Saugatuck, Michigan is known as a gay haven with several outdoor resorts in the area that specifically cater to LGBT individuals. This tourist town is located in Allegan County is within close driving distance of Chicago, Detroit and Grand Rapids and every summer it attracts thousands of both straight and LGBT tourists. They are drawn to this former old lumber town and port by the galleries, harbor, and nearby nature preserve of Dune State Park.
Saugatuck enjoys the distinction of being a famous artist’s colony that was started during the Arts and Crafts movement in the late nineteenth century. Much of the architecture in the area is well preserved and from that era as well. It was originally called “Kalamazoo” when it was founded in 1833 and it still sometimes goes by that nickname today. There are over a dozen art galleries in this small town of only 925 people and quite a few beds and breakfasts. It is also home to many different restaurants. Residents can watch the local paddle-wheel boat give daily tours of the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan.
The gay centers of this community are the gay outdoor resorts, which operate year-round. Campit is a resort hidden in the Michigan woods on 33 acres filled with small cottages, vintage rental trailers and a clubhouse with swimming pool. The Dunes Resort is a very well known resort hotel on the water right on the Blue Star Highway in downtown Saugatuck. The area also boasts many gay hangouts and bars including Zing, known for being decorated entirely in tiger stripes) and Salt of the Earth which is a restaurant that serves food foraged from the local meadows and forests.
Saugatuck, Michigan is a gay paradise but it is not that cheap to buy a home here. The average listing price for homes for sale in Saugatuck was $520,939 for the week ending May 8, 2013, which represents an increase of 18.67% compared to the week of May 1, 2013. The average price per square foot for properties here is $131. As of May 15, 2013 there was 245 resale and new homes for sale of which thirteen where short-sales or in foreclosure. As the seasons change so do housing prices in resort towns like Saugatuck, Michigan so be sure to get the latest statistics about the area from a local gay realtor.
Saugatuck is not very large so it basically consists of two neighborhoods: the Saugatuck Shores and the Saugatuck Gault neighborhood. The pastoral Gault area is a historical neighborhood close to the riverfront and many charming walks. Saugatuck Ss, Saugatuckhores is located in the southeastern most part of the city and feature more affordable beachfront shingle-style homes. This is the part of town that is known as a boater’s paradise.
To help you sort out which is the best area of Saugatuck for you to live in it is best to consult with a gay realtor who resides in Saugatuck or in the area of Westport in general so you can find the home you can afford. You can also find additional information about the “Art Coast of Michigan” by perusing http://www.saugatuck.com/index.asp
