The Sweet Spot: Why Elmwood Township is the Best of Both Worlds
There is a common dilemma for buyers moving to our area. They want the lower taxes and natural beauty of Leelanau County, but they also want the convenience of a 5-minute commute to Munson Medical Center or a dinner reservation on Front Street.
The solution? Elmwood Township.
I’m Taylor Brown. Both Janel (my business partner and mom) and I call Elmwood Township home—we live right on the north edge of it. We drive these roads every day, and we often tell clients that this township is the absolute sweet spot of Northern Michigan living.
Whether you are looking for a luxury waterfront estate on West Grand Traverse Bay or a quiet wooded acreage near Cedar Lake, this is where convenience meets the 'Up North' lifestyle.
The Neighborhoods: More Than Just M-22
Elmwood isn't just one thing; it's a collection of micro-neighborhoods. Knowing the difference is key to finding the right fit.
1. Greilickville (The Marina District)
This is the heart of Elmwood’s waterfront. If you own a boat (or dream of owning one), this is your playground.
The Vibe: It’s vibrant, nautical, and walkable. You have CenterPointe, Harbor West, and the Elmwood Township Marina all right here.
The Lifestyle: In the summer, you can walk from your condo to your slip, take the boat out for a sunset cruise, and dock right at Apache Trout Grill for dinner. It’s the kind of lifestyle people usually have to fly to Florida to find.
Discovery Pier: This area is rapidly evolving. The Discovery Center & Pier is becoming a true community hub, offering tall ship sailing and educational programs right on the bay.
2. Cedar Lake: The Hidden Gem
Just west of M-22 lies Cedar Lake. It’s one of those lakes that locals know about, but visitors often drive right past.
The Secret: It’s a quiet, inland lake that feels miles away from civilization, yet you are literally 5 minutes from the city limits.
The Neighborhoods: The surrounding hills offer larger lots and subdivisions like Timberlee, which provide a true neighborhood feel with paved roads and natural gas—amenities you don't always get further north.
3. The M-22 Corridor
This is the scenic drive that starts it all.
The Connection: Homes along this stretch offer direct access to the Leelanau Trail (TART). I have clients who live here and bike to work in Traverse City every single day in the summer. It’s a flatter, paved ride that hugs the water—arguably the best commute in the state.
Why We Love Living Here
The "Leelanau Advantage"
It’s not the most romantic selling point, but it’s a real one: Taxes. Elmwood Township is in Leelanau County, which generally offers a beneficial tax structure compared to our neighbors in the city. You get the benefit of being "in town" without paying the city taxes. It's a practical perk that adds up over time.
Nature in Your Backyard
You don’t have to drive to the Sleeping Bear Dunes to find a trail. The DeYoung Natural Area is right here.
The Insider Tip: Check out the universal access trail that leads to the fishing pier on Cedar Lake. It’s a stunning spot for a quiet evening walk. The property also features a historic farmstead that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back 100 years.
The Commute
This is the number one reason medical professionals choose Elmwood. You are typically 5–15 minutes from Munson Medical Center. You can work a 12-hour shift and still be on your deck watching the sunset over the bay before your coworkers who live in the city even get home.
The Reality of the Market
Elmwood Township is competitive because it’s practical. You aren't just buying a vacation home; you are buying a primary residence that feels like a vacation home. Waterfront properties here—especially on West Bay—move incredibly fast because they offer deep water and city proximity.
Let’s Explore the Gateway
If you want to be close to the action but keep your Leelanau roots, this is where you start. Since we both live here, we know the inventory intimately—from the condos by the marina to the estates on the hill.
Reach out to us today. Let’s grab a coffee at Aromas (right here in the township) and talk about why Elmwood might be your perfect landing spot.
Janel & Taylor Brown The Brown Team | Real Estate One (231) 360-1510
