The Resort Life: Why Williamsburg is the Playground of the North
There is a shift happening in our market. For years, everyone fought over the same three blocks in downtown Traverse City or the same stretch of shoreline on Leelanau. But lately, when clients tell me they want space, amenities, and a slightly different pace of life, I turn the car east.
I take them to Williamsburg.
I’m Taylor Brown, and while my business partner (and mom), Janel, has mastered the art of the waterfront deal, I’ve developed a serious appreciation for the "East Side" lifestyle. It’s not just about being close to town; it’s about living in a place that feels like a permanent vacation.
If you want world-class golf in your backyard, room for a pole barn, or front-row seats to the equestrian world, this is your zip code.
The Center of Gravity: The Grand Traverse Resort
You can’t talk about Williamsburg without talking about the tower that defines the skyline. The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa isn't just a hotel; for residents here, it’s the neighborhood clubhouse.
Living in Williamsburg often means having a relationship with "The Resort."
The Golf: You have three championship courses right here—The Bear, The Wolverine, and Spruce Run. It’s a golfer’s paradise.
The Amenities: We have clients who buy here specifically for the health club membership. Having year-round access to indoor tennis, pools, and a spa changes the way you survive a Northern Michigan winter.
The Wolverine Drive Corridor
When buyers ask me about living "on the resort," this is usually where we look. Wolverine Drive winds through the heart of the golf courses and offers a mix of housing that is hard to find elsewhere.
Wolverine Heights: This is the neighborhood people hunt for. You’ll find beautiful single-family homes tucked into the hardwoods, often with fairway views but enough trees to feel private. It’s quiet, well-maintained, and holds its value incredibly well.
Condo Living: If you want a "lock and leave" lifestyle, the condos along the fairways (like Singing Hills) or down near the water are perfect. You get the manicured lawns and snow removal, leaving you more time to actually play the course.
The Equestrian Energy
Williamsburg has a different "vibe" than the west side of town. It feels a bit more rolling, a bit more open. That’s because this is horse country.
Flintfields Horse Park: In the summer, the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival takes over, and the energy is electric. You see Olympic-level riders and beautiful horses everywhere. Even if you don't ride, the prestige this event brings to the area (and the property values) is undeniable.
The Lifestyle: Why It Works
Real estate here is about strategic geography.
The Commute: You are closer to the "real" world. If you need to head south on US-131 or get to the airport, you are already on the right side of town. You skip the downtown traffic entirely.
Elk Rapids: You are often just as close to the charm of Elk Rapids as you are to Traverse City. It’s like having two downtowns to choose from.
Turtle Creek: Whether you like the casino or not, having a major entertainment venue nearby means we get better concerts and better steak dinners (Bourbons 72 is fantastic) than a town this size should normally have.
Buying on the East Side
The inventory in Williamsburg is diverse. You have the Wolverine Heights homes that offer that polished, resort feel, but you also have acreage further out where you can build a hobby farm or just have some breathing room.
Janel knows the numbers. With 25+ years of experience, much of it spent on the east side helping buyers/sellers, she knows value when she sees it and can help you win.
I know the lay of the land. Whether it's analyzing a rental history (I help manage a short-term rental in Golfview Ct) or knowing how easy it is to lose a ball at The Bear Course.
Let’s Tee It Up
If you are curious about what life looks like on the East Side, let’s go see it. Reach out to us today. We can meet for a coffee (or a late lunch) at Aerie on the 16th floor of the Tower. The view from up there explains the appeal of Williamsburg better than I ever could.
Janel & Taylor Brown The Brown Team | Real Estate One (231) 360-1510
