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Burwick Farms
Burwick Farms

A Local's Guide to Living in Howell, MI

Howell, MI, is a charming small town with a top-ranked historic downtown. It was listed as one of the Top 10 Great American Main Streets and is a national Registered Historic District. Howell is the home of Cleary University and is considered an official Michigan "cool city." Residents enjoy a balance between the space and quiet of rural life and all the conveniences of urban life with a very short drive in between.
If you are considering moving to Howell, MI, it's only natural to ask what it's like to live here. As a local apartment community, we can help you see what Howell has to offer, including insights that only locals know.
A person in a hoodie is walking down a snowy path with sunlight shining through the trees.

The Weather in Howell, MI

Howell, MI, is a four-season town, but the seasons aren't too intense. The temperature rarely gets above 85 F in the summer or down to 10 F in the winter. This means you'll enjoy the full seasonal experience of warm, humid summers, flowering springs, cold, snowy winters, and brilliant autumns, but you don't have to worry about severe temperature warnings at either end of the season.

Howell gets a little more snow than the national average and a little less rain. About half the days of the year are sunny (172 on average), and 120 days of precipitation (rain or snow) each year.

 

Lifestyle and Cost of Living

Howell provides a lot of value. Food, gas, utilities, and other essentials tend to cost less than the national average. The same is true for housing costs. This is a pleasant surprise for most people who are new to Howell when the bills arrive. It has also encouraged more residents to move here.

Halfway between Detroit and Lansing, the low cost of living in Howell, MI has made it an attractive location and a refreshing change of pace from higher-priced city life. At the same time, there are two equally close city centers for all your big city needs less than an hour's drive away.

 

Things to Do in Howell

Downtown Restaurants and Shops

Howell is famous for its charming historical downtown, and many locals spend their weekends strolling the cozy district packed with shops and restaurants. The best experience can be found at the grossing of Michigan Ave and Grand River Ave. There are a number of fun gift shops and boutiques to explore, or you can craft your own handmade delights at Mi Craft House.

For a relaxed drink on the town, try Cleary's Pub,  Aberrant Ales, or Coratiti's Pizzeria Bar. For something sweet, you can't miss M Street Baking Company or Chocolate Boutique & Bakery.

Make the night special at Diamonds Steak and Seafood, the Silver Pig Bar & Oyster Room, or Cello Italian Restaurant. To catch a show, swing by the Historic Howell Theater or visit one of the many events hosted at the Howell Courthouse Amphitheater.


Festivals

Howell has a number of festivals throughout the year that keep your calendar lively. There are Concerts at the Courthouse, Rock the Block Music and Foodie Festival, and the Food Truck Rally just to name a few. You might also enjoy the Howell Sunday Farmer's Market from May to October at State Street.

Outdoor Activities

Howell, MI is also a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. Its small-town style means there is plenty of green space in town and long, enjoyable walks once you leave the downtown grid. Start your journey at Howell Summit Gardens, a fun outdoor environment with mazes, chess tables, outdoor ping-pong tables, slides, and colorful play features. It's "a place for people of all ages to gather and play," and we love it.

For more outdoor fun, you can relax by Thompson Lake at Scofield, Lakeside, or Elizabeth Parks or choose a lovely tree-lined route for your daily walk or weekly bike ride through beautiful suburban and rural vistas.

A fruit and vegetable stand with a sign that says "Fresh Necklion Fruit and Vegetables".

Schools and Education

If you have educational quality in mind, Howell, MI, is known for excellent public schools. The schools have been rated highly by the state and community for both the teaching quality and student experiences. The high educational quality spans elementary, middle, and high schools, and Cleary University in town provides higher education close to home.

 

Industry and Job Opportunities

Howell is quickly becoming a desirable home for remote and hybrid workers. The welcoming atmosphere and low cost of living are balanced with a reasonable commute to either Lansing or Detroit in case you're called into the office. While Howell represents a long-ish daily commute if your job is in the big city, it's a great location if you want to enjoy comfortable small-town life with occasional city trips for hybrid work.

 

Howell, MI, Pros and Cons

Every city has its pros and cons. Often, these are in the eye of the beholder and can help you determine which community is best for you. Howell's pros and cons reflect its small-town personality.

Pros

  • Best of Both Worlds: Enjoy relaxed, small-town life paired with a short drive to two large cities.
  • Downtown: Howell's historic downtown is one of the best in the country, a charming and entertaining place to call home.
  • Cost of Living: The low cost of living makes Howell welcoming to anyone who enjoys cost-efficient living.
  • Environment: With 4-season weather and beautiful outdoor spaces, Howell is an uplifting place to live.

Cons

  • Rush Hour Traffic: Like many small towns, Howell has one primary road in and out, which does get congested around rush hour.
A woman is eating in a restaurant with a group of people.

A Beautiful Place to Call Home

If you're thinking about moving to Howell, MI, the first place to start is an apartment to call home. Explore the lovely waterside Burwick Farms Apartments. Our one and two bedroom floor plans include a fireplace, patio, or balcony with a lovely view, and a pet-friendly policy so your pet can feel welcome, too! Contact us to book a tour and explore availability.

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