Is Howell, MI a Good Place to Live?
- Oct 15
- 4 min read
Is Howell MI a Good Place to Live? Here’s What You Need to Know
Downtown Howell’s tree-lined streets, historic charm, and vibrant local culture make it one of Livingston County’s most desirable places to call home. With award-winning schools, scenic parks, and a welcoming small-town feel, Howell offers the best of both worlds: close-knit community and convenient access to metro Detroit.
But is Howell, MI a good place to live for you? Whether you're relocating, buying your first home, or looking to invest, here’s what makes Howell, a Great American Main Street winner, a standout spot in Southeast Michigan.
“We moved to Howell thinking it would be temporary—now we can’t imagine living anywhere else.” — Jordan & Kelsey M., Howell residents
The Quick Take
Walkable historic downtown with local shops & dining
Excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods
Community events, farmers markets & festivals
Easy access to US-23, I-96, and M-59
Strong real estate value and growing demand
🎥 Watch this short video from the Tina Peterson Team highlighting why Downtown Howell is gaining national attention—charming, walkable, and full of local pride:
Who Lives in Howell, MI?
With a population of around 10,000 (and growing), Howell draws a diverse mix of residents looking for stability, charm, and opportunity:
Young families attracted to top schools and parks
Empty nesters and retirees seeking a slower pace
Remote workers enjoying affordable housing and scenic views
Investors seeing consistent growth in rental demand
Pro Tip: Want to dig deeper into Howell’s demographics, schools, and housing data? Visit BestPlaces.net’s Howell profile for updated stats and cost-of-living insights.
"Downtown Howell... offers a unique mix of culture, shopping, and event" - G3 Team Insight
Schools & Education
Howell Public Schools is the primary district and receives high marks for academics, extracurriculars, and student support. It serves families across Howell Township and surrounding areas.
Top Public Schools:
There are also several private and faith-based schools—including Saint Joseph Catholic School—as well as early childhood centers like Gilden Woods and Little Highlander’s Learning Center, offering flexibility and options for every family
“Our daughter is thriving at Hutchings. The teachers truly care and go the extra mile.” — Angela L., Howell parent
Housing & Cost of Living
Howell offers a range of home styles—from charming historic houses downtown to new developments with community amenities.
Median home price: ~$330,000
Rental demand: Steady, especially for 2–4 bedroom homes
Cost of living: Lower than Ann Arbor or Novi, comparable to Brighton
Pro Tip: Check Howell’s housing market data on Realtor.com to track pricing trends, inventory, and investment potential.
Commute & Location
Howell’s location off I-96 and close to US-23 makes it ideal for commuters headed to:
Brighton (10 mins)
Novi (25–30 mins)
Ann Arbor (30–35 mins)
Lansing (40 mins)
Detroit (45–50 mins off-peak)
“I work in Novi and my wife in Lansing. Howell gives us a central location with way more space and peace than we’d get in either city.” — Sean R., Howell resident
Things to Do in Howell
Downtown Howell is a designated National Historic District and offers a unique mix of culture, shopping, and events.
Top Attractions & Events:
Howell Nature Center – Wildlife rehab, hiking, and family events
Downtown Howell – Local boutiques, bakeries, and cafes
Howell Melon Festival – A quirky and beloved summer tradition
Thompson Lake – Swimming, fishing, and picnic spots
Parks & Trails – Countless options for hiking, biking, and enjoying Michigan’s seasons
“The Melon Festival, Winter Market, even the Halloween downtown crawl—we never run out of things to do with the kids.” — Rachel G., local mom
Final Thoughts: Should You Move to Howell, MI?
If you're looking for:
A welcoming, small-town feel with big-town access
Top-rated schools and youth programs
Affordable living with strong resale value
…then Howell, MI could be exactly the kind of community you’ve been searching for.
Pro Tip: Want to learn more about life in Howell? The City of Howell website is a great resource for events, neighborhood news, and local government updates.
Bonus Tip for Investors:
Howell continues to show strong rental demand, especially for single-family homes. Its blend of school quality, suburban affordability, and access to US-23 and I-96 makes it a reliable choice for long-term property value and rental ROI in Livingston County.
Related: Build Wealth Through Real Estate
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About the Author Ricardo Reis - Learn About Ricardo
Entrepreneur, Inventor, Investor, Military Veteran. Ricardo is a member of G3 Management & Investments a division of Great Lakes Real Estate and a real estate professional. He is a real estate professional and a successful real estate investor of over 15 years.
NOT INVESTMENT, FINANCIAL, LEGAL, TAX, OR OTHER ADVICE: This blog is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. We do not offer advice, solicitation, recommendations, or endorsements. You are solely responsible for evaluating the information's merits and risks. Always consult a qualified professional before acting.
