Novi Township, Michigan: A Peek Inside the Smallest and Most Chilled-Out Town in the State

In Michigan, there lies Novi Township, the smallest township in the entire state. What makes this place stand out is that it is a spot where politics, quite peculiarly, bring folks together instead of causing a divide. Picture this: residents of this peaceful heaven, measuring about 0.11 square miles, gathering in the middle of one among its three streets for a communal block party, regardless of their political affiliations.

“Ain’t no fuss or competition here,” quips regular Nathan Foster. “Everyone’s chill, minding their business, knowing the elections are on the level. You could say it’s basically a done deal.”

Foster recently gained the Democratic nod for township trustee, gaining 23 votes in the primary election. He now gets ready to share the November ballot with his neighbor Kevin McCallum, who’s running without any party stamp, for one of the two trustee seats. They are both almost certain to steal the show.

In similar vein, Democrat Tony Galdikas, the sole supervisor candidate; Janeen Crittenden, who is running for the post of the Clerk, with no party affiliation or opposition; and David Hall, also not affiliated with any party, eying a sure-shot reelection as the Treasurer without any competition.

Reflecting on living in the smallest township in the state, by a patio table, Crittenden explains, “We are all different folks, but we’re all here for our little community. No need for the sort of divide you see at the big league. We always hash out what’s best for the majority. I reckon we could be a model for this crazy world. Call it the 101 in how to get along with your neighbors and folks in general.”

Novi Township: a tiny yet treasured place.

With just around 1½ miles of paved roads and no commercial storefronts, Novi Township is 100% residential, boasting a population of 160 residents as of the 2020 census, majority of whom hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. This serene place, with its evergreen trees and vibrant wildlife, offers country living within the confines of city lines. All the homes here, around 58 in all, sit prettily on approximately 1-acre lots, complete with their wells and septic systems.

The taxes here are lower too, and a case in point is the principal residences which were 27.47 in total. This tiny township also benefits from the Michigan State Police and the City of Novi for its fire services, apart from having access to the neighborhood library, named after former township locals, Charles and Myrtle Walker.

When it comes down to it, Galdikas rightly points out, “If our roads ain’t plowed or the trash isn’t picked up, or there’s a pothole somewhere, everyone’s got someone to call and the problem is sorted.”

Ex-resident and township trustee Foster cheekily remarks, “People who want to move here better be patient for one of the 58 homes in Novi Township to go on sale. This place is like a hidden gem…Of course, there are some who take pride in residing in the smallest township in Michigan. Our uniqueness is something we are proud of.”