Surrounded by Howell Township, the city of Howell blends history, ruralness and urbanism. While it’s home to just 10,000 residents and covers about 5 square miles, it’s the most populated city in Livingston County. The area was platted in 1835 by settlers from Detroit, which is 55 miles southeast of Howell. It was incorporated as a village in 1863. Since then, it’s grown into a walkable city with historic architecture, ample businesses and an award-winning downtown.
“We still have hometown feel, but we’ve got really everything that you need,” says Jennifer Petersen, Broker Owner of Red Door Realty Group and Howell resident. “You can drive 20 mins and find a dairy farm and drive 20 minutes back and be at Target. You get the best of both worlds.”
In 2024, the city won USA Today’s Best Main Street Readers’ Choice Award, and was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association in 2019. Despite these accolades and increased value, the cost of living is 4% below the national average, according to The Council for Community and Economic Research. Most people in the area work in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare, such as Trinity Health Livingston Hospital, the city’s primary healthcare facility.
Howell is home to about 10,000 residents and covers almost 5 square miles.
Howell is home to one of the 1,600 Carnegie libraries built in the early 1900s.
There is a wide variety of home styles in Howell.
Trinity Health Livingston Hospital is Howell's primary healthcare facility.
1/4
Antiques, boutiques and outlets
The city is filled with specialized locally owned shops, an outlet center and a variety of restaurants. Nearly two dozen local eateries and national chains are primarily concentrated around Grand River Avenue. Howell’s historic downtown is a five-block commercial district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s home to the Sunday Farmers’ Market, open from the first Sunday in May through October, where over 100 vendors sell local produce, crafts, jewelry and more. Tanger Outlets, Livingston County’s number one attraction and sole outlet mall in the area, features over 50 brands. The Livingston Antique Outlet is more than 32,000 square feet and houses over 200 small businesses.
The City of Howell has nearly two dozen local eateries, including Cleary's Pub.
Howell’s historic downtown is a five-block commercial district.
Tanger Outlets is Livingston County’s number one attraction and sole outlet mall in Howell.
In Howell, the Livingston Antique Outlet houses over 200 small businesses.
1/4
More than a dozen green spaces
Howell has 13 parks and recreation centers. The newest green space is a pocket park at the corner of Tompkins and Maple Streets. The Howell Nature Center rests on 230 rolling acres with a trail system, adventure courses and gardens and has cared for injured wild birds and orphaned animals for over 40 years. Oceola Community Center, located just outside the city, is also available and puts on seasonal events.
In Howell your kids will love the playground at Don Miller Park.
City Park in Howell was recently renamed Scofield park.
Howell is home to the Howell Nature Center, which covers 230 rolling acres.
The City of Howell supporst the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Center.
1/4
Year-round events in Howell’s historic downtown
While Howell is a smaller city, it has a myriad of arts and culture events and venues. The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest has taken place each June for over 30 years with fireworks and an accompanying carnival. The Howell Melon Festival occurs every August since 1960. It has fun runs, arts and crafts, and many melon-based foods. The Fantasy of Lights starts the holidays on Black Friday with a float-filled parade with marching bands and festively decorated cars. Meanwhile, the Howell Depot Museum, founded in 1968, was the first building listed on the Michigan State Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Originally used by the Ann Arbor Railroad, today it preserves and promotes the history of Howell. The Livingston Arts Council operates the Howell Opera House, a Victorian-style opera from 1881, that hosts various events and performances.
Howell hosts The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest has taken place each June for over 30 years.
The Howell Melon Festival occurs every August since 1960 in downtown Howell.
Trains roll past the Howell Depot Museum in downtown Howell.
Howell Opera House, a Victorian-style opera from 1881, hosts events and performances.
1/4
A wide variety of housing styles one hour from Detroit
Howell has over 5,000 total housing units, including detached single-family homes, apartments, condos and townhouses. Forty-six percent are owner-occupied. Construction was steady from 1950 through 2010, with most houses built around 1975. Apartment complexes slightly outnumber single-family properties in the area, 41% to 40%. Homes in Howell have appreciated 95% in the past 10 years, putting the community among the top 40% of appreciating areas nationally. Almost 700 homes were sold here in 2023, with a median price of $385,000. Most stayed on the market for around 27 days. Home prices range from $38,000 for a manufactured home to $840,000 for a custom ranch-style estate.
Owners take great pride in maintaining their homes in Howell.
Residents of Howell enjoy a quiet neighborhood.
Homes neatly line the streets of Howell.
A variety of condo communities exist in Howell, ranging from townhome options to detached.
1/4
Boots, bikes and buses
Getting around centrally located Howell can take many forms. The community has easy access to Interstate 96, Highway 59, Michigan Avenue and Grand River Avenue. Detroit is 55 miles southeast, while Lansing is 38 miles west. LETS Public Transportation operates fixed bus routes in Howell Township and several surrounding counties, as well as a healthcare transit service in Livingston County. These options combine to help give local commuters a 25-minute daily travel time, around the national average. There’s also a series of hiking and biking trails throughout Livingston County, including the Latson-Chilson-Brighton Road Trail between Howell and Brighton. Livingston County Spencer J. Hardy Airport is nearby but does not offer commercial flights. The nearest commercial airport, Capital Region International Airport, is 40 miles west in Lansing.
Education options from pre-K through graduate school
The Howell Public Schools system earned a B ranking from Niche. It educates nearly 7,000 students across 11 campuses. The district also operates a dual-language Spanish immersion program called the Academia Bilingue at Three Fires Elementary.
High school sports are important to the city. “We have a huge community support of our high school football team, it’s like Friday Night Lights,” Peterson says. “Our school just won a championship, and it was a huge deal. They’re like hometown heroes. The last couple of games, people had their tailgating tents out days in advance.”
Cleary University’s main campus is in Howell and offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate degrees. At the Livingston County Center, Lansing Community College operates over 70 courses for general associate degrees and specialty programs, like phlebotomy.
Students are challenged to excel at Voyager Elementary School.
Spend a Friday night watching Howell High School varsity football before dinner downtown.
Cleary University’s main campus is in Howell and offers dozens of undergraduate degrees.
Lansing Community College operates over 70 courses for general associate degrees.
1/4
Environmental factors and crime
Howell’s crime rate is 52% below the national average, according to statistics released by the FBI in September of 2023. Both violent and property crimes are lower than the average, too. That trend continues when comparing Howell to the rest of Michigan.
Written By
Kaitlin Davis
Photography Contributed By
Scottie Davison
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ashley Provenzola,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Howell, MI sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Howell, MI over the last 12 months is $380,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Level up in this new construction Condo - FEATURED on a major Television Network. Yes, I said it- stop by the model and see why these condos will be featured on an upcoming episode of a well-known series! Still time to choose your cabinets and many selections for an early Summer '26 move in. Been saving for a down payment? Well to make it even better, you may qualify for a zero down payment RD or
End-Unit Ranch Condo with NO STEPS! Completely Barrier-Free entry AND POND FRONT! Over 2,500 luxury finished square feet with vaulted ceilings in the living area and 9' ceilings throughout the rest of the first floor. Open concept floorplan with a gorgeous kitchen, boasting large central island and stainless steel appliances INCLUDED! Split-bedroom design with the primary bedroom showcasing a
Tucked into one of Howell's most charming neighborhoods, this 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home checks every box — and then some.Built in 2015 and thoughtfully updated throughout, 3524 Amber Oaks Drive offers over 3,500 finished square feet of warm, livable space designed for real life. The heart of the home is the kitchen featuring a grand island and seamless open-concept flow into the dining and
This remarkable single-story Ranch Style Home offers the perfect blend of comfort and style. Well thoughout 3 bedroom plan with finished walkout lower level. It's open concept design seamlessly integrates the living and dining areas, creating an expansive and inviting atmosphere. The vaulted ceilings add a touch of elegance and enhance the sense of spaciousness. Impressive kitchen featuring a
**You’ll be the envy of all your friends with the coolest at home paradise playground**Beautifully situated on 10 incredible acres (with an additional 18 available) that includes 2 ponds loaded with fish (one is 15' deep) and (one has a little island), lush groomed trails through the woods**Wildlife galore for the hunting enthusiast**Beautiful, 2100+ Sq ft. full brick ranch is spacious and open
Beautiful better-than-new ranch in highly desirable Marion Oaks featuring premium pond views, stunning sunsets, and thousands already invested in upgrades so you can move right in without the added expense, time, or stress of new construction. This thoughtfully designed home offers an open-concept layout with abundant natural light, spacious great room with fireplace, designer kitchen with large
Level up in this new construction Condo - FEATURED on a major Television Network. Yes, I said it- stop by the model and see why these condos will be featured on an upcoming episode of a well-known series! Still time to choose your cabinets and many selections for an early Summer '26 move in. Been saving for a down payment? Well to make it even better, you may qualify for a zero down payment RD or
**Waterfront stylish and cool**Nothing to do here except kick back and enjoy Your New Year Round retreat on Private All-Sports Triangle Lake, positioned to enjoy both Sunrise and Sunset views. Vacation at home every day with Year round activities, including awesome fireworks, and great fishing. You'll feel the stress disappear when you step inside the recent 200 sq. ft. 3 Season Rm addition,
Discover country living just minutes from downtown Howell in this beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom farmhouse. Fully updated in 2026, this home blends modern comfort with timeless farmhouse character. Set on 10 scenic acres, the property features a massive 40' x 120' barn complete with horse stalls—perfect for equestrian use, hobby farming, storage, or future creative possibilities.
Welcome home to this 2-bedroom, 2 full bath townhome in desirable Hampton Ridge! Open concept living with fresh paint throughout. Tons of natural light! New microwave and kitchen sink. Enjoy coffee on your Trex deck overlooking the walking path. The clubhouse and playground are very close. Carefree living in a great area of Howell. HOA fees include trash, snow removal, water, sewer, building
Move-in-ready single-family home built in 2022 offering over 3,000 finished square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. This spacious home features 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, including a versatile flex room ideal for a home office, homeschool space, or potential walk-in pantry conversion. 2026 -New Carpet, New paint, New Lighting. The modern kitchen showcases 42” upper cabinets with
Brand new END-UNIT RANCH condo! Fully complete and ready for you to begin enjoying maintenance-free living. Special May Incentives available from the builder. Call sales rep, Todd, for more info! Pond frontage with impeccable west-facing sunshine and no rear neighbors. Almost 2,200 sq ft of bright open-concept living space with 9' ceilings throughout. Kitchen showcases solid wood soft-close
End-Unit Ranch Condo with NO STEPS! Completely Barrier-Free entry AND POND FRONT! Over 2,500 luxury finished square feet with vaulted ceilings in the living area and 9' ceilings throughout the rest of the first floor. Open concept floorplan with a gorgeous kitchen, boasting large central island and stainless steel appliances INCLUDED! Split-bedroom design with the primary bedroom showcasing a
**You’ll be the envy of all your friends with the coolest at home paradise playground**Beautifully situated on 28 incredible acres that includes 2 ponds loaded with fish (one is 15' deep) and (one has a little island), 1.7 miles of lush, groomed trails through the woods**Wildlife galore for the hunting enthusiast**Last but not least, Beautiful 2160 Sq ft. full brick ranch is spacious and open
End-unit Barrier-Free Ranch Condo! No steps at all to get in with everything on the first floor, including laundry! Still time to pick your selections but the standard finishes are superior to other builders - solid wood shelving, tankless on-demand water heaters, Superior 9' basement walls, 9' ceilings on first-floor, and appliances included! Low HOA fee that covers exterior maintenance, trash,
Discover country living just minutes from downtown Howell in this beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom farmhouse. Fully updated in 2026, this home blends modern comfort with timeless farmhouse character. Set on 10 scenic acres, the property features a massive 40' x 120' barn complete with horse stalls—perfect for equestrian use, hobby farming, storage, or future creative possibilities.
Town Commons offers the largest square footage in town with a variety of floor plans. Voted the best apartment in Livingston County! We feature -In home washer and dryers, massive storage and are pet friendly, so bring your best friend! Nestled in the heart of charming Howell, within minutes of Tanger outlet mall and all of the fine dining and shopping that Howell has to offer. Not to mention our
Experience the epitome of serene lakefront living in this beautiful two-story home nestled on the shores of Hidden Lake, just north of Howell. This spacious residence, situated within the desirable Howell School District, offers four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The main level features a large living room, a functional kitchen, and an additional office area that offers flexibility as a
Welcome to Avenue Apartments, a premier new apartment community in Howell, MI, set to open Fall 2025. Offering 109 brand-new, luxury apartment homes, including spacious ranch-style and elegant townhome residences, Avenue Apartments features high-end finishes and expansive floor plans designed for comfort and modern living. Each apartment home boasts soaring 9-foot ceilings, walk-in closets,
Redwood Howell is where you'll find the single-story apartment you've been looking for. Live in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, pet-friendly home with an attached garage. Enjoy being tucked away from the noise among charming greenery, with all the amenities of the Howell community just a stone's throw away. You can even get to the hustle and bustle of Ann Arbor in just 30 minutes. But more than
The Glens at Rolling Ridge Apartments, located in Howell, Michigan, offers spacious one and two bedroom floor plans, with amazing amenities and the best conveniences. Situated in Livingston Country, our residents benefit from a convenient location, with easy access to Downtown Detroit, Lansing, and Ann Arbor, along with shopping and dining less than a mile away from home. Our residents enjoy a
Greenwich Village Apartments is a located in a very quiet area in Howell, MI. We are 1.2 miles from Downtown Howell. Our One Bedrooms IncludeAir ConditioningPatiosRefrigeratorsStovesDishwashers
Welcome home to Pine Hill Apartments where you will find the perfect blend of hometown living mixed with local conveniences. Enjoy the comfort of spacious one and two bedroom apartment homes that offer modern looks and convenient features. Sit back and relax on your private balcony, go for a walk around our beautiful grounds or take a swim in our crystal blue swimming pool.Pine Hill
Burwick Farms Apartments in northern Howell, Michigan are just off the beaten path yet close to restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Live in the picturesque countryside with tastefully designed 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes. We offer you spacious and comfortable living with amenities including a fitness center, swimming pool, outdoor patio or balcony attached to your apartment home,
Welcome to Yorkshire Place Apartments, nestled in the heart of Howell. Yorkshire Place Apartments offers spacious one and two-bedroom apartments, featuring a selection of one or two full baths. Our apartment homes provide all of the comforts you could desire. Fully equipped kitchens, washer/dryer hookups, private laundry rooms, large walk-in closets and custom miniblinds on all windows. Our
Welcome to your new home in Howell, MI, where pet-friendly apartment living meets the charm of townhome-style residences. The Kensley is a brand new thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartment community providing the perfect backdrop for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. From cozy one-bedroom retreats to spacious three-bedroom havens, there's a floor plan to suit your unique
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
