$431,065Average Value$278Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Waterfront living surrounded by Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan
On a peninsula with Muskegon Lake to the east, Lake Michigan to the west and the Muskegon Channel right in between, Beachwood-Bluffton makes residents feel as if every day is a waterfront vacation. That's partially because vacationers frequently visit the area, which has led city leaders to consider capping short-term vacation rentals. "The area started to become oversaturated with vacation rentals," says Christine Mattson, a local Realtor with Five Star Real Estate, who lived in the neighborhood in the 1990s. "So it's a good mix of local residents and people vacationing at beach houses." Locals, tourists and people from all over the Muskegon area come to Beachwood-Bluffton often to have fun on the city's largest beach and the neighborhood's lively waterfront restaurants. On a typical summer day, people are out on the water kiteboarding, relaxing on the beach and watching the ferry come and go to Milwaukee, guided by two iconic red lighthouses built in 1851 and 1931.
Beachwood-Bluffton is home to two lighthouses, the Breakwater and the Pierhead lights.
Beachwood of Beachwood-Bluffton sits on top of the dune overlooking Lake Michigan.
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Muskegon's largest beach and a WWII submarine museum
Pere Marquette Park is one of the most popular summertime destinations in Muskegon. While neighborhood locals can walk to the beach, people from all over the city park their cars along Beach Street and Beach Street Road, which loop together to form what locals refer to as "The Ovals." The white sandy beach features lots of space to lounge and look out at the water. "Even when parking is full, the beach doesn't get overcrowded," says Tim Updyke, a Realtor with Five Star Real Estate and a native of Muskegon. "You're not going to be on top of somebody." The two lighthouses are on their own piers, where people like to get close-up views of the ferry. While many enjoy swimming, personal watercrafting and kiteboarding at the beach, the waves can get pretty rough. "I've been Jet-Skiing out there, and you'll easily have seven- to eight-foot rollers," says Updyke of the surf. "People underestimate it. When you get out there, it's pretty intimidating." About 1 mile south is Kruse Park, which takes people on a boardwalk journey through dunes next to a narrow beach. Meanwhile, Margaret Drake Elliot Park can be found along the Muskegon Channel with walkways that weave through grassy fields and by the water's rocky edge. The USS Silversides Submarine Museum is right next to Margaret Drake Elliot Park, where visitors can tour the vessel, which played a significant role in World War II. All of the neighborhood's marinas offer access to Muskegon Lake, whether residents keep their boats docked or launch them from a boat ramp.
Pere Marquette Beach is Muskegon's largest beach, located in Beachwood-Bluffton.
Beachwood-Bluffton is home of the USS Silverside Museum, a WWII submarine and museum.
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Homes on the water and inland
Waterfront properties can be found along both lakes, the channel and the Harbour Towne Marina inlet. Edgewater Street runs along Muskegon Lake with houses on both sides. Most have boat docks, including those on the opposite side of the street from the lake. Houses along Beach street face Pere Marquette Park and Lake Michigan. Only a few dozen have views of the Great Lake's open water, as the rest are blocked by a mound in the middle of The Ovals. According to Updyke, heavy winter winds blow a lot of sand onto the yards of these properties along Beach Street. Houses in front of both lakes can be anywhere from 600 to 3,500 square feet, with prices ranging from $400,000 to $850,000. A few houses face the Muskegon Channel, featuring front decks where residents can watch the ferry and other boats go by. These homes are in a similar price range, though some have sold for more than $1 million. Condominiums in the Harbour Towne homeowners association surround the community's marina, where locals can keep their boats. Most condominiums are about 3,000 square feet, featuring three to four bedrooms and a built-in garage, with prices ranging from $520,000 to $620,000. Inland houses include side-by-side ranch styles, bungalows and contemporary designs ranging from around $300,000 to $600,000. In 2024, city leaders were considering a range of potential restrictions on vacation rentals, including a proposal to limit them to 4% of the homes and condos in 11 areas around the city. Some areas, though, might be exempt.
Homes line the Muskegon Channel waterway in Beachwood-Bluffton.
Inland homes, such as these ranches sit minutes from the beach in Beachwood-Bluffton.
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Upscale and casual lakefront dining
Each of the neighborhood's three restaurants provide different waterfront views. Lake Bluff Grille at Muskegon Country Club offers a fine-dining experience with a covered patio overlooking Muskegon Lake. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine, some served with fire rocks, which diners use to cook their own food. There's also a wrap-around bar with wine lockers, allowing regulars to store their favorite wines. Dockers Fish House is set up by a canal at Harbour Towne Marina, offering a lively tiki bar atmosphere. The outdoor string lights, colorful décor and live music all add to the Caribbean spirit of this seafood restaurant, where some popular menu items include fish and chips, lobster rolls and bang bang shrimp tacos. The Deck is right on the beach at Pere Marquette Park. Open from mid-spring through the end of summer, this Lake Michigan beachfront restaurant serves barbecue and draws crowds to enjoy live music, whether relaxing on a beach chair or on the restaurant's upper deck on a swing that faces the lake.
The closest big box retailers are about 6 miles away on Henry Avenue. They include Walmart, Meijer, Aldi and The Home Depot.
Beachwood-Bluffton's place for fine dining is the Lake Bluffs Grille.
The seasonal Deck restaurant sits on Pere Marquette Beach in Beachwood-Bluffton.
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Annual beer and kiteboarding festivals on the beach
Several events are held on the beach at Pere Marquette Park throughout the year. The Burning Foot Beer Festival has the beach filled with tent campers for a weekend of craft beer from dozens of breweries, food trucks and live music from local, regional and national artists. Another event that draws a big crowd is the annual King of the Great Lakes Kiteboarding Test Fest, which has the whole lake full of kiteboarders while spectators watch from the beach and enjoy live music or even take a kiteboarding lesson from professionals.
2023 high school football state champions
Students are served by Muskegon Public Schools, which has an elementary school choice program. Parents may apply to have their children attend one of four elementary schools. Those who are not accepted or don't apply are zoned to Bunker Elementary, which earns a C-minus grade from Niche. Charles Hackley Middle School has yet to be graded because it was built in 2023 with its first school year starting in 2024. Muskegon High School gets a C grade. The high school is notable for its football program, with the Big Reds winning the Division II state championship in 2023.
Muskegon High School has earned a C+ on Niche.com.
Charles Hackley Middle School is a public school with a C- rating on Niche.com.
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6 miles to downtown and 9 miles to major highways
Locals typically take Lakeshore Drive to leave the neighborhood and drive to other areas of Muskegon, including downtown, which is about 6 miles away. It's about a 9-mile drive to U.S. 31 and Interstate 96, Muskegon's two major highways.
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
Andrea Crossman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
McGraft Park
Lake Harbor Park
Beachwood Park
The Hidden Park
Pere Marquette Park
Norman F Kruse Park
Margaret Drake Elliot Park
Lighthouse Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Beachwood-Bluffton
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Beachwood-Bluffton, Muskegon sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Beachwood-Bluffton, Muskegon over the last 12 months is $492,164, up 14% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Secluded and '' tucked away'' at the end of a cul-de-sac, this four bedroom, 2.5 bath beauty lies in one of the most desirable locations in Muskegon County. Positioned in close proximity to Beachwood and Bronson Parks, Muskegon Country Club, and the beaches of Lake Michigan this ''turn key'' home has been totally updated and is tastefully decorated throughout. Featuring a ''park like'' setting
Welcome to 2128 Sampson Ave, a stunning home built in 2021 located in the serene heart of Beachwood Bluffton. Nestled on a quiet dead-end street, this property abuts city land that features a scenic bike path, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. You'll enjoy close proximity to Pier Marquette, the dog beach, Beachwood Park, and downtown Lakeside - all just minutes away!This
Blank canvas to make this home near the beach your own style and design. Home has been stripped down to the studs due to water damage. Selling ''As is Condition''. This won't last long due to location!!
SHORT TERM RENTAL! Just minutes from Lake Michigan's stunning beaches, parks, restaurants, and shopping, this beautifully updated home offers both comfort and investment potential. With a one-time short-term rental transfer available (buyer to verify with the city), this home is a rare opportunity. High-end finishes, new hard wood floors on the main, newer mechanicals, and thoughtful updates make
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrea Crossman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,468
Median Age
64
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
8.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
47.6%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,749
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$87,668
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.8%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
39.7%
Advanced Degrees
15.3%
% Population in Labor Force
43.8%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
21/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
22/ 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.
