Moving to Howell, Michigan: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Howell, Michigan? This charming small city offers historic downtown, good schools, and convenient location. With approximately 10,200 residents in 2025, Howell combines Victorian architecture with modern amenities and Livingston County’s seat character.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Howell:

Howell’s 2025 population is approximately 10,200 residents in Livingston County (county seat), 40 miles northwest of Detroit and 30 miles northeast of Ann Arbor. The median age is around 37 years, with families, professionals, and working-age residents. The population is approximately 93% White, 3% Hispanic, 2% Black or African American, 1% Asian. Howell features beautiful historic downtown with Victorian architecture, good schools, courthouse square, and serves as Livingston County’s governmental and cultural center. The city attracts middle-class families seeking good schools with small-city charm, professionals, and those wanting Michigan small-city character with strategic location. Howell appeals to families prioritizing schools, downtown character, and location convenience. The community values education, historic preservation, downtown vitality, and maintaining small-city Victorian character.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Howell:

Howell offers competitive affordability for the location. Median home values range from $220,000 to $330,000 in 2025, reasonable for good schools and strategic location between Detroit and Ann Arbor. The median household income is approximately $68,000. Rental properties average $1,100 to $1,600 monthly. Michigan has flat income tax 4.25%. Property taxes are moderate. Overall cost of living is competitive for the school quality and location flexibility, making Howell attractive for families and professionals seeking Michigan small-city quality with commute options. The city provides value with historic downtown and good schools.

Economy and Job Market:

Howell residents typically commute throughout the region. Many work in Brighton (10 minutes), Ann Arbor (30 minutes), Novi/Farmington Hills (25 minutes), or Detroit (50 minutes). County government employs locally. The broader region provides opportunities. Typical commute times vary by destination – location flexibility is the advantage. Many residents work in automotive, healthcare, government, or professional services.

Education:

Howell Public Schools serves city students with Howell High School. School quality is good providing solid education with strong community support. The schools attract families seeking quality education with small-city character.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Howell offers BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC DOWNTOWN with Victorian architecture, courthouse square, locally-owned shops, restaurants, and charming small-city atmosphere creating the heart of the community. The city features Howell Opera House, Livingston County Courthouse, extensive parks, proximity to numerous lakes (Howell area has many), and family atmosphere. Residents enjoy historic downtown walkability and character, good Howell schools, Victorian architecture beauty, strategic location between Detroit and Ann Arbor, small-city connections, and county seat amenities. The lifestyle emphasizes historic downtown vitality, family activities, good schools, small-city character, and location convenience. The four-season Michigan climate features cold winters and pleasant summers. The community values historic downtown preservation, Howell schools, Victorian architecture, small-city character, courthouse square, and county seat pride. Living in Howell means accepting small-city size, commuting for employment, moderate Michigan costs, and prioritizing small-city charm while enjoying beautiful Victorian historic downtown, good schools, strategic location between Detroit and Ann Arbor enabling commute flexibility, courthouse square character, and small-city connections creating Livingston County’s most charming destination where Victorian architecture meets good schools and location convenience defines quality Michigan small-city living.

Healthcare and Services:

Howell residents access healthcare through St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital (nearby), University of Michigan hospitals (Ann Arbor, 30 minutes), and regional facilities. The healthcare infrastructure serves the area with excellent regional access.

Transportation:

Howell is accessed via Interstate 96, Michigan Highway 59, Grand River Avenue, and various corridors at a strategic location. Most residents use personal vehicles. Typical commute times to Ann Arbor are 30 minutes, to Detroit 50 minutes, to Brighton 10 minutes, to Novi 25 minutes.

Conclusion:

Moving to Howell in 2025 offers charming Michigan small-city living with Victorian downtown, good schools, and strategic location. The city’s combination of historic architecture, solid education, and location flexibility makes it ideal for families seeking Livingston County’s finest destination where Victorian charm meets good schools and convenient location defines quality small-city Michigan living.