Introduction to Novi, MI
Located in southeast Michigan around 30 miles northwest of downtown Detroit, Novi, Michigan is a fast-growing city that combines small-town charm with suburban amenities. With a population of around 62,000, Novi has grown rapidly over the past few decades, transforming from a rural village to a major commercial and residential hub within metro Detroit.
Novi was first settled in 1825 and incorporated as a village in 1969. The completion of interstates 96 and 275 in the 1960s fueled Novi’s initial growth spurt, attracting businesses and residents to the area. Novi officially became a city in 1991 and has continued to expand its population, attractions, and thriving local economy.
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, diversity, and excellent public services, Novi prides itself on fostering a welcoming community. Many new housing developments have popped up to accommodate demand as more families move to Novi for its highly-rated schools, ample parks and recreational facilities, and access to major retailers and employers. With its small-town roots and focus on smart, sustainable growth, Novi has become a destination for residents and visitors alike.
Things to Do in Novi
Novi offers a wide variety of shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions for visitors and residents alike. The crown jewel is Twelve Oaks Mall, Michigan’s largest shopping mall with over 250 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options spread across 2 million square feet. Shoppers can find luxury retailers like Nordstrom along with mainstream brands like H&M and Apple.
For events and conventions, the Suburban Collection Showplace hosts over 1 million visitors annually for consumer shows, expos, corporate events, and more in its modern facility. You can attend a home and garden show one weekend, then a tattoo convention the next.
Sports fans will enjoy catching a game at the Novi Ice Arena. The arena hosts youth and adult hockey leagues along with figure skating clubs. Public skating sessions allow everyone to get out on the ice.
Those looking for arts, culture, and community happenings can check out events at the Novi Civic Center. Concerts, plays, art exhibits, and city meetings occur in the Civic Center’s auditorium and galleries throughout the year. One major attraction is MotorCity Comic Con held annually in Novi, drawing over 60,000 pop culture fans.
With this diverse mix of shopping outlets, convention space, sports, and cultural offerings, Novi provides something for visitors with any interest to enjoy.
Parks and Nature
Novi has numerous parks that allow residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors. Lakeshore Park is a top destination, featuring over 100 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and trails along the lakeshore. Visitors can hike over 5 miles of scenic trails that wind through diverse habitats. The park also contains fishing piers, playgrounds, picnic areas, and athletic fields for recreational activities.
Rotary Park is another natural escape within the city, encompassing a 64-acre site with trails, gardens, and open green spaces. The park provides opportunities for walking, running, biking, and observing wildlife. Families often visit the playground and pavilions for gatherings.
Pavilion Shore Park hugs the shore of Walled Lake and includes a popular dog park where pets can play off-leash. Fuerst Park offers additional walking trails in a serene wooded setting. For those looking for more adventure, Wildlife Woods Park has an 18-hole disc golf course amidst scenic wetland backdrops.
Novi contains numerous green spaces where residents and visitors can immerse themselves in nature while staying active. The city’s parks system makes it easy to enjoy outdoor recreation and escape the hustle of urban life.
Neighborhoods
Novi is home to several popular residential areas that attract homebuyers with their charm and community feel.
Island Lake is one of Novi’s most sought-after neighborhoods, featuring the beautiful 500-acre Island Lake and a scenic nature preserve. Residents praise the neighborhood’s tranquility and natural beauty while still being close to shopping and dining.
Autumn Park is another top choice for families. This neighborhood has a strong sense of community, with kids playing together and neighbors gathering for block parties. The homes are moderately priced with access to excellent schools.
Other notable neighborhoods include Beckenham, known for its custom luxury homes; Chase Farms, an affordable neighborhood with a community swimming pool; and Bristol Corners, which offers a mix of housing styles perfect for young professionals, families, and retirees.
With its blend of serene lakes, parks, trails, and family-friendly neighborhoods, Novi has something for everyone seeking the suburban dream. Homebuyers can find neighborhoods matching their lifestyle and budget.
Points of Interest
Novi has numerous attractions and landmarks for visitors to explore. Twelve Oaks Mall is a premier shopping destination in the metro Detroit area, with over 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Families will love the LEGO store, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and indoor play area.
The Suburban Collection Showplace is a large convention center that hosts consumer shows, expos, corporate events, and concerts. Popular annual events include the Novi Boat Show, Home Improvement Show, and MotorCity Comic Con. Emagine Novi provides a modern moviegoing experience with recliners, food and drinks.
For those seeking active fun, Novi Ice Arena is home to youth and adult hockey leagues, figure skating clubs, and open skating. Escape rooms like The Great Escape Room provide an immersive adventure activity. ITC Community Sports Park has soccer fields, baseball diamonds, volleyball courts and more.
Rotary Park, Lakeshore Park, and Villa Barr Art Park are scenic spots to enjoy nature walks, cycling, or picnicking. Wildlife Woods Park offers hiking trails through wooded wetlands. Pavilion Shore Park provides beach access and spectacular sunset views over Walled Lake.
Colleges and Universities
Novi is home to the Michigan State University Management Education Center located at 28115 Meadowbrook Road. This satellite campus offers Executive MBA and other professional development programs to working professionals in the metro Detroit area.
Other notable colleges and universities near Novi include:
- Walsh College (Troy) – Offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, technology, and accounting.
- Lawrence Technological University (Southfield) – Known for engineering, architecture, science, and mathematics programs.
- Schoolcraft College (Livonia) – Provides associate degrees, certificates, and career training programs.
- Madonna University (Livonia) – Catholic liberal arts university offering over 100 academic programs.
The proximity of these higher education institutions provides residents of Novi with a breadth of college options nearby. Whether seeking an advanced business degree, vocational certification, or a traditional 4-year college experience, students can find high-quality academic programs in the greater Novi area.
Major Highways
Novi is conveniently located along several major highways that connect the city to the broader Detroit metro area.
Interstate 96 (I-96) runs east-west through the southern part of Novi. I-96 connects Novi with cities to the west including Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Muskegon. To the east, I-96 provides access to Detroit and Canada via the Ambassador Bridge border crossing.
Interstate 275 (I-275) is a loop highway that runs through the northern part of Novi. I-275 allows for access to many of Detroit’s northern and western suburbs. Key connections via I-275 include Livonia, Plymouth, Northville, Farmington Hills, South Lyon, and Walled Lake.
Michigan Highway 5 (M-5) is a state highway that runs north-south through western Novi. M-5 connects Novi to the city of Wixom to the north. Heading south, M-5 provides access to Farmington Hills, Livonia, and downtown Detroit.
With convenient access to these three vital roadways, Novi enjoys connectivity to major economic and population centers across southeast Michigan. The highway network aids mobility for both residents commuting across the metro area and visitors traveling to Novi’s attractions and businesses.
Demographics
Novi boasts a population of around 65,000 people. It has a median resident age of 40 years old, indicating a large proportion of middle-aged adults and families. The racial makeup of Novi is predominantly White at 70%, followed by Asian at 20%, and Black or African American at 5%.
The median household income in Novi is approximately $86,000, making it a relatively affluent suburb. Around 48% of households earn over $100,000 annually. Only 5% of Novi residents fall below the poverty line.
Educational attainment levels are high, with 59% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This skilled workforce helps attract major employers to the area. Novi has a highly educated, upper-middle class demographic profile overall.
Housing Market
Novi is a popular suburb of Detroit with a strong housing market. Home values in Novi have steadily increased over the past decade, with the median home value now over $300,000 according to Zillow. This represents a growth of over 10% in just the last year.
The desirability of Novi has pushed home prices higher, but properties remain affordable compared to other major metro areas. Housing inventory is tight, with high demand from families and professionals drawn to Novi’s excellent schools, amenities, job opportunities and safe neighborhoods.
Competition for homes is high, especially in central areas near good schools. It’s common for nice homes to get multiple offers. New construction is ongoing in Novi to meet demand, though buildable land is becoming more scarce. Rental properties are ample for those not looking to buy right away.
Overall, Novi presents an excellent housing market for buyers and investors alike. Quality of life is high while cost of living remains reasonable for the region. The local economy and demographics should continue to support a strong housing market into the future.
Local Economy
Novi features a thriving local economy centered around several major industries. As a suburb of Detroit, it remains closely tied to the automotive sector. Key employers include Bosch, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, and Toyota’s North American headquarters.
In recent years, Novi has worked to diversify its economy beyond automotive manufacturing. Health care employs many residents, with Trinity and Providence Hospitals located in the city. Finance and insurance represent another major sector, with companies like Allstate, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Bank of America maintaining offices in Novi. Professional services, retail, and hospitality round out the city’s diverse economic base.
Novi has seen steady job growth, averaging 2% annually. The current unemployment rate sits below 3%. Median household income is over $90,000, demonstrating the high-skilled nature of local jobs.
With its skilled workforce, corporate presence, and proximity to Detroit, Novi offers an attractive environment for business. The city remains committed to supporting companies and fostering economic prosperity for all residents. Strategic development initiatives, partnerships with local schools and universities, and a business-friendly local government position Novi for continued growth and innovation.
Plastic Surgeons Near Novi Michigan
Dr. Michelle Hardaway is a board-certified plastic surgeon located near Novi, Michigan. With extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, she specializes in procedures designed to enhance and restore natural beauty, including facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and breast surgery. Dr. Hardaway is known for her personalized approach and commitment to delivering exceptional results that meet her patients’ aesthetic goals. Her practice, located in nearby Farmington Hills, serves patients from the greater Novi area and beyond.