Union Pier, Michigan Real Estate

Union Pier is a small unincorporated community in Berrien County, set between the Lake Michigan shore and the Galien River about five miles north of the Indiana line. It has about 609 residents (2022 estimate), its own ZIP code, 49129, and it straddles two townships: New Buffalo to the south and Chikaming to the north, with Townline Road as the dividing line.

What Union Pier feels like

Chicagoans have summered here for more than a century. In 1914 a group of Chicago writers, including Sherwood Anderson and Ben Hecht, rented beach cottages here, and after World War II Lithuanian immigrants settled in the area. Today it's a one-stoplight stretch of Red Arrow Highway with wine tasting rooms, Seedz Brewery, Whistle Stop Grocery, Black Currant Bakehouse, Timothy's, and Red Arrow Roadhouse. The streets toward the lake, such as Gordon Beach and Gowdy Shores, are quiet and wooded, and public road-end beaches give non-lakefront owners a short walk to the water.

Buying with certainty about the asset

In Union Pier, the township line matters as much as the house. Property taxes, short-term rental rules, and beach access and parking follow the township, so we confirm which side an address is on before you write an offer. School district varies too: most homes feed New Buffalo Area Schools, and some are in River Valley. On lakefront lots we review shoreline and bluff history and any erosion-control permits. Near the Galien River we check floodplain status. Every purchase gets a full inspection and a check of well or septic versus municipal service.

For current prices, see the MLS listings on this page or our Union Pier Market Report. Planning a stay first? See Firefly Resort in Union Pier.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Union Pier, Michigan?

Union Pier is an unincorporated community in Berrien County, between the Lake Michigan shore and the Galien River, about five miles north of the Indiana line. It straddles New Buffalo and Chikaming townships, and its ZIP code is 49129.

Can you get to the beach in Union Pier?

Yes. Union Pier is known for its public road-end beaches. The Townline Road beach sits on the line between New Buffalo and Chikaming townships, and each township sets its own beach rules and parking.

Which schools serve Union Pier?

Most Union Pier children attend New Buffalo Area Schools. Some addresses fall in the River Valley School District, so confirm the district for the specific property.

What should I check before buying in Union Pier?

Confirm which township the address is in, since taxes, short-term rental rules, and beach access follow the township. Also review a full inspection, well or septic versus municipal service, and, for lakefront or river lots, shoreline history and floodplain status. Liz Roch Collection helps buyers line these up before an offer.

How do I see Union Pier homes for sale?

Browse the MLS listings on this page or call Liz Roch Collection at 312-636-8751. The office is at 2 N. Whittaker Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117.

Talk to Liz Roch Collection — 312-636-8751 · 2 N. Whittaker Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117 · lizroch.com

Compare nearby: New Buffalo · Grand Beach · Michiana · Lakeside · Three Oaks · Union Pier Market Report