As part of the Detroit Free Press’ ongoing series exploring Michigan communities, we are visiting New Baltimore, a northern Macomb County waterfront community on Anchor Bay and Lake St. Clair known for its walkable downtown, small-town charm and Michigan’s tallest flagpole.
Once known as a seasonal cottage community, New Baltimore has evolved into one of northern Macomb County’s premier waterfront destinations while maintaining its nautical character and close-knit feel.
“If you want a waterfront experience with a beach, boat docking, great parks within walking distance of downtown for shopping and some of the best bar restaurants in the county that incorporates a social district, come visit New Baltimore,” Mayor Thomas Semaan said.
“We are a very active and vibrant waterfront community with a lot happening throughout the year with events and entertainment,” Semaan said. He added that New Baltimore operates its own water and wastewater treatment plants, as well as its own police and fire departments.
Appeal: New Baltimore blends the charm of a historic waterfront town with the amenities of a vibrant community along the shores of Anchor Bay on Lake St. Clair. Overlooking the waterfront at Walter & Mary Burke Park is Michigan’s tallest flagpole, a 160-foot landmark that has become a symbol of the city. Its welcoming small-town atmosphere is complemented by a walkable downtown filled with locally owned restaurants, cafes, boutiques and small businesses. The downtown is also home to the New Baltimore Historical Society, reflecting the city’s rich history.
Facts: Located along the northern shoreline of Lake St. Clair, New Baltimore encompasses about 4.6 square miles and has a population of approximately 12,084. The community was incorporated as a village in 1867 and became a city in 1931. Originally settled by French trappers in the late 1700s, it evolved from a seasonal cottage community into a thriving waterfront city.
The city sits on the Macomb and St. Clair County line. It’s near Interstate 94 and is about a 45-minute drive from downtown Detroit. For more information, go to cityofnewbaltimore.com. U.S.Census
Development and growth: According to Semaan, three residential and three commercial developments are in various stages of planning and construction. Residential projects include the Willow Creek subdivision, where roads are being installed, the future redevelopment of the former Cedar Glen Golf Course into a high-end residential community, and a mixed-use downtown development featuring a three-story building.
Commercial plans include new restaurants in the downtown district. Construction is also expected to begin this fall on a marina improvement project that will add new boat slips along the waterfront.
Community events
Recreation: The city has five parks, including Walter & Mary Burke Park, a destination waterfront park featuring a public beach, a 190-foot fishing pier, canoe and kayak launch, boardwalk, playgrounds, picnic areas and scenic views of Anchor Bay. Other parks offer ball fields, basketball courts, a skate park, a sledding hill and additional recreational amenities.
Homes: Housing ranges from preserved Victorian-era homes and renovated cottages near downtown to newer subdivisions, custom-built homes and upscale lakefront residences. Many former cottages have been renovated or replaced with larger homes, creating a distinctive streetscape where century-old houses stand alongside modern waterfront properties. In 2025, home sale prices ranged from $57,000 for a fixer-upper to $924,341, according to Realcomp II Ltd.
Taxes: $40.81 per $1,000 of a property’s taxable value in the Anchor Bay School District. A $202,800 (median price) house with a taxable value of $101,400 would have annual property taxes of $4,138.
Public transportation: SMART, 866-962-5515
Industries/employers: Harbor Oaks Hospital, Trans Nav, Caliber Metals, All Ways Care, Inc., International Casting Co.
Public safety: New Baltimore Police reported 11 breaking and entering reports, no robberies, 14 sexual assaults, 43 larcenies, and no homicides in 2025.
Resident insight: Lori Dolman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty has lived in the Chesterfield/New Baltimore area since 1995 and has called New Baltimore home since 2015. She and her husband, Ralph, are actively involved in the community, serving on several local boards and organizations.
“I love our small-town setting and Lake St. Clair,” Dolman said. “There’s so much to offer. My kids grew up here, moved away when they bought their first homes, and now they’ve all moved back to New Baltimore to raise their own families.”
Brendel Clark writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bclark@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Settled by French trappers, Michigan waterfront town oozes charm today
Reporting by Brendel Clark , Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Brendel Clark , Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
