Owning a vacation home in Northern Michigan is a great experience.
Northern Michigan is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with Lake Michigan and Lake Huron shorelines, dense forests, and charming small towns. As a result, it is a prime region for vacation homes, especially with a variety of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and serene escapes. However, since this area encompasses the northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula, deciding where to buy can be difficult. So, here are the best places in Northern Michigan to go for a vacation home!
Top 10 Places for a Vacation Home
When choosing a place to own a vacation home, you want to consider a lot of things, such as:
- Scenic Appeal
- Recreational Opportunities
- Real Estate Desirability
- Local Cultural
That is why we want to highlight these locations that are great spots to move to or visit in Northern Michigan!
Traverse City
Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” Traverse City is known for its vibrant community and robust tourism. There are year-round events, from the National Cherry Festival to boating and skiing. In addition, Sleeping Bear Dunes is nearby alongside an extensive number of wineries.
Waterfront cottages and condos are great places to buy for your home away from home.
Petoskey
Nestled on Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey combines a historic Gaslight District with outdoor pursuits like skiing at Boyne Highlands and Nub’s Nob, hiking, and searching for Petoskey stones along Lake Michigan. This area is known for its luxury homes on the bay and cozy cottages near Wallon Lake, making this place a resort paradise. Some great places to visit are the Lavender Hill Farm and the scenic M-119 Tunnel of Trees.
Charlevoix
Surrounded by Lake Michigan, Round Lake, and Lake Charlevoix, this picturesque town is famous for its unique Mushroom Houses, vibrant waterfront, and boating culture. It’s a gateway to Beaver Island and has a strong summer community. Waterfront homes and cottages are highly sought after, especially near the South Pier Lighthouse. The town’s walkable downtown and proximity to Petoskey add convenience.
Other ideal locations to own a vacation home include:
- Harbor Springs
- Mackinac Island
- Leland
- Glen Arbor
- Boyne City
- Elk Rapids
- Suttons Bay
Now that we’ve established some of the best places to own a vacation home in Northern Michigan, let’s discuss moving your furniture and belongings there! You may decide to DIY your move however there are some compelling reasons to get some professional help!
Choosing a Mover To Get You There
Deciding whether to use a professional mover for transporting furniture from southeastern Michigan to a vacation home in northern Michigan depends on several factors, including the volume and value of the furniture, distance, budget, time constraints, and physical ability. You should use professional movers, especially if you:
- Large or Valuable Loads: If you’re moving multiple pieces, heavy items (e.g., sectionals, dining sets), or antiques for your vacation home, professional movers reduce risk and effort. Companies like Men on the Move specialize in furniture and offer insurance for peace of mind.
- Long-Distance or Complex Destinations: For moves to remote northern Michigan towns (e.g., Leland, Glen Arbor) or Mackinac Island, movers handle logistics better, especially with ferry coordination or winter road conditions.
- Limit Time or Help: If you lack time, physical ability, or reliable friends to assist, movers can save significant effort with full-service options
- Budget Allows: If your budget accommodates $400–$1,500 for a furniture move, the convenience and safety are worth it, especially for a vacation home where you want to minimize stress.
When it comes to selecting a moving company to help you with your move, the best option will always be Men on the Move!
For moving furniture from southeastern Michigan to a northern Michigan vacation home, using a professional mover is recommended if you’re transporting multiple pieces, valuable/antique items, or heading to a complex destination like Mackinac Island. Movers like Men on the Move offer convenience, safety, and insurance!
Posted In: Long Distance Moving, Movers in Michigan, Real Estate
Tags: choosing a mover, moving to vacation home, vaction homes in northern michigan
