The City of Northville is a distinctive community of approximately 6,000 residents located on the western edge of metro Detroit in 2.2 square-mile area equally divided between Wayne and Oakland Counties. The City was incorporated as a village in 1867 and as a city in 1955. It is a short drive (about 40 minutes) from downtown Detroit and downtown Ann Arbor. City roads are well laid out with easy access to nearby major freeways, including I-275, M-14, I-696 and I-96.
The Northville area is known for its rolling hills, attractive green space, small lakes and landmark trees. The city retains a small-town atmosphere with stately Victorian-era architecture in its Historic District and a variety of well-kept homes. The housing mixture includes single-family residences, condominiums, and multi-family complexes. For current tax rates, view rates for homes in Wayne County and in Oakland County.
Many residents can walk to downtown, which features specialty shops, theaters, restaurants and personal services. Parks - big and small – and well-preserved landmarks make this city a destination for tourists, and people who like to walk, bike or jog through scenic areas. Many streets have bike paths (separate lanes or sections shared with vehicles) that lead to Hines Park and Maybury Park as well as to nearby communities.
The city is part of the award-winning Northville School District, which has six elementary, two middle, and one senior high school. The math and reading MEAP scores for the Northville Public Schools district run about 35% above state averages.
Northville has a thriving business community with a blend of professional services, retail and cultural venues. The city’s major employers are the Northville Public Schools, Kroger, and Jack Doheny Supply. The city has four bank/savings and loan/credit unions, a post office, 11 churches, a professional theatre, the Northville Downs Racetrack, Northville Cider Mill and Mill Race Historical Village.
A full-time police department helps keep the crime rate low and quality of life high. There's also enough news and school sports to keep the nearly 150-year-old weekly paper, the Northville Record, going strong. The 'Ville, a news and lifestyle magazine, engages readers in what's happening in the city and the people who are making news.
An active Chamber of Commerce helps businesses grow and also puts on major events in the community. These include Friday night concerts at Town Square; a weekly, seasonal Farmer's Market; four distinctive parades; and special events throughout the summer. The Holiday Lighted Parade in November and the Heritage Festival and Victorian Parade in September are magical events that are uniquely Northville.
The Northville Community Center is one of the city's major hubs with programs, events and gym activities for all ages. It is managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation that serves both the city and township of Northville. The Northville District Library is another popular community resource, which offers a vast collection of books; digital music, magazines and more; plus extensive programs.
Despite its small size, the city of Northville offers residents and visitors a unique offering of places to go and things to do.