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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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Howell, MI sell after 32 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 $387,750, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Level up in this new construction Condo - FEATURED on an upcoming episode of HGTV's House Hunters. Yes, I said it- stop by the model and see why these condos made the list! Ask about qualifing for a zero down payment RD/VA loan and rates as low as the mid 5's %*Builder Incentives/upgrades of up to $5,000! Stop by the sales office: Saturday and Sun by appt. Fri & Mon 3-6pm 1682 Pinecroft Ln,
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
Welcome to 7895 Oak Grove Road, where modern comfort, thoughtful design, and exceptionalupgrades come together in this spacious 6-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offering 3,560 finishedsquare feet of living space.Situated on just over 3 private acres, this property offers the perfect blend of open space andnatural beauty. More than 75 trees have been thoughtfully planted throughout the
Capital Custom Homes presents the Sycamore Ranch Plan, featuring a covered Trex® deck, full sod, and irrigation. This thoughtfully designed home offers over 3,000 sq ft of finished living space, including a finished daylight basement ideal for an in-law suite or adult children. The open-concept main level includes 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a spacious mudroom, and first-floor laundry. A
IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY. Welcome to Marion Oaks and the Durango II plan built by Capital Custom Homes. Homesite backing to a protected nature area. This 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home includes an insulated garage, 8' garage doors, Trex deck, and finished walkout basement. The kitchen features 42" soft-close cabinets, quartz countertops, and a 6' center island. The first-floor office provides additional
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
Welcome home to this cozy single story home. New carpet, New Paint and totally refreshed to feel like a brand new home. This 2023 built home is a Great Condo alternative with open concept living and dining, vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchen with large island and pantry. Tons of storage and first floor laundry. Primary Suite features large walk in closet, dual comfort height vanities and tiled
Immediately Occupancy - Beautifully crafted single-story ranch offering over 1,700 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space. This Capital Custom Home features vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, and a flexible third bedroom ideal for an office, den, or guest room. The open-concept layout is filled with natural light and showcases a spacious kitchen with a large island, soft-close cabinetry, and
Discover endless possibilities w/this incredible private retreat situated on 10 stunning acres. If you’re dreaming of a hobby farm, equestrian property, private hunting retreat, outdoor recreation destination, home-based business, auto repair/paint, family compound, or simply a peaceful country escape, this unique property offers the space & setting to bring your vision to life. The grounds
Far from your standard raised ranch, this beautifully maintained home sits on 4.26 picturesque acres in Howell and has been thoughtfully transformed through decades of careful improvements. An impressive 8-foot entry door welcomes you inside, where a stunning 2007 addition added more than 800 square feet of finished living space across the main and walkout lower levels, creating the open-concept
Beautifully maintained end-unit two-story condo offering the perfect combination of comfort, space, and privacy. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the attractive curb appeal, spacious driveway, attached two-car garage, and inviting covered front porch. Step inside to discover a bright and airy floor plan filled with natural light. The main level features a cozy gas fireplace, a
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
Remarks:**NEW CONSTRUCTION** IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY**Location and luxury living! This 1,730 sq. ft. 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, fireplace in great room with 12' vaulted ceilings, with full Day-light basement, 2 CAR GARAGE. This wonderful condo is nestled within walking distance from downtown Howell and just minutes from downtown Brighton! End unit, Cape cod model with an open floor plan, kitchen
Incredible opportunity to own this newer built 5 bedroom and 4.5 bath home in Marion Oaks Highlands. Built by Capital Custom Homes in 2021 features a PRIMARY SUITE AND JR SUITE. Open-concept living and dining .This plan offers a first floor office, hardwood flooring throughout main living spaces and new carpet (2026). Amazing Kitchen with built-in appliances, incredible 8' kitchen island with
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,
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
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 pet-friendly apartment living in Howell, MI, featuring one, two, and three-bedroom townhome-style apartment homes. Conveniently located off Grand River Ave and Interstate 96, your commute has never been easier. Take advantage of your close proximity to Lake Chemung, Grand River Plaza Shopping Center, and Brighton Recreation Area, all within minutes. Various floor plans and flexible
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
About Our ApartmentsHighlander Heights, located at 1333 W Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843, offers newly remodeled studio, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments featuring recessed lighting and brand-new appliances. Situated in a convenient area, residents enjoy easy access to Howell's charming downtown, known for its unique shops, dining options, and community events. The property is also near Thompson
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