Long Lake — Grand Traverse County

Long Lake — Grand Traverse County

Large inland lake living with year-round versatility

Overview

Located in Grand Traverse County within close proximity to Traverse City, Long Lake is one of the area’s most well-known inland lakes, offering size, accessibility, and a broad range of lakefront living options.

Long Lake is a large inland lake known for its elongated shape, clear water, and diverse shoreline. Lakefront homes range from traditional cottages and mid-century residences to newer custom builds and year-round homes, appealing to buyers who value space, usability, and proximity to town.

Lake Character & Lifestyle

Long Lake supports an active yet livable lakefront lifestyle.

The lake is well suited for boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Due to its size and accessibility, activity levels increase during peak summer months, particularly on weekends, while weekdays often feel calmer and more residential.

Long Lake attracts buyers seeking versatility — a lake that accommodates recreation and social use while still supporting year-round living.

Shoreline & Water Considerations

Shoreline characteristics on Long Lake vary by location.

Water depth, frontage width, bottom composition, and wind exposure differ throughout the lake. Some areas offer more protected conditions, while others experience greater open-water exposure. These factors influence dock placement, shoreline usability, and long-term maintenance considerations.

Evaluating micro-locations is especially important when selecting property on Long Lake.

Location & Nearby Amenities

Long Lake offers exceptional convenience within Grand Traverse County.

Residents enjoy:
• Short drive to downtown Traverse City
• Easy access to shopping, dining, and healthcare
• Nearby parks, trails, and recreational amenities
• Convenient access to regional roadways

This combination of lakefront living and everyday accessibility defines Long Lake’s appeal.

Zoning, Preservation & Long-Term Value

Long Lake is governed by local township and county zoning regulations that support controlled shoreline development and water quality preservation.

Its size, strong demand, and year-round usability contribute to stable long-term value, particularly for buyers seeking a balance between lifestyle enjoyment and practicality.

Is Long Lake Right for You?

Long Lake is best suited for buyers who:
• Enjoy an active lake environment with boating and recreation
• Value proximity to Traverse City
• Seek a lake that supports year-round living
• Appreciate a range of property styles and settings

For buyers looking for a larger inland lake with versatility and convenience, Long Lake remains one of Grand Traverse County’s most enduring lakefront destinations.

Lake Size & Key Facts

• Surface area: approximately 2,860 acres
• Shoreline: approximately 21 miles
• Maximum depth: approximately 90 feet
• Water type: clear inland lake
• Drive time to Traverse City: approximately 10–15 minutes

 

Long Lake’s size, accessibility, and adaptability make it a cornerstone of the Grand Traverse County inland lakefront real estate market.

Quiet vs. Active Spectrum Positioning

Within the context of Grand Traverse County inland lakes, Long Lake sits toward the more active end of the quiet-to-active spectrum, though conditions vary noticeably by location and time of week.

• Quieter stretches tend to be found in narrower or more protected areas of the lake, particularly during weekdays and shoulder seasons.
• More active areas are typically those with broader open water, heavier boat access, and closer proximity to public launches, especially on summer weekends.

 

Overall, Long Lake offers a balanced experience — more activity than smaller residential lakes such as Tibbets or Silver Lake, but still less intense than highly recreational destination lakes. This makes it appealing to buyers who enjoy energy and social boating, while still valuing livability and year-round usability.

Long Lake — Grand Traverse County

$549,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1948230 MLS ⋅ Peninsula Estates BLDG.
Nestled among mature trees on Long Lake Peninsula, this one-owner custom home offers a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, and convenience. Located directly across from Doerr Park and including private access to Long Lake Peninsula's members-only boat launch, you'll enjoy all the benefits of Long Lake access while taking advantage of lower non-waterfront property taxes. Inside, the 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is filled with natural light thanks to soaring vaulted ceilings, a skylight, and an open floor plan that creates an inviting, airy feel. A cozy fireplace anchors the main living space, while the spacious deck provides the perfect place to entertain, or relax and take in the peaceful wooded surroundings. The mostly finished walkout lower level offers abundant office space with endless possibilities for recreation, hobbies, or guests. A partially completed sauna is ready for your finishing touches, with materials already onsite, allowing you to customize the space to your own vision. Lovingly built and meticulously maintained by its original owner, this home is being offered for the first time. Tucked away on Long Lake Peninsula, you're just minutes from downtown Traverse City's dining, shopping, and recreation while enjoying the quiet setting and outdoor lifestyle that make the Long Lake Peninsula so special.

8131 Hillside Drive, Traverse City
$945,000
6 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 1947545 MLS ⋅ Metes And Bounds BLDG.
Stunning Lakefront Custom Home with 100 ft Sandy Beach and Spectacular Views!on Long Lake Experience lakefront living at its finest on this incredible 100-foot sandy frontage lot, nestled on the widest part of a serene all-sports lake. This custom-built home boasts 400 feet of wooded depth, a private tree-lined entrance, and a maintenance-free vinyl and stone exterior. Inside, enjoy a spacious main-floor primary suite with breathtaking lake views, walk-in closet, and a private full bath. Two additional bedrooms and 1.5 baths complete the main level. The heart of the home features a two-sided stone gas fireplace with remote control, connecting the kitchen and living room, both showcasing stunning lake views. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with a large island and abundant storage. Wood floors, tile, and carpet throughout add warmth and comfort. Step outside to a huge wrap-around deck—perfect for morning coffee or relaxing with a good book. The lower walk-out level offers a massive family room with daylight windows, three more bedrooms, and a full bath—almost a second home! Sliding doors open to a cement patio with a covered gazebo and a private tree arbor. Other highlights include a 3-car attached garage, massive boulder seawall with a sandy play area, fenced yard with invisible fencing too!, nat gas furnace, central air conditioning, Fully furnished options available, featuring stunning log furniture, including a massive dining table and king-size log bed. Just bring your suitcase and move in! Don’t miss the chance to own this picturesque retreat on All Sports Long Lake.

8382 Grace Street, Hale
$550,000
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 1946760 MLS ⋅ Na BLDG.
Tucked along the shores of beautiful Long Lake, this rare opportunity offers sandy, shallow frontage on one of the Traverse City area’s most sought-after all-sports lakes. Spanning 2,860 acres, Long Lake is well known for exceptional boating, recreation, and fishing. The existing two-bedroom, one-bath home is ready for its next chapter, making this an outstanding chance to create your ideal waterfront retreat. Conveniently located near the public beach, Long Lake Grocery, and just minutes from Traverse City. A prime setting with endless potential on the water.

9738 N Long Lake Road, Traverse City
$599,000
4 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 1946212 MLS ⋅ Kokosing Sub BLDG.
Enjoy effortless lakefront living in this completely remodeled four-bedroom, three-bath home featuring 70 feet of beautiful sandy frontage on Long Lake. Thoughtfully updated from top to bottom with modern finishes and amenities, this stunning home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality for year-round living or the ultimate getaway retreat. The spacious open-concept living and dining areas flow seamlessly into a beautifully redesigned kitchen featuring elegant quartz countertops and contemporary finishes. The bathrooms have also been tastefully updated with luxurious marble countertops, adding a refined touch throughout the home. Two bedrooms feature slider doors that open directly to the porch, offering breathtaking lake views and easy access to the expansive backyard that gently slopes to the water’s edge. A large lakeside deck overlooks the water and provides the perfect setting for entertaining, outdoor dining, relaxing with family and friends, or simply enjoying the spectacular sunsets over the lake. This move-in-ready property also features a newly installed well and septic system, natural gas service, and a modern tankless hot water heater that provides endless hot water and added energy efficiency. The oversized attached garage provides exceptional space for vehicles, boats, outdoor toys, tools, and additional storage. Located on one of the area’s most sought-after all-sports lakes, this beautifully maintained home is just minutes from Hale, nearby trails, and endless outdoor recreation within the Huron National Forest.

4847 Franklin Street, Hale
$1,250,000
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 1946158 MLS ⋅ Long Lake Owner BLDG.
Nestled near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, this lake front home sits on 100 Ft. of private frontage in Benzie County’s best kept secret – Long Lake. Long Lake is an all-sports lake that is perfect to swim, boat, fish, kayak, canoe or spend the day relaxing and enjoying nature. This three bedroom/two and one-half bath home offers abundance of natural light, a stone fireplace for cooler nights along with a full house generator, a 2-car garage and a 24x48 pole barn for plenty of storage for boats, jet ski's or all your recreation toys. With 70 feet of dock already in place, this property is ready for summer fun and unforgettable lakefront memories. The Home is turn key with some summer toys available.

3154 Bancroft Road, Honor
$795,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 1946104 MLS ⋅ Holsam's Peninsula Estates BLDG.
Your own private pond and shared access on Long Lake! Located on coveted Long Lake peninsula, this 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home is perfectly situated on 2.5 acres (4 lots!). Drive into the circular driveway and the first thing you will notice are the gorgeous, mature gardens that surround the home and private pond. As you wander the fenced, wooded property you will discover a magical setting with several spots to stop and take in the view. This home also shares 100 feet of Long Lake frontage and boat launch. The large entryway welcomes you into the living room with cathedral ceilings, wood floors, and a wood burning stove for those cold winter days. The charming kitchen is well appointed: a farm house sink and butcher block counter tops. The main floor laundry and 1/2 bathroom provide convenience for both homeowner and guest. Upstairs boasts three bedrooms including the primary with an attached remodeled bathroom and walk-in closet. The large clawfoot tube is great for unwinding at the end of a long day. The finished lower level is home to the fourth bedroom and bathroom, as well as a newly carpeted family room. The family room has daylight windows and a lovely gas heater that is reminiscent of a wood burning stove. Other amenities include a sauna in the lower level and a whole house generator.

1504 Cedar Drive, Traverse City
$609,000
4 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1945267 MLS ⋅ Supervisprsplat Of Long Lake BLDG.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Peninsula Paradise on Long Lake – 260 Feet of Frontage! Location is everything—and this one is unforgettable! Tucked at the end of a private road on picturesque Bliss Street, this incredible 4-bedroom, 3-bath (1 full, 2 half) home sits on a rare peninsula setting with 260 feet of lake frontage—offering sunrise and sunset views from both sides of the property on Long Lake, a premier all-sports lake. Surrounded by mature trees and park-like scenery, this 2,200 sq ft home is drenched in natural light with 44 windows showcasing stunning water views from nearly every room. But that’s just the beginning... One-of-a-kind boathouse just 10 feet from the shoreline, featuring a glass-wrapped A-frame living space above. Unbelievable stone slab seawall and 130’ long x 8’ high rock wall, creating a breathtaking lakeside terrace with stone steps to the water. Outdoor fun for everyone: ½ court basketball, volleyball, and badminton areas. Massive brick paver patio with built-in bar—perfect for entertaining. Private deck overlooking the lake for ultimate relaxation. Accommodates 22+ guests comfortably—ideal for large families or shared ownership between two or three families. Newer features throughout including many windows, submersible well, and a beautiful new rock wall by the boathouse. Comes mostly furnished, dock included—just move in and start enjoying lake life! This is a truly rare opportunity on Long Lake that simply doesn't come around often. Whether for a full-time residence, vacation home, or investment for shared ownership, the possibilities are endless. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of paradise—

5033 Bliss Lane, Hale
$799,900
1 Beds ⋅ 1945262 MLS ⋅ Robert Barneys Add To Evergree BLDG.
Long Lake property with 66 feet of private frontage on the highly desirable south end of the lake. The .30 acre lot offers a gentle slope toward the water, sandy bottom frontage, and excellent potential for a future home with a walkout lower level. Existing cabin and driveway are already in place, along with power to the property. Located on all sports Long Lake with easy access to boating, swimming, and year round recreation. This property is an ideal setting for enjoying the best of Northern Michigan lake living with close proximity to everything Traverse City has to offer.

186 S South Long Lake Road, Traverse City
$215,000
1945246 MLS ⋅ Rodger's Subdivision BLDG.
At just over half an acre on vibrant Long Lake and only minutes from the Huron National Forest, this waterfront lot could be the perfect setting for your dream lake retreat or year-round home! While the lot is ready to build to suit your tastes, you won’t need to build stairs to the water! The lot sits level with the lake. With 100 feet of nice, sandy frontage, this property provides plenty of access to the lake for swimming, boating, and taking in the view of the sunrise. Check out the recent survey included with the pictures!

00 Bliss Road, Hale
$850,000
1945234 MLS ⋅ Robert Barneys Add To Evergree BLDG.
Long Lake property with 66 feet of private frontage on the highly desirable south end of the lake. The .30 acre lot offers a gentle slope toward the water, sandy bottom frontage, and excellent potential for a future home with a walkout lower level. Existing cabin and driveway are already in place, along with power to the property. Located on all sports Long Lake with easy access to boating, swimming, and year round recreation. This property is an ideal setting for enjoying the best of Northern Michigan lake living with close proximity to everything Traverse City has to offer.

186 S Long Lake Road, Traverse City
$575,000
4 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 1944801 MLS ⋅ Estralia Beach/Lakeside Height BLDG.
YEAR ROUND HOME ON ALL SPORTS LONG LAKE HAS BEEN CHERISHED BY CURRENT OWNERS FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS. OFFERING 4 BEDS & 4 BATHS INCLUDING A FIRST FLOOR MASTER & SPACIOUS BUNK ROOM. FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS & INCREDIBLE SUNSET FACING VIEWS! EXPANSIVE DECK OVERLOOKS THE LAKE & SANDY WALK IN BEACH! 2 CAR DEEP GARAGE PROVIDES EXCELLENT STORAGE & PARKING PLUS DRIVEWAY ACCOMMODATES MULTIPLE CARS. CREATE NEW TRADITIONS & MAKE MEMORIES IN EVERY SEASON! SEE IT TODAY AND MAKE IT YOURS TOMORROW! SELLER IS LICENSED REALTOR.

8006 Lakeside Boulevard, Hale
$1,999,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1943720 MLS ⋅ Pickeral Point BLDG.
Welcome to The Point on Long Lake — one of the most rare and extraordinary waterfront properties in Northern Michigan. This one-of-a-kind property sits on a private point surrounded by water on three sides, offering an incredible 316 feet of private frontage, sandy shallows, and breathtaking panoramic lake views in every direction. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this property is truly special. Tucked beneath mature, towering trees, the setting offers the perfect balance of privacy, shade, and natural beauty. Loons return each year to nest nearby, a gentle breeze rolls across the point, and the surrounding waters are known for excellent bass and walleye fishing, making this one of the most desirable locations on Long Lake. The home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a comfortable, timeless Up North feel. The vaulted living room is highlighted by a soaring wood-burning fireplace with stacked stone, and hardwood floors run throughout the main living area. The dining room is full of character with original pine walls and is wrapped in windows, bringing the outdoors in with beautiful water views from nearly every angle. The property also includes an attached 2-car garage, along with a detached boathouse garage perfect for storing boats, lake toys, and equipment. In addition to its immediate charm and livability, the property offers flexibility for the future, giving the next owner the option to further enhance or personalize the space over time if desired. Properties like this simply do not come available often. The Point on Long Lake is more than just a home — it’s a sanctuary, a lifestyle, and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own what is truly one of the most unique and coveted properties on Long Lake.

620 Lakewood Road, Traverse City
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