Living in Northville (Wayne County), Michigan: Pros, Cons, Cost of Living & Real Estate Snapshot

By Andrew McManamonPlaces To Live In Michigan

Introduction

Northville is one of those Michigan towns that tends to come up early in relocation conversations—and for good reason. With a recognizable downtown, established neighborhoods, and easy access to surrounding Metro Detroit communities, it offers a lifestyle that feels intentional rather than accidental.
People often consider living in Northville because it combines historic character with modern convenience, while still setting realistic expectations around cost, commuting, and long-term ownership.

Living in Northville (Wayne County), Michigan: Pros, Cons, Cost of Living & Real Estate Snapshot

Search For All Homes For Sale

See My Home's Current Value

Where Is Northville, Michigan Located?

Northville is located in western Wayne County, near the border with Oakland County. Based on U.S. Census Bureau geographic data, the city sits west of Detroit and is adjacent to communities such as Novi, Plymouth, and Livonia.

From a commuting standpoint, Northville benefits from proximity to major roadways. I-275, I-96, and M-14 are all nearby, according to Michigan Geographic Framework and MDOT maps, allowing access to Detroit, Ann Arbor, and other employment centers across Southeast Michigan.

Cost of Living in Northville, Michigan

Cost of living in Northville is generally higher than the Michigan average, largely due to housing costs. According to BestPlaces.net and Niche.com, Northville’s cost of living index exceeds statewide norms, reflecting demand, location, and housing stock.
Based on U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, median home values in Northville are higher than many Wayne County communities, though prices vary by neighborhood, home age, and property size.
Utilities and transportation costs tend to align with broader Metro Detroit averages, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics regional consumer data.

Real Estate & Housing Overview

Northville’s housing market is a mix of historic homes, mid-century neighborhoods, and newer developments, particularly in surrounding township areas. According to U.S. Census Bureau housing data, the majority of properties are single-family homes, with some townhomes and condominium communities.
Common architectural styles include colonials, ranches, and custom-built homes, with lot sizes ranging from compact in older areas to larger parcels on the outskirts.
Market summaries from Niche.com and regional MLS data indicate consistent buyer interest and steady turnover, reflecting long-term demand rather than short-term volatility.

Property Taxes in Northville

Property taxes in Northville follow Michigan’s millage-based taxation system. According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, property taxes are calculated using taxable value, which is capped annually until ownership changes.

Eligible homeowners may qualify for the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE), which can reduce certain school operating taxes, as outlined by the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Because millage rates vary between the City of Northville and surrounding jurisdictions, it’s important to confirm current rates with local assessing offices before budgeting.

Things to Do & Lifestyle

Northville offers a lifestyle centered on walkability, outdoor access, and community-oriented spaces.

Downtown Northville: The city’s downtown area features shops, dining, and public gathering spaces, as described by City of Northville resources.

Parks and trails: Northville has access to local parks and regional trail systems, with connections to Hines Park and surrounding greenways, according to Wayne County Parks.

Historic attractions: Mill Race Village is a locally maintained historic site that hosts educational programs and community events, per City of Northville information.

Community events: Seasonal festivals, markets, and activities are organized by the city and local organizations, with schedules shared through official channels.

Schools & Education (Neutral Framing)

Northville is primarily served by Northville Public Schools. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the district operates multiple elementary, middle, and high schools serving the area.

For general reference, GreatSchools.org and Niche.com provide publicly available school profiles and summary information. These platforms are best used as starting points alongside direct communication with the school district.

Pros & Cons of Living in Northville

Pro: Established downtown area with walkable amenities, according to City of Northville resources.
Pro: Access to major highways including I-275, I-96, and M-14, per MDOT mapping.
Pro: Consistent housing demand and long-term market stability, based on MLS and Niche data.
Pro: Strong access to parks, trails, and historic sites.
Con: Higher housing costs compared to many Wayne County communities, based on Census and BestPlaces data.
Con: Limited large-scale new construction within city limits.
Con: Property taxes vary by jurisdiction and exemptions, requiring individual verification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Northville, Michigan

Is Northville in Wayne County?

Yes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Northville is located in Wayne County, Michigan.
Is Northville part of Metro Detroit?

Yes. Northville is included in the Detroit metropolitan statistical area.
How far is Northville from Detroit?

Northville is west of Detroit, with driving distance varying by route, based on Census geographic data.
What highways are near Northville?

I-275, I-96, and M-14 are all nearby, according to Michigan Department of Transportation maps.
Is Northville close to Ann Arbor?

Yes. M-14 and I-96 provide direct routes toward Ann Arbor.
What types of homes are common in Northville?

Colonials, ranches, and custom-built single-family homes are common, based on Census housing data.
Does Northville have a downtown area?

Yes. Northville has an established downtown with shops and dining, per City of Northville information.
Are there parks and trails in Northville?

Yes. The city has local parks and access to regional trail systems, according to Wayne County Parks.
What school district serves Northville?

Northville Public Schools primarily serve the city, per NCES data.
How does Northville’s cost of living compare to Michigan overall?

Cost of living is generally higher than the Michigan average, largely due to housing costs, according to BestPlaces.net and Niche.com.
How do property taxes work in Northville?

Taxes are based on taxable value and local millage rates, per the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Is Northville considered walkable?

Parts of downtown are walkable, while most residential areas are car-oriented.
Are there condos or townhomes in Northville?

Yes. Census data shows a mix of single-family homes and attached housing options.
Where can I find local event information?

The City of Northville’s official website provides the most current updates.

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.