Pros and Cons Of Living In Novi Michigan

By Andrew McManamonPlaces To Live In Michigan October 15, 2025

If you’re considering moving to Novi, Michigan, buckle up—because this city is one of Metro Detroit’s best blends of suburban comfort, convenience, and opportunity. From its unbeatable location near the expressways to the endless things to do, Novi has quickly become one of Southeast Michigan’s most sought-after places to live. But, like anywhere, it’s not without a few quirks (and a few too many chain restaurants, depending on who you ask).

Let’s dive into what life in Novi, Michigan is really like—the good, the bad, and the “I sat through Twelve Oaks Mall traffic again” moments.

Where Is Novi, Michigan?

Novi sits in southwestern Oakland County, roughly 8 miles northwest of Detroit and 16 miles northeast of Ann Arbor—right where I-96, I-696, and I-275 all collide. Translation: it’s one of the most convenient cities in Southeast Michigan for commuters, with direct access to everywhere from downtown Detroit to Brighton, Farmington Hills, and Northville.

The city spans just over 31 square miles and is home to around 66,000 residents, giving it a true “city-suburb” vibe—large enough to have everything you need, but small enough that you’ll still bump into someone you know at the coffee shop.

The Perks of Living in Novi

Prime Location

You don’t need to be a geography buff to appreciate Novi’s location. Its proximity to major highways makes it one of the most commuter-friendly cities in the state. Whether you’re headed to a job in Detroit, meeting friends in Ann Arbor, or making a Target run to Northville, you’re never far from where you need to be.

Plus, Novi borders some of the area’s most desirable communities—Northville, Walled Lake, South Lyon, and Farmington Hills—each adding its own flavor to the surrounding area.

Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Galore

If there’s one thing Novi doesn’t lack, it’s options. Twelve Oaks Mall anchors the retail scene with over 180 stores, from Apple to Nordstrom. If shopping isn’t your cardio, there’s also the Suburban Collection Showplace, Michigan’s largest privately-owned exposition and event center. At 460,000 square feet on 55 acres, it hosts everything from home shows and auto expos to concerts and conventions.

Feeling competitive? Novi has you covered with Topgolf, bowling, go-karts, escape rooms, and even an indoor golf simulator scene for those brutal Michigan winters. And yes—there’s a reason your GPS keeps routing you through Novi every weekend.

Novi, MI | Sedona Taphouse

Top-Ranked Schools

Families move to Novi for the schools, plain and simple. Novi Community School District consistently ranks among the best in Michigan—coming in at #8 out of 619 districts statewide, according to Niche.com. The schools are known for academic rigor, diversity, and strong extracurricular programs, which makes Novi a magnet for parents prioritizing education.

Nearby, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and Northville Public Schools also serve portions of the community, expanding options for families depending on where you live.

Novi High School Fitness Center - TMP Architecture

Strong Economy and Job Market

Novi isn’t just a residential hub—it’s also a thriving business center. The city ranks high among Oakland County’s top communities for technology, research, and service companies. You’ll find employers like ZF Group, Lineage Logistics, Ryder, and Cooper Standard, along with countless smaller firms in logistics, healthcare, and engineering.

The average household income here hovers around $98,000, compared to the national average of about $62,000—a clear indicator of Novi’s upward economic mobility.

Safe and Well-Maintained

Novi consistently ranks among the safest cities in Michigan, according to SafeWise and NeighborhoodScout. City officials prioritize community infrastructure, and it shows—from well-kept roads and parks to strong police and fire departments. It’s a city that looks like it’s been planned with care (because it has been).

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The Drawbacks of Living in Novi

High Home Prices

Let’s get the elephant out of the room—living in Novi isn’t cheap. The average home price hovers around $420,000, though listings range anywhere from the high $300s to low $500s depending on the neighborhood. Novi’s desirability, schools, and accessibility keep demand high, which means you’ll be competing for homes—especially newer builds.

Renters can expect prices well above the Michigan average too, with one-bedroom apartments often exceeding $1,500/month.

Traffic and Crowds

With all its shopping centers, restaurants, and expressway access, Novi draws in visitors from all over Metro Detroit—especially on weekends. Expect congestion near Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi Road, and Grand River Avenue. It’s not quite Detroit-level gridlock, but it’s enough to make you rethink that quick coffee run at 5 p.m. on a Saturday.

Novi.org - Traffic

Chain Central

If you love supporting local mom-and-pop shops, Novi might test your patience. While you’ll find a few gems tucked away (like Joe’s Produce Gourmet Market or Thai Fresh), much of Novi’s food scene is dominated by national chains and large retail centers. It’s convenient, sure, but it can feel a bit impersonal compared to neighboring communities like Northville or South Lyon, which still hold onto that small-town charm.

Lifestyle & Community Feel

Despite its retail-heavy landscape, Novi has plenty of parks, lakes, and trails that balance out the urban vibe. Residents enjoy easy access to Lakeshore Park, Walled Lake, and Ella Mae Power Park, as well as community events like Novi Pet Expo, Fine Art Fair, and Michigan State Fair (yes, it’s held right here at the Suburban Collection Showplace).

The atmosphere is family-oriented but diverse—Novi has a strong international community and a wide age range, making it feel dynamic yet welcoming.

Should You Move to Novi, Michigan?

If you want the best of suburban living with world-class amenities and access to top schools, Novi delivers. It’s clean, safe, growing fast, and sits in the heart of everything. But with great convenience comes high cost—and a bit of weekend traffic chaos. Still, if you value quality of life and don’t mind paying a little extra for it, Novi easily ranks as one of the best places to live in Metro Detroit.

FAQs About Living in Novi, Michigan

1. Is Novi, Michigan a good place to live?
Absolutely. Novi combines top-rated schools, strong job opportunities, and plenty of amenities, making it one of Michigan’s most desirable suburbs.
2. What is the cost of living in Novi, MI?
Novi’s cost of living is roughly 15–20% higher than the Michigan average, mainly due to housing prices and property taxes.
3. How are Novi schools rated?
Novi Community Schools are ranked #8 in Michigan and frequently receive “A+” grades for academics and college readiness.
4. What are home prices like in Novi?
Expect median prices around $420,000, with a mix of newer subdivisions and established neighborhoods.
5. What is there to do in Novi?
Shop at Twelve Oaks Mall, attend events at Suburban Collection Showplace, enjoy parks like Lakeshore and Ella Mae Power, or hit local restaurants.
6. How far is Novi from Detroit and Ann Arbor?
It’s about 25–30 minutes from Detroit and 20–25 minutes from Ann Arbor—depending on traffic, of course.
7. What kind of jobs are in Novi?
Tech, logistics, healthcare, and professional services dominate. Novi also benefits from its location within the Oakland County business corridor.
8. Is Novi a safe city?
Yes, Novi consistently ranks as one of Michigan’s safest cities, with low crime rates and well-staffed emergency services.
9. Does Novi have a downtown area?
Not exactly—its activity centers around Twelve Oaks and Novi Road, but nearby Downtown Northville offers that walkable “Main Street” feel.
10. What are property taxes like in Novi, MI?
Property tax rates average around 2.4%, slightly above the state average but reflective of high home values and excellent public services.

Thinking About Moving to Novi, Michigan?

If you’re considering relocating to Novi—or anywhere in Michigan—reach out anytime. I help people move to, from, and within the state every day, and I’d love to help you find the perfect place to call home.

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