Union Pier
To the south of Lakeside, the unique village of Union Pier has numerous inns and bed & breakfasts along Lake Michigan with beachfront access. Once a bustling shipping port for Chicago merchants and home to numerous movie and rock stars, Union Pier is now home to three world-class wineries, numerous art galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants and some of the finest beaches on Lake Michigan. Union Pier is situated in Berrien County between Lake Michigan and the Galien River, just five miles north of the Michigan-Indiana state line.
The village of Union Pier was first developed in the 1870's, when Harbor Country's major industries were timber and logging. Businessmen quickly realized that there was a massive demand for timber in Chicago on the other side of Lake Michigan, and so a 600-foot long pier was constructed. Business boomed, especially after the Chicago Fire in 1891, and massive schooners took timber across the lake to Illinois. However, demand waned after Chicago was rebuilt, and after the pier washed away, tourism replaced logging as the major industry in Union Pier and Harbor Country.
The natural beauty and recreational opportunities attracted many famous residents and visitors during the 1920's and 30's, including bank robber John Dillinger, Olympian Jesse Owens, Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak (who was ultimately assassinated) and Chicago gangster Al Capone.
Today, the heavy industry and logging are no more, and instead, the unique beauty of Union Pier attracts tourists and those looking for a peaceful, safe and beautiful area in which to live, bring up children or retire. Tranquil orchards and farmland flourish in the former logging areas, and the spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan are famous nationwide. Despite the tourism, Union Pier has retained its peaceful, unspoiled character, and is home to fewer than 750 full-time residents and less than 1000 households.
There are many wineries in and around Union Pier. Many of these offer wine-tasting, tasting of specialty foods, tours of the vineyards, pick-your-own fruit and their own restaurants and special events, offering a great day out for all the family, as well as making Union Pier the perfect base for the wine-lover. The Union Pier area is also famous for its art galleries, antique shops and malls, boutique stores and independent cafes and restaurants. The village may not offer big-city shopping, but it guarantees a unique shopping experience that's sure to please arts and antique enthusiasts.
Union Pier is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Aside from the incredible, unspoiled natural beauty, there are numerous recreational opportunities in and around the village. Lake Michigan offers some of the best fishing in the nation, with plentiful trout and perch. Alternatively, there is also great fishing on the River Galien. Numerous fishing supply stores and boat charter companies cater to your every need. Of course, the beaches are a huge advantage of Union Pier living. They are great for children, and in summer you can swim in Lake Michigan. The sand dunes are home to an abundance of plant, animal and bird life, including many rare species.
Fall brings beautiful colors as the leaves turn, and fall is a perfect time to hike along the Union Pier area's many recreational trails, or take a bike ride along the many cycle touring routes. In winter, why not try torch-lit cross country skiing, a sleigh ride or ice-skating at the numerous winter festivals in the area.
Union Pier is located in Berrien County, which has a below average cost of living, below average unemployment rate and over 16,000 acres of orchards. Over a quarter of Berrien County residents are of German heritage. Like the other towns and villages in Harbor Country, there is a high proportion of homes built before 1939, which contributes to the unique charm of the village and area.
Although Union Pier is a quiet retreat, it is just 75 minutes from Chicago, and 3 hours from Detroit, so it is still easy to take advantage of big-city shopping, entertainment and employment. Campuses of the universities of Notre Dame and Perdue are also within easy reach, providing further employment and educational opportunities. If you are looking for a safe, tranquil village, rich in natural beauty and recreational opportunities to make your home or vacation home, Union Pier could be just what you are looking for.
Area Information
Median Home Price - $152,100
Schools - Although there are no schools in Union Pier itself, the private and public schools of New Buffalo just a few miles away.
Hospitals - There are three hospitals serving the Union Pier area.
Emergency Services - There are local police, fire and ambulance services throughout the Union Pier area.
Find A Great Real Estate Deal in Union Pier Now
There are still real estate deals right now in the Union Pier area, with a nice inventory of single-family homes available. Prices range from the low 100's to the multi-millions for homes. Lake Living Realty will be glad to help you in your search for just the right home, in one of the most stunningly beautiful areas of Michigan. Call us today for an appointment to find your new home!
