Thinking about living close to downtown Traverse City without giving up neighborhood charm? Boardman is one of those places that gets your attention quickly. If you want a central location, easy trail access, and homes with real character, this neighborhood deserves a closer look. Here’s what you should know before you buy in Boardman.
Where Boardman is in Traverse City
Boardman is not a separate suburb. It is an in-town Traverse City neighborhood association and one of the city’s designated historic districts.
That location is a big part of its appeal. Boardman sits just south of downtown, making it one of the first residential areas next to the downtown commercial core.
If you want a neighborhood that keeps you close to daily conveniences, this can be a strong fit. Traverse City notes that downtown includes more than 200 locally owned businesses, more than 50 restaurants, and one of the state’s largest farmers markets.
Why buyers like Boardman
Boardman tends to stand out for its mix of central location, walkability, and historic character. City planning materials describe it as quiet, historic, and residential, with mature trees and easy access to downtown amenities.
For many buyers, that means a lifestyle with fewer car-dependent errands. The city’s bike and trail network connects neighborhoods, parks, downtown, and other destinations, which adds to the neighborhood’s day-to-day convenience.
This is often the kind of place buyers choose because of how it feels to live there. You get an established in-town setting with a strong sense of place, rather than a newer subdivision layout.
Boardman parks and trails
If outdoor access matters to you, Boardman has a lot going for it. The neighborhood is closely tied to the Boardman Lake and Boardman River corridor, which gives residents direct access to trails, parks, and water-focused recreation.
Boardman Lake Loop Trail
The 4-mile Boardman Lake Loop Trail wraps around Boardman Lake just south of downtown. Its northern section has a more urban feel, and the trail connects to residential areas, businesses, parks, the library, and the NMC University Center.
This trail is a major asset if you like walking, biking, or simply being able to get around without always driving. It also connects with the Boardman/Ottaway River Trail for broader regional access.
Hull Park and F&M Park
Hull Park sits on the north end of Boardman Lake and offers a boat launch, TART Trail access, and access to the recreational loop around the lake. It is a practical starting point for anyone who wants quick lake and trail access.
F&M Park is located in the heart of the Boardman neighborhood. The city says it includes youth play structures, a pavilion, a basketball court, and winter ice skating.
River access and longer trail connections
The Boardman/Ottaway River Trail begins in town at Hull Park and forms part of a 41.6-mile loop connecting the river valley to other regional trail systems. Nearby, the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve offers nearly 7 miles of improved trails along the Boardman River.
Another nearby option is the Union Street Dam Area. The city describes it as a peaceful riverwalk and fishing spot, which adds another easy outdoor destination close to home.
What homes are like in Boardman
Boardman housing is defined more by history and character than by new construction. The city describes many homes here as ornate and Victorian in design, often larger than many other Traverse City homes, and set on smaller lots.
You will also see brick homes and simpler historic homes in the mix. Because the neighborhood developed over time, the housing stock feels varied but rooted in an older in-town pattern.
Boardman also has a mixed housing legacy. City materials note that some homes were used as multifamily housing in the past, which helps explain the presence of nonconforming duplexes and a limited mix of housing types today.
What buying in a historic district means
This is one of the most important things to understand before you buy. Boardman is a designated historic district, and the city notes that exterior changes and renovations to existing homes are reviewed through the Historic Districts Commission.
That does not mean ownership is difficult. It does mean you should go in with clear expectations if you are planning major exterior updates.
For many buyers, this is the tradeoff. You get the charm, location, and architectural character that make Boardman special, but you may also need to think more carefully about maintenance, upkeep, and renovation plans.
Who Boardman fits best
Boardman often works well for buyers who want to live close to downtown and use Traverse City’s trail network regularly. If you like the idea of biking, walking, or reaching parks and local businesses easily, this neighborhood checks a lot of boxes.
It can also be a smart fit if you value an established residential setting. City feedback describes Boardman as quiet and residential, with mature trees and a child-friendly feel.
Buyers who usually connect with Boardman include:
- People who want an in-town Traverse City address
- Buyers who value walkability and bike access
- Anyone drawn to older homes with architectural character
- House hunters who want parks, lake access, and trails nearby
- Buyers who prefer a neighborhood with a strong historic identity
When Boardman may not be the best fit
Every neighborhood comes with tradeoffs, and Boardman is no exception. If you want a newer home, a large lot, or a more suburban street pattern, you may find a better match elsewhere.
The neighborhood’s historic homes and smaller lots shape the ownership experience. You may need to be more comfortable with older-home maintenance than you would be in a newer construction area.
City feedback also notes pressure points such as traffic, parking, short-term rentals, and light pollution. Depending on your priorities, those are worth keeping in mind as you compare neighborhoods.
Questions to ask before buying in Boardman
If Boardman is on your shortlist, it helps to look beyond curb appeal. A great home in a historic neighborhood should also fit how you want to live day to day.
Consider asking these questions as you tour homes:
- How important is walkability to your routine?
- Are you comfortable maintaining an older home?
- Do you plan to make exterior changes in the future?
- Would smaller lots work for your lifestyle?
- How much do nearby trails, parks, and river access matter to you?
- Do you want to be close to downtown activity while still living in a residential area?
These questions can help you decide whether Boardman is just interesting on paper or truly the right fit for your next move.
The bottom line on Boardman
Boardman offers a version of Traverse City living that is hard to replicate. You get a historic in-town neighborhood, direct access to parks and trails, and close proximity to downtown’s shops, restaurants, and everyday conveniences.
For the right buyer, that combination feels both practical and special. If you want character, connectivity, and a strong sense of place, Boardman is absolutely worth a closer look.
When you are weighing neighborhoods in Traverse City, local context matters. If you want help comparing Boardman to other in-town or lifestyle-driven options, The Mitten Group can help you find the fit that matches your goals.
FAQs
Is Boardman a separate town from Traverse City?
- No. Boardman is an in-town Traverse City neighborhood association and one of the city’s designated historic districts.
Is Boardman walkable for everyday living?
- Yes. City and trail materials describe Boardman as walkable and well connected to downtown, parks, and the local trail network.
What types of homes are common in Boardman Traverse City?
- Most homes are older and character-rich, including Victorian and other historic styles, with some duplexes and multifamily legacy housing in the mix.
What should buyers know about Boardman being a historic district?
- Because Boardman is a historic district, exterior changes and renovations to existing homes are reviewed through the Historic Districts Commission.
Are there parks and trails near Boardman homes?
- Yes. Boardman is close to the Boardman Lake Loop Trail, Hull Park, F&M Park, the Boardman/Ottaway River Trail, and the Union Street Dam Area.
Who is Boardman usually a good fit for?
- Boardman often fits buyers who want a central Traverse City location, easy downtown access, and a neighborhood with historic character, mature trees, and nearby outdoor recreation.
