Best places to raise a family in Michigan
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April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in Michigan
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in Michigan using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Dexter
- Population: 4,644
- Median home value: $300,900 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,213 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $85,469
- Top public schools: Mill Creek Middle School (A), Dexter High School (A), Wylie Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Dexter KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5125 Dexter Pinckney Rd, Dexter ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $300,900 (77% own)
- Median rent: $1,213 (23% rent)
- Median household income: $85,469
- Top public schools: Mill Creek Middle School (A), Dexter High School (A), Wylie Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Dexter KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5125 Dexter Pinckney Rd, Dexter ($1.1 million, 5 bedrooms)
#24. Rochester
- Population: 13,162
- Median home value: $366,100 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,046 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $89,904
- Top public schools: Stoney Creek High School (A), Rochester High School (A), North Hill Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. John Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2483 Crownhedge Ct, Rochester ($1.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $366,100 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,046 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $89,904
- Top public schools: Stoney Creek High School (A), Rochester High School (A), North Hill Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. John Lutheran School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2483 Crownhedge Ct, Rochester ($1.9 million, 3 bedrooms)
#23. Pittsfield Charter Township
- Population: 38,567
- Median home value: $292,500 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $79,965
- Top public schools: Pioneer High School (A+), Huron High School (A+), Community High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Washtenaw Christian Academy (B+), Northstar Montessori School (unavailable), Ann Arbor Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: Karacull Ln Lot 5, Pittsfield ($95,000, None bedrooms)
- Median home value: $292,500 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,138 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $79,965
- Top public schools: Pioneer High School (A+), Huron High School (A+), Community High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Washtenaw Christian Academy (B+), Northstar Montessori School (unavailable), Ann Arbor Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: Karacull Ln Lot 5, Pittsfield ($95,000, None bedrooms)
#22. Berkley
- Population: 15,372
- Median home value: $199,200 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,115 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $86,905
- Top public schools: Rogers Elementary School (A), Pattengill School (A), Berkley High School (A)
- Pictured: 3138 Royal Ave, Berkley ($575,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $199,200 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,115 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $86,905
- Top public schools: Rogers Elementary School (A), Pattengill School (A), Berkley High School (A)
- Pictured: 3138 Royal Ave, Berkley ($575,000, 4 bedrooms)
#21. Grosse Pointe Woods
- Population: 15,498
- Median home value: $244,500 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,438 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $104,848
- Top public schools: Grosse Pointe North High School (A+), Ferry Elementary School (A+), Brownell Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: University Liggett School (A+), Our Lady Star of the Sea Elementary School (unavailable), Childtime of Grosse Pointe Woods (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1527 Sunningdale Dr, Grosse Pointe Woods ($799,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $244,500 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,438 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $104,848
- Top public schools: Grosse Pointe North High School (A+), Ferry Elementary School (A+), Brownell Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: University Liggett School (A+), Our Lady Star of the Sea Elementary School (unavailable), Childtime of Grosse Pointe Woods (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1527 Sunningdale Dr, Grosse Pointe Woods ($799,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#20. Oakland Charter Township
- Population: 19,115
- Median home value: $416,500 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,208 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $146,228
- Top public schools: Rochester Adams High School (A+), Stoney Creek High School (A), Brewster Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Eagle Creek Academy (A-), Alpine Academy (unavailable), Oak Arbor Montessori Church School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5350 Brewster Rd, Oakland Township ($5.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $416,500 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,208 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $146,228
- Top public schools: Rochester Adams High School (A+), Stoney Creek High School (A), Brewster Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Eagle Creek Academy (A-), Alpine Academy (unavailable), Oak Arbor Montessori Church School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5350 Brewster Rd, Oakland Township ($5.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
#19. Larkin Charter Township
- Population: 5,368
- Median home value: $232,000 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,078 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $120,722
- Top public schools: H.H. Dow High School (A), Jefferson Middle School (A), Woodcrest Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 110 E Main St Apt 402, Midland ($1.2 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $232,000 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,078 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $120,722
- Top public schools: H.H. Dow High School (A), Jefferson Middle School (A), Woodcrest Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 110 E Main St Apt 402, Midland ($1.2 million, 3 bedrooms)
#18. Haslett
- Population: 19,565
- Median home value: $198,400 (61% own)
- Median rent: $871 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $69,601
- Top public schools: Okemos High School (A+), Okemos Public Montessori School at Central (A+), Chippewa Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 2500 Overglen Ct, East Lansing ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $198,400 (61% own)
- Median rent: $871 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $69,601
- Top public schools: Okemos High School (A+), Okemos Public Montessori School at Central (A+), Chippewa Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 2500 Overglen Ct, East Lansing ($1.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#17. Grosse Pointe
- Population: 5,206
- Median home value: $349,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,163 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $106,932
- Top public schools: Grosse Pointe South High School (A+), Lewis Maire Elementary School (A+), Brownell Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 333 Lincoln Rd, Grosse Pointe ($899,000, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $349,800 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,163 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $106,932
- Top public schools: Grosse Pointe South High School (A+), Lewis Maire Elementary School (A+), Brownell Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 333 Lincoln Rd, Grosse Pointe ($899,000, 7 bedrooms)
#16. Ann Arbor
- Population: 120,735
- Median home value: $323,400 (45% own)
- Median rent: $1,237 (55% rent)
- Median household income: $65,745
- Top public schools: Pioneer High School (A+), Huron High School (A+), Skyline High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Greenhills School (A+), Michigan Islamic Academy (A), Clonlara School (B+)
- Pictured: 4975 Ridge Creek Ln, Ann Arbor ($2.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $323,400 (45% own)
- Median rent: $1,237 (55% rent)
- Median household income: $65,745
- Top public schools: Pioneer High School (A+), Huron High School (A+), Skyline High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Greenhills School (A+), Michigan Islamic Academy (A), Clonlara School (B+)
- Pictured: 4975 Ridge Creek Ln, Ann Arbor ($2.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#15. Birmingham
- Population: 21,201
- Median home value: $541,500 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,513 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $122,804
- Top public schools: Ernest W. Seaholm High School (A+), Wylie E. Groves High School (A+), Beverly Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Roeper School - Birmingham Campus (A+), Holy Name Elementary School (unavailable), Eton Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1333 Fairfax St, Birmingham ($4.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $541,500 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,513 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $122,804
- Top public schools: Ernest W. Seaholm High School (A+), Wylie E. Groves High School (A+), Beverly Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Roeper School - Birmingham Campus (A+), Holy Name Elementary School (unavailable), Eton Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1333 Fairfax St, Birmingham ($4.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
#14. Grosse Pointe Park
- Population: 11,153
- Median home value: $358,400 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,110 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $115,341
- Top public schools: Grosse Pointe South High School (A+), Lewis Maire Elementary School (A+), George Defer Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Clare of Montefalco School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 819 Bishop Rd, Grosse Pointe Park ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $358,400 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,110 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $115,341
- Top public schools: Grosse Pointe South High School (A+), Lewis Maire Elementary School (A+), George Defer Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Clare of Montefalco School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 819 Bishop Rd, Grosse Pointe Park ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#13. Novi
- Population: 60,014
- Median home value: $322,100 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,347 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $98,020
- Top public schools: International Academy (A+), Novi High School (A+), Northville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Detroit Catholic Central High School (A+), Novi Christian Academy (A), Novi Northville Montessori Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 47525 Capri Ct, Northville ($1.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $322,100 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,347 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $98,020
- Top public schools: International Academy (A+), Novi High School (A+), Northville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Detroit Catholic Central High School (A+), Novi Christian Academy (A), Novi Northville Montessori Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 47525 Capri Ct, Northville ($1.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
#12. Grosse Pointe Farms
- Population: 9,168
- Median home value: $355,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,418 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $143,711
- Top public schools: Grosse Pointe South High School (A+), Grosse Pointe North High School (A+), Brownell Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Paul Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 226 Provencal Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $355,400 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,418 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $143,711
- Top public schools: Grosse Pointe South High School (A+), Grosse Pointe North High School (A+), Brownell Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Paul Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 226 Provencal Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms ($2.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
#11. Forest Hills
- Population: 27,830
- Median home value: $347,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,368 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $119,404
- Top public schools: Northern High School (A+), Central High School (A+), Thornapple Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Ada Christian School (B), St Robert Catholic School (unavailable), The Goddard School - Grand Rapids (Cascade) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2600 Buttrick Ave SE, Ada ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $347,500 (93% own)
- Median rent: $1,368 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $119,404
- Top public schools: Northern High School (A+), Central High School (A+), Thornapple Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Ada Christian School (B), St Robert Catholic School (unavailable), The Goddard School - Grand Rapids (Cascade) (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2600 Buttrick Ave SE, Ada ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#10. Franklin
- Population: 3,310
- Median home value: $611,900 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,659 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $161,607
- Top public schools: Wylie E. Groves High School (A+), West Maple Elementary School (A), Berkshire Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Huda School & Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 31805 Telegraph Rd, Franklin ($2.5 million, 2 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $611,900 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,659 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $161,607
- Top public schools: Wylie E. Groves High School (A+), West Maple Elementary School (A), Berkshire Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Huda School & Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 31805 Telegraph Rd, Franklin ($2.5 million, 2 bedrooms)
#9. Troy
- Population: 83,989
- Median home value: $301,500 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,215 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $101,882
- Top public schools: International Academy (A+), Troy High School (A+), Ernest W. Seaholm High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Bethany Christian School (A-), Brookfield Academy - Troy (unavailable), Oakland Children's Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 930 Ottawa Dr, Troy ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $301,500 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,215 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $101,882
- Top public schools: International Academy (A+), Troy High School (A+), Ernest W. Seaholm High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Bethany Christian School (A-), Brookfield Academy - Troy (unavailable), Oakland Children's Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 930 Ottawa Dr, Troy ($1.1 million, 4 bedrooms)
#8. Northville Township
- Population: 29,069
- Median home value: $419,600 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,356 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $113,918
- Top public schools: Northville High School (A+), Moraine Elementary School (A+), Meads Mill Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Northville Christian School (unavailable), Metropolitan Junior Academy (unavailable), Brightmont Academy - Northville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19770 Westhill St, Northville ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $419,600 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,356 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $113,918
- Top public schools: Northville High School (A+), Moraine Elementary School (A+), Meads Mill Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Northville Christian School (unavailable), Metropolitan Junior Academy (unavailable), Brightmont Academy - Northville (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19770 Westhill St, Northville ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
#7. East Grand Rapids
- Population: 11,759
- Median home value: $374,000 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,511 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $144,922
- Top public schools: East Grand Rapids High School (A), East Grand Rapids Middle School (A), Breton Downs School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Stephen School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 801 Plymouth Ave SE, East Grand Rapids ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $374,000 (94% own)
- Median rent: $1,511 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $144,922
- Top public schools: East Grand Rapids High School (A), East Grand Rapids Middle School (A), Breton Downs School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Stephen School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 801 Plymouth Ave SE, East Grand Rapids ($1.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#6. Beverly Hills
- Population: 10,387
- Median home value: $387,400 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,238 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $127,419
- Top public schools: Wylie E. Groves High School (A+), Beverly Elementary School (A), Berkshire Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Detroit Country Day School (A+), Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish School (unavailable), Beverly Hills Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 32110 Lahser Rd, Beverly Hills ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $387,400 (91% own)
- Median rent: $1,238 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $127,419
- Top public schools: Wylie E. Groves High School (A+), Beverly Elementary School (A), Berkshire Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Detroit Country Day School (A+), Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish School (unavailable), Beverly Hills Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 32110 Lahser Rd, Beverly Hills ($699,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Lodi Township
- Population: 6,501
- Median home value: $360,000 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,286 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $125,662
- Top public schools: Pioneer High School (A+), Community High School (A+), Saline High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Emerson School (A+)
- Pictured: 2800 Morin Nature Cir, Ann Arbor ($1.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $360,000 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,286 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $125,662
- Top public schools: Pioneer High School (A+), Community High School (A+), Saline High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Emerson School (A+)
- Pictured: 2800 Morin Nature Cir, Ann Arbor ($1.3 million, 7 bedrooms)
#4. Huntington Woods
- Population: 6,322
- Median home value: $362,900 (98% own)
- Median rent: $2,014 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $136,331
- Top public schools: Burton Elementary School (A), Berkley High School (A), Norup International School (A)
- Pictured: 10751 Hart Ave, Huntington Woods ($525,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $362,900 (98% own)
- Median rent: $2,014 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $136,331
- Top public schools: Burton Elementary School (A), Berkley High School (A), Norup International School (A)
- Pictured: 10751 Hart Ave, Huntington Woods ($525,000, 4 bedrooms)
#3. Bloomfield Charter Township
- Population: 42,054
- Median home value: $427,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,388 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $132,929
- Top public schools: International Academy (A+), Ernest W. Seaholm High School (A+), Bloomfield Hills High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brother Rice High School (A+), Marian High School (A+), Academy of the Sacred Heart (A)
- Pictured: 2756 Turtle Bluff Dr, Bloomfield Hills ($10.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $427,700 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,388 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $132,929
- Top public schools: International Academy (A+), Ernest W. Seaholm High School (A+), Bloomfield Hills High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brother Rice High School (A+), Marian High School (A+), Academy of the Sacred Heart (A)
- Pictured: 2756 Turtle Bluff Dr, Bloomfield Hills ($10.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
#2. Northville
- Population: 6,007
- Median home value: $331,400 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,101 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $114,346
- Top public schools: Northville High School (A+), Amerman Elementary School (A+), Moraine Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Victory School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9353 Hickory Ridge Ln, Northville ($2.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $331,400 (82% own)
- Median rent: $1,101 (18% rent)
- Median household income: $114,346
- Top public schools: Northville High School (A+), Amerman Elementary School (A+), Moraine Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Victory School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9353 Hickory Ridge Ln, Northville ($2.7 million, 4 bedrooms)
#1. Okemos
- Population: 24,141
- Median home value: $243,200 (61% own)
- Median rent: $989 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $78,600
- Top public schools: Okemos High School (A+), Okemos Public Montessori School at Central (A+), Chippewa Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montessori Radmoor School (unavailable), St. Martha School (unavailable), Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1433 Wandering Way, Okemos ($930,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $243,200 (61% own)
- Median rent: $989 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $78,600
- Top public schools: Okemos High School (A+), Okemos Public Montessori School at Central (A+), Chippewa Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montessori Radmoor School (unavailable), St. Martha School (unavailable), Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1433 Wandering Way, Okemos ($930,000, 5 bedrooms)
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