A convenient location may draw people to Birmingham, Michigan, but its beauty and small-town vibe are common reasons people love living there. “I purposely go out of my way to drive through the downtown area,” says Realtor Paula Rait of Birmingham, Michigan. “Especially during Christmastime when all the lights are up. It’s so beautiful.” Less than 20 miles north of Downtown Detroit, the city sits within a collection of green spaces while hosting major employers like Belfor USA, highlighting the city’s blend of the natural and modern worlds.
Downtown Birmingham boasts a robust shopping scene with a mix of outlets and local shops.
Birmingham is home to many major regional employers like Belfor.
Green spaces in Birmingham highlight local history and provide havens from urban sprawl.
The city of Birmingham proudly enshrines it walkble downtown as part of its city motto.
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French food and farmers markets
Downtown Birmingham's restaurant scene boasts a collection of popular local restaurants serving everything from American fare to fine French cuisine. Nearly 300 retail shops sell antiques, clothing, gifts, jewelry and more. Grocery store options include national chains like Whole Foods and Meijer and locally owned places like Papa Joe’s Market. Residents can pick up fresh produce from May through October at the Birmingham Farmers Market on Old Woodward Avenue.
Cozy cafes and luxurious dining experiences abound throughout downtown Birmingham.
Birmingham's mix of shopping experiences ranges from vintage antiques to modern fashion.
Whole Foods on Birmingham's west side gives locals a selection of organic grocery options.
Papa Joe's is a local favorite with a gourmet grocery selection and bustling bistro.
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Events every month
Founded in 1923, the Village Players Birmingham keeps the performance arts alive in Birmingham, holding five shows annually and hosting Theater Arts Camp in the summer. The Baldwin Public Library also provides opportunities for people to gather and learn through story time, book club and computer classes. Annual events in the city include Restaurant Week, Art Birmingham, the Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade and the summer concert series In the Park.
The Birmingham Village Players hosts regular live shows for residents of the city.
Baldwin Library boasts a broad catalogue of literature and programs in downtown Birmingham.
Local and national artists have beautiful art installations showcased throughout Birmingham.
There's a wide variety of rides for the entire family at the Birmingham Village Fair.
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Playing the courts, driving ranges and rinks
Birmingham categorizes its parks by size and amenities, with community parks offering the most space and resources and neighborhood parks offering central points for socializing and staying active. The city maintains 10 sites classified as community parks, including the Birmingham Museum and the Barnum Park and Outdoor Ice Rink. There are 11 neighborhood parks, including Manor Park, an undeveloped nature preserve with a half-mile trail. In addition to community and neighborhood parks, the city maintains five mini parks, usually less than an acre in size, aimed at providing residents with green space. Quarton Lake, in the middle of the city, is open to kayakers and anglers, while three golf courses – the public Springdale Golf Course, nine-hole Lincoln Hills, and the private Birmingham Country Club provide golfers with opportunities.
Birmingham Museum collects and shares local history in the oldest house in Oakland County.
Barnum park offers outdoor recreation like the winter skating rink just outside of downtown.
Birmingham's Linden Park has a nice1.5-mile walking trail.
Springdale Park has a public 9-hole golf course contained within Birmingham city limits.
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Homes of every size
Birmingham is one of the most expensive places to live in the metro Detroit area, and many of its homes are large, elaborate designs. “Some of the homes in Birmingham are Frank Lloyd Wrights,” Rait says. Older homes come in Tudor-inspired and colonial revival styles, while the city’s growing inventory of modern homes features touches of New Traditional and American craftsman styling. Small condos typically sell between $130,000 and $270,000, while single-family homes can sell anywhere from $236,000 to $5 million. The median home price in 2024 was $840,500, up 18% from the previous year.
Condos are available in a variety of styles throughout Birmingham's downtown area.
Large luxury estates can be found all along the northern spread of Birmingham.
More affordable residential options like colonials and ranches are southwest of Birmingham.
Grid-like rows of single family homes fill Birmingham's west side.
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Award-winning school district
The Birmingham Public Schools district earns an overall grade of A-plus on Niche. The district consists of eight elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools and one intermediary school offering grades three through eight. With 7,280 students, the district maintains a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. The district is the ninth best in Michigan, according to Niche, and has won national recognition for its quality of education. Students can continue their education without leaving home since the University of Michigan is just 44 miles southwest of the city.
Children are offered a great education at Quarton Elementary.
Pierce Elementary School in Birmingham prepares its students for greatness.
Derby Middle School serves the students of Birmingham.
Kids are challenged to excel at XErnest W. Seaholm High School.
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On foot, by car and by plane in Birmingham
Woven among Birmingham’s trim green lawns and busy downtown streets, an extensive network of sidewalks earns the city a position alongside the nation’s Top 20 Most Walkable Communities. The city’s SMART Transit Authority offers 47 fixed routes servicing 5,000 stops across the city. Interstate 75 lies a few miles east of Birmingham. Still, the city’s main thoroughfare is Woodward Avenue, which puts downtown Detroit roughly 17 miles away and the city’s closest hospital—Corewell Health—just 3 miles away. Residents can head 27 miles south to the Detroit Metro Airport when they want to fly.
Crime rates and environmental factors
Birmingham’s crime rates are significantly lower than those of Michigan and the country’s. According to FBI data, the city’s violent crime and property crime rates are both typically less than a third of the rates for Michigan and the United States. Environmental data suggests some risks from flooding and air quality, though these risks are minimal.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
James Gordon
Video By
Daniel Willingham
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Peter Gojcaj,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Birmingham, MI sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Birmingham, MI over the last 12 months is $850,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Adorable Tudor home brimming with character and timeless charm! Perfectly situated near parks, top-rated schools, and the heart of downtown Birmingham, this home combines classic details with thoughtful updates for today’s lifestyle. Step inside to find interchangeable living and dining spaces highlighted by a striking backlit tray ceiling, a cozy corner office on the first floor, and three full
Total Renovation in Prime Downtown Location! Modern Victorian curb appeal with charming wraparound porch. Proper two story foyer with oversized windows that flood the space with natural light. Fabulous gourmet kitchen featuring a substantial leathered granite island, breakfast nook, and top-quality appliances and finishes—all opening to a spacious family room with a cozy fireplace, elegant
Introducing a Stunning Modern Contemporary Colonial – New Construction. Welcome to this exquisite, newly built home offering a perfect blend of luxury, thoughtful design, and urban convenience in a walkable, tranquil neighborhood. Spanning an impressive 7,095 sq ft—including 4,896 sq ft across the first two levels and a beautifully finished lower level—this home is a true masterpiece of modern
Adorable Tudor home brimming with character and timeless charm! Perfectly situated near parks, top-rated schools, and the heart of downtown Birmingham, this home combines classic details with thoughtful updates for today’s lifestyle. Step inside to find interchangeable living and dining spaces highlighted by a striking backlit tray ceiling, a cozy corner office on the first floor, and three full
OPEN HOUSE SAT OCT 25th 11am-1pmStunning Renovated Home with Open Concept Living and Luxury Finishes Throughout!This beautifully renovated home blends timeless elegance with modern updates, featuring an open-concept layout, soaring ceilings, wide staircase, and refined crown molding. Thoughtfully redesigned in 2025, this home offers an impressive list of upgrades: new roof, driveway,
Nestled in the sought-after Midtown Square Condos in Troy, this charming Birkdale model offers both comfort and convenience. The inviting living and dining areas are separated by a cozy 2-way gas fireplace, creating the perfect ambiance. The kitchen boasts hardwood floors, a casual dining space, and direct access to a private balcony. The first-floor primary suite features a walk-in closet and a
Beautifully Renovated First-Floor Condo in Prime Birmingham Location! Get ready to fall in love with this fully updated, move-in-ready, end-unit condo offering effortless first-floor living. The stunning kitchen has been completely renovated, featuring brand-new cabinets, sleek countertops, a stylish backsplash behind the stove, and stainless steel appliances — perfect for home chefs and
Nestled in the highly regarded Birmingham School District, this beautiful brick ranch home offers a blend of comfort and convenience. It features a nicely updated kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, three bedrooms, a combine open dining room and living room area. Relax in the spacious four-season sunroom or enjoy Fall evenings on the patio with an outdoor gas grill.
Location, location, location! Come and see this spacious, brick Colonial just a 3-minute walk from Downtown Birmingham, two blocks to Poppleton Park, 3 blocks to Kroger, Roeper School, & Adams Park, plus it's an easy stroll to Derby Middle School! This classic Birmingham home boasts hardwood floors throughout, large, beautiful bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a spacious, light-filled Living Room
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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