Before You Move to Grosse Pointe Shores (Macomb County), Michigan: The Stuff Locals Wish You Knew

By Andrew McManamonPlaces To Live In Michigan

Introduction

Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan is one of the smallest and most distinctive communities in Macomb County. Known for its Lake St. Clair frontage and quiet residential layout, it’s a place people often research carefully before making a move. While it doesn’t have a traditional downtown or large commercial areas, it offers something many buyers value: privacy, location, and water access.

If you’re considering Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, this guide walks through what locals already know — how the city is laid out, what housing looks like, how taxes work, and what daily life realistically feels like.

Before You Move to Grosse Pointe Shores (Macomb County), Michigan: The Stuff Locals Wish You Knew

Search For All Homes For Sale

See My Home's Current Value

Where Is Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan Located?

Grosse Pointe Shores is located in southeastern Macomb County along the western shore of Lake St. Clair. According to U.S. Census Bureau geographic data, the city sits between Lake St. Clair and the City of Grosse Pointe Woods, just north of Detroit’s east side.

Nearby communities include:

Grosse Pointe Woods to the west
St. Clair Shores to the north
Detroit to the south

Access to I-94 and M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) allows residents to travel throughout Metro Detroit. Based on Michigan state GIS data, commuting into Downtown Detroit, the Grosse Pointes, or other Macomb County cities is straightforward, though most daily needs are handled outside city limits.

Cost of Living in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

The cost of living in Grosse Pointe Shores is higher than the Michigan average, largely due to housing. According to Niche.com and U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, home values in Grosse Pointe Shores are among the highest in Macomb County, driven by lakefront properties and limited housing supply.

Utilities and transportation costs are generally consistent with regional Southeast Michigan averages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. BestPlaces.net notes that while everyday expenses track closely with surrounding communities, housing significantly influences overall cost-of-living comparisons.

Exact costs vary widely depending on property location, especially for lakefront versus interior homes.

Real Estate & Housing Overview

Grosse Pointe Shores is almost entirely residential, with a housing stock that includes large estate-style homes, mid-century residences, and some historic properties. According to U.S. Census Bureau housing data, many homes were built prior to 1970, with architectural styles ranging from traditional to modern.

Typical housing characteristics include:

Large single-family homes
Oversized lots compared to nearby suburbs
Significant lakefront properties
Very limited new construction

Based on local MLS summaries and Niche.com housing data, the real estate market in Grosse Pointe Shores is driven by low inventory and infrequent turnover. New construction is rare due to limited available land, and no market outcomes should be assumed or predicted.

Property Taxes in Grosse Pointe Shores

Property taxes in Grosse Pointe Shores are calculated using Michigan’s taxable value system, which limits annual increases on principal residences, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. Millage rates are determined by local and county taxing authorities and may change based on voter-approved measures.

Because property values vary significantly, tax amounts can differ widely from one home to another. Buyers should consult the City of Grosse Pointe Shores Assessor’s Office and the Michigan Department of Treasury for current millage rates and assessment details. No tax estimates should be treated as guarantees.

Things to Do & Lifestyle

Life in Grosse Pointe Shores is quiet and residential, with much of the lifestyle centered around the lake and nearby communities. According to the City of Grosse Pointe Shores, the city maintains limited park space, with Osius Park providing lake views and passive recreation.

Lifestyle highlights include:

Lake St. Clair access and shoreline views
Nearby private and public marinas in surrounding cities
Short drives to dining and shopping in the Grosse Pointes
Close proximity to waterfront recreation managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

There are no large commercial districts or event venues within city limits, which is part of the appeal for residents seeking a low-traffic environment.

Schools & Education (Neutral Framing)

Grosse Pointe Shores is served by the Grosse Pointe Public School System. According to GreatSchools.org and Niche.com, schools are evaluated using standardized testing data, academic indicators, and community feedback.

Performance varies by school and year. Anyone researching schools should review the most current information directly from GreatSchools.org and Niche.com and confirm attendance boundaries independently.

Pros & Cons of Living in Grosse Pointe Shores

Pros

Lake St. Clair frontage and water access
Limited traffic and quiet residential streets
Proximity to Detroit and the Grosse Pointes
Larger lot sizes than many nearby communities

Cons

Higher housing costs compared to most of Macomb County
Very limited commercial amenities within the city
Minimal new construction opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

Where is Grosse Pointe Shores located?

It is located in southeastern Macomb County along Lake St. Clair, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Is Grosse Pointe Shores part of Metro Detroit?

Yes. It is included in the Detroit metropolitan area, per regional planning definitions.
Is Grosse Pointe Shores on Lake St. Clair?

Yes. The city has direct frontage on Lake St. Clair, according to Michigan DNR maps.
What types of homes are common in Grosse Pointe Shores?

Large single-family homes and estate-style properties, based on Census housing data.
Is there a downtown area?

No. Grosse Pointe Shores is primarily residential with no downtown district.
How far is Grosse Pointe Shores from Downtown Detroit?

Approximately 10–12 miles, depending on route, based on state GIS mapping.
Are there parks in Grosse Pointe Shores?

Yes, including Osius Park, according to the City of Grosse Pointe Shores.
Is new construction common?

No. New construction is limited due to lack of available land, based on MLS data.
Do residents rely on nearby cities for shopping?

Yes. Most shopping and dining are located in neighboring communities.
Are property taxes high in Grosse Pointe Shores?

Taxes vary by property value and assessment, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

To Conclude:

If you're looking to move to, from, or within the state of Michigan in one day or a million, I help people do just that and I love it as a Michigan Realtor. Please reach out anytime for help — I’m happy to be your go-to resource.