Novi, Northville, Brighton? We are relocating back to MI... (Detroit: houses, to buy)

[Megreg]

We will be relocating back to MI in the coming months. My husband grew up in Michigan (Brighton) and we will be considering that area. We lived in Brighton for 1.5 years in 2006-2007. My husband will be working on the North side of Ann Arbor US 23/M 14 corridor..

I am also looking in other areas such as Northville & Novi and while we have had several relocations in the last 10 years, this should be our last. We are considering building a house if we cannot find what we are looking for from those currently on the market. Price range between $450-650K

Is the Michigan Market as depressed as the 'word' on the street? Our old house in a gated community in Brighton recently sold for close to $200K less than it was built/paid for, however other homes on the market seem completely inflated, price per square foot is averaging $175 vs the $121 this home sold for in January?

What are the taxes like in Novi and Northville (Wayne, Oakland, Livingston Counties) ?

Schools? I will have a rising 2nd grader, a 4 year old in pre-school and a 2 year old and we are hoping this will be our last move, so schools are important and while I have read that Northville has the 'best' schools, all these area's have better schools than the state we are relocating from.

Does anyone have any experience with Toll Brothers? We are considering Steeplechase in Northville and will be looking at that subdivision.

Thank you for any information provided, I appreciate it!

[ram2]

I recommend the "Bellagio" subdivision in Northville.

[Megreg]

Originally Posted by ram2

I recommend the "Bellagio" subdivision in Northville.

The Bellagio subdivision is gorgeous, but unfortunately not in our future. I'm venturing to guess these homes are in the million dollar plus range..

[Pinstripes1]

Steeplechase is near the landfill and you will likely smell it. Suggest Northville Hills if you want a Toll built home.

We live in a Toll Brothers home (it's 10 years old). Happy with the quality.

[Coldjensens]

Novi and Northville both have execellent schools.

You would be hard pressed to find amny houses in the million $ range now. Houses that were in the million $ range in 2006 are now selling for $450,000 - $550,000.

[Forant]

I live in Brighton and homeschool my 2nd grader. We tried Brighton and Pinckney school districts, both were a bust. Michigan's public schools are severely underfunded at this time, meaning class sizes are bursting at the seams.

Taxes are less expensive in Livingston vs. Wayne or Washtenaw, but remember too, that you have less services and stores, etc out this way as well.

Personally if I were you, I would look in Ann Arbor, you will have so much more to do and see and if the public schools do not work out, there are plenty of private and charter schools in that area as well.

[Forant]

PS: Want to buy my house? We want to move out of Brighton and into Detroit or Grosse Pointe Park...something more urban, I think I may just die of boredom living here

[PreservationPioneer]

Howell is much more quaint and charming than Brighton. It has a real downtown, and more of a community feel. Brighton is sprawlish.

[Forant]

This is true and Howell has a hospital, too, Brighton doesn't. There are many more historic homes in Howell, too, and big ones that a family could live in. Downtown Brighton has mostly small cottage-y type homes and some of the streets still have no sidewalks as well.

That said, Howell schools get the least amount of funding per pupil like the rest of Livingston County schools. And there are very few private school options in the area.

Originally Posted by alleghenyangel

Howell is much more quaint and charming than Brighton. It has a real downtown, and more of a community feel. Brighton is sprawlish.

[movestoomuch]

Originally Posted by ram2

I recommend the "Bellagio" subdivision in Northville.

I couldn't find it on google, is there a link?