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South Haven

A charming lakeside town where natural beauty, history, and local culture come together.

Property Listings

For Sale
MLS® 24048950

$5,500,000

500 Blue Star Highway, 21 Acres, South Haven, MI 49090
Pending
MLS® 25045186

$2,950,000

56 North Shore Drive, South Haven, MI 49090
8 Beds 7 Baths 7,159 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 25049611

$2,400,000

57 North Shore Drive, South Haven, MI 49090
5 Beds 4 Baths 2,976 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 25046262

$2,350,000

78 Esplanade Place, South Haven, MI 49090
3 Beds 3 Baths 2,138 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 25048812

$2,295,000

30 Lake Shore Drive, South Haven, MI 49090
6 Beds 3 Baths 2,301 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 25048685

$1,980,000

76757 Wood Crest Court, South Haven, MI 49090
5 Beds 3 Baths 3,494 Sq.Ft.
Search Homes

Welcome to South Haven

Discover South Haven: Lake Michigan Living at Its Best

South Haven is a charming lakeside town where natural beauty, history, and local culture come together. Whether you’re looking to spend the day at the beach, explore fun attractions, or enjoy great food and family activities, South Haven has something for everyone—and this is just a glimpse of what’s here.
 

Downtown: Food, Fun & Waterfront

Downtown South Haven is the heart of the community, full of boutique shops, restaurants, and activities along the Black River. It’s lively year-round, but especially in the summer when locals and visitors flock here to enjoy the waterfront, events, and shopping.
Dining & Drinks
 
  • Taste – Small Plates & Martini Bar: Creative small plates and inventive martinis
  • Black River Tavern: Lunch, dinner, or cocktails with views of the harbor and lighthouse
  • Cafe Julia: Cozy spot for breakfast, coffee, and pastries
  • Captain Lou's: Family-friendly American fare with a local touch
  • Harbor Light Brewing: Local brewery with a rotating beer selection
  • South Haven Brewpub: Casual dining and craft beers
  • Maria's Taste of Italy: Homemade Italian classics

Sweet Treats & Specialty Shops

  • Blueberry Store: Gifts, treats, and everything blueberry
  • Sweet Haven: Dessert shop with local favorites
  • Haven Market: Gourmet groceries and local products
  • The Mitten: Souvenirs, Michigan-themed gifts, and unique finds
  • Eagle Street Market: Specialty foods and artisanal products

Entertainment & Shopping

  • Rocket Arcade: Video games and interactive fun
  • Movie Theater: Classic small-town cinema
  • Friends Good Will Splashpad: Kids can cool off on a sunny day
  • South Haven Farmers Market: Open weekly during summer, featuring local produce, crafts, baked goods, and more
  • Downtown also has boutiques, galleries, and walking paths along the river

On the Water

  • Friends Good Will Ship: Historic tall ship tours
  • Cruisin’ Tikis South Haven: Rent a floating tiki bar boat
  • Boat & Kayak Rentals: Explore the river or lake
  • Scooter Rentals: Zip around town like a local in summer
  • Riverfront Park: A scenic spot to relax, picnic, and enjoy views of the Black River
There’s even more to discover downtown—this is just a sampling!
 

North Side: Beaches and Relaxation

The North Side is perfect for calm, scenic beaches and family-friendly spaces.
 
  • Stanley Johnston Park: Playground, basketball court, picnic areas, shaded spots, and restrooms
  • North Beach: Popular, with restrooms, concessions, playground, pier, beach volleyball, and ADA access
  • Other Public Beach Access Points: Scattered along the North Side, giving plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, or quiet walks
There are many more beach access points and hidden spots to explore on the North Side!
 

South Side: Family Fun & Recreation

South of the Black River and mostly west of Broadway Street, the South Side offers beaches, trails, and family-friendly attractions.
 
  • South Beach: Lively beach area with plenty of space to relax
  • Blue Stairs Beach Access: Easy access to Lake Michigan for swimming and sunbathing
  • Kid's Corner Playground: Recently updated playground, popular with families
  • Van Buren Trail: Scenic walking and biking trail perfect for outdoor adventures
And the South Side has many more activities and hidden gems to enjoy.
 

South Haven Area: Thrills, Tastes & Lakeside Fun

Just a short drive from downtown, the South Haven Area is packed with adventure, flavor, and family-friendly activities.
Thrills & Adventure
 
  • Lake Arvesta Farms: A high-energy recreation hub with massive floating obstacle courses, giant water slides, wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, disc golf, and more—fun for all ages
  • Lakeside Social: Bowling alley, mini putt-putt, and full-service dining

Eats & Treats

  • The Lodge South Haven: Scratch-made comfort food from Genuine Broaster Chicken to Smash Burgers
  • Sherman's Dairy: Classic ice cream and treats
  • Three Blondes Brewing: Local brewery offering craft beers in a welcoming space

Arts & Culture

  • South Haven Center for the Arts: Rotating art exhibitions in a historic Carnegie Library
  • Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum: Explore the life and legacy of this influential figure in agriculture and stroll through beautiful gardens

Nature & Outdoors

  • Van Buren State Park: Expansive sandy beach, towering dunes, picnic areas, and trails
  • Pilgrim Haven Preserve: Beach access and scenic views for a quiet day outdoors
  • Skate Park & Disc Golf: A lively spot for skateboarding, BMX, and enjoying a round of disc golf
  • Black River Park & Boat Launch: Launch your boat or kayak on the Black River and enjoy riverfront walking paths and picnic areas

Annual Events

From the Blueberry Festival in August to the Ice Breaker Festival in February, South Haven hosts events year-round. Enjoy live music, food vendors, ice sculptures, and fireworks. Other highlights include HarborFest, Light Up the Lake (4th of July), National Blueberry Festival, and the New Year's Eve Celebration with the iconic beach ball drop downtown. There's always something happening here—and many more events beyond what's listed!
 

Overview for South Haven, MI

13,562 people live in South Haven, where the median age is 52 and the average individual income is $40,779. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

13,562

Total Population

52 years

Median Age

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$40,779

Average individual Income

Around South Haven, MI

There's plenty to do around South Haven, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

27
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Sweet Haven, New Holland Brewing, and Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Sweet Haven Logo
Dining 2.94 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
New Holland Brewing Logo
Dining 2.86 miles 8 reviews 4.9/5 stars
Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate Logo
Dining 1.16 miles 11 reviews 4.7/5 stars
Hello Books Logo
Shopping 3 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Emma's Boutique Logo
Shopping 2.9 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Renaissance & Papyrus Logo
Shopping 2.86 miles 8 reviews 4.9/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for South Haven, MI

Population Households Employment

South Haven has 5,866 households, with an average household size of 2.28. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in South Haven do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 13,562 people call South Haven home. The population density is 173.25 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

13,562

Total Population

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

52

Median Age

48.02 / 51.98%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
5,866

Total Households

2.28

Average Household Size

$40,779

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in South Haven, MI

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby South Haven. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
South Haven

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Work With Amy

Put her deep local roots and real estate expertise to work for you. Amy provides invaluable insight into the South Haven community, guiding her clients to make informed and confident decisions. Connect with her for authentic, personalized service.

Let's Connect

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Contact Details

Amy O'Sullivan

Phone

(269) 214-1257

Email

[email protected]

Address

513 Broadway St South Haven MI 49090

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