South Lyon sits roughly 40 miles west of Detroit, offering a small-town setting without straying far from big city amenities. “It’s a quaint, quiet, rural bedroom community,” says Lisa Prochazka, associate broker with Real Estate One in South Lyon. “There’s a downtown area and we have some larger acreage parcels, so people can get more space.” Incorporated as a city in 1930, South Lyon enjoys a longstanding history, especially with the railroad industry, which once operated three lines running through the small city. Today, the CSX main line from Detroit to Grand Rapids still runs through South Lyon, but the city’s largest employers are the South Lyon School District, Michigan Seamless Tube and the South Lyon Hotel.
Witches Hat Depot Museum is a local staple in South Lyon.
South Lyon Hotel employs locals and offers dining options in South Lyon.
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The shops and restaurants of downtown South Lyon
Initially built in 1867, the South Lyon Hotel was originally the city’s central hotel and still provided rooms into the late 1980s. Converted to a restaurant and banquet hall, it was destroyed by fire in 2016. In a demonstration of the sense of community across the city, ownership and locals rallied to bring the hotel back to life, reopening the following year. Surrounding the hotel, the city’s downtown is as a hub for shopping and dining, offering various locally owned shops and restaurants. “We finally got a Downtown Development Authority,” Prochazka says. “There’s a farmers market, concerts in the park and a lot of new restaurants.” Dining options range from the hotel’s full menu of Americana to fresh baked goods or upscale Italian cuisine. Shopping options are just as varied, with shops offering toys, video games, boutique clothing and more. For groceries and other necessities, residents can head to Busch’s Fresh Food Market on Pontiac Trail or Kroger, which is also on Pontiac Trail but just south of city limits.
The Corner Social in South Lyon is a great spot all year long for lunch.
Sip on a freshly poured craft beer from Witch's Hat Brewery in South Lyon.
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History and hiking abound in South Lyon parks
Spanning five parks and the Huron Valley Trail, South Lyon’s park system holds more than 200 acres of green space where the community can enjoy baseball fields, basketball and volleyball courts, playgrounds and more. Unique activities across the city include a popular sledding hill in McHattie Park, also home to the Witch’s Hat Depot Museum & Village. The historic site offers a glimpse into the city’s past with an old train depot, a schoolhouse and a chapel. The 12-mile Huron Valley Rail Trail extends from South Lyon to Wixom and connects to surrounding trails, offering an additional 25 miles of trail to explore.
Witches Hat Depot Museum has an old school house that was used for many years in South Lyon.
The Huron Valley Trail runs through South Lyon.
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Depot Days and other community events
South Lyon’s small-town vibe is even more apparent when the town comes together for annual events. The community comes together for events like Depot Days and the annual Pumpkinfest , with live music, crafts, model trains, pie-eating contests and even a dog costume contest. In the summer, residents enjoy movies and live music at McHattie Park. The holiday season is celebrated spectacularly with the Holiday Spectacular tree lighting and parade.
Enjoy all your favorite carnival foods! Hot dogs, french fries, funnel cakes at Pumpkinfest.
Locals come and stroll the streets downtown at the annual Pumpkinfest.
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A mix of housing in a sellers’ market
While many homes were built between the 1950s and 1970s, new subdivisions are popping up across South Lyon, adding modern craftsman-style and New Traditional homes to its inventory of mid-century bungalows, colonial revivals and ranch-style homes. Single-family homes typically sell between $100,000 and $850,000, though larger estates can sell for more than $1 million. Townhomes and condos are also available and usually sell from $65,000 to $500,000. The median home price in South Lyon is $450,000, up 14% from the previous year, and homes spend an average of 27 days on the market.
Traditional minimal homes in South Lyon are very charming and well-kept.
There is a wide variety of home styles in South Lyon.
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South Lyon Community Schools
The South Lyon Community Schools district earns an A-minus on Niche with eight elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. With just under 8,500 students, the district maintains a 20:1 student-teacher ratio and is ranked among the 50 districts with the best teachers in Michigan. The district’s average graduation rate is 91%, and the average SAT score is 1220.
Students are taught a challenging curriculum at South Lyon East High School.
Kids are challenged to excel at Bartlett Elementary School in South Lyon.
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Convenient commutes to Detroit jobs
With its suburban neighborhood sidewalks, network of trails and compact size of less than 4 square miles, South Lyon is a fairly walkable community. There are no public transportation options, but Interstate 96 is just about 4 miles north and puts downtown Detroit roughly a 40-mile drive away. A little more than 10 miles east, Interstate 275 puts the Detroit Metro Airport 34 miles away.
Crime rates are notably lower in South Lyon
According to FBI data, South Lyon’s property and violent crime rates tend to be less than a fifth of the average rates for Michigan and the United States overall. Environmental data indicates the city is at moderate risk of damage from wildfires over the next 30 years, with 55% of properties at risk of being affected. Like many Michigan cities, it expects significant snowfall over most winters, averaging 44 inches per winter.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
Scottie Davison
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
James Baker,
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.
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On average, homes in South Lyon, MI sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in South Lyon, MI over the last 12 months is $492,500, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautiful new "Berkeley" at Sterling Trail is ready to move in! This beautiful 2 story home has plenty of space for everyone with 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, plus a full basement and 3 car, side entry garage! Upon entry of the front door, you are greeted with a 2-story foyer, a guest suite off of the entry foyer, as well as a formal dining room in the front of the home with a ton of natural
OPEN HOUSE: SUN., SEPT. 20th 12 to 2 p.m. ** Exceptional indoor-outdoor living defines this beautifully appointed 2,911 SFT Colonial, set on just under 1/2 acre near the end of a cul-de-sac in sought-after Saddle Creek. The backyard is a true standout, with extensive tiered paver patios, professional landscaping, mature plantings, built-in gas grill, dedicated fire-pit gathering area, and
Welcome to easy one-story living in a quiet Lyon Township neighborhood! Situated on a spacious .46-acre lot with no HOA, this move-in-ready home offers a great combination of comfort, privacy, and convenience. Extensively updated in 2025 and 2026, the home features fresh paint throughout, new LVP flooring in nearly every room, an updated bathroom, new appliances, and a new washer and dryer. Major
This stunning manufactured home is located in the prestigious Woodland Ridge Manufactured Home Community and sits on one of the largest corner lots in the neighborhood. With an attached 26x30 two-car garage and parking for up to 7 vehicles, this home offers exceptional space and convenience.Step inside to discover a pristine, move-in-ready interior featuring flat ceilings and full drywall
Welcome to Colonial Acres 55 and over senior co-op community. This 2-bedroom ranch/ townhome is exactly what you have been looking forward to. Carefree living Updated Kitchen and Bathroom. Laminate flooring throughout. Sunroom and finished basement, TV room, crafty and wood working if that your hobby. Club house pool senior activities. + Close to the S. Lyon Senior Center. This section of the
Bright 2-Bed, 2-Bath Condo with Finished Basement & Amenities. This inviting 900 sq.ft. condo features a vaulted living room, luxury vinyl floors, and a functional galley kitchen. Enjoy the bonus 3-seasons room for extra relaxation space. The finished 800 sq.ft. basement adds a spacious family room, flex room, and full bath—perfect for guests, hobbies, or a second living zone. Updates include new
Welcome to a thoughtfully upgraded home designed for comfort, entertaining and flexible living. The main level features 9-foot ceilings, a chef-friendly kitchen with double wall ovens, an upgraded 36-inch gas range, pot filler, specialty storage and smart cabinet lighting, plus a gas fireplace and smart lighting in the family room. Upstairs, the primary suite offers a spa-inspired shower with
AMAZING BUYER MORTGAGE, SELLER PAID, BUYDOWN INCENTIVE!!!! With an acceptable offer, Seller is willing to contribute toward a 3-2-1 temporary interest rate BUYDOWN, giving the buyer an interest rate up to 3% BELOW market rate for the 1st year and REDUCED monthly payments for the first 3 years. See attached flyer in Documents for full details!!!! Luxury, comfort, & upgrades come together in one
Home Sweet Home! cozy 55 and over community. Ranch 2 bedroom, 1 bath with a carport move in ready. Updated bathroom with walk-in-shower. 2 Bedrooms both with doorwalls. Sunroom. Kitchen with newer countertops. All appliances included. Washer Dryer Stove Fridge dishwasher. Laminate floor in Kitchen & living room. Partially Finished Basement with Craft area , TV area, Workshop and Laundry room HOA
Absolute stunner in the exclusive Walnut Creek Estates community. This beautiful home features everything you'd expect and more. Built in 2014 and ideally located near the Walnut Creek Country Club, you will fall in love as soon as you pull into this gated community. Contoured hardwood floors throughout much of the first floor lead you to a wide open and well lit kitchen space. The kitchen holds
Over 1,800 sqft of true one level living designed to meet all your dream home needs! Enter through your charming foyer with access to an adjacent den before entering the open spaced concept main living area. Tons of natural light will greet you showcasing your great room, dining room and kitchen. When its time for rest, retreat to your primary suite with a private bathroom and large walk-in
The Austin is a two-story home with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and more than 2,700 sq. ft. of living space. The first floor showcases a dining room off the foyer, great room that opens to the kitchen and eat-in nook, and a mud room with a walk-in closet. The second floor features a loft, laundry room, primary suite with full bath, and three secondary bedrooms with walk-in closets. Looking for a
Located in the highly desirable Woodland Ridge Manufactured Home Community, this well-maintained manufactured home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and nearly 1,600 square feet of comfortable living space. The spacious kitchen is designed for both everyday living and entertaining, featuring stainless steel appliances, a built-in oven and microwave, an electric cooktop, abundant cabinetry, and
Tricia MaskinBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kee Realty Clinton
When you step into this immaculately maintained full brick condo in Lafayette Woods in South Lyon, you know you have come home. This elegant home offers the perfect balance of privacy and low maintenance living. The open concept layout features two spacious bedrooms, 2 baths and a superb living room, dining room and an ideal kitchen. All appliances are included: stove, refrigerator, dishwasher,
Brookdale Apartments is located in the heart of South Lyon, Michigan, known for its historic charm, top-notch parks, and our excellent schools. Our community offers beautiful as well as spacious one and two bedroom apartment homes. Our professional and friendly staff is here to provide you with the best customer service to help make your move as easy as possible! Residents at Brookdale Apartments
Rates start at $2,599.00! Accepting applications for September - October move in dates. Limited Availability! Call today for details! Ivy Townhomes is a recently built modern 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom townhome community where we prioritize upscale, convenient living. Each townhome has been designed with your unique needs in mind, showcasing plenty of storage space, single-car attached
Welcome to Water's Edge, your tranquil retreat nestled among mature shade trees and lush landscaping, overlooking a serene lake. Our community has recently undergone extensive renovations, providing you with a refreshed living experience.At Water's Edge, you'll find a selection of one- and two-bedroom apartment homes, each with a private entrance, air conditioning, and spacious closets,
Welcome to Brookwood Farms Apartments in South Lyon, MI! We offer spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryer hookups, walk-in closets, private entrances, and more. Our pet-friendly community features indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, a library, a business center, covered parking, and a kids' park.
Beautiful 3-bedroom 2 bath Located in the Green Oak Township You can purchase this beautiful 3 bed 2 bath home Washer & dryer Central air Spacious layout Beautiful landscaping Pet-friendly community, some breed restrictions apply Located in a welcoming, well-maintained community Message me to find out how and schedule your tour today I can help you take the next step toward owning this amazing
Nestled in the quaint downtown of South Lyon, Michigan, Westlake Place offers residents small town charm and in-home luxury. Near shopping, dining, and parks of South Lyon, living here feels convenient and serene. Find a family-friendly community event happening downtown, seasonal outdoor activity at McHattie Park, or college football energy in Ann Arbor just 20 minutes away.Explore a variety of
Spacious 2- and 3-bedroom townhomes for rent in South Lyon, MI with private entries and modern updates. Donovan Townhomes offers a true townhome living experience with large floor plans, updated finishes, and private in-unit laundry in every home.Each townhome features a private entrance, oversized kitchen, and comfortable living space designed for everyday functionality. Well-maintained
You must be at least 55 yrs old to rent here. This is a 55+ community in Colonial Acres located In South Lyon offers many activities in the complex, senior center and pool. This very clean, bright corner unit has new carpet, two bedrooms and 1 bath. Also condo has an enclosed/covered back porch. All appliances are included. Water and heat included in rent. And added bonus is covered car
**Beautiful 4-Bedroom Home with 3-Car Garage & Walkout Basement in South Lyon**Spacious and beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offering approximately 3,000 sq. ft. of living space in the desirable Enclaves of Lyon community.The home features a bright, open floor plan with a large kitchen, Samsung appliances, generous living and dining spaces, and a huge second-floor
Completely updated from top to bottom! Nearly 100 year old farmhouse brought up to date inside and out! 4 bedrooms (3 upstairs, 1 on main level) plus a small loft area, 2 full bathrooms. New kitchen, with brand new appliances included. Privacy and peacefulness of the country but only moments to South Lyon. Basement, garage (with additional storage under garage) and new deck. (Sod coming soon)
Welcome to 23431 Crooked Tree Ct S, a beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home that perfectly blends comfort, space, and style. Step inside to discover bright, inviting living spaces, a modern kitchen with elegant finishes, and a spacious entertainment room that's ideal for hosting gatherings or enjoying cozy family movie nights.Step outside to your private patio featuring a
Available now! Condo in Downtown South Lyon! This updated unit offers a kitchen with glazed cabinets and granite counters, beautiful bathroom and new carpet. Private patio, generous sized laundry with a washer/dryer and lots of storage. 1-car garage, and additional storage space off patio. Just a quick walk to the clubhouse, indoor/outdoor pools and tennis courts, Walking distance to downtown
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