
NEIGHBORHOODS OF MASON COUNTY
With the establishment of the railroads in the 1880s, goods were transported across the state to Ludington for shipping across Lake Michigan to Chicago and Wisconsin. Industry and commerce in the area increased, and of course the population followed. Word spread about the beauty, resources and the opportunities, which spawned a growing community followed by its recognition as a desired vacation destination.
Home Values
$50,000 – $300,00*
*Apartment complexes and downtown apartments are also available for rent ranging from $500 – $1,500 per month depending upon sizes and amenities.
Housing Types
- Single family
- Semi-Detached
- Historic Homes
If an easy walk to everything is your style, the tree-lined streets north of Ludington Avenue may be for you. With a westerly wind you’re close enough to hear the waves from Lake Michigan, plus walk, bike or take a short drive to the beach, shopping, dining, parks and cultural amenities. Cozy, post-WWII bungalows snuggle in with newer homes, clever DIY upgrades, rehabs and re-dos, and don’t be surprised to see a couple of modern new-builds as well. Further east on Ludington Avenue modest Victorian beauties to former lumber baron mansions have been carefully restored and are proudly displayed.
Folks who like a little elbow room will find it in Forest Hills Subdivision on Sherman Street north of Tinkham. One of the first subdivisions created in Ludington, the homes date from around the 1960s. The area is adjacent to Ludington’s School Forest Park with four-season fun, including hiking, biking, disc golf, snowshoeing and more. Today, this area is known as the Maritime Community, which encompasses the majority of the City of Ludington and the Downtown area to Lake Michigan.
At the turn of the 20th Century, railroad tracks were constructed to extend from Old US 31, skirting east of downtown then heading northwest toward Lake Michigan to service several sand excavating sites near what is now Ludington State Park. A spur continued east around the south end of Hamlin Lake north to Middle Bayou and created the opportunity for building new communities along the way.
Housing Types
- Single Family
- Historic Homes
- Lakefront Homes
Home Values
Today, the 250-acre Lake Michigan beachfront community has over 200 cottages, tennis courts, 9-hole golf course and museum. Services and spiritual opportunities are still available and the area is known by locals and visitors today as the Epworth Community.
With prime views of Lake Michigan, this next neighborhood is a favorite of any vacationer, or anyone looking to enjoy year-round access to the Lake. Sandy Shores and Sunsets offers the pristine shoreline to Michigan’s sandy beaches. The tranquility, space and privacy this area provides offer an amazing location for a primary or secondary residence.
Buttersville Peninsula, named for former Ludington businessman Horace Butters, borders both the western shore of Pere Marquette Lake and Lake Michigan. Newer lakefront homes share the area with older homes and cottages, and views of both Lake Michigan and east over Pere Marquette Lake are not to be missed. Buttersville Park and Campground and Starport Marina and Campground are also located there, as well as the Father Marquette Park and Shrine. Buttersville Park is said by many to have the most spectacular view of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Housing Types
- Single Family
- Small Cottages
- Lakefront Homes
Home Values
$300,000+ Lakeshore Properties
Housing Types
- Single Family
- Acreage
Home Values
*Homes in this area typically come with acreage and/or have lake frontage. Smaller homes may be available in this area at $190,000 – $300,000 with smaller lots and no lake view.
Housing Types
- Single Family
- Acreage
Home Values
*Homes in this area typically come with acreage except those in the communities of Scottville & Custer where small village atmosphere exists.
Housing Types
- Single Family
- Agricultural Farms
- Acreage
Home Values
Housing Types
- Single Family
- Cottages
- Cabins
Home Values
Home Values
Housing Types
- Multi-Family
- Apartments
Housing Types
- Pre-Manufactured
- Single Family
- Acreage
Home Values
*Many homes in this area are lower building quality/pre-manufactured homes.
The desire to live near the water is centuries’ old and began as a necessity for survival. Lake Michigan and the area’s rivers, lakes, open farmlands, orchards and forest still play an important part in Ludington’s industry and commerce, while offering a richer quality of life for its residents.
