I've spent over two decades selling homes across Oakland County, and if there's one question I hear constantly, it's this: "Should we look in Farmington Hills or Novi?" Both communities are excellent—that's not the issue. The question is which one fits your specific situation, priorities, and budget.

They're close to each other, both offer strong schools and neighborhoods, but the differences matter. Let me walk you through what I see as someone working in both communities every single day.

The Price Reality

This is often the deciding factor, and honestly, it should be one of them.

Farmington Hills homes typically sit around a $310,000 median price point. That's your entry point if you're looking to own in a quality Oakland County community without stretching your budget thin. You'll find solid 3-4 bedroom ranch homes, some Cape Cods, and decent-sized lots in established neighborhoods.

Novi? Plan on a median of around $430,000. That's a significant jump—roughly $120,000 more for the median home. What you're paying for includes newer construction, updated systems, tighter finishes, and yes, the Novi name carries real market weight.

If you're a first-time buyer or watching your budget carefully, Farmington Hills gives you more breathing room and often more square footage for your money. If price is no constraint and you want that newer home feel, Novi delivers.

Schools: Both Strong, Different Philosophies

Farmington Hills feeds into Farmington Community Schools, and Novi feeds into Novi Community Schools. Both districts rank well in Michigan. That's not the distinguishing factor here.

What I've observed: Farmington Hills schools have that established, community-rooted feeling. Families stay for decades. The schools are solid performers with a traditional suburban vibe. Novi schools have newer facilities and infrastructure in many cases, partly because the district has grown more rapidly. They've had to build newer buildings to keep pace.

If you have kids and school choice matters to you, visit both. Spend time in the buildings. You'll feel the difference in atmosphere, not in test scores.

The Commute Question

This depends entirely on where you work, but here's what I see consistently:

Farmington Hills sits slightly closer to downtown Detroit if that's your destination. It's more centrally positioned in Oakland County. Novi edges toward Ann Arbor and points west on I-96, making it better if your workplace is that direction.

Both have reasonable access to major employers in Southfield, the corridors along Maple Road, and the tech corridor near Ann Arbor. Neither place will guarantee you a short commute—that's the reality of Metro Detroit. But both are workable.

Retail, Dining, and Vibe

Novi has Twelve Oaks Mall, The Fountain Walk area, and newer mixed-use development. There's more polished retail, more restaurants with contemporary vibes, newer shopping. It feels more developed and built-out.

Farmington Hills has good shopping—Farmington Plaza area has reliable chains and local spots—but it doesn't have that newer, shinier feeling. It's more functional than destination-oriented.

If you want to walk to a restaurant or coffee shop, Novi gives you more options and a fresher environment. Farmington Hills? You'll drive most places, but that's suburban Michigan reality.

The vibe difference is real. Novi feels newer, more planned, more polished. Farmington Hills feels more established, more lived-in, less corporate. Neither is better—it's about which atmosphere suits you.

Lot Sizes and Home Style

Here's something people don't always consider: Farmington Hills has older neighborhoods with larger, more varied lot sizes. You might find a 2-acre property in FH that would cost triple in Novi. The homes themselves are more diverse—older colonials, ranches from the 1970s and 80s, split-levels. Character. History.

Novi's newer construction means smaller, more standardized lots. You get planned subdivisions with similar-era homes, updated everything, and consistent HOA standards. Some people love this predictability. Others find it sterile.

If you want land or a home with character and unique bones, Farmington Hills often delivers more options. If you want new construction with warranty and consistency, Novi's your answer.

Commute to the Airport

One detail that matters to some: Novi has slightly better access to Detroit Metropolitan Airport via I-96. If you travel frequently, that's worth considering.

The Bottom Line

Farmington Hills is the practical choice if you want Oakland County quality at a more accessible price point. You'll get established neighborhoods, good schools, and room to breathe financially.

Novi is the choice if you prioritize newer construction, a polished environment, and you're comfortable with higher home prices. You're paying for that developed, finished feeling—and many people absolutely should.

I've sold hundreds of homes in both communities. Families who chose Farmington Hills are just as happy as those who chose Novi. The difference isn't quality—it's priorities.

Want to explore what's actually available in either community right now? I work with both daily, and I am familiar with the nuances of each neighborhood. Let's figure out which one makes sense for your situation.

Give me a call at (248) 790-5594 or email [email protected]. I'm Tom Gilliam, RE/MAX Classic, and I've been helping families find the right Oakland County community for over 24 years.