Considering a move to Traverse City and curious about the Boardman neighborhood? Boardman is one of the city's most beloved historic residential areas, brimming with charm, a walkable lifestyle, and a true sense of community. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that blends small-town friendliness with convenient city access, Boardman might just be your perfect fit. Here’s an honest guide to life in Boardman, from someone who walks its tree-lined streets every day.
Community Vibe: A Balance of Friendly and Laid-Back
One of the first things you will notice about Boardman is how approachable and friendly it feels. There’s a strong sense of community spirit—neighbors chat over garden fences, wave hello during evening dog walks, and look out for one another. You’ll get to know familiar faces at the local coffee shops or at Boardman Lake Loop, making it easy to feel at home even if you’re new in town.
You’ll often find neighborhood events cropping up, from porch concerts to casual block parties. There’s no pretension here, just a relaxed, welcoming vibe perfect for families, young couples, retirees, and anyone who values a genuine neighborhood connection.
Types of Housing: Historic Charm with Modern Touches
Boardman is known for its well-preserved, historic homes—many of which date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Walking the neighborhood means seeing beautiful Victorian, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival houses, often lovingly restored. Streets like Washington, Oak, and Webster are lined with cheerful homes with front porches, original woodwork, and leafy yards.
- Single-family homes dominate, with a mix of big, historic residences and smaller, charming cottages.
- Scattered throughout are some duplexes and small apartments—mostly within classic homes converted into multi-unit dwellings.
- While you probably won’t find big new housing developments here, occasional renovations and tasteful additions keep the neighborhood feeling fresh without sacrificing its vintage charm.
Walkability: Traverse City’s Best Kept Secret
If walkability is a top priority, Boardman delivers in spades. Downtown Traverse City is just a short stroll away—roughly a 10- to 15-minute walk from most points in the neighborhood. Whether you want to grab a coffee at BLK MRKT, browse the indie bookstores along Front Street, or sample local brews at Workshop Brewing Company, it’s all easily accessible on foot.
- The Boardman neighborhood itself is very pedestrian-friendly, thanks to sidewalks, mature trees, and safe crossings at major intersections like Cass and Eighth Streets.
- The Boardman Lake Loop is a favorite recreation path for runners, bikers, and strollers alike, connecting residents to the water and nearby parks.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Boardman is a favorite among families for good reason. Traverse City Area Public Schools serve the area, with Central Grade School on Seventh Street being walkable for many neighborhood families. For older students, Traverse City Central High School is just a short drive or bike ride away.
- Several daycare options and preschools are also nearby.
- The neighborhood’s small parks, play lots (like the mini playground near the corner of Oak and Sixth), and proximity to the Traverse Area District Library offer plenty for kids of all ages.
Families love Boardman’s slower pace and strong community involvement. Sidewalk chalk art, lemonade stands, and Halloween trick-or-treating are beloved annual traditions.
Parks and Green Spaces
Despite its urban setting, Boardman has some beautiful green spaces. The Boardman Lake Loop Trail is a local gem, offering stunning views of the lake and a peaceful, mostly flat path for walking, biking, or just unwinding by the water. Hannah Park, at the corner of Sixth and Union Streets, provides a quiet spot to relax, picnic, or toss a frisbee. Tall trees offer shade in the summer, and the park is rarely crowded.
For little ones, the playgrounds at Central Grade and the Civic Center are both walkable and provide more space to run and play.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Boardman is widely considered one of Traverse City’s safest, most peaceful neighborhoods. The streets are calm, traffic is slow, and neighbors genuinely watch out for one another. Like anywhere, it’s smart to lock your doors and bikes, but serious crime is rare.
The Traverse City Police Department is just a stone’s throw away in downtown, which helps with a quick response time and a sense of security. The friendly, walkable nature of the neighborhood also means there’s always someone around, and streets are well-lit after dark.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
One of Boardman’s biggest perks is its unbeatable location. The neighborhood sits just southeast of downtown Traverse City.
- Walk to Front Street’s restaurants, shops, and theaters in under 15 minutes.
- Munson Medical Center, one of the area’s largest employers, is about a mile away—a quick drive or an easy bike ride.
- The neighborhood also offers quick access to the Grand Traverse Commons and the beaches along Grand Traverse Bay.
Whether you work in healthcare, hospitality, education, or remote from your home office, Boardman is convenient to just about everything.
What Residents Love Most
Ask a handful of Boardman neighbors what they love most, and you’ll hear plenty of heartfelt answers:
- “I love being able to walk everywhere—downtown, the lake, the library—it’s all right here.”
- “The trees and old houses make it feel like you’re living in a small-town postcard.”
- “It’s the kind of place where you actually get to know your neighbors. There’s always someone to water your plants or watch your cat when you travel.”
- “You don’t have to give up city life or green space—Boardman has both.”
Final Word: Is Boardman Right For You?
If you want a Traverse City neighborhood with history, character, and convenience, Boardman is a hard place to beat. Its blend of walkability, friendly faces, lovely homes, and easy access to both nature and city life resonates with people at every stage of life. While it may require some patience to find the right house (and competition can be stiff for listings), most who settle in Boardman say it’s worth the wait.
Looking for more details, or thinking about making the neighborhood your new home? Just take a stroll down Oak or Webster after sunset and see for yourself—chances are, you’ll quickly feel at home.