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Chums Corner

Chums Corner

Neighborhood in Traverse City, Michigan

Grand Traverse County 49685

$481,460 Average Value
$279 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

An origin story from the 1930s

With an affable name and an origin story that goes back to the 1930s, Chums Corner is home to about 1,000 people south of Traverse City. Lots of land separates housing districts from a central commerce area near the intersection of U.S. 31 and Michigan 37, where Deonda “Chum” Crandall and his wife once ran a grocery store and filling station that slowly attracted a following, and then residents.

Known for its proximity to Silver Lake, Chums Corner has a mix of home styles and prices.
Known for its proximity to Silver Lake, Chums Corner has a mix of home styles and prices.
Although it’s close to Traverse City, Chums Corner excels as a small rural town.
Although it’s close to Traverse City, Chums Corner excels as a small rural town.
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Lakefront homes sell into the millions

Most houses in Chums Corner, about 10 miles south of downtown, are clustered in open space on both sides of U.S. 31, which runs straight to downtown. Typical are ranch styles, split levels and new-construction cottages with attached garages. Houses are generally priced between $350,000 and $500,000, although lakefront properties can be priced from about $900,000 to more than $2 million. These outliers often have private docks and direct lakefront access. “Chums Corner is relatively affordable, especially when compared to downtown Traverse City,” says Matt Hodges, a real estate broker and co-owner of Kultura Group, referring to the city core’s recently on-the-rise real estate prices that hover in the mid-$800,000s. “Although lakefront homes are pricier, the rest of the neighborhood has a good mix of prices and styles.”

Larger lakefront homes in Chums Corner are located on Silver Lake.
Larger lakefront homes in Chums Corner are located on Silver Lake.
A variety of homes can be found near Silver Lake in Chums Corner.
A variety of homes can be found near Silver Lake in Chums Corner.
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Burgers in a 1950s setting

A local favorite, Bergstrom’s Burgers is a family-owned and operated restaurant that prioritizes local ingredients. Its eclectic 1950s-style dining room has a ceiling lined with records and walls dotted with decals. Guests enjoy an assortment of half-pound or quarter-pound burgers alongside fresh-cut French fries and fried zucchini. The Local’s Place is a cozy spot for hearty homestyle meals, including a full brunch menu. Samsara Southeast Asian Cuisine is known for its drunken noodles in a range of spice levels. Grocery and household shopping can be found at the intersection of US Highway 31, 37 and Beitner Road. Family Fare Supermarket is near other big box stores like Menards, Ace Hardware and Tractor Supply Co. There are few local shops in the area, but thrift shoppers can head to Restored Treasures to hunt for vintage finds.

Bergstrom’s Burgers is a family-owned restaurant with a 50’s-style vibe in Chums Corner.
Bergstrom’s Burgers is a family-owned restaurant with a 50’s-style vibe in Chums Corner.
The Local’s Place offers hearty homestyle meals to Chums Corner residents.
The Local’s Place offers hearty homestyle meals to Chums Corner residents.
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Silver Lake is the center of recreation

The best-known park in Chums Corner is Silver Lake. While some houses have direct lakefront access, there’s shared public access by the RV Park on the south side of the lake. Locals fish for bluegill, largemouth and smallmouth bass at Silver Lake and enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding during warm weather. From May to August, the Traverse City Pit Spitters minor-league baseball team plays at their home stadium, Turtle Creek Stadium. Fans walk across the streets from The Local’s Place to Turtle Creek to cheer on the home team. It’s a popular and affordable summer activity, as tickets are priced below $20. “People drive from two or three hours away to catch a Pit Spitters game,” says Hodges. “We root for our home teams.” Hiking is another popular activity in the area. Locals drive a mile east to the Keystone Rapids Trailhead and walk the well-maintained hiking path along the Boardman River. The trailhead has a parking lot and a boat ramp for launching canoes and kayaks, and several spots along the trail are popular for fly fishing. Incredible Mo’s is an indoor entertainment hub, with bowling, three escape rooms, and a full bar serving drinks and appetizers. Next door, Shooters Indoor Gun and Archery Range offer classes and range time to qualified adults, while the attached Shooters Outfitters store sells sporting goods and hunting, fishing and camping gear.

The beautiful Silver Lake is located on the west side of Chums Corner.
The beautiful Silver Lake is located on the west side of Chums Corner.
Chums Corner is a great place for boating enthusiasts to live.
Chums Corner is a great place for boating enthusiasts to live.
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Schools are no worse than a B-minus

Students are zoned in the Traverse City Area Public School District—the best-rated school district in Grand Traverse County, according to Niche. Students may attend Blair Elementary School, graded B-minus, West Middle School, graded B-plus, and West Senior High School, graded A-minus by Niche. After high school, locals can continue their education at Northwestern Michigan College, located just east of downtown Traverse City.

West Senior High School, a public school in Traverse City, is graded A- by Niche.
West Senior High School, a public school in Traverse City, is graded A- by Niche.
Blair Elementary School is a public school in Traverse City, graded B- by Niche.
Blair Elementary School is a public school in Traverse City, graded B- by Niche.
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15-20 minutes typically from downtown

Lynette Wolfgang, who works for Grand Traverse County as the Blair Township Office Clerk, says many Chums Corner residents commute to Traverse City for work. “It’s not a bad commute,” says Wolfgang, “and it’s much more affordable to live outside the city.” Chums Corner is around 7 miles south of the city, and driving between the two via US Highway 31 takes about 15 minutes during non-peak commute hours and closer to 20 minutes during peak commute hours (8-9 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. on weekdays).

Caitlyn Tierney
Written By
Caitlyn Tierney
Jonathan Fairfield
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Fairfield
Francisco de la Vera
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Francisco de la Vera

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Danielle Jerome, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Cherry Capital

20 min drive

Bus

Us-31 & Menards

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Chums Corner US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$420,000
Median Single Family Price
$420,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$279
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
27
Months of Supply
1.30
Median List Price
$443,191
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
372
Median Year Built
1991
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,609
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,007
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
21,780

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Danielle Jerome, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,114
Median Age
42
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$74,264
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,272

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
26.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.9%
% Population in Labor Force
65.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
29''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
76''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

39 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

34 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Chums Corner