If you’re curious about Michigan’s upscale lake towns, you’re in the right place. Along the shores of Lake Michigan, there are several lake towns known for having the best beaches on Lake Michigan and luxury waterfront homes. Here are the richest Michigan beach towns.
The rankings on this list are based on both income and home prices.
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Richest Michigan Lake Towns
Glen Arbor, Michigan
Glen Arbor is the richest Michigan beach town with a mean income of $264,985.
It is an affluent lake town in Michigan located on the western shores of the Michigan Mitten, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan.
With a median home value of $640,186, it’s an affluent Michigan beach town.
Glen Arbor is near the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes, the beaches are nothing short of a sandy paradise. Climbing these dunes is a very popular and exhilarating experience.
Finding a secluded spot on the beach to see the mesmerizing Lake Michigan sunset is a must-do.
Glen Arbor is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Aside from the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor is also near Crystal River for excellent kayaking adventures.
Glen Arbor is home to a lot of retirees with 58.3% of residents being senior citizens over 65 years old.
| Glen Arbor, MI | |
| Mean Income | $264,985 |
| Median Home Price | $640,186 |
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Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan
The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores is one of the richest lake towns in Michigan. Located just 15 miles from Detroit on the shores of Lake St. Clair, the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores residents are affluent earning a mean income of $244,212.
With median home prices of $701,753, it is a small affluent lake town in Michigan where homeowners enjoy breathtaking views of Lake St. Clair.
It’s a family-friendly Michigan lake town with 23.5% of the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores residents under 18 years old.
The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores is home to Grosse Pointe Shores Park, a resident-only park. Spanning 8.3 acres, it’s a beautiful waterfront park with a marina, swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a playground.
| Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, MI | |
| Income | $244,212 |
| Median Home Price | $701,753 |
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Michiana, Michigan
Michiana is one of the wealthiest beach towns on Lake Michigan. The affluent Michigan lake town has a median home value of $946,179, and residents earn a mean income of $189,262.
Being strategically positioned on the southern tip of Michigan’s shoreline, Michiana is an idyllic beach town for those seeking a peaceful retreat by the lake.
Michiana’s beaches are less crowded compared to some of the more popular beach towns. The long stretches of sandy shores are perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, or just enjoying a leisurely walk with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
Michiana is an affluent Michigan lake town that attracts a lot of retirees, with 67% of the population aged 65 years old and over.
| Michiana, MI | |
| Mean Income | $189,262 |
| Median Home Price | $946,179 |
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Grand Beach, Michigan
Grand Beach is one of the richest lake towns in Michigan. Located along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, Grand Beach has a median home value of $1,526,188 and its residents earn a mean income of $168,026.
Known for its pristine sandy beaches and clear waters, Grand Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.
Beyond the beach, golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Grand Beach Golf Course, an old-fashioned 9-hole course with scenic views.
Originally built as a resort town, Grand Beach has a rich history and stands out as one of Michigan’s best beach towns.
| Grand Beach, MI | |
| Income | $168,026 |
| Median Home Price | $1,526,188 |
Saugatuck, MI
Saugatuck is one of the richest beach towns in Michigan.
Located along the western coast of Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck has a median home value of $773,905 and a mean income of $124,009,
Often referred to as the “Art Coast of Michigan,” Saugatuck has a thriving arts scene. The town is home to numerous art galleries, studios, and the renowned Ox-Bow School of Art.
Saugatuck’s beaches are the best beaches in Michigan, particularly Oval Beach. Praised for its golden sands and panoramic views, it’s an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, or simply taking in a Lake Michigan sunset.
For a quiet beach experience in Saugatuck, Douglas Beach is a neighborhood beach. But do keep in mind there is limited parking at Douglas Beach.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park is another amazing beach near Saugatuck. It’s famous for freshwater coastal dunes that rise over 200 feet and a 2.5-mile secluded sandy beach.
The Kalamazoo River winds its way through Saugatuck, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and waterfront dining.
Aside from the beaches and art scene, Saugatuck has a charming downtown with lots of shops and restaurants.
Saugatuck has long been recognized as a sought-after destination for relaxation and artistic inspiration.
| Saugatuck, MI | |
| Mean Income | $124,009 |
| Median Home Price | $773,905 |
Suttons Bay, MI
Suttons Bay is an affluent beach town in Michigan. Located along the tranquil waters of Grand Traverse Bay, Suttons Bay has a median home value of $608,306 and a mean income of $96,644.
Its beach, Suttons Bay Beach, is perfect for sunbathing, picnics, and family outings.
Suttons Bay is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with activities like boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, and sailing.
The downtown Suttons Bay is charming with quaint shops and restaurants.
Suttons Bay is also known for its vineyards and wineries perfect for wine enthusiasts.
| Suttons Bay, MI | |
| Mean Income | $96,644 |
| Median Home Price | $608,306 |
Douglas, MI
Douglas is an affluent Michigan beach town with a median home value of $578,433 and a mean income of $85,756.
Partnered with its neighbor Saugatuck, Douglas is a vital half of a twin-city harbor community.
Located along the western shoreline, adjacent to both the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan, Douglas has some of the best beaches in Michigan.
Beach lovers are drawn to Douglas for its pristine beaches, like Oval Beach and Douglas Beach.
The town is a hub of art and culture, with galleries, studios, and theaters like the Water Street Gallery. As well as a diverse restaurant scene from quaint cafes to upscale restaurants.
| Douglas, MI | |
| Mean Income | $85,756 |
| Median Home Price | $578,433 |
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