NORTHVILLE, MI
NORTHVILLE, MI
Northville, MI: historic downtown charm, year-round events, and a small city split between two counties
HIGHLIGHTS
Northville is a highly walkable, historic-feeling community on the western edge of Metro Detroit that’s located in both Wayne County and Oakland County—even though the city itself is only about 2 square miles. First settled in 1825, Northville has worked hard to preserve its classic character. You see it in the Victorian-era architecture downtown, the tree-lined neighborhoods nearby, and the way the community shows up for local traditions all year long.
Northville is one of those places where you can spend a Saturday strolling downtown, grabbing coffee, browsing local shops, and ending the day at an event—without needing to drive from place to place.
What Northville is known for
1) A downtown that feels like a postcard.
Downtown Northville is beloved for its historic buildings, charming streets, independent shops, and restaurant options that make it a true “park once and wander” experience. The architecture and streetscape create a timeless vibe that’s hard to replicate in newer suburbs.
2) Mill Race Village (a living-history highlight).
Mill Race Village is one of Northville’s most notable historic sites. It’s essentially a small historical village that preserves and displays a collection of buildings and spaces that represent everyday life from earlier eras. Visitors often love it because it feels hands-on and local—more like stepping into history than reading about it.
3) A calendar packed with community events.
Northville is known for being active and event-driven. Popular annual favorites often include events like:
Art in the Sun
Northville Farmers Market
Northville Grub Crawl
Victorian Festival / Victorian Heritage Festival
Fire & Ice
Summer Friday night concerts
Northville Christmas Parade
If you like a community where there’s always something happening downtown, Northville is a standout.
4) Small-city living with big convenience.
Even with its historic vibe, Northville is a practical home base. Many residents love that they can enjoy the charm of a small city while still having easy access to major roads and nearby hubs for work and travel.
Living in Northville: vibe, lifestyle, and who it fits best
Northville tends to feel classic, community-oriented, and walkable, and it’s often a great fit for people who want:
A true downtown with year-round events and a “small town” atmosphere
Historic character and neighborhoods that feel established and scenic
A community where traditions matter and families participate
A lifestyle that supports walking, local shopping, and meeting friends close to home
Convenient access to both Oakland County and Wayne County corridors
It’s popular with people who want a refined, charming place to live where weekends feel built-in.
Real estate and home styles in Northville
Northville’s housing reflects its long history and its desirability. Buyers often find:
Older homes with character near downtown, including Victorian-influenced styles and classic architecture
Established neighborhoods with mature trees and a strong “neighborhood feel”
A mix of renovated historic homes and more modern updates (depending on the street and pocket)
Options that range from smaller, charming homes to larger properties, especially as you move outward from the downtown core
A helpful note for buyers: in Northville, proximity to downtown and the “walkable core” can significantly shape lifestyle and demand. Two homes can feel totally different based on whether you can walk downtown or you’re a short drive away.
Things to do: events, historic sites, and downtown routines
Northville is perfect for people who like to stay local:
Attend weekend events and seasonal festivals downtown
Spend time at Mill Race Village for history, tours, and community programming
Walk the downtown streets for coffee, dinner, and shopping
Make traditions out of annual favorites like Fire & Ice or the holiday parade
It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a big plan to have a good day—downtown becomes the plan.
Getting around: easy access without losing the charm
Even though Northville feels tucked into its own historic world, it’s still well connected. Residents love that they can enjoy a small-city lifestyle and still reach nearby freeway routes for commuting, errands, or weekend trips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Northville, MI
Is Northville a good place to live?
It can be an excellent fit if you want a walkable historic downtown, strong community traditions, and a small-city feel with Metro Detroit convenience.
Is Northville in Wayne County or Oakland County?
Both. Northville is split between Wayne and Oakland counties, which is one of its unique geographic features.
What is Mill Race Village in Northville?
Mill Race Village is a historic village site that preserves multiple historic-style buildings and spaces to represent earlier eras of community life. It’s one of Northville’s best-known historic attractions.
What is Northville known for?
A charming historic downtown, Victorian-era architecture, and a packed event calendar (Farmers Market, seasonal festivals, summer concerts, and holiday traditions).
Does Northville have a lot of events?
Yes. Northville is known for community events throughout the year, especially in and around downtown.
Want to explore Northville homes that match your lifestyle?
If you want to call Northville, 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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