Frankfort: Where M-22 Ends and the Good Life Begins
If you drive M-22 all the way down the coast, past the dunes and the lakes, you eventually hit the end of the line. And waiting for you there is arguably the most perfect beach town in Northern Michigan: Frankfort.
I’m Taylor Brown. While Janel (my business partner and mom) and I are based further north in Leelanau, we find ourselves driving south constantly. Why? Because Frankfort has a "Main Street" energy that is totally unique. It’s not as polished as Harbor Springs, and it’s not as quiet as Northport. It’s vibrant, it’s historic, and it feels like a real, working harbor town.
If you want a home where you can walk to the beach, grab a world-class beer, and watch a storm roll in over the lighthouse, this is the spot.
The Walkable Waterfront
The number one reason clients buy in Frankfort is walkability. Unlike many of our spread-out townships, the City of Frankfort is a grid. You can buy a Victorian home on Forest Avenue and walk three blocks to:
The Beach: And we aren't talking about a small strip of sand. Frankfort Beach is massive, pristine, and famous for its "sugar sand."
The Breakwall: Walking out to the Frankfort Light is a daily ritual here. Whether it’s a calm Tuesday morning or a windy November afternoon watching the waves crash over the pier, it never gets old.
The Food Scene: Smoked Fish and Belgian Ales
For a town of its size, Frankfort punches way above its weight class when it comes to food.
Stormcloud Brewing: This is the anchor. It’s right downtown, and their Belgian-inspired ales are fantastic. In the summer, their patio is the place to be. (The "Rainmaker" Pale Ale is a classic).
Port City Smokehouse: You can smell this place before you see it. It’s authentic. Grabbing some smoked whitefish pate and crackers to take to the beach is a mandatory summer move.
Birch & Maple: If you want a serious scratch-made breakfast or a nice dinner overlooking the harbor, this is the spot. It brings a modern culinary edge to the town.
The "Other" Side: Elberta
You can’t talk about Frankfort without mentioning its rustic neighbor across the bay, Elberta.
The Vibe: If Frankfort is the polished front yard, Elberta is the cool, eclectic backyard. It’s home to the Cabbage Shed, a historic waterfront pub that hosts great live music and feels like stepping back into the 70s in the best way possible.
The Dunes: Elberta actually has some of the most dramatic, uncrowded dune hiking in the area right off the scenic lookout.
Real Estate: From Crystal Lake to the CSA
The housing stock here is distinct, and you need a guide who understands the different "micro-markets."
Crystal Lake: Just east of town, this is widely considered one of the premier inland lakes in the Midwest. The water is turquoise, deep, and the property values reflect that prestige.
The CSA (Congregational Summer Assembly): This is a market all its own. We’ve sold homes here recently, and it’s a unique experience. The CSA isn't just a neighborhood; it’s a historic, generational community with its own traditions and vibe. You can’t just look at comps on a spreadsheet to understand the value there; you have to understand the culture.
Why We Love This Market
Frankfort offers a longer season. Because it’s a bit larger and has a dedicated year-round population, it doesn't feel as "shut down" in the winter as some of the smaller villages.
We know the active life: Between the Betsie Valley Trail for biking and the unparalleled steelhead fishing on the Betsie River, this area attracts people who actually do things outside.
We know the history: Whether it's a Victorian in town or a cottage in the Assembly, we respect the heritage of these homes.
Let’s Head South
If you want to see what life looks like at the end of M-22, let’s take a drive. Reach out to us today. We can meet at Stormcloud for a beer and some popcorn (their truffle popcorn is dangerous) and talk about finding your anchor in Frankfort.
Janel & Taylor Brown The Brown Team | Real Estate One (231) 360-1510
