Northville vs. Plymouth vs. Novi: Where Should You Buy in 2025?
Family-friendly neighborhoods in Northville Michigan with top-rated schools
If you're house hunting in Metro Detroit with a budget around $500K or more, you've probably narrowed it down to the same three cities everyone asks me about: Northville, Plymouth, and Novi.
Here's the thing—all three are excellent choices. They're consistently ranked among Michigan's best suburbs for a reason: top-rated schools, thriving downtowns, and strong property values. But they're NOT the same, and choosing the wrong one could mean missing out on the lifestyle you actually want.
After 15 years as an educator in Metro Detroit and now helping families buy and sell luxury homes in these exact markets, I've learned that the "best" city isn't about rankings—it's about fit. So let's break down what makes each city unique, who they're best suited for, and what you need to know before making an offer.
The Quick Answer (If You're in a Hurry)
Choose Northville if: You want historic charm, walkable downtown living, top-tier schools, and you're willing to pay a premium for it.
Choose Plymouth if: You love a tight-knit community feel, want walkable downtown vibes without quite as high of a price tag as Northville, and value a mix of old and new home styles.
Choose Novi if: You prioritize newer construction, modern amenities, diverse dining and shopping options, and want the best value for your square footage in a luxury market.
1. Schools: The #1 Factor for Most Buyers
Let's be real—if you're moving to these suburbs, schools are probably at the top of your list. Here's the breakdown:
Northville Public Schools
Rating: Consistently ranked among the top 10 districts in Michigan
Highlights: Northville High School is one of the state's best, with strong academics, athletics, and arts programs. Elementary and middle schools are equally impressive.
What I Tell Clients: If you want the prestige of saying "Northville Schools," this is your spot. The schools live up to the hype, but you'll pay for it in home prices and taxes.
Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
Rating: Highly rated across all grade levels
Highlights: Three excellent high schools at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park (Salem, Canton, and Plymouth). Strong STEM programs, robust extracurriculars, and a supportive community.
What I Tell Clients: Plymouth-Canton schools are exceptional and often underrated compared to Northville. You get top-tier education without the Northville price premium.
Novi Community Schools
Rating: Excellent district with strong test scores and college prep focus
Highlights: Novi High School is known for academic rigor, diversity, and modern facilities. Great for families who value STEM education and international programs.
What I Tell Clients: Novi schools are fantastic and improving every year. Plus, the district is incredibly diverse, which many families see as a huge asset.
Bottom Line: You can't go wrong with any of these districts. Northville has the name recognition, Plymouth-Canton offers incredible value, and Novi brings diversity and modern facilities.
2. Downtown Experience: Where Do You Want to Spend Your Saturdays?
Downtown Northville
Northville's downtown is postcard-perfect: brick-paved streets, Victorian architecture, and a mix of boutique shops, upscale restaurants, and community events year-round. It's walkable, charming, and feels like a Norman Rockwell painting.
Vibe: Historic, upscale, community-centered
Best For: Families who love farmer's markets, art fairs, and being within walking distance of coffee shops and wine bars.
Pro Tip: Homes within walking distance of downtown Northville command a premium—but if that lifestyle matters to you, it's worth it.
Downtown Plymouth
Plymouth's downtown rivals Northville in charm but with a slightly more laid-back, artsy vibe. Kellogg Park hosts concerts, festivals, and a beloved farmer's market. The historic Penn Theatre is a local gem, and the restaurant scene is diverse and thriving.
Vibe: Artsy, family-friendly, tight-knit
Best For: Families who want a walkable downtown with a strong sense of community but don't need to pay Northville prices.
Pro Tip: Old Village Plymouth (the historic neighborhood just south of downtown) is one of the most sought-after areas in Metro Detroit—think tree-lined streets and beautifully maintained historic homes.
Novi
Novi doesn't have the traditional "downtown" feel of Northville or Plymouth. Instead, you get Twelve Oaks Mall (one of Michigan's premier shopping destinations), excellent international restaurants (seriously, Novi's food scene is underrated), and modern entertainment options.
Vibe: Diverse, modern, suburban convenience
Best For: Families who prioritize shopping, dining variety, and newer home construction over a walkable historic downtown.
Pro Tip: If you're someone who values access to authentic cuisine from around the world (Indian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, etc.), Novi is unmatched in Metro Detroit.
Bottom Line: Northville and Plymouth win if you want a classic, walkable downtown. Novi wins if you want modern conveniences and don't need that small-town square experience.
3. Home Styles & Inventory: What You'll Actually Find
Northville
Northville has a beautiful mix of historic Victorians downtown, established colonials in neighborhoods like Country Club Village, and newer luxury builds in subdivisions like Stonewater and Pheasant Hills.
Typical Listings at $600K:
3-4 bedrooms, 2,500-3,200 sq ft, colonial or Victorian style, mature trees, often on smaller lots near downtown or larger lots in newer subdivisions.
What to Know: Northville's inventory tends to move quickly, especially in desirable neighborhoods. If you see something you love, don't wait.
Plymouth
Plymouth offers a mix of charming older homes (1920s-1950s bungalows and colonials) and newer construction townhomes. The market here is competitive but slightly less cutthroat than Northville.
Typical Listings at $600K:
3-4 bedrooms, 2,200-3,000 sq ft, mix of older updated colonials and newer luxury condos/townhomes near downtown.
What to Know: Old Village Plymouth homes are highly coveted and rarely come on the market. If you want that neighborhood, be prepared to act fast and pay a premium.
Novi
Novi is all about newer construction and modern layouts. You'll find subdivisions with luxury amenities, HOA communities with pools and clubhouses, and homes built in the 2000s-2020s.
Typical Listings at $600K:
4-5 bedrooms, 3,000-3,500 sq ft, open floor plans, modern finishes, often on larger lots than Northville or Plymouth.
What to Know: Novi gives you the most square footage for your money. If you want a newer, move-in-ready home with all the bells and whistles, Novi delivers.
Bottom Line: Northville = character and charm. Plymouth = mix of old and new. Novi = modern and spacious.
4. Taxes & Affordability: The Reality Check
Let's talk numbers, because property taxes vary significantly across these three cities.
Typical Annual Property Taxes (on a $600K home):
Northville: ~$12,000-$15,000 (varies by township vs. city limits)
Plymouth: ~$11,000-$13,000
Novi: ~$10,000-$12,000
What This Means: Over the course of a mortgage, those differences add up. Novi tends to have lower taxes overall, which makes it attractive for buyers maximizing their budget.
5. Commute & Location: Where Are You Working?
All three cities offer excellent access to major Metro Detroit highways, but here's the breakdown:
Northville: Easy access to I-275, I-96, and M-14. Great for commuters heading to Ann Arbor, Livonia, or Detroit.
Plymouth: Close to I-275 and M-14. Ideal for Ann Arbor commuters or anyone working in the western suburbs.
Novi: Direct access to I-96, I-275, and M-5. Perfect for anyone commuting to Detroit, Farmington Hills, or Oakland County.
Bottom Line: All three are commuter-friendly. Choose based on your office location.
My Take: Which City Should You Choose?
After working with dozens of families buying in these markets, here's my honest assessment:
Choose Northville if:
You want the prestige and name recognition
Walkability and historic charm are must-haves
You're willing to pay a premium for top-tier schools and a coveted downtown
Choose Plymouth if:
You want Northville vibes at a slightly better value
You love community events and a tight-knit feel
You're okay with a mix of older and newer home styles
Choose Novi if:
You prioritize square footage, modern construction, and newer amenities
You want the best value for your money in a luxury market
You appreciate diversity and international dining options
The Bottom Line
There's no wrong answer here. Northville, Plymouth, and Novi are all exceptional places to call home. The key is understanding what matters most to YOU—whether it's schools, downtown walkability, home style, or taxes—and choosing accordingly.
Want help navigating these markets? I've been selling luxury homes in Northville, Plymouth, and Novi for years, and I'd love to help you find the perfect fit. Reach out, and let's talk about what you're looking for.
By Allison Maher | Metro Detroit Luxury Real Estate Expert
📧 Contact Allison Maher: allisonmaher.com
📱 Text me at 248-7for a free buyer consultation
Related Posts:
What $600K Gets You in Northville, Plymouth, and Novi
Best Neighborhoods in Northville for Families
Plymouth vs. Northville Schools: A Parent's Guide
Allison Maher is a Metro Detroit luxury real estate expert with the Ashley Jolley Real Estate Team at Century 21 Curran & Oberski. With 15 years of experience as an educator in Livonia and deep knowledge of Northville, Plymouth, Novi, and South Lyon markets, Allison helps families find homes that fit their lives—not just their budgets.
