Michigan's city of Novi is an unassuming northwestern Detroit suburb of nearly 67,000 residents. Incorporated in 1969, the city's name is said to have been coined from the number six — or no. VI — toll gate along Grand River Road; and was later popularized by the creation of the 'Novi Special,' a 450-horsepower racing engine developed here in the early 1940s. Today, residents are reminded of their city's heritage each time they pass by the community's historic water tower — painted bright red and donning a massive yellow racecar, the white lettering reads "the birthplace of the Novi Special." “Novi features amazing restaurants, coffee shops and arts and crafts," says Monique Carter, real estate broker with EXP Realty. “There's always something to do.” The city is also home to a miniature R/C raceway track, stately parks, unique eateries and one of Michigan’s largest shopping malls, Twelve Oaks. Interstate 96 runs through the heart of Novi, and provides residents with direct access to downtown Detroit, about 29 miles away.
Novi locals can see the city's heritage each time they pass by the historic water tower.
Gatsby's is a local watering hole with classic pub food in Novi.
Novi is home to a miniature R/C raceway track open in the summer.
Novi is home to one of Michigan's largest shopping malls, Twelve Oaks.
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A steadily growing housing market
Housing styles vary greatly across the city’s many different neighborhoods. Three- and four-bedroom homes are popular in neighborhoods like Mystic Forest, while condos can be found in neighborhoods like Island Lake. Popular home styles include Tudors and Cape Cods, and the city’s neighborhoods are plotted with wide streets that allow for easy street parking, which accompanies the area's many driveways. The city's median home price is $468,000, but prices can range from as low as $50,000 to upwards of $5 million depending on size, condition and location. For example, a manufactured home can sell for $50,000, while condo units tend to go for between $188,000 and $335,000, and single-family homes sell from the mid $400,000s to upwards of $800,000.
Tudor-style homes in Novi set the grand mood.
Novi is a growing city with new construction popping up throughout town.
The city of Novi's housing styles vary greatly across the city’s neighborhoods.
Some Novi locals live in Condos like Island Lake.
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Top employers, health care and transportation
Novi’s top employers include the Ascension Providence Health Center, which provides the city with more than 2,200 jobs, and the Novi Community School District, which employs roughly 900 staff members. Ascension is a Level II trauma center, a comprehensive stroke center and is also nationally recognized for its work in treating various forms of cancer. The health system sits less than a quarter-of-a-mile south of Interstate 96, which runs through the north end of the city, and Michigan’s Smart bus system provides residents with public transit routes throughout the city. The interstate connects to other highways around the Detroit metro region and puts downtown Detroit less than 30 miles away. When traveling longer distances, the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is 27 miles away.
Walled Lake and Novi parks
Situated on the outskirts of the Detroit metro area, Novi has an abundance of parks and green spaces. The city shares a border with Walled Lake, which gives residents a place to fish, swim or boat. The lake’s shores also host a collection of parks like Pavilion Shore Park, which provides paved trails, horseshoe pits and picnic areas. The rest of the city’s parks hold other amenities like a 150-seat amphitheater and a sculpture garden.
Novi shares a border with Walled Lake, which gives residents a place to fish, swim or boat.
Novi has ample space to walk your dog.
Bikers head to the local pump track and skills course to ride in Novi.
Novi is home to one of John Sauve's Sturm and Drang sculptures.
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Twelve Oaks Mall, shopping, dining and events
The city’s largest shopping and dining district is found near the intersection of Novi Road and Interstate 96. Just north of the interstate, the Twelve Oaks Mall is one of the state’s largest shopping centers. The mall, Carter says, is popular in the city and is home to more than 180 stores and a myriad of restaurants. The city also offers a full calendar of seasonal events for residents to enjoy. Carnival-themed Spring Palooza brings residents and city officials together for a day of food and fun. While Novi’s convention center, the Suburban Collection Showplace, hosts large scale events like the Michigan State Fair, Motor City Comic Con and the Michigan Women’s Expo. Roughly 25 miles away, the Pine Knob Music Theatre attracts bands from all over the world. Comerica Park, 28 miles away, is home to the Detroit Tigers Major League Baseball team.
The Twelve Oaks water tower can be seen from all across Novi.
Sip on a freshly poured cup of coffee at Novi's Coney Island.
Locals head to Famous Dave's Restaurant in Novi for award-winning barbecue.
In Novi, The Suburban Collection Showplace is home to the Michigan State Fair.
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Novi Community School District
Novi’s students are served by four school districts: Novi Community School District, Northville Public Schools, the Walled Lake Consolidated School District and South Lyon Community Schools. The city’s largest district is the Novi Community School District, named by Niche as the No. 1 school district in Michigan. The district earns an overall A-plus on Niche and offers 185 activities, clubs and athletic teams, 22 AP courses 15 International Baccalaureate courses. Novi is also home to Michigan State University's 160-acre farmstead campus, known as the Tollgate Farm and Education Center.
Novi is also home to Michigan State University's 160-acre farmstead campus.
Students are challenged to excel at Novi Middle School.
Novi High School offers students a dynamic learning environment.
Novi Woods Elementary School strives to foster a safe environment for its students.
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Weather trends, environmental and crime risks
The weather in Novi is much like the rest of East Michigan, with warm summers and often brutally cold winters. The lake effect brings frequent snow to the region during winter, as well as sharp winds and temperatures commonly below freezing. The crime rate in Novi is about 50% lower than those for the state of Michigan.
Written By
Konrad Solberg
Photography Contributed By
Scottie Davison
Video By
Maurice Boone
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ashley Petco,
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 Novi, MI sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Novi, MI over the last 12 months is $475,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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A beautifully updated colonial nestled in one of Novi’s most idyllic neighborhoods, just minutes from entertainment, parks, shopping, dining, and major expressways. This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers over 3,000 square feet of total living space including a finished basement with a private office or potential 5th bedroom. Inside, you’ll find a light-filled interior with newer flooring,
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