Thinking about a quieter base near Sleeping Bear Dunes with lakes, trails, and a true small‑town feel? If you want easy access to outdoor adventure without giving up essential services, Honor might fit your lifestyle. In this guide, you’ll learn what daily life looks like, where you’ll shop and see a doctor, how commutes work, what to expect from the housing market, and the key checks to make before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Location and feel
Honor sits in central Benzie County near Platte Lake and the Platte River, just a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You’ll find a close‑knit village measured in the low hundreds, with a mix of year‑round residents and seasonal visitors. The county has a rural, resort‑area rhythm tied to the lakes and dunes. Many residents value the clean water, dark skies, and a slower pace.
Daily essentials
You can expect small, locally owned shops, cafes, and seasonal businesses in and around the village. For bigger grocery runs or specialty shopping, you’ll drive to larger hubs in the region. Primary care and outpatient services are available in nearby communities. For hospital care or specialists, you will likely travel to Traverse City, which serves as the regional medical hub.
Getting around
Most people get around by car. Commutes to jobs and services in Traverse City are commonly under an hour to an hour plus, depending on your exact location, weather, and the season. Public transit is limited to county or regional dial‑a‑ride services, and it is not a substitute for a personal vehicle. Winter road conditions and snow removal are important considerations, especially on private or unpaved roads.
Schools and education
Public school assignments in Benzie County depend on district boundaries, which can vary by street and township. You will find a combination of public district schools, private or parochial options, and regional vocational or technical programs. Always confirm the assigned district, bussing, and policies for a specific property through district websites and the Michigan Department of Education. Keep in mind that school performance data should be checked at the source to ensure accuracy.
Internet and utilities
Many properties in and around Honor use private wells and septic systems. During due diligence, request well logs, water tests, and septic inspection records, and confirm the age and location of the system and drain field. Broadband and cell coverage can be strong in some blocks and inconsistent in others. Recent investments have improved rural access in parts of Michigan, but you should still check provider maps and run on‑site speed tests at the address.
Housing and market
Housing options include year‑round single‑family homes, historic cottages, newer cabins, and seasonal lake places. Waterfront and near‑water properties tend to command price premiums, especially along Platte Lake, the Platte River corridor, and near Lake Michigan access. Multi‑family rentals exist but are limited compared with urban areas. Inventory and activity often follow a seasonal pattern, with more listings and showings from late spring through early fall.
Property taxes vary by township, school district, and county millages. Before you write an offer, review parcel tax history with the county assessor and compare recent sales for a data‑driven view of value.
Short‑term rentals
Short‑term rentals are popular in tourist regions like Benzie County. Local townships may require registration or licensing, and some areas regulate or limit STRs. Always review township codes and any HOA covenants before you purchase if rental income is part of your plan. Rules can change over time, so confirm the current ordinance with the township clerk.
Outdoor recreation
Outdoor access is a major draw. You can boat, kayak, and fish on Platte Lake and along the Platte River. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is nearby for hiking, beaches, scenic overlooks, and quiet trail time. Wider Benzie County offers mountain biking, hunting, snowmobiling, cross‑country skiing, and birding. Crystal Lake and the Lake Michigan shoreline add even more options for days on the water.
Seasons and community
Honor has a seasonal rhythm. Summer brings visitors, busier roads, and longer hours at restaurants and shops. Winter is quieter, with a focus on snow‑ready homes and vehicles, and planning around shorter business hours. Community life centers on local events, farmers markets, and civic organizations, with volunteerism playing a big role in keeping small‑town life thriving.
Buyer checklist
Use this quick list to guide your due diligence:
- Water and septic: Request well water quality and flow tests, septic inspection, and maintenance records. Confirm drain field location.
- Environmental factors: Check FEMA flood maps, shoreline setbacks, erosion guidance, and riparian rights if you are near a lake or river.
- Zoning and permits: Confirm township zoning, short‑term rental rules, and building permit history. Review any subdivision or HOA covenants.
- Access and winter readiness: Verify whether roads are public or private, who handles snow removal, and year‑round accessibility.
- Taxes and comps: Review parcel tax history with the county assessor and compare recent local sales.
- Schools: Confirm school district assignment, bussing, and policies through district and state education sources.
- Connectivity: Check broadband provider maps and run speed tests on site. Test cellular reception at different times of day.
- Insurance and utilities: Ask for 12‑month utility bills if available and confirm insurance needs, including flood insurance if applicable.
Is Honor right for you?
If you want a low‑key village near lakes and dunes, and you are comfortable driving to larger hubs for hospitals and big‑box shopping, Honor can be a strong fit. You get everyday essentials close by, a rich outdoor life, and a housing mix that ranges from historic cottages to newer cabins and year‑round homes. Pair that with thoughtful due diligence on wells, septic, winter access, and local rules, and you can buy with confidence.
When you are ready to explore homes, compare neighborhoods, or confirm township rules, reach out to Team Shimek for local guidance, buyer and seller representation, relocation support, and referrals for property management resources.
FAQs
How long is the commute from Honor to Traverse City?
- Typical drive times can range from under an hour to an hour plus, and they vary with weather, road conditions, and peak tourist traffic.
What should I know about wells and septic in Honor?
- Many homes rely on private wells and septic systems, so you should request water testing, confirm well logs, and order a professional septic inspection with records.
Are short‑term rentals allowed in Benzie County?
- Rules depend on the township and sometimes on HOA covenants, so always verify registration or licensing requirements and any limits before buying.
Where do Honor residents go for hospital care?
- Primary care is available in nearby communities, while Traverse City serves as the regional hub for hospital and specialist services.
What kinds of homes are common in Honor?
- You will find single‑family homes, historic and seasonal cottages, and newer cabins, with limited multi‑family options and higher premiums near water.
How reliable is internet service in rural parts of Honor?
- Coverage varies by provider and parcel, so check provider maps and run on‑site speed tests to confirm service levels at the exact address.
