Pro #1: Livonia’s Central Location

Livonia’s location is one of its biggest advantages. The city sits directly over I-275 and I-96, making it easy to reach surrounding communities such as Novi, Northville, Plymouth, and Farmington within a short drive.

Residents benefit from being approximately:

• 20 miles from Downtown Detroit
• 25 miles from Downtown Ann Arbor
• Near the University of Michigan’s award-winning healthcare system
• Close to major expressway on-ramps

For many people relocating to Southeast Michigan, Livonia offers the ideal balance between Detroit-area employment access and Ann Arbor’s medical, educational, and cultural offerings.

Credit: https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/livonia-michigan.html

Pro #2: Strong Public Schools

Livonia Public Schools (LPS) offer a wide range of academic programs, extracurriculars, and specialized pathways. Verified highlights include:

• AdvancED accreditation, representing more than 100 years of educational quality improvement
• District graduation rate above 92% (LPS reporting)
• Multiple schools recognized with state-level distinctions, including
• Michigan Green School Award (Hayes Elementary)
• School Safety Award (Livonia Central)
• More than 24 schools serving preschool through high school
• The Livonia Career Technical Center, offering technical and skilled-trade education

These strengths make the district a major draw for families seeking comprehensive educational options.

Pro #3: The Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center

The Jack E. Kirksey Livonia Community Recreation Center is a major community landmark and one of the most comprehensive facilities of its kind in Metro Detroit.

Notable offerings include:

• Aquatics center
• Climbing wall
• Fitness & wellness classes
• Personal training & massage therapy
• Youth and adult enrichment programs
• Activities ranging from ballet and ballroom dance to karate and Nerf events

To enhance security and efficiency, the center introduced biometric numeric scanning in 2022, replacing traditional membership tags. It continues to serve as a safe, family-focused destination for Livonia residents.

Pro #4: Robust Community Events

Livonia is known for its year-round schedule of community events, including:

• Activities at Greenmead Historical Park
• Summer camps such as Camp Swoosh
• Dog park gatherings
• Seasonal walks and runs
• Garden parties, farmers markets, and more

The city’s signature event is Livonia Spree, a week-long city celebration featuring food, entertainment, live music, carnival rides, and a large fireworks show. It’s one of the biggest community festivals in Metro Detroit.

Credit: https://livonia.gov/402/Community-Profile

Con #1: Heavy Traffic in Peak Areas

Livonia experiences notable traffic during peak times due to:

• Livonia Spree attracting large crowds
• Its proximity to major expressways
• Pass-through commuter traffic
• Visitors to Laurel Park Place and surrounding retail

Although Laurel Park Place has seen fluctuations in foot traffic — including a 2020 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by its ownership group to restructure debt — the area still generates additional traffic flow. Major events often require residents to rely on alternative routes.

Con #2: No Traditional Downtown District

While Livonia has all essential amenities — restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and services — the city does not currently have a centralized, walkable downtown like Northville, Plymouth, or Farmington.

To address this, the Livonia Vision 21 Master Plan identifies three targeted redevelopment zones:

• Civic Center Park area (Five Mile Road)
• Former Livonia Mall site (Seven Mile Road)
• Plymouth Road Corridor

The plan aims to introduce mixed-use development with housing, retail, public services, and walkable neighborhood hubs. It is in early stages but signals a shift toward greater urban walkability.

Con #3: Maintenance & Upkeep Concerns

Some residents have noted concerns over city upkeep, including:

• Uneven roads
• Sidewalk repair needs
• General cleanliness in certain areas

Livonia continues to invest in roadway improvements, parks, and infrastructure, but concerns persist, especially when comparing Livonia to some neighboring suburbs with newer streetscapes. These issues are formally acknowledged in Vision 21 planning documents as areas requiring long-term improvement.

Con #4: Rising Home Prices

Livonia was once one of Metro Detroit’s most affordable suburbs. However, MLS market data shows notable appreciation:

• 2017 Average Sale Price: ~$179,000
• 2022 Average Sale Price: ~$270,000
• Annual Growth Rate: ~8% per year over that period

Livonia’s home values closely track the statewide MLS trend, reflecting strong demand for its central location and amenities. While still competitive compared to some nearby areas, the city is no longer considered a low-budget entry point for many buyers.

Resident Feedback: A Mix of Experiences

Livonia receives a wide range of resident reviews. Themes include:

Common Positive Feedback:

• Strong sense of safety
• Central location with short commutes
• Clean neighborhoods and amenities
• Abundance of food, retail, and recreation options
• Reliable public services

Common Critical Feedback:

• Traffic congestion
• Lack of a downtown district
• Desire for increased local business presence
• Requests for improved road and sidewalk maintenance

Earlier reviews (2015–2017) tended to be more critical, while more recent reviews (2020–2023) note improvements aligned with the city’s long-term planning initiatives.

FAQs About Living in Livonia, Michigan (Credible, Fair Housing Compliant)

Is Livonia, Michigan a safe place to live?

According to the City of Livonia’s public safety reports and FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data (UCR), Livonia maintains crime rates comparable to many mid-size U.S. suburbs. The city invests heavily in policing, emergency response, and safety programs. As always, individuals should review official reports and consult local resources for the most up-to-date statistics.

Does Livonia have good schools?

Livonia Public Schools (LPS) are AdvancED accredited and report a district graduation rate above 92%. Multiple schools have earned state-level recognition. Prospective families should review school performance data directly through Michigan School Index, GreatSchools.org, and official LPS district reports.

What is the cost of living in Livonia?

BestPlaces.net data shows Livonia’s overall cost of living index sits near the national average, with housing as the primary variable. Livonia’s central location and demand have contributed to rising home values in recent years, consistent with statewide MLS trends.

Does Livonia have a downtown?

Livonia does not have a traditional, centralized downtown district. However, the Livonia Vision 21 Plan is actively exploring mixed-use redevelopment to create walkable, multi-use hubs across three key zones in the city.

How is the commute from Livonia to Detroit or Ann Arbor?

According to MDOT travel data, Livonia is approximately 20 miles from Detroit and 25 miles from Ann Arbor, offering reasonable commute times via I-96, I-275, and M-14, depending on traffic conditions.

Are home prices in Livonia increasing?

Yes. MLS data shows sustained price growth over the past five years, reflecting local demand, central location, and overall Michigan market trends.

What amenities does Livonia offer?

Livonia offers extensive amenities, including the Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center, Greenmead Historical Park, multiple libraries, a wide range of retail options, and ongoing annual events like Livonia Spree.

Does Livonia have public transportation?

Livonia is served by regional transit options such as SMART bus routes, though coverage varies. Residents seeking comprehensive public transit often rely on nearby cities with broader route networks.

Is Livonia walkable?

Livonia is generally characterized by suburban-style development, meaning most areas are car-dependent. The Vision 21 Plan seeks to improve walkability through mixed-use redevelopment and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure.

What kinds of housing are available in Livonia?

Livonia offers a mix of ranches, colonials, mid-century homes, and updated properties across various neighborhoods. Housing availability varies by market conditions, but MLS data shows consistent turnover in entry-level to mid-priced segments.

Mentioned Links

Livonia Recreation Center: https://bit.ly/3Tya4j7
Livonia Vision 21 Master Plan: https://bit.ly/3VDUbtk