereft of purchasing opportunities! Aside from the expected and almost obligatory Walmart and McDonald's and other national brand stores, Tawas City also has a wide variety of unique shops. Uncle Winnie's should not be missed if you are into antiques and curiosities, in which you can find anything from vintage hats and sewing patterns to antique furniture.

The Local Basket Case is a boutique selling apparel made locally in Michigan, along with art and drinkware. Ben Franklin Shop is a family-owned business since 1944, selling oddities such as knickknacks, clothes, jewelry, candles, and more.

O'Connors is the place to go if you are looking for name-brand clothes such as Patagonia and Vera Bradley, and other decor items of high-quality craftsmanship. If you are looking for children's clothes, try Chick N Dots. Here you will find adorable clothes and gifts for expecting mothers, along with an array of children's toys that are wonderful for Christmas and birthday gifts.

Dining in Tawas City

For such a small hamlet, Tawas City is not short on culinary opportunities! Tawas Bay Pizza Company offers custom-made gourmet pizzas at an affordable cost, along with wings and salads, and makes for a great place to stop for lunch. Augie's on the Bay is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers unique menus for each. It is a wonderful place to catch a sunrise breakfast or a sunset dinner and the food is delicious.

Boneyard BBQ is a small family-run business offering up traditional BBQ fare at affordable prices, along with quick service. Furthermore, if you are looking for craft beer or other unique alcoholic offerings, try Boathouse Beer Co & Boozery. This cozy bistro overlooks Tawas Bay and offers a microbrewery in addition to its restaurant. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and prices are agreeable. Another adult offering on the lake is Bayside Restaurant and Lounge, with the usual bar fare at decent prices.

The location is great and the service is friendly, and the Cuban sandwich here is not to be missed. If you are in the mood for Mexican, Mangos Mexican Cuisine and Tequila Bar are worth checking out. Here you will find the never-seen-before bubble margarita, or perhaps a frozen mango drink, along with the usual Mexican fare.

The residents of Tawas City certainly do not lack culinary choices, and no matter what you are craving, you are sure to find it somewhere in town. Many reviews of the local restaurants show that some diners even travel from out of town just to sample some of the unique offerings at Tawas City eateries.

Other Places to See
Tawas City has nine public parks, all of which offer their own unique outdoor experiences. Along the lakefront, you can find Shoreline Park, Gateway Park, and Anchor Park, each offering walking trails, water activities, and pavilions for gatherings and parties. Town Square Park is the result of the purchase of two former gas stations that were then turned into the town gathering point, also along Lake Huron, and which is the site of yearly Independence Day festivities.

Many weddings and concerts can be found in Town Square Park. There is a soccer and baseball complex, as well as Veterans Park, situated along the Tawas River, adjacent to City Hall. Veterans Park is a memorial dedicated to local veterans, where visitors can find a black granite memorial at the park's center dedicated to those who were lost in the defense of the country.

Tawas City also has an enjoyable library. The Tawas City branch is a member of the Iosco-Arenac District Library System, which offers many services to local residents, including activities for children and services for adults. The Library Friends Book Store operates on Saturdays, offering withdrawn books from the collections for a great price. The library is also adjacent to the Library Pocket Park which is a great place to let the kids burn off energy.

The Memory Gardens Cemetery is the peaceful final resting place for many and offers a quiet place to reflect on those who have passed on before us.

Finding your Faith

Tawas City is also a welcoming place for worship. There are two Baptist churches, Lutheran and Methodist churches, as well as two non-denominational churches. Holy Family Catholic Church is in adjacent East Tawas, and several other churches of various denominations are also in nearby East Tawas. For those of other faiths, nearby East Tawas also has two synagogues.

Finding your place
If all of this sounds agreeable to your needs, consider Tawas City as your next home. This small town has many advantages that other small towns lack, including the benefits of being a waterfront town with access to the Great Lakes, and all of the benefits and activities that come with such a location. Here, you can find water sports, waterfront property, and water recreational activities, along with the many land-based activities and activities in the surrounding natural environment.

Tawas City has a rich history, especially its Native American history, that residents are proud of, along with many modern offerings that are beneficial to all. With great schools, a quaint library and park system, and affordable housing rates, Tawas City is certainly worth considering if you are looking for a quiet place to live or retire. Check local housing listings today to see what is available, and know that the current market favors the buyer.

Tawas City is also one of the safest places in Michigan in which to live, with a crime rate well below the state average, and a strong law enforcement presence about the town. IN this small hamlet, you will feel right at home, and at ease, and you will quickly become part of a community that has been close-knit and cherished for over a century. 

Schools Near Homes in Tawas City, Michigan

The school system of Tawas City is dedicated to providing a rich and excellent educational experience for the students in the area. Clara B. Bolen Elementary has ranked first in the area as the top school for kindergarten through fourth grade, and Tawas Area Middle School is the place to send your fifth through eighth-grader.

All in all, there are four public institutions within the city limits, along with one private school and one charter school. If you wish to send your child to any of these academies, you should contact the school directly to inquire about enrollment. All of the educational centers in Tawas City have received GreatSchools ratings based on test scores, college readiness, and equity data.

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 Tawas City, Michigan home." Send me a message or give me a call at 231.459.3179 to learn more today."