Where others go for relaxation and waterfront recreation is where the residents of Bolles Harbor get to enjoy their homes. The small neighborhood in Monroe Charter Township is along the western shores of Lake Erie. It comes with the benefits of lakeside living, like nearby recreation opportunities, streets free from traffic and the sound of waves crashing along the shores. "It's similar to the lakeside neighborhoods north of Monroe but is slightly more desirable because there's a bit more room between the homes, and the houses are in better condition," says Drew Presto, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hudkins. Boat launches, marinas and local hangouts define the laid-back area, just a short drive from Monroe.
Homes in Bolles Harbor offer near instant access to Lake Erie.
Bolles Harbor residents enjoy walking along the towns pier that extends into Lake Erie.
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Teardowns make room for larger homes on the water
Unlike the lakeside communities north of Monroe, Bolles Harbor's homes were built for year-round living, meaning even the oldest have sufficient heating, plumbing and insulation. Development began in 1921, and "since the homes are a bit older, it's one of those areas where people are tearing down homes and building bigger and better ones in their place," Presto says. Cape Cods, cottages and ranch-style homes from the 1920s to 1970s remain, selling between $130,000 and $370,000. New traditional and Modern Craftsman homes built in the past few decades sell between $300,000 and $650,000, with those along Lake Erie fetching the highest prices. Retaining walls divide backyards from the shores of the lake, and houses along the water have private access to the strip of sand and fishing piers behind them.
Lakefront homes are highly sought-after in Bolles Harbor.
Large homes overlooking Lake Erie in Bolles Harbor are ideal for growing families.
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Chartering a boat for fishing trips
A neighborhood park with a playground, pavilion, tennis court and baseball backstop is between Miami and Biscayne avenues. Like the homes nearest the lake, the park has a higher likelihood of flooding. There is no public beach access to the lake in the residential area, but those without private docks or boats can charter a boat for cruising or fishing with gear included from the marinas on the harbor. Neighborhood kids can cast a line from the dock at Rough Riders Café after purchasing a beverage from the shop. "That's a big deal for residents around here since most of the marinas nearby don't allow fishing at them," says Lillian Williamson, manager at Rough Riders Café. A short drive from the neighborhood along Interstate 75 is Go Karts Plus. The amusement center has go-karting, miniature golf, batting cages and an indoor arcade.
Boaters residing in Bolles Harbor enjoy quick access to their watercraft and Lake Erie.
Bolles Harbor Park is centrally located, making it easy to walk or bike to.
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Gearing up at Rough Riders Cafe
A few cozy spots are within walking distance of home, including Rough Riders Cafe along Woodchuck Creek. "People can also take their boats here from Lake Erie, which they often do because we sell minnows in the summer and worms year-round as bait," Williamson says. The café sells beverages, snacks, outdoor gear and local artisan goods. "We also want it to be a space where people want to hang out, so we added couches, a TV and games to the patio out back," Williamson says. Harbor Hook & Grille is at the neighborhood's north, and outdoor seating overlooks the harbor. Grocers, department stores and national retailers are north along North Telegraph Road in Monroe. Central Monroe has a collection of locally owned shops and restaurants.
Located near Bolles Harbor, the Quarry is known for its selection of craft sliders.
Shop for cabin-themed home furnishings at Rough Riders Cafe in Bolles Harbor.
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Interstate 75 connects the neighborhood to eastern Michigan
With no Lake Erie Transit bus stops to hop on, the residents of Bolles Harbor rely on personal cars to commute and run errands. Interstate 75 is just west of the neighborhood and is the main highway for getting around eastern Michigan. Toledo is 20 miles south and Detroit is 40 miles north. Each has a major airport with international flights. Many residents work at Monroe's large employers, like ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital or La-Z-Boy headquarters, 5 miles north. DTE Energy is also a significant employer of Monroe Township, and its smokestacks on the shores of Lake Erie are visible from the neighborhood.
Learning at Custer Elementary School
Monroe Public Schools offers school choice, and students can elect to attend any elementary school in the district with available space. The nearest school Bolles Harbor children can attend is Custer Elementary School, rated C by Niche. Monroe Middle School is rated C, and Monroe High School is rated B.
Custer Elementary has 741 students in grades PK, K-6 in 2025, according to Niche.
Monroe High School earned a "B" rating in 2025, according to Niche.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Sobell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Seventh Street Park
Water Tower Park
Evans Pier Park
Hoffman Memorial Access Site
Transit
Airport
Detroit Metro Wayne County
40 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bolles Harbor
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bolles Harbor, Monroe sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Bolles Harbor, Monroe over the last 12 months is $262,350, down 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Bolles Harbor! This is your chance to build your dream home in one of Monroe's most sought-after neighborhoods. Walk to Lake Erie, neighborhood parks, restaurants, coffee shops, marinas, boat launches, clubs, and more.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lisa Sobell,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
928
Median Age
42
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$66,696
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$87,602
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.6%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
21.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.5%
% Population in Labor Force
67%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
12''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
