Have you ever wondered where everyone is moving in Metro Detroit and southeast Michigan? It might feel like certain suburbs are absorbing all the growth while other areas stay quiet. People are gravitating toward specific pockets of the region for very real reasons—jobs, schools, affordability, lifestyle, and access—and some of these hot spots might surprise you.

In this guide, we’ll break down which Metro Detroit cities and townships are seeing the most growth, why people are choosing them, and what it could mean for your own home search in Michigan.

Novi, Michigan: From Sleepy Suburb to Oakland County Powerhouse

Once considered a quieter, under-the-radar suburb, Novi has grown into one of Oakland County’s most in-demand cities. Over the last decade, Novi has seen roughly 23% population growth, fueled by:

• Highly rated public schools (according to sites like Niche and GreatSchools)
• Easy access to I-96, I-275, and M-5
• Major employment corridors between Detroit and Ann Arbor
• Shopping and dining destinations like Twelve Oaks Mall and Fountain Walk

With new subdivisions and neighborhoods continuing to pop up, Novi has become a go-to option for people who want suburban convenience, strong school options, and a central location that makes commuting across Metro Detroit easier.

Homes here tend to sit above the regional median, and competition can be strong—but many buyers see it as a long-term play in one of the area’s most established, growth-oriented communities.

Dearborn, Michigan: Historic Roots, Strong Identity, and Steady Growth

Dearborn blends history, culture, and economic opportunity in a way few cities do. It’s home to:

• Ford Motor Company and major engineering, tech, and manufacturing jobs
• The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village
• A nationally recognized food scene, especially along Warren Avenue and Schaefer

From 2010 to 2020, Dearborn’s population grew by nearly 12%, now topping 110,000 residents. The city features a mix of:

• Historic neighborhoods with classic architecture
• Newer residential development
• Walkable commercial corridors

Dearborn attracts a wide range of residents—professionals, students, long-time locals, and newcomers—who value community, access to jobs, and amenities without giving up character and neighborhood identity.

Macomb Township, Michigan: New Construction and Room to Grow

If there’s a poster child for “quietly exploding” suburbs, it’s Macomb Township.

Over the past decade, Macomb Township added over 12,000 residents, making it one of the largest numeric population gains in the entire state. With roughly a 15%+ jump, it has become a magnet for people who want:

• New construction homes (colonials, ranches, and subdivisions with modern layouts)
• Larger lots compared to inner-ring suburbs
• Access to Chippewa Valley and L’Anse Creuse school districts, among others
• A more suburban, residential environment with newer retail and services

A lot of buyers end up here after “driving until they qualify” for the square footage, yard space, and features they want—without paying inner-Oakland or Ann Arbor-level prices.

Lyon Township, Michigan: One of the Fastest-Growing Places in Oakland County

Lyon Township is one of the standout growth stories in Oakland County.

Over the last decade, Lyon Township’s population climbed by nearly 60%, jumping from around 14,500 residents to over 23,000. That’s not just steady growth—that’s a surge.

Why are so many people choosing Lyon Township?

• Access to South Lyon Community Schools, which receive strong ratings on sites like Niche
• A high volume of new subdivisions and luxury homes, often starting in the mid-to-upper price ranges
• Proximity to South Lyon, Novi, Brighton, and I-96
• A blend of suburban living and open space

Lyon Township has led the region in new housing permits in recent years, showing just how strong demand has become. If you’re looking for newer construction and a “growing with the community” feel, this is one of the top spots in southeast Michigan.

Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti: High Demand, Higher Prices, and Spillover Growth

Ann Arbor remains one of the most sought-after cities in Michigan, thanks to:

• University of Michigan and its large healthcare, education, and research footprint
• A strong tech and startup presence
• Walkable neighborhoods, local businesses, and a well-established arts and dining scene

Ann Arbor added roughly 7–8% population over the last decade—moderate but very stable growth considering its already high base. The trade-off? A high cost of living and median home prices above $450,000 in many areas.

As a result, neighboring Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township have seen increased demand from buyers and renters who want:

• Character and culture similar to Ann Arbor
• Access to job centers in Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit
• More approachable price points and housing options

Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti together form one of the most active housing corridors in southeast Michigan.

Hamtramck, Michigan: Big Growth in a Small, Densely Packed City

At just about two square miles, Hamtramck is one of the smallest cities in Michigan—but also one of the densest.

Over the last decade, Hamtramck’s population rose from about 22,000 to 28,000, nearly a 30% increase. The city is known for:

• A highly walkable street grid
• A mix of historic housing stock and small multifamily properties
• A uniquely diverse community, with residents from many cultural and national backgrounds
• A vibrant local business scene, with coffee houses, bakeries, markets, and restaurants packed into a compact footprint

Hamtramck’s growth is often viewed as a sign of neighborhood stability and renewed interest in close-in communities near Detroit that still offer relative affordability and strong cultural identity.

Detroit, Michigan: A Slow but Meaningful Population Turnaround

For the first time since the 1950s, Detroit has seen early signs of population growth. Between 2022 and 2023, the city gained just under 2,000 residents—a modest number, but symbolically important after decades of decline.

A few key drivers include:

• Ongoing revitalization in Downtown and Midtown
• Major projects like the Michigan Central innovation campus in Corktown
• Increased interest in urban living with access to restaurants, arenas, entertainment venues, and riverfront spaces

Detroit home prices have risen significantly in percentage terms since 2020, even though many neighborhoods remain more affordable than suburban counterparts. For buyers interested in city living, walkability, and long-term potential, Detroit is officially back on the radar.

Canton Township, Troy, Dearborn Heights & Other Consistent Favorites

Several other southeast Michigan communities have been steadily attracting people for years:

• Canton Township
  • Nearly 100,000 residents
  • Around 9–10% population growth over the last decade
  • Convenient location between Detroit and Ann Arbor
  • Known for newer subdivisions, parks, and a strong commercial corridor (yes, including IKEA)
• Troy
  • A major office and employment hub
  • Well-established commercial corridors like Big Beaver Road
  • Highly rated schools and consistent resale activity
• Dearborn Heights
  • Notable population increase in the 10–12% range
  • Proximity to Dearborn, Detroit, and major employment centers
  • More approachable housing costs than some neighboring cities

These areas don’t always get the same headlines as Novi or Ann Arbor, but they continue to attract buyers who value location, schools, amenities, and relative affordability.

The “Sleeper” Suburbs: Westland, St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe & Downriver

Not everyone wants (or needs) to be in the highest-priced suburbs. During and after the pandemic, many buyers realized they needed more space, a yard, or a home office—without doubling their budget. That’s where some of the under-the-radar, more affordable cities came into play:

• Westland
• St. Clair Shores
• Eastpointe
• Downriver communities like Southgate and Allen Park

These areas have been popular with:

• First-time homebuyers
• Young professionals
• Households seeking homes under $250,000 (depending on the area and condition)
• People who still want manageable commutes to bigger job centers

They may not always show up on “Top 10 Best Places to Live” lists, but they routinely show up on accepted offer reports—and that matters more when you’re actually trying to buy.

Why People Are Moving: The Real Drivers Behind Southeast Michigan Migration

When you look across Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan, a few themes explain why certain cities and townships are booming:

• Jobs & Economic Opportunity
  Proximity to automotive, healthcare, education, tech, logistics, and professional services is a huge factor.
• Affordability & Value
  Many buyers are balancing price, size, and location. A $300K budget looks very different in Novi versus Macomb Township versus Westland.
• Schools (by the Numbers)
  Rather than vague phrases, many people rely on third-party rating sites and district performance data to guide decisions.
• Lifestyle & Amenities
  Access to parks, trails, downtowns, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment is a major quality-of-life factor.
• Space & New Construction
  Post-pandemic, more buyers want home offices, finished basements, and yards—driving interest in places with active new construction.

If you’re buying, you’re likely wondering how to compete in these high-demand pockets. If you’re selling, you might be trying to figure out where you can move without feeling like you’re taking a step backward.

FAQs About Moving in Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan

Which city in Metro Detroit is growing the fastest?
Growth rates vary, but townships like Lyon Township and Macomb Township have seen some of the highest percentage increases and largest numeric gains in population over the last decade, thanks largely to new construction and available land.

Is Novi, Michigan a good place to live?
Novi is often considered one of the most desirable suburbs in Oakland County, with a strong school reputation (based on third-party rankings), major shopping and dining options, and a central location for commuting. It typically comes with higher home prices and a competitive market.

Is Detroit really gaining population again?
Recent data shows small but meaningful population growth in Detroit after decades of decline, especially in and around Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, and other reinvestment areas.

Where can I still find affordable homes in Southeast Michigan?
Relative affordability can often be found in cities like Westland, Eastpointe, St. Clair Shores, and parts of Downriver (such as Southgate and Allen Park), though prices and inventory change quickly. Affordability always depends on condition, location, and current market trends.

What should I look at when comparing suburbs in Metro Detroit?
Key factors include commute routes, housing prices, property taxes, school district data, access to parks and amenities, and how well the overall lifestyle of the area matches your priorities.