Living in Howell, Michigan: Pros, Cons & What Life Is Really Like

The historic town of Howell, Michigan is one of those places that feels like it exists in its own lane — not fully suburban, not fully rural, and not trying to be anything it’s not. Located in Livingston County, Howell covers just over 5.19 square miles, was incorporated in 1863, and is home to roughly 9,600 residents.

If you’re looking for a Michigan town with history, character, and a wide range of lifestyles, Howell is absolutely worth understanding before you move.

A Quick Introduction

What’s going on everyone — Andrew McManamon here with Living in Michigan. I create videos and guides all about living in, relocating to, and understanding what life is really like across Southeast Michigan. If you find value here, I truly appreciate the support.

Now let’s break down the real pros and cons of living in Howell, Michigan.

Pros of Living in Howell, Michigan

Pro #1: A Truly Historic Downtown

Howell’s downtown is the heart and soul of the city.

There’s something about standing near the Grand River and Michigan Avenue intersection that just feels different. The historic buildings, brick storefronts, and walkable streets create a small-town atmosphere that’s becoming harder and harder to find in Michigan.

Downtown Howell is packed with local favorites like Cleary’s Pub, Aberrant Ales, M Street Baking Company, and Corratiti’s Pizzeria. That small radius of restaurants is honestly dangerous if you’ve got an appetite.

Having grown up nearby in Brighton, I can tell you firsthand — driving just a few miles into Howell feels like flipping a switch. The pace slows down, the town feels older in the best way, and everything becomes more community-focused.

Pro #2: Location & Lifestyle Flexibility

Howell offers one of the most diverse lifestyle mixes in Southeast Michigan.

You can live within walking distance of downtown — or be just minutes away on a two-lane dirt road with 10–20 acres. That flexibility is huge, and it’s one of the biggest reasons people stay in Howell long-term. As life changes, homeowners can simply move within the area instead of leaving it.

From a commuting standpoint, Howell offers easy access to I-96, M-59, and Grand River Avenue, making Brighton, Novi, Ann Arbor, and even Metro Detroit manageable drives.

Pro #3: Affordability (Especially by Today’s Standards)

Howell still offers a wide range of home prices, which is becoming increasingly rare in Michigan.

Recent sales have ranged from as low as $40,000 to well over $2.75 million. That range reflects how diverse the housing stock is — from older starter homes to luxury estates on acreage.

Key affordability metrics:

• Median household income: just over $57,122
• Median home price: around $366,000

Transportation costs tend to run higher due to car insurance and commuting, but overall Howell remains one of the more attainable markets for buyers priced out of Oakland County.

Cons of Living in Howell, Michigan

Con #1: Cell Service & Connectivity Gaps

Unless you’re firmly connected to Wi-Fi, cell service can be spotty in certain parts of Howell and the surrounding township.

There are known dead zones, especially in more rural pockets, and it’s something buyers should always test during showings. With phones handling everything from navigation to work calls, this is one of those small details that matters more long-term than people realize.

Con #2: Traffic on Grand River Avenue

If you’ve ever driven Grand River Avenue between Brighton and Howell, you already know.

Traffic can get rough during morning and evening rush hours. Depending on timing, you’ll want to budget an extra 20–30 minutes into your commute if Grand River is part of your daily route.

It’s manageable — just something to plan around.

Con #3: Limited Local Employment Options

Howell is not a major employment hub.

While there are plenty of restaurants, retail jobs, and service-based businesses, Howell doesn’t have dense office parks or major corporate headquarters like Troy, Novi, or Southfield. That’s one of the reasons household income trends lower than the state average.

That said, remote work has changed the game. Many people moving to Howell today are doing so specifically because they can work remotely and want land, space, and affordability without giving up highway access.

Personal Connection to Howell

Howell is home to Cleary University, where I attended for four years — just like my mom did back in the 1990s.

I also spent countless hours at the local ice rink (formerly Grand Oaks, now the 140 Ice Den) and plenty of time at Uptown Coffeehouse and Aberrant Ales with classmates.

From personal experience, Howell offered a refreshing change of pace from where I grew up — different people, a different atmosphere, and a strong sense of place.

Final Thoughts: Is Howell, Michigan a Good Place to Live?

Howell isn’t for everyone — and that’s exactly why it works so well for the people who choose it.

If you value historic charm, small-town atmosphere, lifestyle flexibility, and more attainable housing options, Howell is absolutely worth a serious look.

If you have questions about living in Howell or anywhere else in Southeast Michigan, feel free to call, text, or email me anytime. I’m always happy to help.

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