Grand Traverse County is located in the northwest part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan on beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. With its numerous lakes and rolling hills, the County is a major tourist destination and known for its peaceful quality of life. The county seat, Traverse City, is well known as the Cherry Capital of the World. Traverse City is joined by thirteen townships and two villages, Kingsley and Fife Lake, within the County. The County covers 466 square miles in size by spanning 24 miles east/west and 26 miles north/south. The population of the County continues to grow with the current population at 85,479, a 30% increase since 1990. This trend is expected to continue, particularly since the County is a destination for retirees. The growth translates into substantial increased demand for public services, commercial development, housing development and infrastructure expansion primarily in the outlying townships. In 2007, the total state equalized value (SEV) for Grand Traverse County was $5.84 billion, an increase of 93% since 2000. The County will continue to seek a balance between this significant investment and development and the exceptional quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors.
Grand Traverse County is northern Michigan’s most popular resort community. Centered on the 45th parallel, the area enjoys a temperate climate, moderated by the Great Lakes and other bodies of water. The climate, along with predominate sandy loam soil, is ideal for growing apples, grapes, and cherries. The spectacular natural environment, neighborly communities that are among the safest in the nation, miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, many small lakes, and rural areas minutes from town, offer living at its best.
Grand Traverse County abounds with cultural and social activities. The Interlochen Center of the Arts attracts students from around the world and provides quality performing arts entertainment. Other cultural facilities include the Old Town Playhouse, the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, the Con Foster Museum and the Dennos Museum. Traverse City is home to Northwestern Michigan College and hosts the University Center of 13 major universities from around the state offering degree completion and advanced degrees in virtually any subject. Residents of the County enjoy high qualify medical care and services from Munson Medical Center, which was named as one of the top hospitals in the country.
The recreational opportunities are unlimited in this all-seasons community. From swimming, sailing, fishing, and golfing on any one of the 20 courses, to canoeing, kayaking, and hiking during the spring, summer, and fall, and cross-country and downhill skiing, snow shoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling in the winter, the opportunities are unsurpassed.