$355,669Average Value$215Average Price per Sq Ft72Homes For Sale
Community-oriented city 55 miles from Detroit
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
Anne Shields,
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 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Howell, MI over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 314 Dorchester in Howell — where timeless charm meets modern comfort. This beautifully maintained 2,133 sq. ft. detached condo offers the perfect blend of warmth, space, and style. With 3 generously sized bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, the layout is thoughtfully designed for easy, everyday living. Step into a chef’s dream kitchen, complete with elegant granite countertops, an oversized
**Join us for an Open House this Sunday, June 15th from 12-2 PM! Don’t miss your chance to tour this incredible home and make it yours.****Welcome to 1391 E Marr, Howell, MI – Country Living at Its Best!**Discover the perfect blend of peaceful country living and city convenience with this beautifully updated quad-level home, nestled on a picturesque 9-acre property. With 4 bedrooms and 2 full
Move-In Ready Gem in Hartland Schools!Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with over 3,600 sq ft of finished living space, including a beautifully finished daylight basement. Located in the highly sought-after Walnut Ridge Estates, this home offers comfort, functionality, and style.Step into the open-concept kitchen featuring a 6-foot center island, granite countertops, soft-close
Welcome home to this 2,700 sq. ft. home situated on 3 peaceful acres with a pond, offering privacy and nearby city convenience. This 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home features an open-concept layout with vaulted ceilings, a brick fireplace, and abundant natural light. The updated kitchen includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances (2020), and ample cabinetry. Recent upgrades include a new
**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**Are Cars your thing? This includes a fully equipped building with heavy duty
Welcome home to this incredible to be built 1st floor primary situated on a serene 2.5 wooded acres. This home features a wide-open modern floor plan with 2-story vaulted ceilings, Duchateau LVP floors, and an open-concept kitchen w/ granite counters. Excellent custom features included standard; 24x36 3.5 car garage, gas fireplace, deluxe trim package with 5" craftsman baseboard, 9' basement
Town Commons offers the largest square footage in town with a variety of floor plans. 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 Highly rated school district and close to all
Spacious Executive Ranch-Style Condo Near Downtown Howell! Beautifully appointed, newer-built condo offering modern living with a touch of luxury. This 3-bedroom, 3 full-bath home features a stylish open-concept layout with high-end finishes throughout. The gourmet kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a functional island, and pantry—perfect for both cooking and
Welcome home to Highland Knolls, a brand new exceptional collection of apartment homes designed to offer you a truly refined lifestyle. Nestled in the scenic town of Howell, just 35 min to Michigan State University and 40 min to University of Michigan. This property features open concept floorplans in both One and Two-bedroom options. Each apartment boasts elegant finishes, abundant natural
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.
