Which Harbor Country town is right for us: New Buffalo vs Union Pier vs Lakeside vs Sawyer vs Three Oaks?

Which Harbor Country town is right for us: New Buffalo vs Union Pier vs Lakeside vs Sawyer vs Three Oaks?

Pick the town based on how you actually live, not how you vacation for two days. Each one optimizes for a different buyer persona.

New Buffalo

• Best for: walkability, harbor/dining energy, and frequent Chicago-weekend usage.

• Edge: Amtrak Wolverine stops in New Buffalo, which is a legit convenience factor.

Union Pier

• Best for: classic beach-community feel, quieter luxury, strong “second-home identity.”

• Edge: premium pockets + high-end inventory; lifestyle-forward buyers.

Lakeside

• Best for: family-friendly summer rhythm, charming vibe, close to dunes and easy beach days.

• Edge: tends to feel “relax-first,” not “party-first.”

Sawyer

• Best for: artsy/foodie/outdoors blend, a little more land, a little less pretense.

• Edge: great for buyers who want Michigan character + room to breathe.

Three Oaks

• Best for: culture + space + value relative to immediate lake towns.

• Tradeoff: not a “walk to the beach” daily life—more “live here, lake there.”