LIVINGSTON COUNTY
County Administration
200 E. Grand River
Howell 517-546-3669
https://www.livgov.com/
Chamber of Commerce
123 E. Washington Avenue
Howell 517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
Located on the northwest border of Metropolitan Detroit, Livingston County has enjoyed a surge of expansion that ranks the region among the fastest growing in Southeast Michigan. Contributing to this residential boom is the area’s advantageous location and efficient highway connections to the lucrative employment centers of Detroit, Lansing, Jackson, and Ann Arbor, Municipalities within the county include the cities of Howell, Brighton, and Fowlerville; the Village of Pinckney; and a total of 16 sprawling townships.
Companies relating to the automotive industry dominate the Livingston economy, based primarily in the communities of Howell and Brighton. Livingston County residents have all the advantages of small-town, country, or suburban living while they enjoy easy access to the urban amenities of major Michigan metropolitan centers. Four state highways combine with the main arteries of U.S. Highway 23 and Interstate 96 to ensure an excellent network of surface transportation connections.
Services
St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell and Brighton Hospital in Brighton provide residents with routine and specialized healthcare, although nationally acclaimed teaching and research hospitals and medical centers are just a short commute from home in nearby Ann Arbor and Detroit. A number of healthcare professionals have based their practices in Livingston County, including those who operate local medical and urgent-care centers.
Residents of each community value educational achievement and desire the finest of educational opportunities for their children. Howell is the undisputed center of higher education for the county, home to a campus for the respected business college, Cleary University, as well as the largest extension of Lansing Community College. In addition to the continuing education and college-track programs available in these two-year institutions, a number of outstanding universities are available in neighboring cities.
Lifestyle
Livingston County is a popular area for the development of planned residential communities that offer elegant homes many with lakefront views or scenic wooded hillside lots. Many of these developments feature luxurious amenities and recreational attractions such as tennis courts or a golf course. Both cities and townships offer an abundance of older homes with tree-shaded yards and dramatic architectural designs that are ideal for refurbishing and restoration.
The spirit of Livingston County is most evident in the handsomely restored traditional downtown districts and colorful community festivals. Howell hosts some of the most exciting special events in southeastern Michigan, including the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, the Fantasy of Lights, and the Howell Melon Festival. Other entertainment opportunities range from nightclubs, fine dining, and theater to more natural, outdoor attractions such as farmer’s markets, fruit orchards, and cider mills.
A host of metroparks, state parks, state game areas, Mt. Brighton Ski Area, and a wide selection of golf courses provide an endless variety of recreational opportunities. Scenic retreats are available for first-rate fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, boating, skiing, camping, horseback riding, and nature study. The Pinckney State Recreation Area and the Brighton State Recreation Area combine hiking and bridle trails with a horseback riding stable, nature center, ski trails, beach, boat launch, campsites, and lush picnic areas. From its vibrant cities and bustling activity to the serene countryside and slow-paced villages, Livingston County remains a dynamic mixture of traditional and contemporary living.
Brighton City
Brighton City Hall
810-225-8021
https://www.brightoncity.org/
Chamber of Commerce
810-227-5086
https://www.brightoncoc.org
One of the state’s leaders in growth, Brighton is ideally located between Interstate 96 and US 23. An abundance of quality housing in a wide variety of price ranges and architectural styles are available throughout the greater Brighton area. Elegant new communities are often set against the background of a scenic lake, although many homes are nestled in the beauty and seclusion of heavy woods. Lining the Grand River Avenue are newer shopping amenities such as malls, plazas, and department stores. “Olde Brighton” Main Street preserves the charm of yesterday in a district marked by unique boutiques, offices, and restaurants. Outstanding schools, strong civic pride, a popular farmer’s market, and superb recreational amenities are just a few of the community highlights. Close to home are golf courses, state recreation and game areas, a downhill ski area, and two Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
Brighton Township
Township Hall
810-229-0550
www.brightontwp.com
Chamber of Commerce
810-227-5086
https://www.brightoncoc.org/
Situated in the southeastern quadrant of the county, Brighton Township enjoys the transportation efficiencies of U.S. Highway 23 and Interstate 96. Because of the advantages for commuters to the region’s employment centers and the township’s land-rich beauty, the area has seen tremendous growth and expansion. Distinguished as the county’s most densely populated township, Brighton has emerged as a suburban haven of lovely homes and commercial centers. Residents enjoy the cultural and educational advantages of nearby metropolitan centers, yet they are only minutes from state parks and game preserves for exceptional recreational opportunities. Annual events draw enthusiastic crowds to regional events like the Brighton Olympics, the National Water Skiing Championships at Tivoli Gardens, and the National Downhill Ski Races at Mount Brighton.
Conway Township, Cohoctah Township
Conway Twp Hall
517-223-0358
http://conwaytownship.com
Cohoctah Twp Hall
517-546-0655
https://www.cohoctahtownship.org/
Chamber of Commerce
517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
The rural townships of Conway and Cohoctah are nestled in the northwestern quadrant of the county. Sparsely populated, the two areas lead the county in agricultural activity. In Conway, the fertile land ranges from level to lightly rolling and supports a wide variety of crops in addition to animal grazing. Some sections are heavily wooded and interspersed with grassy open space, although the area also features some scenic lakes and streams. Cohoctah is distinguished as the largest of the county’s farming communities and remains very rural in nature. The small, quaint burgs of Oak Grove, Cohoctah, and Cohoctah Center are the only population centers within the township.
Deerfield Township, Tyrone Township
Deerfield Twp Hall
517-546-8760
https://deerfieldtwp.org/
Tyrone Twp Hall
810-629-8631
https://www.tyronetownship.us/
Chamber of Commerce
517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
Situated in the county’s north-central section, Deerfield Township preserves the postcard image of a Midwest agricultural area. Rolling countryside, dairy farms, deep woods, and sweeping fields are a few of the common images. The township is also noted for Oak Grove State Game Area, under state jurisdiction to protect this pristine area as a wildlife habitat. Popular for hunting and fishing, the Game Area has recreational and environmental significance. The township also offers a spectacular 400-acre park with rolling hills, primitive nature trails, and a lake that invites onshore fishing. No motor vehicles are allowed to preserve the tranquil, unspoiled atmosphere. Tyrone Township is more closely associated with Genesee County. In fact, the township offices are located in Fenton.
Genoa Township
Township Hall
810-227-5225
https://www.genoa.org/
Chamber of Commerce
517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
Located in the southeastern quadrant of Livingston County, beautiful Genoa Township has experienced phenomenal growth in recent decades. The Grand River Avenue corridor bisects the community, providing access to the central business district and connecting the county’s leading cities of Howell and Brighton. Scenic Genoa Township boasts the natural beauty of many shallow lakes that are used for recreational purposes. Woodlands and farmlands are scattered about the township, adding to the panoramic backdrop for residential development. Residents enjoy a strategic location within 45 miles of urban advantages in major Michigan metropolitan areas such as Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Flint as well as Toledo, Ohio.
Green Oak Township
Township Hall
810-231-1333
https://www.greenoaktwp.com/
Chamber of Commerce
517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
Situated in the southeastern corner of the county, Green Oak Township claims the advantage of a location that borders Oakland County to the east and Washtenaw County to the south. Because of its location within a reasonable distance from several major employment centers and access to regional arteries like U.S. Highway 23 and Interstate 96, the area has seen phenomenal growth. Panoramic woodlands and sparkling lakes are plentiful throughout the township, home to Huron Meadows Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area. Serving as valuable community assets, the lush parks sprawl over approximately one-third of the township’s land. Newcomers will find an abundance of attractive housing, with more in the planning stages.
Hamburg Township
Township Hall
810-231-1000
www.hamburg.mi.us
Chamber of Commerce
517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
Rich in scenic beauty, Hamburg Township features approximately 30 panoramic lakes that attract anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Huron River traverses the township, forming a “chain of lakes” and adding opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and ice skating. Residents and civic leaders are committed to balancing rapid growth and development with preservation of the pristine environment. The area boasts golf courses as well as the Brighton State Recreation Area for hiking and horseback riding, nature study, downhill and cross-country skiing, boating, swimming and camping. The township features many new award-winning “open space” design residential communities that offer access to the natural environment through large expanses of open space.
Handy Township, Fowlerville Village
Handy Twp Hall
517-223-3228
https://www.handytownship.org/
Fowlerville Village Hall
517-223-3771
http://www.fowlerville.org/
Chamber of Commerce
517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
The rural area known as Handy Township encircles Fowlerville Village, both situated in the northwest part of Livingston County. The terrain consists of rich level land for agriculture, interspersed with wetlands and areas that are heavily timbered. Centrally located in the township is the village that serves as the hub of community events. For more than a century, the Fowlerville Agricultural Society has hosted the very popular summertime Fowlerville Fair. Residents of this area enjoy the small-town village atmosphere, the vast open space of the countryside, and access to the urban amenities of several major metropolitan areas.
Howell City
City Hall
517-546-3500
https://www.cityofhowell.org/
Chamber of Commerce
517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
Centrally located in Livingston County along Interstate 95 and serving as the county seat, Howell is surrounded by a 12,000-acre recreational wonderland of lakes and parks. In spite of the serenity and scenic wonder of the area, Howell is less than 40 miles from leading cities like Detroit, Lansing, and Ann Arbor. The city’s historic downtown preserves 19th century architecture, renovated and preserved for generations to enjoy. Strolling along the streets of Howell brings the delight of Victorian storefronts and elegantly styled homes. Points of pride include an influx of high-tech companies, outstanding schools, and a magnificently restored and expanded library. Howell also hosts some of southeastern Michigan’s most popular special events, from the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest to Fantasy of Lights holiday parade and Howell Melon Fest.
Howell Township
Township Hall
517-546-2817
https://www.howelltownshipmi.org/#!
Chamber of Commerce
517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
The area known as Howell Township is central to Livingston County and closely associated with the City of Howell. In fact, the township provides ample land and additional resources for residential development, complementing the city as a desirable place to call home. Because of the township’s suburban nature, many newcomers are drawn to the appealing blend of city and country atmospheres. New businesses as well as handsome subdivisions and fine homes dot the township, sprawling from the city into open rural land. At the same time, Howell Township preserves a significant amount of scenic farmland and open space. Residents enjoy quick and easy access to the expanded amenities in Howell City.
Marion Township, Iosco Township, Unadilla Township
Iosco Twp Hall
517-223-9545
Marion Twp Hall
517-546-1588
www.mariontownship.com
Unadilla Twp Hall
734-498-2502
www.twp.unadilla.mi.us
Chamber of Commerce
517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
Agriculture has remained the dominant industry and a way of life for residents of the sparsely populated Iosco Township for many generations. The small community of Parkers Corners serves as the solitary population center, while quaint farmsteads, churches, and cemeteries dot the panoramic countryside. Marion represents another largely agricultural township, developing some suburban neighborhoods where it nestles at the edge of the City of Howell. Also agricultural in nature, Unadilla Township is home to the small, agricultural community of Plainfield, the thriving small business center of Gregory, and the delightful hamlet of Unadilla. Residents of the township enjoy easy access to popular regional recreational sites like the Gregory State Game Area and the Pinckney Recreation Area. The area celebrates the Fourth of July in style each year with parades, activities, and a spectacular fireworks display in Gregory.
Oceola Township, Hartland Township
Oceola Twp Hall
517-546-3259
https://oceolatwp.org/
Hartland Twp Hall
810-632-7498
https://www.hartlandtwp.com/
Chamber of Commerce
517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
Centrally located in Livingston County and convenient to the City of Howell, Oceola Township retains substantial parcels of farmland that has been cultivated on nearly level terrain. More than half of Thompson Lake is located in the southwest corner of the township, adding scenic beauty and serving as a major recreational attraction. Hundreds of residents that have settled in homes along the shore as well as visitors to the Howell City Park enjoy this panoramic, 262-acre lake that accommodates a wide variety of waters sports. Neighboring Hartland Township stretches into the northeastern quadrant of the county, traversed by the major thoroughfares of Michigan Highway 59 and U.S. Highway 23. The township is known for the quaint 18th-century villages of Hartland and Parshallville. The area draws crowds to its colorful autumn festival.
Putnam Township, Pinckney Village
Putnam Twp Hall
734-878-3131
https://putnamtwp.us/
Pinckney Village Hall
734-878-6206
https://villageofpinckney.org/
Chamber of Commerce
517-546-3920
https://www.howell.org/
Located in the southwestern quadrant of Livingston County, Putnam Township is home to the Village of Pinckney. The township’s terrain varies from gently rolling countryside to lovely hills punctuated by sparkling lakes and woodland. Visitors join residents of the township and village at the popular Pinckney State Recreation Area, which offers a kaleidoscope of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities. The area also attracts regional crowds to well-known festivities like the USA Day celebration on the Fourth of July and the annual Art in the Park. Putnam Park in Pinckney Village provides the setting for community events, hosting the work of area artisans, live music, entertainment, and great food. Michigan Highway 36 serves as the main thoroughfare into the village.
