Boardman, Traverse City,MI

If you’re considering a move to Traverse City, MI, the Boardman neighborhood in the southeast part of the city offers a wonderful blend of community charm and convenient access to amenities. Known for its friendly atmosphere and a mix of residential styles, Boardman is a great choice for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. The neighborhood is anchored by the beautiful Boardman River, which provides scenic walking and biking trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby parks, including the Boardman Lake Trail that circles around the lake, making it easy to enjoy fresh air and exercise just steps from home.

One of the standout features of Boardman is its proximity to the vibrant downtown Traverse City, located just a short drive northwest. This close distance means residents can easily enjoy the city’s renowned restaurants, boutique shopping, and cultural events without sacrificing the quieter, more relaxed vibe of their neighborhood. Boardman also benefits from being near key local attractions such as the Dennos Museum Center, which offers a range of art exhibits and educational programs. For families, the area boasts access to excellent schools and community centers, making it a welcoming place to settle down and grow roots.

Boardman’s community spirit shines through in its local events and farmer’s markets, where neighbors come together to celebrate the seasons and support local vendors. With plenty of green spaces, access to the Boardman River for kayaking or fishing, and a variety of housing options, this neighborhood strikes a perfect balance between active living and peaceful retreat. Whether you're looking for a lively community feel or a serene spot to unwind after work, Boardman in southeast Traverse City offers a warm, inviting environment that makes it easy to feel at home from day one.

18% of the Boardman population aged 16 and up are married, which is in line with national averages. This balance suggests a neighborhood with a healthy mix of families, couples, and single residents, creating a well-rounded community dynamic. You are likely to find a blend of stability and social variety, appealing to both long-term homeowners and younger professionals alike.

With only 18% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Boardman demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 138 residents, Boardman is notably smaller than many other Traverse City neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

Boardman has a population density of 2,662, which strikes a balanced feel when compared to other Traverse City neighborhoods. The area offers just the right mix of activity and breathing room, creating a community that’s lively yet comfortable, with easy access to amenities and everyday conveniences.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 48, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

The Boardman crime map offers a clear, data-driven look at how crime is distributed throughout the neighborhood, using block group data to highlight both safer areas and potential hot spots. The color-coded map makes it easy to see where crime is more concentrated and where it occurs less frequently, helping residents and prospective buyers better understand local safety patterns. It’s important to note that darker or red zones on the map don’t necessarily mean those areas are unsafe — locations near busy transit hubs, shopping districts, or popular attractions often show higher activity simply due to larger crowds and increased foot traffic.

Housing prices can reveal a lot about the balance and overall appeal of a neighborhood. In Boardman, the median home price is about $371,300, which is on par with many comparable areas. This average pricing reflects a stable, affordable housing market and makes the neighborhood an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers seeking both value and long-term potential. Examining how home prices and appreciation rates in Boardman have shifted over time can reveal important clues about the neighborhood’s future value. These trends help potential buyers and investors understand market momentum and determine whether the area is likely to deliver strong returns over the long term.

The median rent is around $1,392, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

School quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like Boardman. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in Boardman offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.