Northville (Oakland County), Michigan: What It’s Like to Live Here (Cost, Commute, Community & More)

By Andrew McManamonPlaces To Live In Michigan

Introduction

Northville, Michigan is one of those places that tends to stick with people after their first visit. Known for its historic downtown, established neighborhoods, and access to green space, Northville attracts residents looking for a balance between charm and convenience.

People considering Northville are often drawn by the walkable downtown area, community-focused atmosphere, and proximity to major job centers. At the same time, it’s important to understand that this popularity influences housing costs and inventory. This guide breaks down what living in Northville is really like, without the fluff.

Northville (Oakland County), Michigan: What It’s Like to Live Here (Cost, Commute, Community & More)

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Where Is Northville, Michigan Located?

Northville is located in western Oakland County, with portions of the broader Northville area extending into Wayne County.

According to U.S. Census Bureau geographic data, the city sits near the intersection of several major Metro Detroit corridors. Nearby communities include Novi, Livonia, Plymouth, and Farmington Hills. Key roadway access includes:

I-275
M-14
Eight Mile Road

This location provides commuting options to Detroit, Ann Arbor, and other employment hubs, based on Michigan Department of Transportation maps.

Cost of Living in Northville, Michigan

The cost of living in Northville is higher than Michigan averages, with housing as the primary driver.

Based on U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, median home values in Northville exceed both Oakland County and statewide medians. Utilities and transportation costs generally align with regional norms, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the Detroit metropolitan area.

According to BestPlaces.net and Niche.com, Northville’s overall cost profile reflects its established housing stock, location, and demand rather than recent high-density development.

Real Estate & Housing Overview

Northville offers a diverse mix of housing styles across its neighborhoods.

Based on U.S. Census Bureau housing data and regional MLS summaries:

Home styles include historic colonials, mid-century ranches, and newer single-family construction
Lot sizes vary widely, with larger parcels more common outside the downtown core
Much of the housing stock dates from the 1950s through early 2000s
New construction exists primarily as infill or small subdivisions

Market activity tends to remain steady, with limited inventory compared to demand, according to MLS trend summaries.

Property Taxes in Northville

Property taxes in Northville are influenced by Oakland County millage rates and local voter-approved levies.

According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, property taxes are calculated using taxable value rather than current market value, and rates can vary annually. Northville’s tax levels are generally consistent with other established Oakland County communities with similar service levels.

For exact figures, buyers should verify current millage rates directly with the City of Northville and Oakland County Equalization. Future tax amounts cannot be guaranteed.

Things to Do & Lifestyle

Northville supports an active, community-centered lifestyle with a strong emphasis on local amenities.

According to City of Northville and Michigan Department of Natural Resources sources:

Downtown Northville offers dining, retail, and seasonal pedestrian activity
Mill Race Village preserves historic structures and hosts community programming
Hines Drive provides miles of trails and park access nearby

Events and activities tend to focus on walkability, local businesses, and shared public spaces rather than large-scale commercial attractions.

Schools & Education (Neutral Framing)

Northville is served by Northville Public Schools, according to Oakland County and Wayne County school boundary data.

According to GreatSchools.org and Niche.com:

Schools are evaluated using standardized test scores, academic growth measures, and college readiness indicators
Performance varies by school and year

Anyone researching education options should review individual school profiles and the most recent district data directly.

Pros & Cons of Living in Northville

Pros

Walkable historic downtown
Access to parks and regional trail systems
Variety of housing styles
Convenient freeway access

Cons

Higher housing costs compared to many nearby areas
Limited housing inventory
Property taxes reflect Oakland County averages
Traffic congestion near downtown during peak times

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Northville, Michigan

Where is Northville located?

Northville is located in western Oakland County, per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Is Northville walkable?

The downtown area is walkable, according to City of Northville planning documents.
How far is Northville from Detroit?

Approximately 30–35 minutes by car, traffic dependent, based on MDOT estimates.
What types of homes are common in Northville?

Colonials, ranches, and newer single-family homes are common, per Census and MLS data.
Is there new construction in Northville?

New construction exists but is limited, often infill-based, per local planning records.
Are there parks nearby?

Yes, including access to Hines Drive and local parks, per city and DNR sources.
Does Northville have a downtown?

Yes, a historic downtown with dining and retail options, per city sources.
Are property taxes high?

Taxes align with other Oakland County communities, according to Michigan Department of Treasury data.
Is Northville close to Ann Arbor?

Yes, roughly 30 minutes by car, traffic dependent, per MDOT mapping.
Which school district serves Northville?

Northville Public Schools serve the area, per county boundary data.

To Conclude:

If you're looking to move to, from, or within the state of Michigan in one day or a million, I help people do just that and I love it as a Michigan Realtor. Please reach out anytime for help — I’m happy to be your go-to resource.