Living In Canton Michigan | What You Need To Know

By Andrew McManamonPlaces To Live In Michigan

Living In Canton Michigan | What You Need To Know - So Canton Michigan has piqued your interest a little bit as a potential place to live, but you’re not sure you want to call home just yet. In this video, I’m breaking down the some crucial things you need to know about living in Canton Michigan.

Be sure to watch this video until the end to understand why you should consider Canton Michigan to be your new home!

This blog is a direct transcript from the video below. This comes in 3 versions: You are able to watch the video, read the blog for your convenience or listen to the audio experience (which is linked under the video below).

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What You Need to Know Before Moving to Canton, Michigan

As the title suggests, this guide breaks down what you should know before moving to and living in Canton, Michigan. Whether you’re relocating for work, getting closer to family, or simply looking for a change of scenery, this overview will help you decide if Canton fits what you’re looking for.

Before diving into the specifics, it’s worth stepping back and asking a broader question: what actually makes a place good to live? Most sources describe a strong city as one with a shared vision and direction, but in practical terms, it usually comes down to a few core factors — safety, access to healthcare, quality schools, solid infrastructure, and housing that makes sense for the money. Canton tends to check more of those boxes than many people expect.

Where Canton, Michigan Is Located

Canton is officially known as the Charter Township of Canton, and its location is one of its biggest advantages. It sits roughly 15 miles east of Ann Arbor, about 10–13 miles south of Novi and Northville, and approximately 30 miles west of downtown Detroit. That puts it squarely in the middle of several major job hubs and activity centers in Southeast Michigan.

Canton covers just over 36 square miles and is one of the most populous townships in the state, with a population just under 100,000 residents. That translates to a population density of roughly 2,700 people per square mile — dense enough to support strong amenities and services, but not so dense that it feels overcrowded.

Rankings, Safety, and Community Profile

Canton regularly performs well across national and regional rankings. It has been recognized among the safer communities of its size and is frequently noted for household income strength and overall livability metrics. According to Niche, Canton ranks highly within Wayne County and performs well across categories like livability, family-friendliness, and amenities compared to hundreds of other cities.

These rankings don’t tell the full story on their own, but they do reflect a pattern: Canton is a large, well-established township with strong infrastructure and consistent investment in public services.

Canton, Michigan - Wikipedia

Schools Serving Canton Township

Education is one of the biggest reasons people consider Canton. The primary district serving the area is Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, which consistently ranks near the top in Wayne County and performs well statewide across academics, athletics, and teaching environment metrics.

Canton is also served by Van Buren Public Schools and Wayne-Westland Community Schools, depending on the specific location within the township. As always, school district boundaries matter, so it’s important for buyers to verify zoning for any individual property they’re considering.

(Linked resources to school district information are included at the end of this post.)

Parks, Recreation, and Things to Do

Canton has deep agricultural roots and is often referred to as the sweet corn capital of Michigan, thanks to its local farms and long-standing farming presence. That history hasn’t held the township back — instead, it has grown into a well-rounded community with extensive recreation, retail, and entertainment options.

Ford Road serves as Canton’s primary commercial corridor, lined with shopping centers, restaurants, and everyday conveniences. Michigan Avenue has also seen increased business growth in recent years. Recreation highlights include numerous parks, walking paths, and sports facilities, as well as the Canton Sports Center and Arctic Coliseum — a well-known local ice arena.

Canton also hosts a full calendar of community events, including the Canton Farmers Market, Liberty Fest, summer concert series, Picnic in the Park events, and seasonal festivals that bring residents together throughout the year.

Transportation and Accessibility

From a transportation standpoint, Canton is exceptionally well-positioned. Major roadways include I-275, US-12 (Michigan Avenue), and M-153 (Ford Road), making commuting throughout Metro Detroit and toward Ann Arbor relatively straightforward.

The township also operates a local mobility transportation program that serves Canton and surrounding communities, providing access to nearby cities and destinations close to township borders. Canton is also home to a public airport, further adding to its regional accessibility.

Cost of Living and Housing Market

When it comes to cost of living, Canton trends slightly above the national average, largely due to housing and transportation costs. Transportation expenses in Michigan are influenced by the state’s unique auto insurance structure, which impacts the overall index.

Housing values in Canton have steadily increased over the past several years. Recent MLS data shows the median sale price climbing into the low-to-mid $300,000 range, reflecting strong demand. While housing costs are higher than the Michigan average, many buyers find that Canton offers better value relative to nearby communities — particularly when factoring in neighborhood condition, infrastructure, and long-term stability.

In practice, many buyers searching across Southeast Michigan circle back to Canton because their budget stretches further for a well-maintained home compared to other areas with similar access and amenities.

Reasons to Live in Canton, MI | Why it's a Good Place to Live

Credit:: Lombardo homes

Resident Feedback and Day-to-Day Living

Feedback from current residents frequently highlights consistent themes: access to highways, variety of housing options, strong school offerings, cultural diversity, and a well-maintained community feel. Long-term residents often describe Canton as a place that has grown with them — offering what they need without requiring them to leave the area.

While no community is perfect for everyone, Canton tends to align well with people looking for balance: space without isolation, amenities without congestion, and accessibility without constant chaos.

Canton, Michigan – Populist Cleaning Co

Is Canton, Michigan a Good Place to Live?

When you step back and look at the full picture — location, infrastructure, schools, housing, transportation, and community offerings — Canton checks most of the boxes that define a “good” place to live. It may not always get the same attention as some neighboring cities, but that’s part of what makes it one of the more underrated communities in Southeast Michigan.

Final Thoughts

What are your thoughts on Canton, Michigan? Is it somewhere you’d consider living, or have you already experienced it firsthand?

If you’re thinking about moving to Canton or nearby communities, feel free to reach out anytime. I’m always happy to help you navigate your options and decide what fits best.