Howell vs. Brighton: The Commuter’s Truth Bomb

If you’re working in Lansing or Ann Arbor but don’t want to pay the "College 
Town Tax," you’re looking at Livingston County. But Brighton and Howell are fundamentally 
different plays for your wallet. 

Brighton is the flash. It’s walkable and active with the Mill Pond and a vibrant Social District. In 
early 2026, the median list price is hitting $450,000. You’re paying for the convenience of being 
20 minutes from Ann Arbor. Your resale value here is as "Blue Chip" as it gets in Michigan. 

Howell is the cash-flow king. The median list price is roughly $415,000, but your dollar goes way 
further, often getting you a 4-bedroom with a yard. Howell is seeing 12-18% YoY price growth 
because buyers are getting priced out of Brighton and realize Howell is only 10 minutes further 
down the road. Both towns sit in Livingston County, meaning your property taxes are 
significantly lower than in Washtenaw or Oakland, giving you more purchasing power for the 
same monthly payment