Question 1

Is 49686 a safe area?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 49686 in Traverse City has a crime score of 50/100, which is roughly average for the region. Reported incidents per 1,000 residents track close to the Traverse City city median. Both violent and property crime fall within the expected range for an urban ZIP code. Reviewing the Full Crime Report for 49686 and checking the local police department's crime mapping tool for current incident patterns before making decisions is recommended.

Question 2

What are the best schools near 49686?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 49686 has a school score of 100/100, based on NCES EdFacts math and reading proficiency data for public schools in and near ZIP 49686. Schools in this area perform significantly above state averages — proficiency rates consistently outpace both the city and national benchmarks. For families prioritizing public school quality, 49686 ranks among the stronger ZIP codes in Traverse City. Scores reflect SY 2020-21 EdFacts assessment data; individual school performance may vary, and reviewing each school's most recent state report card is recommended.

Question 3

What is the average home price in 49686?

Accepted Answer

The median home sale price in 49686 is approximately $400K, based on recent Zillow Research ZHVI data. This places 49686 near the metro median for comparable neighborhoods. Median rent in 49686 is available in the Full Market Report. Prices fluctuate with market conditions; Zillow data reflects trailing sale prices, not current listing prices.

Question 4

Is 49686 a good place to live?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 49686 has an overall NeighborScore of 64/100, placing it in the moderate range for Traverse City. The score combines crime rate (40% weight), school quality (35%), and relative property value (25%), each normalized to the metro area. At 64/100, 49686 scores similarly to the middle tier of Traverse City neighborhoods — neither among the strongest nor the weakest performers. Individual priorities (commute, school age, budget) should guide how much weight you give this composite vs. the component scores.

Traverse City — ZIP 49686

Real Estate Snapshot

Crime Overview

Nearby Schools

Demographics

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Neighborhoods

School	Grades	Students	Math ↓	Reading
Grand Traverse Academy	PK–12	—	—	—
Old Mission Peninsula School	KG–06	—	—	—
Eastern Elementary School	PK–05	—	—	—
Central High School	08–12	—	—	—
Traverse Heights Elem School	PK–05	—	—	—