Let’s start with the town that inspired this video—Northville. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to live in a Hallmark movie but with less Christmas magic and more real estate taxes,” this is the place for you. Northville is a picturesque town with a historic downtown packed with boutique shops, cozy coffee spots, and art galleries that make you feel like you stepped into a different era. My real estate office with Sotheby’s International Realty is literally right on Main Street, so I see the energy of this town firsthand every single day.Northville was officially founded in 1867, and you can still see the history in the beautifully preserved Victorian homes that line the streets. Home prices can range from a half a million dollar fixer-upper to well over a million for a fully renovated historic home. It’s one of the safest towns in Michigan, making it great for anyone looking for peace of mind. If you love community events, Northville doesn’t disappoint. Whether it’s the Victorian Festival or grabbing fresh cider at Parmenter’s Cider Mill, there’s always something happening. And here’s something not everyone knows—Northville actually has an equestrian district with riding trails and stables, so if you’ve ever wanted to live in a town where you can casually spot a horse while grabbing your morning coffee, this is it.
If Northville is the charming, quiet older sibling, then Plymouth is the one that goes out on the weekends but still has their life together. I spend a lot of time in Plymouth, and I can tell you—it’s a vibrant town with a ton of energy. The downtown scene revolves around Kellogg Park, which is surrounded by great restaurants, shops, and coffee houses, making it one of the most walkable downtowns in Michigan. And if you love winter, you’ll appreciate the Plymouth Ice Festival, which turns the city into a winter wonderland with massive ice sculptures.The schools are top-rated, and Plymouth offers an easy commute to both Ann Arbor and Detroit without feeling stuck in a big city. Home prices start around $400K for a home that might need some love, while $600K+ will get you a beautifully updated home in the heart of it all.
Milford holds a special place for me because I grew up visiting my aunt here. I’d ride my bike downtown, grab a snack at the local shops, and just take in that small-town atmosphere. It’s one of those places that isn’t always top-of-mind for people, but once you visit, you get why people love it. Milford has a historic downtown with independent shops, amazing local restaurants, and a brewery that’s always packed. What makes Milford stand out is its connection to nature. It’s home to Kensington Metropark, which spans over 4,000 acres and offers everything from hiking and biking trails to paddleboarding and even a farm center. Home prices range from $350K for an older home that might need updates to over $600K for a move-in-ready home with a lake view. And here’s something people might not know—Milford is known for its off-the-grid retreats, so if you’re looking for a place that gives you a break from city life, this is it.
Rochester is one of those places where you get the best of both worlds—small-town charm with big-city convenience. The downtown is easily one of the most beautiful in Michigan, with tree-lined streets, high-end boutiques, and an incredible food scene. The town comes alive in the winter with the Big Bright Light Show, where downtown is covered in millions of LED lights.
Housing here can be a little more expensive, with homes starting around $450K for a smaller house and moving well over $700K for larger, renovated homes. The schools are among the best in the state, and the area is home to Meadow Brook Hall, one of the most impressive historic mansions in the Midwest.
Dexter is the perfect blend of artsy, historic, and community-focused. It’s close to Ann Arbor but has its own small-town identity. The downtown area has unique bookstores, cozy coffee shops, and a riverfront park that’s perfect for weekend strolls. The real estate market here is more affordable than Ann Arbor, with homes starting in the mid-$300Ks. One thing people might not know—Dexter has some of the best locally owned breweries and cideries in Michigan.
Saline is one of those towns that doesn’t always get the same level of attention as its neighbor Ann Arbor, but for people looking for small-town charm with big conveniences, it’s a fantastic choice. This town is steeped in history, with a downtown that still reflects its early days as a key agricultural hub in Michigan. Today, the downtown area has a mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks that make it feel both welcoming and unique. The pace of life here is a little slower, which is great for people who want a relaxed, friendly community without sacrificing access to bigger cities.One of Saline’s biggest draws is its top-ranked schools, which consistently rank among the best in Michigan. This makes it a highly desirable location for families, and home values here reflect that demand. If you’re looking for a home in Saline, you can expect to find starter homes and smaller ranch-style houses in the mid-to-upper $300Ks, but if you’re in the $500K to $600K range, you’ll find beautifully updated homes with large yards and more space.
Brighton is personal for me because I grew up here, lived here, and went to school here. And I’ll tell you, there’s something special about Brighton that you don’t fully appreciate until you leave and come back. It’s one of those places where you get the best of small-town living while still having access to everything you need. The downtown area is always buzzing, with great restaurants, coffee shops, boutique shopping, and even a local brewery. What makes Brighton really stand out, though, is its connection to outdoor recreation and lake life. The town is surrounded by lakes, and if you love boating, kayaking, fishing, or just having a great view while drinking your morning coffee, this is the place for you. Brighton Recreation Area offers miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, and in the winter, Mt. Brighton transforms into one of the most popular ski resorts in Southeast Michigan. It’s also one of the few places in Metro Detroit where you can find affordable lakefront living, with homes on all-sports lakes starting in the $500K range and going well into the $800K+ range for larger, updated properties.
Before You Move to Scipio Township, Michigan: The …
Scipio Township, Michigan offers a rural Hillsdale…
Reading Township, Michigan Relocation Guide: Vibe, Housing, Amenities …
Reading Township, Michigan offers a quiet Hillsdale…
The Truth About Ransom Township, Michigan: Neighborhoods, Prices, …
Ransom Township, Michigan offers a rural Hillsdale…