Pro #1: A Strong Sense of Community

One of the biggest pros of living in Pinckney is the community itself. This isn’t surprising — small towns often come with a stronger sense of connection — but Pinckney stands out even among them.

Many current and former residents consistently mention how welcoming and tight-knit the village feels. In larger Metro Detroit communities, it’s easy to feel like just another face in the crowd. In Pinckney, people tend to know one another, recognize familiar faces, and genuinely feel part of something.

Niche.com ranked Pinckney as the 10th best place to live in Livingston County, factoring in affordability, the local housing market, schools, walkability, and overall livability. Community plays a big role in that ranking.

Credit: Dwight Burdette - Own work

Pro #2: The Chain of Lakes Lifestyle

Michigan geography can be confusing, and Pinckney is no exception. While the Village of Pinckney itself is small, a “Pinckney address” stretches far beyond those borders and overlaps with Putnam, Hamburg, and Dexter Townships, as well as nearby communities like Dexter, Whitmore Lake, and Hell.

One of the biggest draws to the area is the Huron River Chain of Lakes, which includes:

• Portage Lake
• Little Portage Lake
• Baseline Lake
• Zukey Lake
• Strawberry Lake
• Whitewood Lake
• Gallagher Lake
• Ore Lake
• Tamarack Lake

These lakes are all connected by the Huron River, a route once used by 18th-century French fur traders traveling between Lake Erie and larger inland lakes.

Each lake offers something different in terms of size, atmosphere, and lifestyle. Waterfront homes along the chain can range from the low $300,000s to well over $1 million, depending on the lake, frontage, and home features. For many buyers, lake living is the main reason Pinckney ends up on their radar.

Pro #3: Cost of Living & Housing Affordability

Pinckney isn’t the cheapest place in Michigan, but its cost of living deserves some positive context.

Based on BestPlaces.net data, Pinckney’s overall cost of living index is 111.4, with housing and transportation being the biggest contributors. Transportation costs tend to run higher throughout Michigan due to car dependency, which I’ve covered extensively in other videos.

From a housing standpoint, MLS data shows the average sale price in Pinckney is just over $273,000, representing a 12.7% year-over-year increase. Compared to nearby cities, Pinckney sits on the more affordable end of the spectrum.

Pinckney is one of the few places in Livingston County where you can still find a fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home under $270,000. In Brighton, a similar home would likely be closer to $350,000 or more.

Brighton is the focal point of Livingston County and one of the most desirable places to live in the area. Many buyers choose Pinckney as a more affordable alternative while still being within a reasonable commute to Brighton’s amenities.

Inventory in the Village of Pinckney remains relatively consistent. Given its small size, low inventory is expected, but the stability suggests there isn’t widespread dissatisfaction driving people away.

Con #1: Location & Commute Time

Now for the cons — starting with location.

Pinckney is close to Brighton, Ann Arbor, and Howell, but proximity alone doesn’t tell the full story. The main road running through Pinckney is M-36, which travels east-west until it connects with M-52 or US-23.

Because Pinckney sits centrally along M-36, it can take 20+ minutes just to reach a major highway or interstate. For some people, that extra drive time adds up quickly.

Pinckney is more rural by nature, so longer commutes come with the territory. Still, commute time is one of the most common complaints I hear from homeowners in the area.

Con #2: Limited Things to Do

Along M-36, you’ll find most daily necessities, but variety is limited. This is typical of small towns.

Pinckney isn’t lacking essentials, but nightlife and entertainment options are minimal. Several residents mention traveling to nearby cities for dining or evening activities.

That said, Pinckney does offer some notable attractions:

• Annual parades and community events
• Hell Survivors Paintball & Airsoft (a massive 180-acre field)
• Lakelands Trail State Park
• Pinckney Recreation Area

For many residents, lake living fills that entertainment gap. Without access to the lakes, some people feel the town doesn’t offer much to do beyond outdoor recreation.

Credit: https://thelivingstonpost.com/dont-look-now-but-pinckney-has-become-the-coolest-small-downtown-in-michigan/

Con #3: Job Opportunities & Economic Reach

The final con ties back to Pinckney’s rural nature: limited local job opportunities.

Niche gives Pinckney a B+ rating for employment, with a median household income of around $77,000. Some reviewers point out that many residents commute elsewhere for work, which is true — but that’s common throughout Michigan.

Most people here don’t work in the city they live in. Michigan’s cities are relatively small compared to major metro areas nationwide, so commuting is often part of the lifestyle.

Pinckney may not be ideal if you want walk-to-work convenience or a dense job market nearby. But for people who value privacy, space, and a quieter lifestyle — especially those who work remotely — it can be a great fit.

Final Thoughts on Living in Pinckney, Michigan

Pinckney isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay.

If you want:

• A tight-knit community
• Lake living options
• More affordable homes
• A quieter, rural feel

Pinckney might be exactly what you’re looking for.

If nightlife, short commutes, and constant activity are must-haves, nearby cities may suit you better.

For those living in small towns across the country, how does Pinckney compare to yours? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Mentioned Links

• Cost of Living in Michigan: https://youtu.be/qWeDltOla58
• Brighton Virtual Tour: https://youtu.be/H1M9RkiuUfE
• Cost of Living in Brighton: https://youtu.be/wCvuI4QSWTw
• Best Coffee in Brighton: https://youtu.be/6BaA28lukeA
• 5 Reasons to Live in Brighton: https://youtu.be/B5Kc5oII6qM