Getting a second home around Traverse City

[6 lb Smallmouth]

I've been taking long family vacations around Traverse City, mostly Elk Rapids, for the last 10 years.  Our long range plan is to downsize when our kids move out and buy a second home around Traverse City.  Elk Rapids would be our first choice but many of their homes are out of our price range.  I am thinking Williamsburg or Rapid City would a nice spot which would give easy access to a bunch of different lakes but still close enough to Traverse City.  Any thoughts on the topic? 

[TheFishinPollock]

Rapid city is not where you want to be unless you are far out from the center of town. It is pretty much a dump. Lots of druggs, theft, stupid stuff occurs there. Willyburg would be a better option. Closer to state land for outdoor activities and cheaper prices on land. Elk rapids ( where I live) is turning into a california type of area. The village is horribly run with  the council making decisions based on their personal outlook and not as a collective community. The township is much better to live in. Less tax in the township, better snow removal of roads, tax money not spent on stupid little projects .  ER itself is trying to become a glenn arbor/harbor springs type of area. Lots of snootyness being tossed around. There are some places on my lake ( birch) that are at a decent price range, except for the 100 x 200 foot lot with a 2 bedroom for ,,,,,,,750000.00. ( I laughed so hard at that price i almost peed myself) ANDDDDDDDDDDD if ya move to birch lake ya get to be a lake neighbor with our current glubbner ( gag).

I would seriously look at the willimsburg area on the south side of M72.

[6 lb Smallmouth]

Thanks Matthew.  That?s exactly the type of advice I was looking for.

[TheFishinPollock]

Have you guys found anything good yet to look at???

[6 lb Smallmouth]

Have you guys found anything good yet to look at???

We are just looking at locations right now.  We are still years away from purchasing a place.  I saw a home on Zillow off of 31 south of Elk Rapids that I would jump on if we were ready.  Love the options that location would give. We are also going to look around Torch Lake as well.