Random thought, Poverty rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 66,224 people. Household incomes average around $110,938 in Novi. Homes are going for about $399,100 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Any advice would be great. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development.
10 upvotes
7 Replies
Hazel
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is improving in most areas.
38 upvotes
Everly
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in The Heights. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Sophie Patel
good to know, thanks
21 upvotes
Madeline Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 45, moved here 12 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Miami, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
20 upvotes
Brielle Cox
nah I disagree
11 upvotes
Eleanor Campbell
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Aiden Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Winters are long and cold. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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