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
Dawn Waldrip Bertani,
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 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in South Lyon, MI over the last 12 months is $530,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Winding Creek is a small subdivision close to downtown S. Lyon where the lots are large, and you have lots of space between the homes. This home sits on a¾ acre lot looking over a parklike setting. The home offers the first-floor primary suite, 3 additional bedrooms, vaulted ceilings in the great room, fully remodeled kitchen, library with French doors, and a beautiful 3 season sunroom.
Why wait for new construction when you can move right into this 2024-built home in the Woodlands of Lyon community!This home blends modern convenience with everyday comfort, featuring Smart Home technology, an open floor plan, and upgraded finishes throughout.Inside, you’ll find 5 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. The foyer welcomes you with plenty of natural light and leads
This beautifully designed home offers the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and functionality. Step inside to find a chef’s kitchen complete with high-end appliances, expansive counter space, and an open layout ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The floor plan flows seamlessly with spacious bedrooms, modern bathrooms, and plenty of natural light throughout. A large bonus recreation
Updated in 2025, this unique end-unit at the desirable 55+ Cononial Acres Co-op offers low maintenance living and plety of natural light. Freshly painted, one bedroom and two bathrooms with walk-in showers, this home has convenient first floor laundry equipped with an all-in-one washer and dryer. The kitchen showcases new bright-wite Shaker style cabinetry, granite counter tops with a gourmet
Now available in sought after Centennial Farm of South Lyon (55+ Community) middle unit with attached garage, walk-out basement featuring a bedroom, full bath and new laundry room.Enjoy lake access to a serene small chain of lakes, perfect for relaxing by the water, kayaking or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings.Low-maintenance lifestyle and desirable location with an incredible
Welcome to 12485 Cambridge unit #2 Centennial Farms, 55 and over co-op, Located in beautiful .Green Oak TWP , Livingston County Mi. Live, Love and Laugh in this fresh and lively property. Open floor plan. Fresh designer colors the 2 bedroom 2 bath with a finished basement and a 1 car garage is ready for immediate occupancy. Walk in shower located on the main floor Bathroom. Crisp white crown
Fall Promotional Rates start at $2,599.00! Accepting application for a Early- Mid November move in dates. Call today for details and to schedule a tour! 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,
Imagine starting your mornings with natural light filling every corner and ending your evenings on a private deck surrounded by peace and comfort. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in the highly rated South Lyon School District isn’t just a house, it’s the lifestyle you’ve been waiting for.Built in 2019, this home offers a bright open concept with hardwood floors, a private office perfect for
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,
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