FARMINGTON, MI
FARMINGTON, MI
Farmington, MI: a walkable historic downtown with local shops, great dining, and a fun “small city” vibe
HIGHLIGHTS
Farmington is a charming small city in Oakland County with a real downtown core and a strong sense of community. It’s the kind of place people choose when they want a walkable neighborhood feel, local businesses they actually use, and a downtown that stays active beyond just the weekend. Farmington is often described as a “small town in the middle of everything,” with easy access to nearby Metro Detroit job centers while still feeling friendly and local.
Farmington has also been recognized nationally as a desirable place to live, including a CNNMoney.com ranking in 2007. In more recent years, the city invested in downtown improvements and renovations, and residents continue to enjoy a downtown that feels cared for, modern, and inviting.
What Farmington is known for
1) A true downtown with local businesses and walkability.
Downtown Farmington is compact and easy to explore on foot. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon browsing shops, grabbing coffee, meeting friends for dinner, and catching seasonal events.
2) A fun mix of date-night and “stay local” spots.
Farmington’s downtown offers a blend of unique, local destinations that help define the city’s vibe, including:
1Up Arcade & Bar (pints + classic games)
Bodhi Yoga (wellness and fitness options)
Browndog Dessert Bar (a go-to treat stop)
These places give downtown Farmington a personality that feels modern, playful, and community-driven.
3) Community investment and a downtown that feels refreshed.
Farmington has put effort into improving the downtown experience through renovations and upgrades, and that shows up in how the area looks, feels, and functions. The result is a downtown that feels lively, updated, and easy to enjoy.
4) A comfortable “small city” lifestyle with Metro Detroit access.
Farmington offers a local downtown lifestyle without being far from major roads, employers, and regional shopping. Many residents like that they can live somewhere with charm and still be close to everything they need.
Living in Farmington: vibe, lifestyle, and who it fits best
Farmington tends to feel friendly, walkable, and community-oriented, and it’s often a great fit for people who want:
A real downtown with shops, dining, and local hangout spots
A neighborhood feel where you can walk to coffee, dessert, and events
A place with charm and personality, not cookie-cutter development
Easy access to surrounding Oakland County communities
A “stay local” lifestyle where weekends don’t require long drives
If you love the idea of grabbing dinner, popping into a shop, and ending the night with dessert—all within a few blocks—Farmington fits that perfectly.
Real estate and home styles in Farmington
Farmington’s housing includes a range of styles that support its established, character-rich feel. Buyers commonly find:
Older homes with charm and classic architecture near downtown
Established neighborhoods with mature trees and sidewalks
A mix of renovated interiors and well-maintained original character
Options that range from smaller starter homes to larger properties depending on location
A helpful note for buyers: proximity to downtown can shape lifestyle in Farmington. If being able to walk to restaurants and local spots matters to you, it’s worth focusing your search on areas closest to the downtown core.
Things to do: downtown hangs, wellness, and easy weekend plans
Farmington makes it easy to enjoy your own backyard:
Grab a drink and play games at 1Up Arcade & Bar
Fit in a class at Bodhi Yoga
Treat yourself at Browndog Dessert Bar
Explore downtown shops and seasonal events
Make your weekends feel full without leaving town
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Farmington, MI
Is Farmington a good place to live?
It can be a great fit if you want a walkable downtown, local shops and dining, and a community-focused lifestyle with Metro Detroit convenience.
What is Farmington known for?
Farmington is known for its charming downtown, local businesses, and a “small city” feel with a strong community vibe.
Is downtown Farmington walkable?
Yes. Downtown Farmington is compact and walkable, which is a major reason residents love living nearby.
What kinds of things can you do in downtown Farmington?
Shop local, grab dinner, visit unique spots like 1Up Arcade & Bar, take a yoga class at Bodhi, and finish with dessert at Browndog.
What kind of homes are in Farmington?
A mix of older homes with character and established neighborhoods with a classic suburban feel, with renovations varying by property and street.
Want to explore Farmington homes that match your lifestyle?
If you want to call Farmington, MI home, reach out to us to get started today!
Jim Shaffer and Associates, powered by Good Company, has been helping Metro Detroit move since 1999. The team of 51 agents and staff closes an average of 850 transactions each year and has surpassed $2 billion in career sales, making them the #1 team in Oakland County, the top team in Ferndale, Royal Oak, Oak Park, and Hazel Park, and one of the most trusted names in Metro Detroit real estate. Their reputation for results and client care has earned recognition from RealTrends America’s Best, Hour Detroit All Stars, and the Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces.
With over 2,700 Google reviews, 956 Zillow reviews, and decades of local experience, Jim Shaffer and Associates has built a legacy of trust and community in Ferndale and across Metro Detroit. Their team specializes in guiding first-time home buyers, first-time sellers, move-up buyers, and downsizers through every step of the process. From Oakland to Wayne and Macomb Counties and all surrounding cities, Jim Shaffer and Associates continues to set the standard for exceptional service and proven results in Southeast Michigan real estate.
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