Petoskey

Why Petoskey?

Live (Talent)

The community is home to a number of young professionals and retirees.

• The population of Petoskey—5,707 residents—closely resembles that of Emmet County. About half of the population is under the age of 45,  a sign of a robust workforce and family-based community. 
• With a higher than average walk score, this charming community has a suburban feel with urban qualities and energy. Home values are affordable and closely resemble the median home value of $178,300 in Emmet County. Rent in Petoskey is more affordable than the county overall and there are plenty of housing options to choose from.
• The community and surrounding region is served by the state-of-the-art McLaren Northern Michigan health care center. 
• The public school system is rated above average with a student teacher ratio of 18 to 1 and a graduation rate of 92%. The area is also home to North Central Michigan Community College and close to Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, MI. 

Work (Business)

• Much like the Northwest Michigan region, highly-skilled professionals make up the majority of the City’s population. All of whom are supporting businesses in and outside the City. Additionally, a variety of businesses support the growing and dynamic tourism and medical industries.
• About 20% of the 17,700  jobs in Emmet County are in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry. Tourism-related sectors, like Accommodation & Food Services and Retail Trade, are also strong industries, over 30% job concentration.
• The City is home to a large medical employer, McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, who is embarking on a $175 million expansion of its medical campus.
• The downtown district is a mix of multi-generational entrepreneurial business owners. The historic businesses such as Cutlers, Grandpa Shorters or Reid Furniture sync well with new business growth be it breweries and others. Home-grown, large employers such as Kilwins, American Spoon Foods and Petoskey Plastics serve as a testament to starting and successfully scaling a business in the area. 
• Proximity to two major state highways, U.S. 131 and U.S. 31 and current rail access is a key economic driver for businesses and industry growth, such as manufacturing.

Play (Community)

• As a resort community, developments such as the Bay Harbor offer fun and cultural experiences for residents and visitors. Diversity in the community?
• The Historic Gaslight Shopping District is more than 100 years old. Experience a variety of local, independent shops, boutiques and galleries. You can also lodge in town in its century-old hotel, contemporary lodgings and/or new condo hotels.
• The abundance of natural resources and scenic beauty presents a variety of recreational opportunities. Catch the great views of Traverse Bay at Bayfront Park or go fishing, and/or picnic at any of the community’s other lakefront parks. The City is Harbor Springs shopping district, Mackinac Island resort and hike in the summer, cross-country ski in the winter. Beautiful trails throughout the area are an added luxury for families seeking to walk, run or bike.
• Just outside of the City is the Great Lakes Center for the Arts. Enjoy its 527-seat theater and a host of dance, film, music ensembles and other cultural offerings year-round. You can lounge in its outdoor or rooftop patios pre or post event, or travel into the City to view an art gallery at the Crooked Tree Arts Center, or learn about the history of Petoskey at the Little Traverse Historical Museum.

The Petoskey area makes up the City of Petoskey, Bear Creek, and Resort Townships. The area has become a premier resort and coastal destination with its diverse outdoor offerings and historic charm.