$184,906Average Value$123Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
A lumber town turned waterfront downtown community
Nelson embraces its past with some of Muskegon’s oldest homes while welcoming the growth of the city’s downtown lakefront. Two massive 19th-century Victorian homes with elaborate designs stand in Nelson, known as the Hackley & Hume Historic Site. Charles Hackley and Thomas Hume are credited for putting Muskegon on the map as a prosperous lumber town in the 1850s. Their lumber mill, along with others, ran strong next to Muskegon Lake for decades. But when business waned in the late 1900s, the city turned to recreation and tourism on the waterfront, converting the rundown downtown into a vibrant area of shops, restaurants and entertainment. “First they put in a big mall that encompassed our historical buildings,” says Terry Puffer, a local Realtor and team lead with Five Star Real Estate. “They tore it all down, and now there’s a lot of new development there.” Part of Nelson’s revitalization also stems from the work of the Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association. April Thompson, a board member of the NNIA, says, “Nelson has been a neighborhood in need of repair and people to move here to care for it. One way we do that is through Adopt-a-Lot. Neighbors will pick an empty lot and commit to maintaining it.” The neighborhood also strives to have a close-knit community by hanging newsletters on every doorknob three times a year, and hosting annual events, from summer concerts to Christmas celebrations in the park.
The Nelson neighborhood is the heart of Muskegon on the shores of Muskegon Lake.
The Nelson neighborhood is home to the LC Walker Arena, where the Lumberjacks play.
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Heritage Landing, Hackley Park and museums
Heritage Landing is the neighborhood’s lakefront park, where people can look out at the water from the compass-rose shaped pier. Trails wind around the green space and over a small, curving bridge above an inlet, leading to a sandy playground and amphitheater, where city events are held. Locals can keep their boats at the Adelaide Pointe marina or launch them from the boat ramp to go fishing and explore Muskegon Lake, or cross the channel to the open waters of Lake Michigan. Away from the water but still in the downtown area, Hackley Park is an urban square that was donated by Charles Hackley to the city. A 76-foot monument called “Soldiers and Sailors” stands in the middle with four other statues in the corners honoring Civil War heroes, including Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Several community gardens can be found all over the neighborhood as well. “The garden committee provides the seeds, dirt and water to anyone who might not be able to finance them,” says Thompson. “Some people grow flowers and some grow produce and share it with neighbors.” One garden is at the Hackley Public Library, another example of Victorian architecture wrapped in stone. It’s right next to the Muskegon Museum of Art, which is just one of many museums in Nelson. The Hackley and Hume Historic Site gives tours of the two mansions. A wooly mammoth statue greets visitors outside the Muskegon Museum of History & Science. And the USS LST 393 Veteran’s Museum takes people inside a World War II Landing Ship Tank.
Hackley Park is located in Muskegon and gets its name from a prominent founding family.
The Muskegon Museum of Art in Nelson hosts rotating displays and exhibits.
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Muskegon Irish Music Festival and Christmas lights at the park
Tens of thousands of people gather at Heritage Landing for the Muskegon Irish Music Festival. The four-day event is held every September, featuring live Celtic music. A cruise ship typically stops by, adding more people to the spectacle. The Muskegon Farmers Market is open year-round with vendors moving inside from December to April. Locals have been attending Parties in the Park for more than 40 years at Hackley Park. The summertime event is held on Fridays and is a time for people to come together over food and live music. “A lot of people come to Parties in the Park,” says Thompson. “You bring your own chairs, grab something to eat from a food truck and enjoy the music.” The holiday season is kicked off with a tree-lighting ceremony at Hackley Park. But it’s not just the tree that lights up. The entire park, plus several blocks downtown illuminate with holiday lights.
Downtown shopping and dining
Many local businesses have set up shop on Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon. The area is full of restaurants, such as Dr. Rolf’s Barbecue, which was opened by local physician, Dr. Rolf, who also had a passion for cooking barbecue. There are also several breweries downtown, including Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, where people can eat and drink in the taproom or out on the patio. Locals can stay casual by hitting up Hamburger Mikey, a longtime staple serving burgers, fries and milkshakes, or head to The Lake House Waterfront Grill to enjoy small-plate seafood while watching the sunset behind Muskegon Lake. Shoppers will find several boutiques and gift shops on Western Avenue. For everyday shopping needs, locals are no more than 5 miles from big box retailers such as Walmart and Meijer.
Rad Dad's is a 90's-themed taco restaurant that's part of the LC Walker Arena in downtown.
The Cheese Lady is a regional wine and cheese market originally from Nelson.
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Bungalows, Victorians and contemporary lakefront houses
Residential grid-pattern streets are lined with sidewalks and single-family homes, most of which were built between 1900 and the 1930s. Single- and two-story Craftsman-style bungalows are common. In good condition, they sell for around $100,000 to $250,000. Fixer-uppers can sell for as low as $25,000. The neighborhood also has some larger 2,500- to 3,500-square-foot Colonial Revivals and Victorian-style homes near the Hackley & Hume Historic Site. These can range anywhere from $250,000 to $650,000. Developers have recently been filling empty lots with New Traditional houses ranging from $300,000 to $350,000. The Viridian Shores development is right along Muskegon Lake, with 1,800-square-foot, three-bedroom contemporary houses selling for $600,000 to $700,000.
The Nelson neighborhood has a large variety of homes, historic Victorian to new Traditional.
The Victorian style can be felt throughout the Nelson neighborhood homes.
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Home of the Big Reds
Muskegon Public Schools has a school choice program for elementary students. The district’s three elementary schools are about 2 to 3 miles away, with Oakview the closest, earning a C-minus grade from Niche. Charles Hackley Middle School has yet to be rated since opening in 2024. Muskegon High School, which earns a C-plus, won the Division II state football championship in 2023. The Big Reds' stadium is in the southeast corner of the neighborhood across the streets from homes, so it’s common to hear Friday night football games.
Charles Hackley Middle School is a public school located in Muskegon, Michigan.
Muskegon High School is located in Muskegon, Michigan.
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Getting around Muskegon
Public transportation is available with Muskegon Area Transit System bus stops located throughout the residential area and on the main roads. The neighborhood is about 7 miles from Pere Marquette Park, the city’s most prominent Lake Michigan beach. U.S. Business 31 runs through Nelson leading to U.S. 31, which runs north and south throughout the entire west coast of Michigan. It can also be taken 8 miles south to Muskegon County Airport, which offers 30-minute flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
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
Chris Simpson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
McGraft Park
Marsh Field
Hackley Park
Pere Marquette Park
Heritage Landing
Smith-Ryerson Park
St Joseph Park
Clara Shepherd Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Nelson
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
8
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Nelson, Muskegon sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Nelson, Muskegon over the last 12 months is $166,986, down 41% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Seller is offering 3% in concessions.Great opportunity near downtown Muskegon! This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers classic charm with modern updates, including newer windows, plumbing, and electrical. Beautiful hardwood floors run throughout the main living spaces, adding warmth and character. Enjoy a spacious yard—perfect for outdoor activities or future landscaping. Conveniently located close to
Welcome to 1129 Sanford Street! This fully remodeled 3-bed, 2-bath home sits in the heart of downtown Muskegon—just blocks from shops, schools, dining, and nightlife. With 1,814 total sq ft across three levels, there's plenty of space to grow. Inside, enjoy a bright, open layout with updated flooring, neutral tones, and a large kitchen ready for entertaining. Upstairs you'll find two spacious
3 bedroom, 1 bath bungalow conveniently located close to downtown Muskegon. Fresh paint inside and out, new flooring, new vinyl replacement windows, and new roof. Complete with full basement and attached one stall garage.
Welcome Home to this fully refurbished 5 bedroom 2 bath home in Muskegon. Close to downtown, High school and Muskegon lake. Seller has taken this home back to the studs and put in New drywall, new doors, new trim, new windows, new flooring, new cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms, new tub and shower, new sinks and toilets, new paint throughout, & new windows & trim in the cozy front porch! Roof is
Spacious Home with Fresh Updates & Room to Grow! This home features a good roof, fresh paint, and a spacious layout throughout. With four bedrooms and the potential for a fifth, you'll have plenty of flexibility. Enjoy a private backyard, perfect for relaxation or outdoor activities. Current Market Rate is $1500/month. A great opportunity to make this home your own—schedule a tour today!
Mackenzie BonzelaarColdwell Banker Woodland Schmidt Grand Haven
Amazon Apartments is an exemplary blend of modern appeal and historic charm! We are located within view of the lovely Muskegon Lake, and within walking distance of the many shops, breweries, and restaurants that downtown Muskegon has to offer! Historic qualities include 15-foot ceilings, exposed brick and beams, and sizable windows offering all the natural sunlight, while also featuring updated
The Leonard - Muskegon's Newest High-rise! This new, prestigious, multi-use property in a prime location on the corner of West Western Avenue and Second Street in Downtown Muskegon. Great restaurant/retail/office location with plenty of parking on the site and in the immediate area. This property contains twenty-four residential apartments on floors three thru six, one floor of office space and
Quality living starts at the renovated Hackley Union Bank. Highpoint Flats offers exceptional views, superior amenities, and direct access to Muskegon’s downtown restaurants/bars.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Chris Simpson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,971
Median Age
37
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$23,780
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$38,602
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87%
College Graduates
17.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.3%
% Population in Labor Force
41.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
61/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
77/ 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.
