What $300K Gets You in 5 Michigan Cities in 2025-2026

Ever wondered how far $300,000 can stretch in today’s Michigan housing market? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, relocating to Metro Detroit, or just browsing from another state, this breakdown will show you exactly what a $300K budget can realistically buy in Royal Oak, Livonia, Ferndale, Fenton, and Howell, Michigan.

From lively downtowns to laid-back lake towns, here’s how that price point plays out across five very different communities.

What $300K Really Means in Today’s Michigan Market

Let’s be honest — $300,000 doesn’t go as far as it did a few years ago. Interest rates are still bouncing around, home prices have climbed, and buyers are facing tight inventory in a lot of Metro Detroit suburbs.

The good news?
In 2025, a $300K budget in Southeast Michigan still gives you:

• Real options in multiple cities
• Different trade-offs: size vs. walkability vs. character vs. yard space
• A realistic path into homeownership if you’re prepared and strategic

This guide isn’t about where you can stretch your dollar the furthest in the entire state, but it will give you a clear feel for what $300K can actually buy in five popular Michigan cities.

Royal Oak, Michigan – Walkable, Trendy, and Tight on Space

If you’re unfamiliar with Royal Oak, think of it as the trendy, walkable cousin of Metro Detroit. It’s known for:

• A vibrant downtown with bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques
• Walkability and nightlife
• Classic bungalow and ranch-style homes

As of March 2025, MLS data shows:

• Median home value in Royal Oak: ~$349,450
• Median sale price across all MLS: ~$265,000

With a $300K budget in Royal Oak, you’re typically looking at:

• A 2–3 bedroom bungalow or ranch
• Approximately 900–1,200 sq ft
• Smaller lot sizes (often around 0.10 acres)
• Homes with character and some updates, but not always fully renovated

Example 1 (Sold at $300K)

• Listed: $325,000 / Sold: $300,000
• 3 bed, 2 bath brick ranch
• ~1,833 total finished sq ft
• 1-car garage, 0.10-acre lot
• Built in 1955, needs some updating

Example 2 (Sold at $300K)

• Listed: $284,000 / Sold: $300,000
• 3 bed, 1 bath ranch
• ~1,079 sq ft with unfinished basement
• 1.5-car garage, 0.10-acre lot
• Built in 1953, remodeled in 2024

In Royal Oak, $300K buys you location and lifestyle more than square footage — you’re paying for proximity to downtown, events, and amenities.

Livonia, Michigan – Classic Suburb with Solid Value

Livonia is the steady, dependable suburb a lot of buyers gravitate toward. It’s known for:

• Well-established neighborhoods
• A variety of parks and recreation options
• Convenient access to major freeways and nearby employment hubs

MLS data shows:

• Median home price in Livonia: ~ $302,750
• Median sale price in MLS overall: ~ $265,000

With $300K in Livonia, you’ll often see:

• 3–4 bedroom brick ranches or colonials
• Approximately 1,200–1,800 sq ft
• 2-car garages
• Well-kept yards and mid-century layouts

Example 1 (Sold at $300K)

• Listed: $299,900 / Sold: $300,000
• 3 bed, 1.5 bath brick ranch
• ~2,226 finished sq ft
• 2-car garage, 0.19-acre lot
• Built 1954, updated in 2024

Example 2 (Sold at $300K)

• Listed: $319,900 / Sold: $300,000
• 4 bed, 1.5 bath brick ranch
• ~1,985 finished sq ft
• 2-car garage, 0.15-acre lot
• Built 1954

Livonia gives you more house and yard for the money compared to trendier inner-ring suburbs, while still keeping you close to shopping, dining, and major employers.

Ferndale, Michigan – Artsy, Quirky, and Full of Character

Ferndale is known for its:

• Colorful murals and independent coffee shops
• Local boutiques and dining on 9 Mile
• Strong sense of community and personality

MLS data shows:

• Median home price in Ferndale: ~ $260,000
• Very close to the overall MLS median

That means your $300K budget has some breathing room here. Typically you’ll see:

• 2–4 bedroom bungalows
• Unique layouts and mid-century charm
• Walkable access to downtown and neighborhood parks

Example 1 (Listed at $299K)

• Listed: $299,000
• 4 bed, 1 bath bungalow
• ~1,192 finished sq ft
• 1.5-car garage, 0.10-acre lot
• Built 1952, updated in 2025

Example 2 (Sold at $300K)

• Listed: $299,900 / Sold: $300,000
• 3 bed, 1 bath bungalow
• ~1,558 total finished sq ft
• 1.5-car garage, 0.11-acre lot
• Built 1942, updated 2020

Bungalows in Ferndale often feature angled ceilings, dormer spaces, and archways. You’re trading some traditional square footage and storage for style, walkability, and local energy.

Fenton, Michigan – Under-the-Radar with a Lake-Town Feel

Heading northwest, Fenton doesn’t always land on people’s radar at first — but it should. It offers:

• A charming downtown
• Close proximity to several lakes
• A more relaxed, almost “up north” feel without the long drive

MLS data shows:

• Median home value in Fenton: ~ $262,000

With $300K in Fenton, buyers can often find:

• 3 bed, 2–3 bath homes
• Approximately 1,500–2,000 sq ft
• Larger yards and sometimes lake privileges
• A mix of single-family homes and condos

Example 1 (Sold at $275K)

• 3 bed, 2 bath tri-level
• Corner lot, 0.21 acres
• 2-car garage
• Built 1984, nicely updated

Example 2 (Sold at $299K)

• 3 bed, 3 bath condo
• ~1,653 finished sq ft
• 2-car garage, built 2008
• HOA fee: ~$250/month

Fenton is a great fit if you want more space, more yard, and a slower pace, while still being within reasonable driving distance of larger job markets.

Howell, Michigan – Growing Small Town with Room to Breathe

Lastly, we have Howell, a rapidly growing Livingston County community known for:

• A walkable, highly ranked downtown
• Seasonal festivals and community events
• That “classic small town” feel with modern growth

MLS data shows:

• Median home price in Howell: ~ $300,000

So your $300K budget puts you right in the heart of the market, often getting:

• 3–4 bedroom homes
• Around 1,500–2,000 sq ft
• A yard, garage, and a mix of older homes and newer builds

Example 1 (Sold at $272,500)

• 3 bed, 1 bath tri-level
• ~1,606 finished sq ft
• 0.19-acre lot, no garage
• Built 1989, with lake privileges

Example 2 (Sold at $285K)

• Listed: $299,999 / Sold: $285,000
• 3 bed, 2 bath ranch
• ~1,240 sq ft
• 2-car garage, 0.25-acre lot
• Built 1955

Howell is ideal if you want more breathing room without fully disconnecting from Metro Detroit or nearby employment corridors.

So… What Does $300K Really Get You in Michigan?

Across these five cities, $300K buys very different experiences:

• Royal Oak & Ferndale – Character, walkability, downtown energy, bungalow life, smaller lots.
• Livonia – Classic, sturdy mid-century homes with more square footage and larger yards.
• Fenton – Laid-back living, lake access nearby, and more space for the money.
• Howell – Growing small town charm with a mix of older and newer homes and room to spread out.

In today’s market, $300K in Metro Detroit is a very competitive price point, so it’s important to be prepared: strong pre-approval, realistic expectations, and strategies to make your offer stand out. (Which is why your bidding war / offer-strategy guide is a perfect lead magnet to link here.)

FAQs – Buying a $300K Home in Metro Detroit

Is $300K enough to buy a nice home in Metro Detroit in 2025?
Yes, but what you get will vary by city. In some areas, it buys a smaller home near a walkable downtown; in others, it buys more square footage and yard space further out.

Which city on this list gives you the most house for $300K?
Generally, places like Fenton and Howell tend to offer more space and larger lots than highly walkable, inner-ring suburbs like Royal Oak or Ferndale.

Is $300K a competitive price point in Michigan right now?
Absolutely. $300K is right in the sweet spot for many buyers, so homes in this range often receive strong interest and multiple offers, especially if they’re move-in ready.

Can I still find move-in ready homes at $300K?
Yes, especially in cities like Livonia, Fenton, and Howell, though you may need to compromise on size, layout, or finishes depending on the area.

Should I get pre-approved before shopping in the $300K range?
Yes. In competitive price ranges like this, a strong pre-approval is critical to having your offer taken seriously.