Novi, Michigan is a highly sought-after city in the Metro Detroit area known for its safety, cultural diversity, exceptional schools, ample parks and recreational opportunities, shopping, activities, and convenient location for travelers. With its blend of historical influences and modern amenities, Novi is an ideal choice for anyone planning to move to Metro Detroit.

Why Novi is an Ideal Choice for the Metro Detroit Area

If you’re looking for a city in the Metro Detroit area that is safe, culturally diverse, has exceptional schools, plenty of parks, shopping, and activities, Novi should be at the top of your list. It’s conveniently located, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to take advantage of what this great area has to offer. With its blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, Novi is a superb option for anyone considering a move to the Metro Detroit area.

Origin of Novi’s Name

Residents of Novi, Michigan, often debate the origin of the city’s name. Some accounts say it was derived from the Roman numeral for six (No. VI) from the Central Post Office depot or the sixth spot from the Detroit Train Station. Others believe it was named after the sixth toll gate road on Grand River, yet this timeline is incorrect. Ultimately, the first city council settled on “Novi” which means “new” in several Eastern-European languages as a tribute to the city’s past and its future. Located northwest of Detroit, Novi is positioned between Northville, Wixom, and Walled Lake, South Lyon, and Farmington. Its proximity to DTW and Detroit makes it an ideal location for those who enjoy traveling. Additionally, visitors can take a 35-minute drive to Pine Knob Music Theatre to experience live concerts and events.

Diversity and Safety of Novi

Novi is a diverse city with a median age of 39.2 years, 24% of its residents of Asian descent, and a high median household income of $129,930. Mayor Bob Gatt takes pride in the city’s low crime rates, which were reported by 57% of residents surveyed as feeling very safe. NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data shows that Novi is safer than 69% of U.S. cities, and has a lower crime rate than 61% of other Michigan communities.

Novi is an exemplary midwestern suburban community, boasting a population of over 66,000 people and covering 31.28 square miles according to the 2020 census. With 24% of its residents of Asian descent and a median age of 39.2 years, it is one of Michigan’s most diverse cities. Additionally, Novi also has a high median household income of $129,930 (nearly 40% higher than the Michigan average) with 66.5% of residents owning their home, and 31.5% of those aged 25 or older having earned a Bachelor’s Degree or Graduate Degree. Mayor Bob Gatt, who was the Novi Chief of Police from 1975 through 2022, takes pride in the city’s low crime rates, which were reported by 57% of residents surveyed as feeling very safe, with little to no impact on them. In addition, NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI crime data shows that Novi is safer than 69% of U.S. cities, and has a lower crime rate than 61% of other Michigan communities.

School System

Novi Community Schools is the largest of the four school districts in Novi, and it is comprised of twelve quality schools. Niche.com ranks its six elementary schools among the top 500 in the nation. Novi Middle School caters to both 7th and 8th graders, while Novi High School offers a wide variety of activities and sports for 9th-12th grade students. Both middle and high school levels offer a vast array of extracurriculars, including theater, choir, orchestra, coding club, math club, student newspaper, science olympiads, ski club, football, soccer, cross country, basketball, swim, track, and more.

Novi is a great place to live, boasting an exceptional school system with four districts. The largest of these is Novi Community Schools, which has twelve quality schools. Niche.com ranks its six elementary schools among the top 500 in the nation. Novi Middle School caters to both 7th and 8th graders, while Novi High School offers a wide variety of activities and sports for 9th-12th grade students. Both middle and high school levels offer a vast array of extracurriculars, including theater, choir, orchestra, coding club, math club, student newspaper, science olympiads, ski club, football, soccer, cross country, basketball, swim, track, and more.

Employment and Shopping Options

Novi boasts a wide range of employment opportunities, with the most common job groups including management, sales, office and administrative support, business and financial operations, and computer and mathematical occupations. Manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and professional, scientific, and technical services are the city’s most prominent sectors.

Shopping options in Novi are plentiful, with big box stores like Kroger, Meijer, Walmart, and Target as well as Busch’s, Better Health Market, Sam’s Club, Gordon’s Food Service, One World Market, Trader Joes, and Costco all available. 12 Oaks Mall, Fountain Walk, and Novi Town Center provide clothing and goods. Dining options are also abundant throughout the city.

Novi, Michigan is experiencing tremendous growth in its private sector, with a wide variety of employment opportunities from public and private companies alike. According to Data USA, the most common job groups for Novi residents include management, sales, office and administrative support, business and financial operations, and computer and mathematical occupations. The city’s most prominent employment sectors are manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Shopping options range from big box stores like Kroger, Meijer, Walmart, and Target, to Busch’s, Better Health Market, Sam’s Club, Gordon’s Food Service, One World Market, Trader Joe’s, and Costco. Clothing and goods are available at 12 Oaks Mall, Fountain Walk, and Novi Town Center. Delicious dining options can be found throughout the city. Novi’s vibrant private sector provides a wealth of opportunities for its citizens.

Low Property Taxes: A Benefit to Local Residents

Residents of this area are proud to benefit from some of the lowest property taxes in the nation. The consistent affordability of these taxes is a testament to the commitment of local legislators to prioritize their constituents’ financial well-being.

Novi boasts a higher-than-average home value of $497,000, yet still manages to have a lower millage rate than many other cities in Michigan. This translates to an annual property tax of roughly $9,282 per year for the average homeowner—lower than even Northville, whose millage rate is 43.92 and would require an additional $1,698 each year. Throughout a 30-year mortgage, this translates to over $51,000 in savings for Novi homeowners.

Novi, Michigan is a wonderful metro Detroit area city that has an immense amount to offer its residents and visitors. With a wealth of parks and activities, exceptional schools, low crime rates, and culture and history, Novi is perfect for anyone looking for a safe and diverse city with plenty to do. Whether you’re coming for a visit or moving here permanently, Novi offers something special, making it an ideal location near Detroit.