If you’re house hunting in Metro Detroit, two Oakland County suburbs likely top your list: Farmington Hills and Novi. Both cities offer excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and easy access to Detroit’s job hubs—but which one is the better fit for you? As a homebuyer, the devil is in the details. Let’s break down these two communities, from housing costs and school districts to commute times and lifestyle perks, so you can decide where to plant roots.
1. Farmington Hills vs. Novi: The Basics
Before diving into specifics, here’s a snapshot of what makes these cities stand out:
Farmington Hills: Known for its tree-lined neighborhoods, historic charm, and top-rated schools like North Farmington High. It’s a magnet for families and professionals who want suburban tranquility with quick freeway access (hello, I-696 and M-5).
Novi: A bustling suburb with a reputation for luxury subdivisions, upscale shopping (Twelve Oaks Mall, anyone?), and a thriving job market anchored by companies like Amazon and Stellantis. It’s ideal for buyers who want amenities at their doorstep.
But which city offers better value, convenience, and long-term growth? Let’s compare.
Cost of Living: Farmington Hills vs. Novi
Your budget will play a huge role in this debate. Here’s how the numbers stack up in 2025:
Median Home Price:
- Farmington Hills: $340,143
- Novi: $620,699
Why the gap? Novi’s newer builds and larger lots drive up prices, while Farmington Hills offers more mid-century homes and affordable fixer-uppers.
Property Taxes:
- Farmington Hills: ~2.1% of home value
- Novi: ~1.9% of home value
Novi’s slightly lower taxes soften the blow of higher home prices, but both cities fall in line with Oakland County averages.
Hidden Costs:
Farmington Hills’ older homes may need more maintenance (think roof replacements or HVAC updates), while Novi’s newer developments often come with HOA fees (150−300/month).
Verdict: Farmington Hills wins for budget-conscious buyers, while Novi appeals to those prioritizing modern amenities.
2. School Districts: Where Do the Kids Thrive?
Both cities boast top schools, but there are nuances:
- Farmington Hills: Part of the Farmington Public Schools district, which includes North Farmington High (ranked #15 in Michigan by Niche). The district emphasizes STEM programs and arts, with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio.
- Novi: Zoned for Novi Community Schools, home to Novi High School (ranked #12 statewide). Known for its robotics teams and AP course diversity, Novi also offers Mandarin immersion programs.
Fun Fact: Novi schools have a larger percentage of college-bound graduates (94% vs. Farmington Hills’ 89%), but Farmington Hills’ smaller class sizes foster more one-on-one attention.
3. Real Estate Markets: Stability vs. Growth
When you compare Farmington Hills and Novi real estate, you’re choosing between stability and growth:
- Farmington Hills: A steady market with 3-4% annual appreciation. Inventory includes historic Colonials, ranch-style homes, and condo communities like Hunter’s Ridge.
- Novi: A hotter market with 5-6% annual growth, driven by luxury developments (e.g., Toll Brothers’ Windemere Park) and demand from corporate transferees.
Pro Tip from Homes2MoveYou: Novi’s market is competitive—expect bidding wars. Farmington Hills offers more negotiating power, especially for older homes.
4. Lifestyle & Commute: Suburban Peace vs. Urban Energy
- Farmington Hills: Think quiet parks (Heritage Park’s 211 acres!), local diners like Martha’s Diner, and a tight-knit community vibe. Commute to Detroit? 35 minutes via I-696.
- Novi: A hub of activity with Twelve Oaks Mall, Topgolf, and the Novi Ice Arena. The I-96 corridor means a 40-minute drive to Detroit but instant access to Ann Arbor and Lansing.
Best For:
- Families who value peace: Farmington Hills.
- Young professionals or social butterflies: Novi.
5. Safety & Community
Both cities are safer than the national average, but:
- Farmington Hills has a lower crime rate (1,200 incidents per 100k vs. Novi’s 1,500).
- Novi invests heavily in community events (Summer Concert Series, Novi Lights Festival) to foster connections.
Final Thoughts: Which City Wins?
The best city for homebuyers—Farmington Hills or Novi—depends on your priorities:
- Choose Farmington Hills for affordability, historic charm, and top-tier schools.
- Choose Novi for luxury living, job opportunities, and a vibrant social scene.
Still unsure? That’s where Homes2MoveYou comes in. With a decade of experience navigating the Farmington Hills vs. Novi real estate markets, our agents match you with homes that fit your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. We’ll even snag you off-market listings before they hit Zillow!
Ready to explore? Contact us today for a personalized homebuying strategy.