Where to Find the Best Mid-Century Modern Homes in Michigan

Sep 18

Mid-Century Modern homes are exploding in popularity—sleek lines, big windows, and that coveted indoor-outdoor connection. But where do you actually find them in Michigan? The answer might surprise you: our state is home to some of the most iconic mid-century neighborhoods and custom-designed homes in the country.

In this guide, I’ll share the best cities and neighborhoods where Mid-Century Modern design thrives, plus a look at current market prices so you know what it takes to score one of these architectural gems.

1. Birmingham & Bloomfield Hills

If you’re looking for some of Michigan’s most desirable mid-century homes, start in Oakland County’s Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills.

Architectural pedigree: Bloomfield Hills is home to Cranbrook Academy of Art, where Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen served as its first president and designed much of the campus. His influence—and that of his son, Eero Saarinen—can still be felt in the area’s design language.
Neighborhood style: Expect sprawling ranches and split-levels with clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and wooded lots that feel like private retreats. Many were built for executives and designers tied to Detroit’s auto industry.
Market snapshot: The median home price in Birmingham is about $560,000, while Bloomfield Hills sits higher, often $650,000+. Distinctive architectural homes, especially those with Saarinen-inspired elements, tend to sell well above these medians.

2. Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is known as one of Michigan’s most architecturally diverse and design-forward cities—and mid-century homes are a big part of that story.

University influence: The University of Michigan’s architecture and engineering schools brought modernist architects and global talent to the city in the post-war years.
Neighborhoods to know: Look in Barton Hills, Geddes, and Ann Arbor Hills for standout mid-century properties, many designed by U-M–affiliated architects. Barton Hills in particular is known for spacious lots and architect-driven homes.
Market snapshot: Ann Arbor’s overall median price is around $525,000, but well-preserved mid-century homes, especially in Barton Hills, often list for $700,000+.

3. Grosse Pointe & St. Clair Shores

Want mid-century design with waterfront views? Head east toward Lake St. Clair.

Grosse Pointe: Known for stately estates, the area also features mid-century homes with dramatic glass walls, flat planes, and lakefront settings.
St. Clair Shores: A more accessible option, with entire neighborhoods of mid-century ranches built during the city’s post-war boom. Many homes retain their original character while offering affordability compared to Grosse Pointe.
Market snapshot: In Grosse Pointe, mid-century homes range from $400,000 to over $1 million, depending on water access. In St. Clair Shores, expect $250,000–$400,000 for classic mid-century ranches.

4. Kalamazoo & Midland

Mid-century design isn’t limited to Metro Detroit. Two standout smaller cities are Kalamazoo and Midland.

Kalamazoo: Architect Norman Carver Jr. designed some of the area’s most recognizable mid-century homes, often blending modern design with natural materials.
Midland: The city is practically a living mid-century museum thanks to Alden B. Dow, a Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice who designed more than 100 structures here. His work includes homes, churches, and civic buildings that define Midland’s unique architectural identity.
Market snapshot: Midland’s median home price is about $240,000, though Dow-designed homes command significant premiums. Kalamazoo’s median price is similar, but architectural pedigree can push certain listings much higher.

5. Southfield & Farmington Hills

Head west of Detroit into Southfield and Farmington Hills, and you’ll find entire neighborhoods shaped by mid-century design.

Architectural pedigree: Southfield is home to standout residences by architect Irving Tobocman, whose dramatic glass-and-steel modernist homes are among the most recognizable in Michigan. Beyond Tobocman, these suburbs are filled with custom ranches and split-levels built in the 1950s–70s for auto executives and professionals.
Neighborhood style: Think wide, single-story ranches with open layouts, clerestory windows, and bold rooflines. Many sit on deep lots surrounded by mature trees, giving them a private, tucked-away feel.
Market snapshot: Median prices in Southfield hover around $230,000, while Farmington Hills sits closer to $340,000. Tobocman-designed or fully restored modernist homes can climb into the $700,000–$1M+ range, depending on size and updates.

6. Grand Rapids

As Michigan’s second-largest city, Grand Rapids also had its own mid-century moment, fueled in part by its role as a global center for furniture design and manufacturing.

Architectural pedigree: Post-war prosperity and design innovation (think Herman Miller and Steelcase) helped drive modernist architecture across the region.
Neighborhood style: In East Grand Rapids and Cascade Township, you’ll find mid-century ranches with original wood paneling, stone fireplaces, and walls of glass. Even parts of Heritage Hill, known mostly for Victorians, contain mid-century gems tucked between older styles.
Market snapshot: The Grand Rapids metro’s median home price is around $325,000 (2024 data), but design-forward mid-century homes in East Grand Rapids can sell for $500,000–$800,000+, especially when restored with period-appropriate details.

Why These Areas?

So why do these particular Michigan cities and suburbs have such a strong concentration of Mid-Century Modern homes? A few key reasons:

Post-War Prosperity: Michigan was booming in the 1950s–70s thanks to the auto industry, furniture manufacturing in Grand Rapids, and growth in higher education. That prosperity fueled housing development across the state.
Architectural Influence: From Eliel and Eero Saarinen at Cranbrook, to Alden B. Dow in Midland, to Irving Tobocman in Southfield, Michigan was home to architects who embraced modernism and pushed its boundaries.
Industry + Design Crossovers: Car designers, engineers, and furniture innovators (think Herman Miller and Steelcase) were living here, and they wanted homes that matched their forward-thinking work.
Educational Hubs: The University of Michigan and Michigan State University attracted global talent, spreading modernist design ideas into surrounding neighborhoods.
Preservation of Character: Many of these communities have recognized the architectural significance of these homes, and while not every mid-century ranch survived intact, enough have been preserved or restored to maintain the region’s mid-mod identity.

Together, these factors created a perfect storm for mid-century innovation, resulting in homes that not only stand out for their design but also tend to hold their value. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors (2024), design-forward homes often sell for 4–7% more than traditional styles in the same neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of finding a Mid-Century Modern home in Michigan, know this: inventory is limited, demand is high, and the best properties move fast. Whether it’s a custom Dow masterpiece in Midland, a Barton Hills modern in Ann Arbor, or a glass-walled lakefront in Grosse Pointe, these homes are more than real estate, they’re works of art.

Ready to find your own Mid-Century Modern home in Michigan? Contact me today to start your search, or browse our curated listings.