Here’s The Truth About Canton Michigan and Plymouth Michigan Prices

If you’re comparing Canton, Michigan and Plymouth, Michigan, welcome—you’re in the right corner of Metro Detroit. These two neighbors in Wayne County, Michigan get mentioned together so often that they can sound interchangeable. They’re not. In fact, small differences in city vs. township, school boundaries, downtown amenities, and especially property taxes can change your total monthly payment more than you’d expect.

Below, I’ll walk you through the real-world tradeoffs—with clear sections for housing, lifestyle, schools, commuting, and an easy-to-skim property tax walkthrough using the state estimator. I’ll also show how far your ~$445,000 home budget stretches in each area with “apples-to-apples” examples.

Canton vs. Plymouth: The TL;DR

Plymouth (city + township) tends to be more expensive on a price-per-square-foot basis, with a charming historic downtown, walkable blocks, and that “I’ll just pop out for coffee” lifestyle.
Canton (township) is typically more affordable, has newer subdivisions and master-planned neighborhoods (think Cherry Hill Village), plenty of shopping/dining along Ford Rd., and broad access to Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (verify address).
Property taxes vary meaningfully between City of Plymouth, Plymouth Township, and Canton Township—so always compare PITI (principal+interest+taxes+insurance), not just list price.

Housing Market Snapshot (3-Year Averages Mentioned in the Script)

From the referenced MLS graph (3-year average overview):

Plymouth Township: just over $446,000 (≈ +7.1% YOY)
City of Plymouth: just over $432,000 (≈ –4.8% YOY)
Canton Township: just over $395,000 (≈ +2.3% YOY)

Takeaway: If you’re budget-focused, Canton gives you a meaningful edge. Saving roughly $37,000 on the average purchase price versus Plymouth Township is the difference between “stretching” and “comfortable.”

What ~$445,000 Buys You (Three Real-World Styles)

We’ll use ~$445,000 as a benchmark to compare “space-for-dollar” in each area based on the examples from the script.

1) Canton Township (Cherry Hill Village Vibe)

4 beds | 3.5 baths | ~2,714 sq ft | Built 2003 | 2-car garage
Smaller lot (≈0.08 acres) due to the village-style plan—homes sit closer together, yards minimized, and community parks pick up the slack.
Monthly HOA ~$65, walkable blocks, historic-inspired elevations, and access to Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.

Who loves it? Buyers who want newer construction, front-porch streetscapes, neighborhood parks, and solid interior square footage without paying the “downtown Plymouth” premium.

2) Plymouth Township (Space + Privacy)

4 beds | 2.5 baths | ~1,875 sq ft + ~850 finished basement | ~0.5 acres | Built 1995
Set near a main road/commercial corridor and across from a school—that location dings the buyer pool, but the lot privacy (and deep yard) is a pleasant surprise.
Interior reads light + bright with smart updates; the basement is entertaining-ready.

Who loves it? Buyers who’d trade a prime micro-location for land + privacy and a bigger usable basement while still staying close to Plymouth amenities.

3) City of Plymouth (Walk-to-Downtown Charm)

3 beds | 2 baths | ~1,200 sq ft + ~825 finished basement | ~0.11 acres | Built 1969 | 1-car garage
Ranch layout (fans of one-level living, unite), excellent staging, and a chef-forward kitchen.
The selling point is proximity—near Ann Arbor Trail & Main St., where downtown Plymouth shines (restaurants, shops, events).

Who loves it? Buyers paying for the walkable lifestyle—shorter on square footage, longer on “we actually use downtown”.

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Lifestyle & Amenities: What Each Area Does Best

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City of Plymouth (and Plymouth Township)

Downtown Plymouth is one of Metro Detroit’s most loved cores: Kellogg Park, frequent events, art fairs, concerts, holiday lighting—you get the idea.
Dining and shopping skew independent, and the stroll value is high.
The township gives you space and quiet streets with quick trips into downtown.

Canton Township

Ford Rd. Corridor = every retail, grocery, and service you need. Yes, it can be busy—but it’s incredibly convenient.
Cherry Hill Village and newer subs deliver parks, paths, and community spaces—think neighborhood festivals, tot lots, and pocket greens.
Proximity to Plymouth and Northville means you can “borrow” their downtowns anytime.

Schools: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (Check the Map!)

Both areas are widely associated with Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS), a major draw. Boundaries matter. One street over can change your assigned school, so confirm each listing’s exact assignment—especially if you’re targeting a particular program or high school campus.

Commute & Connectivity

Plymouth / Plymouth Township: Quick to M-14, I-275, and I-96, with Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit both reasonable.
Canton Township: Also strong freeway access—I-275 and M-14 are your best friends—with Ford Rd. as the retail spine.
Air travel:DTW is a straight shot south via I-275.

Property Taxes: Why Your Monthly Payment Changes by ZIP

Using the Michigan Property Tax Estimator (primary residence, 50% SEV assumption from a $445,000 example) landed roughly here:

Canton Township (P-CCS): ≈ $8,902 (primary) | $12,947 (non-homestead)
Plymouth Township (P-CCS): ≈ $7,300 (primary) | $11,356 (non-homestead)
City of Plymouth: ≈ $9,554 (primary) | $13,599 (non-homestead)

Key lessons:

Never trust the listing’s current tax bill—that’s often what the seller pays (capped). Your taxes uncap after the sale and reset based on state rules.
Use the state estimator for a high-side planning number, then confirm with the local assessor for your short list.
Your “cheaper house” in a higher millage area can net a higher monthly payment than a “slightly pricier house” with lower mills. Always run the PITI.

Where the Dollars Go Further (And Where They Don’t)

Space-for-dollar:Canton Township usually wins—especially if you prefer newer builds or village-style neighborhoods with parks instead of big yards.
Walkable downtown premium:City of Plymouth commands higher prices per sq. ft.—you’re paying to live the downtown lifestyle.
Privacy/lot size:Plymouth Township often threads the needle—larger lots and quiet streets, with Plymouth and Canton amenities in easy reach.

Pros & Cons: Canton vs. Plymouth

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Canton Township — Pros

More affordable on average vs. Plymouth
Newer subdivisions and community design (parks, paths, events)
Retail convenience (Ford Rd.) + quick hit to nearby downtowns
Broad P-CCS access (verify address)

Cons

Smaller lot sizes common in some villages/subs
Ford Rd. can feel busy
Less “classic downtown” than Plymouth (but you can borrow Plymouth’s)

Plymouth (City + Township) — Pros

Downtown Plymouth: walkable, events, cafés, Kellogg Park
Strong resale and high “joy of use” factor
Township offers space, privacy, and quick drive to downtown

Cons

Higher price-per-foot, especially inside city limits
City taxes generally higher than the township
Smaller inventory at entry price points in the city proper

Who Should Choose Which?

Pick Canton if you want newer homes, family-friendly parks, and the most space-for-dollar while staying near Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.
Pick Plymouth Township if you want bigger lots and quiet streets, with downtown Plymouth 5–10 minutes away.
Pick City of Plymouth if you want walkable downtown living and don’t mind paying more (and sometimes getting less square footage) for the lifestyle.

FAQs: Canton vs. Plymouth, Michigan

1) Is Canton, Michigan cheaper than Plymouth, Michigan?

Generally, yes. Canton’s average sale prices trend lower than both Plymouth city and township. But always compare PITI, not just purchase price.

2) Which has better schools—Canton or Plymouth?

Both feed into Plymouth-Canton Community Schools in many cases, but confirm the address—boundaries vary, and some pockets map differently.

3) Where is the best walkable downtown?

City of Plymouth. It’s one of Metro Detroit’s favorites—Kellogg Park anchors concerts, festivals, and year-round events.

4) Where do I get more yard space?

Often Plymouth Township, with Canton close behind depending on subdivision. Inside City of Plymouth, lots are smaller but walkability is the payoff.

5) How do property taxes compare?

They vary by city/township and millage. The City of Plymouth typically runs higher than Plymouth Township and Canton Township. Use the state estimator and call the local assessor before you write an offer.

6) Is Ford Rd. traffic a deal-breaker in Canton?

It’s busy, yes—but also incredibly convenient. Many buyers live just off Ford Rd. and love having everything within minutes.

7) Which area has newer homes?

Canton Township has extensive 2000s+ development (and ongoing), plus Cherry Hill Village’s planned feel.

8) Can I find a sub-$500k home near downtown Plymouth?

You can—especially smaller ranches or homes needing updates—but competition is strong. Township homes open more options at that price.

9) Does either area have historic charm?

Downtown Plymouth wins on classic Main Street energy. Cherry Hill Village in Canton does a nice job recreating historic styling with newer construction.

10) Which location is better for Ann Arbor and DTW access?

Both are good. M-14/I-275 make Ann Arbor and DTW reachable from either market, with minor differences based on your exact address.

If you’re thinking about relocating to or within Michigan, contact us anytime — we’d love to help you find the perfect place to call home.

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