Moving to Livonia from White Lake (Should We Do It?)

You live in White Lake but go to Holly schools? May I ask what part of White Lake you live in?

I am actually in Milford and I have not lived in a big city since I was 2! I love being out in a more country-like setting. It is really not that far to go to the store. White Lake should put you fairly close to M-59 which will take you just about anywhere, fairly conveniently.

I guess I might consider how close you are to friends and neighbors in your area, is your dog inside more than out, would it be cheaper to be in Livonia, how are the schools in both areas (Have you considered Huron Valley as school of choice?)?

Your children are still young enough that a move would not be too hard on them. I have no idea how Livonia schools are, or even Holly schools, but Huron Valley is pretty awesome.

I guess the best thing for you to do is really weigh the pros and cons of each city.

Hope this helps a little.

Maria

Only you can really answer this question. Like you pointed out, you have a lot of square footage - if you've lived in Livonia before then you know it is more expensive. And yes, your leaves may get picked up by the city and any appliances you put out will get picked up, but you are paying way more in taxes than out in White Lake. Also if you really think about it, in Livonia you may be closer to stores, but by time you figure in all the traffic, wouldn't you be spending the same amount of time getting to the store as driving the further distance in White Lake? Also, look at the schools. I know squat about Holly schools, but you have to get into Stevenson for your kids to benefit from Livonia schools; which costs a lot more to live in the Stevenson school district. Another thing to think about is crime. Oakland county is an awesome place to live, I love how tough the prosecutors are and I am friends with a dispatcher in White Lake who says they're not very busy. If you look at Livonia I think it won't be too long and they'll be like Redford... Once a cute, quiet and safe town but being taken over by Detroit where armed robberies and stolen cars are common place. I live in Clarkston in case you wondered, and work in Redford. I wouldn't give up living here for the world. (As for the dog - get the size large dog collar and put the shock on the smaller collar, my sister had a headstrong boxer she needed the stronger jolt for and it worked great.) Good luck!

We used to live in Livonia and enjoyed it very much. It is a nice area with a great community center and near parks, etc. You might try a day trip. Stay in a hotel close to Laurel Park and do a trial run.

We are now in Waterford and love it here too, so I can understand your fears! Remember home is where your family is!

Good luck!

I live in Commerce Twp. on the border of White Lake and I would not change it for the world. I feel so much more safety for my 3 children (all under 5 years) in a smaller community. There are amazing recreation oppertunities (parks and tons of open spaces) that you do not have as much of in a city. For us it is not all about the shopping and stuff (there is a ton of growth on M-59) as much as a great environment for our children to grow up in. You could not pay me to move - but again I grew up out here. Good luck in your decision.

One more VERY important consideration - the schools. I am a public school teacher in a Oakland county high school. Since your children are soon to be school age the school you select to send your children to is #1. Before you put an offer in on a house schedule a tour of the elementary school your children will be attending. It is VERY important that you schedule the tour during the school day when school is running as "normal". Livonia and Holly both offer different school experiences with many differrences (both have their + /-). One you can tell where your and your children will "fit" and that is very important. Don't jsut take someones word on "its a good school". The community, staff, character, curriculum and your comfort are all something you have to see for yourslef. Hope it helps.

I live in White Lake, probably right by you, from the sounds of it. Yeah the schools are far away, that can be a pain. I grew up out here and am in love with the quiet and the fresh air. I also remember living in a city sub with sidewalks when my kids were exactly that age spread. It didn't keep the kids on them, and just because we lived in a quiet sub cul-de-sac, it didn't keep the teens from whipping past my house in their cars like they were actually going to get somewhere faster.
We have a Kohl's and soon a JC Penney...how could you feel so isolated? lol. Look me up and I will have you over for coffee or something.