Property Types
(active listings)
Real Estate Statistics
Average Price
$351K
Lowest Price
$42K
Highest Price
$1.5M
Total Listings
22
Avg. Price/SQFT
$288
The Highlands at Harbor Springs Homes for Sale
The Highlands at Harbor Springs Homes for Sale: Unbeatable Value – 21 Must-Know Insights
Introduction to The Highlands at Harbor Springs
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a home in a place where world-class adventure meets small-town charm, The Highlands at Harbor Springs is the destination you’ve been searching for. Nestled in the heart of Northern Michigan, this exceptional community offers a unique blend of natural beauty, resort-style amenities, and diverse real estate opportunities—all designed to elevate your lifestyle and maximize your investment potential.
Whether you’re seeking a year-round family home, a vacation escape, or a lucrative investment property, The Highlands at Harbor Springs presents an unbeatable value. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about homes for sale in The Highlands, from the market trends and lifestyle perks to the nitty-gritty of the buying process. Let’s dig in!
Quick Snapshot: Why The Highlands?
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Prime Ski Resort Living: The Highlands at Harbor Springs is renowned for its award-winning ski slopes, drawing visitors from across the Midwest.
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Four-Season Playground: It’s not just about winter—enjoy championship golf, hiking, biking, and water sports.
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Diverse Home Options: From cozy condos to sprawling luxury estates, there’s a perfect fit for every buyer.
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Community Spirit: Residents enjoy a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere with fun events all year long.
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Investment Goldmine: Properties here consistently attract high rental demand, driving strong ROI.
Location & Accessibility: Heart of Northern Michigan
The Highlands at Harbor Springs is perfectly positioned between the quaint towns of Harbor Springs and Petoskey, right at the doorstep of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay. If you want easy access to ski lifts, golf courses, shopping, dining, and beautiful beaches, you’ll find this location absolutely spot-on.
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Distances at a Glance:
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Harbor Springs: 7 miles
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Petoskey: 9 miles
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Mackinaw City: 33 miles
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Pellston Regional Airport: 19 miles
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With well-maintained roads, proximity to major highways, and short drives to northern Michigan’s top attractions, living at The Highlands means you’re never far from the action—but always close to home.
The Real Estate Market at The Highlands
Types of Homes for Sale (Single-Family, Condos, Luxury Estates)
When it comes to home styles and options, The Highlands truly delivers. Let’s break it down:
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Single-Family Homes: Spacious layouts, private yards, and beautiful wooded or golf course views. Great for families and full-time residents.
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Condos & Townhomes: Perfect for those seeking low-maintenance living, with many offering ski-in/ski-out access.
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Luxury Estates: Custom-built homes with top-tier finishes, multiple bedrooms, gourmet kitchens, and sweeping views—ideal for those who want to live large.
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Chalets & Cottages: Quaint, cozy, and packed with Northern Michigan charm, these are popular as vacation homes or short-term rentals.
Quick Tip: Many properties come fully furnished, making it easy to move in or start renting immediately.
Current Market Trends & Pricing Insights
The Highlands at Harbor Springs has enjoyed a steady rise in property values over the past decade, fueled by increased demand for resort-style living and a thriving vacation rental market.
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Median Sale Price: $550,000 – $1,250,000+ (varies by home type and location)
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Price per Sq Ft: Ranges from $290 to $510+
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Days on Market: Properties tend to sell quickly, especially move-in-ready homes or those with ski/golf access.
LSI Keywords: real estate listings, property values, ski homes, golf properties, investment opportunities
Market Tip: Homes closest to ski lifts or golf courses often command a premium but deliver higher rental income potential.
Lifestyle & Community Overview
Year-Round Activities: Skiing, Golf, and Beyond
There’s no such thing as an “off-season” at The Highlands. This community is buzzing all year round:
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Winter: Downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country trails, and snowshoeing.
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Spring/Summer: Championship golf courses, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and water sports on Lake Michigan.
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Fall: Spectacular foliage, harvest festivals, and wine tours.
Colloquial Insight: If you’re someone who likes to “do it all,” this place is like hitting the jackpot!
Amenities that Set The Highlands Apart
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Heated outdoor pools and hot tubs
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State-of-the-art fitness centers
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Private clubhouses and lounges
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Dining, cafes, and après-ski bars on-site
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Miles of scenic trails and parks
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Kids’ programs and seasonal events
Many homeowners also enjoy member access to golf clubs, ski passes, and discounted resort amenities—talk about perks!
Check out the Highlands Lodge Live Web Cam
The Buying Process Simplified
Steps to Homeownership at The Highlands
Buying a home here is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s how it typically unfolds:
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Explore Listings: Use platforms like BrookWalsh.com for up-to-date listings and detailed community info.
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Schedule Showings: Virtual tours and in-person visits let you find the right fit.
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Submit an Offer: Your agent will help you craft a strong, competitive offer.
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Inspections & Due Diligence: Ensure the property meets your needs and expectations.
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Closing: Finalize paperwork, secure your financing, and get the keys!
Pro Tip: Having a real estate expert who knows The Highlands is invaluable—they’ll guide you through every step.
Financing Your Dream Home
Getting pre-approved is your first step. The Highlands offers a wide range of financing options, including conventional, jumbo, and vacation home loans. Local lenders are familiar with resort-area nuances and can expedite the process.
Key Points:
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Down payments typically range from 10% to 20%
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Vacation/investment property loans may require higher down payments
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Competitive rates for qualified buyers
Working with Local Real Estate Experts
When it comes to buying in a resort community, experience matters. Choose a real estate professional who:
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Specializes in The Highlands and Northern Michigan
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Has access to off-market and coming-soon listings
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Understands short-term rental and investment property regulations
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Can negotiate on your behalf for the best deal
Resource: Brook Walsh – Your local expert in The Highlands at Harbor Springs homes for sale.
Investment Potential & ROI
Vacation Rental Income Opportunities
One of the hottest draws for buyers at The Highlands is the potential for rental income. With steady tourism year-round, short-term rentals are in high demand.
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Peak Rental Seasons: Winter (ski season) and summer (golf/lake season)
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Typical Nightly Rates: $250–$900 depending on property size and season
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Occupancy Rates: Often 70%+ during peak months
Hot Take: Many owners cover their mortgage (and then some) through strategic vacation rental management.
Long-Term Value Appreciation
The Highlands continues to outperform many other Northern Michigan markets in terms of property value appreciation.
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Consistent Demand: Lifestyle buyers, vacationers, and investors all drive demand
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Low Inventory: High demand and limited new construction push values up
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Desirability: Few places combine luxury amenities and outdoor adventure like The Highlands
Market Wisdom: Holding a property here for 5–10 years has historically yielded impressive returns, thanks to both appreciation and rental income.
Schools, Services, & Family Living
Education & Top-Rated Schools Nearby
Families with children will find excellent educational options close at hand:
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Harbor Springs Public Schools: Highly rated for academics and extracurriculars
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Nearby Private & Charter Schools: Alternative options for specialized learning
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Community Programs: STEM clubs, youth sports, arts, and more
Health, Safety, and Community Services
You can rest easy knowing that The Highlands at Harbor Springs is as practical as it is picturesque:
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Local Medical Facilities: Close to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital and local clinics
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Police & Fire Protection: Responsive and community-oriented
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Essential Services: Grocery stores, pharmacies, and everyday conveniences are all a short drive away
Community Life & Events
Local Festivals, Gatherings, and Social Life
There’s always something happening in and around The Highlands:
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Annual Festivals: Celebrate everything from fall colors to winter sports
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Farmer’s Markets: Taste the best of Northern Michigan produce
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Concerts & Fireworks: Summer evenings come alive with music and celebration
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Holiday Events: Enjoy the magic of winter lights and festive gatherings
Community Feel: Residents describe it as “one big family” where newcomers are always welcome.
Resident Testimonials: Why People Love Living Here
Here’s what locals have to say:
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“We moved here for the skiing but stayed for the community!”
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“It’s the kind of place where neighbors wave and the kids are safe to roam.”
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“Every season brings new friends and fun.”
Nature & Outdoor Adventure in Harbor Springs
Trail Systems, Parks, and Water Access
Outdoor lovers, rejoice! The Highlands is surrounded by some of Michigan’s best natural treasures.
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Biking & Hiking Trails: Miles of trails wind through forests and meadows
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Lake Access: Paddleboard, kayak, or sail just minutes away
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Nearby State Parks: Wilderness State Park, Petoskey State Park, and more
Wildlife, Scenery, and Natural Beauty
Keep your eyes peeled for deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, and the occasional fox! Whether you’re sipping coffee on the deck or exploring a wooded trail, you’ll always be close to nature’s wonders.
Colloquial Wisdom: “You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a Harbor Springs sunrise over the trees.”
Design & Architecture of Homes
Building Styles and Notable Features
Homes here feature a mix of:
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Mountain-Modern: Clean lines, natural materials, and big windows
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Classic Chalet: Timber accents, open floor plans, and cozy fireplaces
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Contemporary: Sleek finishes, smart home features, and energy-efficient design
Customization and Upgrades
Whether you’re buying new construction or a resale, many homes can be customized to fit your style. Think gourmet kitchens, spa-inspired baths, heated garages, and ski lockers.
Tip: Many builders offer “white glove” customization, letting you pick finishes and features for your dream retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What’s the average price range for homes?
A. Homes for sale at The Highlands typically range from $550,000 for condos to $2M+ for luxury estates. Prices depend on size, location, and amenities.
FAQ 2: Are short-term rentals allowed at The Highlands?
A. Yes, short-term rentals are permitted, but it’s essential to follow HOA and township regulations. Many owners work with local property management companies for hassle-free rental income.
FAQ 3: How close is The Highlands to Petoskey & Harbor Springs?
A. The Highlands is about a 7-minute drive to Harbor Springs and 10 minutes to Petoskey, giving you easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
FAQ 4: What types of amenities are available for residents?
A. Residents enjoy access to world-class skiing, golf, pools, fitness centers, clubhouses, dining, and a packed calendar of community events.
FAQ 5: Can I finance a second home or vacation property?
A. Absolutely! Many local lenders specialize in second-home and vacation property loans. Down payment requirements may be slightly higher than for primary residences.
FAQ 6: What’s the best season to buy at The Highlands?
A. There’s never a bad season, but spring and fall tend to offer the most inventory. Winter buyers often score deals as sellers look to close before ski season.
Conclusion: Why The Highlands at Harbor Springs is a Smart Move
The Highlands at Harbor Springs is more than a collection of beautiful homes—it’s a thriving, year-round community where adventure, comfort, and investment opportunity intersect.
With top-notch amenities, a friendly and active social scene, and property values that keep climbing, buying a home here is both a lifestyle upgrade and a smart financial move.
Whether you’re planning to settle in, escape on weekends, or build your real estate portfolio, The Highlands has something for everyone. For the latest listings, expert insights, and personalized guidance, visit BrookWalsh.com today.
Eager to learn more about The Highlands at Harbor Springs Homes for Sale? Connect with Brook Walsh today! We'll be happy to help you through every step of the process.
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