NOVI, MI
NOVI, MI
Novi, MI: a fast-growing Oakland County city with major shopping, strong parks, and an easy commute to Detroit and Ann Arbor
HIGHLIGHTS
Novi is a northwest Metro Detroit city in Oakland County that blends suburban comfort with big-city convenience. While Novi was organized as a township in 1832, it was incorporated as a city in 1969, and it has become one of the region’s most in-demand places to live thanks to its mix of neighborhoods, schools, business growth, and retail options.
Many people choose Novi because it checks a rare combination of boxes. It feels family-friendly and residential, but it also offers excellent shopping, dining, and job access. If you want a home base that makes it easy to get to both Detroit and Ann Arbor, Novi is often a smart place to start your search.
What Novi is known for
1) Major shopping and entertainment centers.
Novi is a regional destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, anchored by:
Twelve Oaks Mall
Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk (outdoor shopping and entertainment)
These areas attract visitors from across Metro Detroit and help drive Novi’s economy.
2) A strong business and employer presence.
Novi has a large commercial footprint with offices and technical centers for major companies. You’ll find corporate and regional operations here, including employers like Kroger’s Michigan Division offices, automotive suppliers and engineering operations, and logistics and business service sites. This business activity is part of why Novi has continued to grow and draw new residents.
3) Parks, trails, and surprisingly “outdoorsy” weekends.
Novi isn’t just shopping and office parks. It has excellent recreation options, including:
Lakeshore Park, the city’s largest park, with trails and a summer swim beach on Walled Lake
Pavilion Shore Park on Walled Lake, known for waterfront seating, paths, and a fishing pier
ITC Community Sports Park, a major tournament-style sports complex
If you want suburban living where parks are actually part of your routine, Novi delivers.
4) Local history you can still see today.
Even though Novi is known for modern growth, it also has historic and educational sites that give it depth, including:
MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center, a working farmstead and learning space
Historic landmarks and preserved sites tied to Novi’s early township history
Living in Novi: vibe, lifestyle, and who it fits best
Novi tends to feel clean, organized, and family-oriented, with a strong “everything is close” lifestyle. It’s often a great fit for people who want:
A suburban city with strong everyday convenience
Great shopping, dining, and services close to home
Parks, trails, and sports facilities for active households
A location that supports commuting across Metro Detroit
Neighborhood variety, from established homes to newer builds
People who value a well-rounded lifestyle tend to love Novi because you can do a lot without leaving the city.
Real estate and home styles in Novi
Novi’s housing options vary depending on where you are in the city, but buyers commonly find:
Established neighborhoods with mature trees and classic layouts
Newer construction areas with modern floor plans and subdivision amenities
A wide range of home sizes and styles, including colonials, ranches, and newer builds
Areas where school boundaries, commute routes, and neighborhood feel can vary noticeably
A helpful note for buyers: Novi is large enough that it’s worth narrowing your search by priorities like commute direction, school preferences, walkability, and proximity to parks or shopping.
Things to do in Novi: shopping, parks, and easy weekend plans
Novi makes it easy to fill your calendar without a long drive:
Spend a full day shopping and dining at Twelve Oaks and Fountain Walk
Walk trails and enjoy lake views at Lakeshore Park and Pavilion Shore Park
Catch youth sports, tournaments, and community activities at ITC Sports Park
Explore educational and seasonal programming at MSU Tollgate Farm
It’s the kind of city where weeknights can be simple and convenient, and weekends can still feel busy and fun.
Getting around: why Novi works for commuters
Novi’s location is one of its biggest advantages. Many residents choose it because it offers straightforward access to major routes that connect you across Metro Detroit, including commutes toward Detroit-area job centers and trips toward Ann Arbor and western destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Novi, MI
Is Novi a good place to live for families?
Novi is widely considered family-friendly because it offers strong parks, recreation, schools, and everyday conveniences like shopping and services.
What is Novi known for?
Novi is best known for major shopping (Twelve Oaks Mall and Fountain Walk), business and employer presence, and excellent parks and recreation.
Does Novi have things to do besides shopping?
Yes. Novi has large parks, trails, lake access at Walled Lake, sports complexes, and educational spots like MSU Tollgate Farm.
Is Novi a good location if I commute to Detroit or Ann Arbor?
Often, yes. Novi is positioned in a way that many residents find practical for commuting across Metro Detroit and making trips toward Ann Arbor.
What kinds of homes are common in Novi?
You’ll find a mix of established neighborhoods and newer development, with a wide range of home sizes and styles depending on the area.
Want to explore Novi homes that match your lifestyle?
If you want to call Novi, MI home, reach out to us to get started today. Jim Shaffer and Associates has helped buyers and sellers in Novi and throughout Oakland County, and we’d love to help you explore what fits your goals.
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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