Affordable & Low-Income Housing in Traverse City, MI 49686
14 affordable buildings in 49686 · 13 more within 11 mi
Traverse City, MI 49686 has 14 income-restricted buildings: 10 tax credit, 4 Section 8, and 5 senior. 13 more are listed within 11 miles. These lists don't show openings — call to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
In 49686
Grand Traverse Community Living Apartments
920 Grant St, Traverse City, MI 49686
10 units · 9 income-restricted · 2 BR · People with disabilities
Grand Traverse Area Clc
935 Barlow St, Traverse City, MI 49686
9 units · 8 income-restricted · 1 BR · People with disabilities
Village Glen Apts (Traverse City)
2937 Glen Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686
120 units · 119 income-restricted · 2–3 BR
Village at Lafranier Woods
1463 Orchard Hill Parkway, Traverse City, MI 49686
115 units · 59 income-restricted · 1–2 BR
Ruth Park
520 Wellington Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
58 units · 1–3 BR · People with disabilities · People experiencing homelessness
Annika Place
947 South Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686
53 units · 1–2 BR · People with disabilities · People experiencing homelessness
Woodmere Ridge Apts
927 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686
11 units · 1–3 BR · People with disabilities
No buildings in 49686 match this filter.
Nearby
Noble Pines
701 Chippewa St Apt 11, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
6.7 mi away
20 units · 1 BR
- Apply through Elk Rapids Housing Commission
- Residents waited about 8 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
- Most residents are 62 or older
Riverview Terrace
10208 E Carter Ctr, Traverse City, MI 49684
7.1 mi away
21 units · 2–3 BR
- Apply through Traverse City Housing Commission
- Residents waited about 5 months to move in (HUD, Oct 2026)
Chateau Heights
1835 Apartments Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684
7.7 mi away
8 units · 2 BR
- 1 vacant unit reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
Bay Hill
600 Bay Hill Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
8.3 mi away
222 units · 126 income-restricted · 1–3 BR
Bay Hill I
708 Bay Hill Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
8.3 mi away
150 units · 45 income-restricted · 1–3 BR
Hillview Terrace
601 Fetzhugh Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
8.5 mi away
125 units · 1–2 BR
- 2 vacant units reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
Tradewinds Terrace
891 Fitzhugh Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
8.6 mi away
122 units · 52 income-restricted · 1–4+ BR
Woda Boardman Lakes
2790 Boardman Lake Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
9 mi away
112 units · 1–4+ BR · People with disabilities · People experiencing homelessness
- 9 vacant units reported (Oct 2026) — call to confirm
Boardman Lake Apts II
2864 Boardman Lake Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
9 mi away
32 units
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
The Village at Bay Ridge
3848 Silver Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684
9.5 mi away
120 units · 51 income-restricted · 1–2 BR
No nearby buildings match this filter.
Rents and income limits in 49686
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,430/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $57,200/yr
- Renters in 49686 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 52%
Income limits (2026)
Grand Traverse County, MI area · median family income $113,900. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,950 | $39,900 | $63,800 |
| 2 | $27,350 | $45,600 | $72,900 |
| 3 | $30,750 | $51,300 | $82,000 |
| 4 | $34,150 | $56,950 | $91,100 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $61,550 | $98,400 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $66,100 | $105,700 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $70,650 | $113,000 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $75,200 | $120,300 |
Section 8 vouchers: up to the 50% limit, and most go to households under 30%. Public housing: up to 80%. Tax-credit apartments: usually up to 60% of median income, between the 50% and 80% columns.
Fair market rents (2027)
HUD's estimate of rent plus utilities for a modest home. Housing authorities set Section 8 voucher limits from it.
| Size | 49686 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,180 | $1,181 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,180 | $1,188 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,430 | $1,436 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,880 | $1,883 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,920 | $1,928 |
Wider area = Grand Traverse County, MI. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 4 nearby ZIPs range from $1,210 (49629) to $1,490 (49682).
Census figures for 49686 (2020–2024 average): median rent $1,227. Median household income $71,609. 27% of homes are rented. 52% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 21% pay half or more.
Census median rent is what renters here actually pay, including long-term leases. Fair market rent is HUD's estimate for a modest apartment available now.
Sources: HUD income limits FY2026; HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027 (Small Area FMR for ZIP figures); U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year 2020–2024. Each program and building can set its own limits — confirm with the property.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share
Project-based Section 8 is on the buildings above. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Your share of rent is based on income — not always 30%. The calculator uses 49686's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 49686Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Section 8 housing in Traverse City, MI 49686?
Yes — this directory lists income-restricted buildings in Traverse City, MI 49686, including project-based Section 8 apartments (the subsidy stays with the unit), public housing, tax-credit, and USDA rural rentals. Housing Choice Vouchers are different: you apply with the local housing authority and can use them at a private landlord. Estimate your voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
Do affordable housing buildings in Traverse City, MI 49686 have openings?
These lists for Traverse City, MI 49686 don't show openings. Call the property (or the housing authority, for public housing) to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
How do I apply for affordable housing in Traverse City, MI 49686?
Use the phone number on each building card in Traverse City, MI 49686. Public housing is run by the local housing authority — apply with them, not at the building. USDA rural rentals can also be found through USDA's property search.
What counts as affordable housing in Traverse City, MI 49686?
In Traverse City, MI 49686, this directory lists income-restricted rentals from HUD tax-credit (LIHTC) records, public housing, HUD-assisted buildings (including project-based Section 8, 202, and 811), and USDA Rural Development.
How many affordable housing buildings are in ZIP 49686?
This directory lists 14 income-restricted buildings in Traverse City, MI 49686. The list does not show vacancies — call each property or the housing authority to ask about openings and waiting lists.
Is there affordable housing near 49686?
Yes — this page also lists 13 income-restricted buildings in ZIP codes near Traverse City, MI 49686 (within about 11 miles). Pick a nearby ZIP to see every building there.
People Also Ask
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Traverse City, MI 49686?
Most income-restricted buildings in Traverse City, MI 49686 serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $39,900, and $56,950 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($63,800 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.
What is the income limit for low-income housing in Traverse City, MI 49686?
For many programs in Traverse City, MI 49686, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $39,900 a year for 1 person and $56,950 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $63,800 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.
How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in Traverse City, MI 49686?
There is no single waiting list for Traverse City, MI 49686. Public housing, project-based Section 8, and tax-credit buildings each keep their own list. Housing Choice Voucher lists at the housing authority open only sometimes and can stay closed for years. This directory does not show which lists are open — call the number on each card. Some public housing cards show HUD's reported wait in months.
What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing in Traverse City, MI 49686?
Public housing is owned by a housing authority — you apply with that agency, not at the building. Project-based Section 8 is a HUD contract on a private building; the subsidy stays with the apartment. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority and can use it at a landlord who takes it. This page lists project-based Section 8, tax-credit apartments in Traverse City, MI 49686. Estimate voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Traverse City, MI 49686?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Traverse City, MI 49686, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Traverse City, MI 49686 is $1,430 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.
Can I use a Section 8 voucher at affordable apartments in Traverse City, MI 49686?
A Housing Choice Voucher is not automatically accepted at every building in Traverse City, MI 49686. Project-based Section 8 units already have a subsidy on the apartment — you apply there, not with a tenant voucher. For a voucher, apply with the housing authority, then ask each landlord. Estimate your share with the Section 8 calculator.
Is there senior affordable housing in Traverse City, MI 49686?
Yes — this directory flags senior (often 62+) buildings in Traverse City, MI 49686. Use the Seniors filter on the list. Age rules vary; call to confirm.
Nearby ZIP codes
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026; HUD Public Housing Developments, Oct 2026; USDA Rural Development multifamily, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying.
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