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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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On average, homes in Howell, MI sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Howell, MI over the last 12 months is $385,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$0 down RD/VA buyers Welcome! Live at the HOTTEST address in town! Now offering a Builder's Basic package to make new construction living even more affordable! MODEL HOURS: Saturday & Sunday: 1:30–3:30PM 1682 Pinecroft, Howell MI Or schedule a private appointment! FEATURES INCLUDE: ~ Lofty 9' ceilings on the main floor ~ Designer kitchens ~ Quartz counters. Choose from several unique styles, each
Discover easy and affordable living at The Links of Marion Oaks - brand new ranch condos crafted for comfort, style, and simplicity. This condo is fully finished and awaiting its new owners! Step into the bright and airy living area flooded with natural light coming from the large rear windows overlooking your pond view. No rear neighbors! Upgraded kitchen with solid wood cabinets, quartz
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
$0 down RD/VA buyers Welcome! Live at the HOTTEST address in town! Now offering a Builder's Basic package to make new construction living even more affordable! MODEL HOURS: Saturday & Sunday: 1:30–3:30PM 1682 Pinecroft, Howell MI Or schedule a private appointment! FEATURES INCLUDE: ~ Lofty 9' ceilings on the main floor ~ Designer kitchens ~ Quartz counters. Choose from several unique styles, each
**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 easy and affordable living at The Links of Marion Oaks - brand new ranch condos crafted for comfort, style, and simplicity. This condo is fully finished and awaiting its new owners! Step into the bright and airy living area flooded with natural light coming from the large rear windows overlooking your pond view. No rear neighbors! Upgraded kitchen with solid wood cabinets, quartz
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS END UNIT IN SOUGHT AFTER HAMPTON RIDGE WITH A POND VIEW AND CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE POOL AREA. THIS UNIT HAS TONS OF GREAT UPGRADES, INCLUDING: LOTS OF CUSTOM TRIM WORK, WAINSCOTTING, EXTRA WIDE MOLDINGS, CUSTOM CABINETRY, WALK IN PANTRY, 2 FULL BATHS, WOOD SHUTTERS, BUILT INS, CUSTOM CLOSETS AND SO MUCH MORE.... 1.5 CAR GARAGE IS A PLUS AS WELL. PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP SHOWS AND
Better-than-new and move-in ready! This immaculate 2 bedroom 2.5 bath end-unit ranch in sought after "Fox Ridge" features pride of ownership throughout! Step into this home featuring soaring cathedral ceilings, a stunning gas fireplace and beautiful luxury-vinyl tile throughout the main floor. Enjoy quiet evenings reading a book or entertain guests on your privately screened Sun Porch.
Fully renovated and stunning! Experience the charm of refined living in Downtown Howell in this beautiful and unique fully updated colonial a block from downtown recently named the "Best Main Street in the US" by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards. Perfectly nestled on a mature tree lined street your new home is in the center of it all. Approaching the entry, a new large deck envelops your home,
**Excellent opportunity to own a long term solid 2 unit investment property to add to your portfolio **Both units currently leased,(Upper unit is Month to month)**Are you just starting out, or downsizing? Why not live in one unit and lease the other one?**property is in very good and maintained condition, Both units have updated kitchens and baths, newer LVP in upper unit** Shared basement with
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
Welcome home to this beautifully updated two-story townhouse, ready for you to move right in! Ideally situated in one of the premium buildings, this home faces a peaceful open grassy area, offering serene and lush views.Located in the highly desirable Hampton Ridge community in Genoa Township, you’ll enjoy convenient access to shopping, dining, and major freeways. Residents also benefit from
Priced to sell! Beautiful 1 1/2 story Condo in Howell –Enjoy easy living in this 3-bedroom, 3-bath cape cod style condo located in a desirable Howell community! As soon as you walk up you will see a charming covered front porch were there’s plenty of space to sit and relax with your morning coffee. Inside, you’ll find an open layout with wood floors in Kitchen, a bright great room featuring
This 2024 built single story home beats the build costs compared to new homes being built just down the road and has all the additions you're looking for. Covered Trex Deck, Fenced Yard, Landscaping, Blinds, Finished Basement, Storm Doors and backs to a serene pond with Incredible Sunsets. Pride of ownership shines in this nearly new home located in the Marion Oaks community. Built just two years
Well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath traditional colonial situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in Oceola Township within the Howell School District. This home features professionally installed custom closet systems throughout, offering exceptional storage and organization in every bedroom and hallway. The home also includes a large covered front porch, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the peaceful,
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
For Lease! Step into this newly built upper-level ranch condo and experience modern living at its finest. The gorgeous kitchen boasts granite countertops and sleek stainless-steel appliances, perfect for cooking and entertaining. Relax in the spacious master suite, complete with a convenient full bath and walk-in closet. Plus, enjoy the convenience of a 1-car attached garage. 1 pet allowed with 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,
This custom-built ranch home, completed in 2018, is located in a quiet, family-friendly upscale neighborhood and offers both comfort and convenience. The home features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with abundant natural light throughout. The open layout includes a large great room with a cozy fireplace, a generous dining area, and a well-appointed kitchen featuring granite countertops,
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
Welcome home to 1923 Andover—a beautiful, spacious residence designed for comfortable living and effortless entertaining. This 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers generous living areas, a functional layout, and plenty of room to host family and friends. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, and major highways, you’ll enjoy both comfort and accessibility in one place. Rent is $3,000 per month
Redwood Howell is where youll 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 stones throw away. You can even get to the hustle and bustle of Ann Arbor in just 30 minutes. But more than that,
Neat and clean, move in condition. Kitchen: cherry cabinets, large pantry, breakfast bar, updated appliances. Open Floor Plan with cathedral ceilings. Large Master suite with huge walk-in closet and private bath. New luxury vinyl flooring throughout. Large Balcony off dining rm. with great views. End unit with a attached garage. Club house, inground Pool, fitness center, playground & lots of
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 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
Live in hip, vibrant, Howell, a town that values history but loves today's idea of bistros, entertainment and shopping even more. Best of all, you choose from a 1 or 2-bedroom apartment or a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom townhome of up to 1,362 sq. ft., with all the most wanted features like bright big kitchens with pantries, walk-in closets and in-home laundries.
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
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