If you love Northville but are torn between a low-maintenance condo and a traditional home, Lexington Commons gives you a rare chance to compare both in one place. This neighborhood is not a one-size-fits-all community, and that is exactly why many buyers find it appealing. When you understand how the condo side and detached-home side differ, you can make a smarter choice for your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans. Let’s dive in.
Lexington Commons at a Glance
Lexington Commons is a well-known Northville community located north of Eight Mile Road, on both the east and west sides of Taft Road. According to the Lexington Condo Homes community site, the condo community sits at the northwest corner of Eight Mile and Taft and was established in 1972.
What makes this neighborhood especially useful for buyers is that it offers two distinct ownership experiences in the same general location. The Lexington Commons HOA community overview explains that North Commons houses are split into east and west sections, while North Lexington Condo Homes and South Lexington Condo Homes are intermingled within the broader neighborhood.
That means when you say you want to live in Lexington Commons, the next question should be simple: Do you want condo convenience or single-family space?
Condo Living in Lexington Commons
On the condo side, the appeal is convenience. The Lexington Condo Homes association website describes 2- and 3-bedroom ranch and townhouse floor plans that are generally around 1,250 to 1,750 square feet.
These homes typically include features many buyers want for easier day-to-day living, including attached garages, first-floor laundry, full basements, gas fireplaces, and large primary suites. The same source also notes a clubhouse and a heated pool open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
If your goal is to spend less time managing outdoor upkeep, the condo option may stand out right away. Recent listings have noted that monthly HOA fees can include services such as lawn care, snow removal to the doorstep, and in some cases structural maintenance and heat, depending on the specific unit and association.
What the Condo Lifestyle Offers
For many buyers, condo living is less about square footage and more about simplicity. You may get:
- A smaller, more manageable footprint
- Shared amenities like a clubhouse and pool
- Less direct responsibility for exterior maintenance
- Attached garage parking
- Layouts that may suit buyers looking for fewer stairs or easier daily routines
That convenience can be a strong fit if you want a home base in Northville without taking on as much exterior work yourself.
Detached Homes in Lexington Commons
The detached-home side of Lexington Commons offers a different value. Instead of a smaller condo footprint, you are generally looking at larger two-story colonial homes with more rooms, larger lots, and more control over the property.
Recent listings show this clearly. One Lexington Commons colonial listing featured 4 bedrooms, 2,925 square feet, a 2-car attached garage, a finished basement, and a 10,890-square-foot lot. Another listing in the same neighborhood described a 4-bedroom colonial with 2,831 square feet on a 0.32-acre lot.
If you want more separation between living spaces, more storage, and more private outdoor area, the house side will likely feel more aligned with your goals. You may also prefer the flexibility that comes with owning and managing more of the property directly.
What the House Lifestyle Offers
A detached home in Lexington Commons may be the better fit if you want:
- More total living space
- A larger yard or lot
- More bedrooms and flexible-use rooms
- Greater privacy from neighboring properties
- More direct control over repairs, exterior updates, and long-term planning
For some buyers, that added responsibility is worth it because it comes with more freedom and room to grow.
Convenience Versus Space
At its core, the condo-versus-home decision in Lexington Commons comes down to a practical tradeoff: convenience versus space and control.
The condo side is built around shared maintenance and amenities. The detached-home side gives you more square footage and lot space, but typically leaves more of the upkeep in your hands.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that homeowners are generally responsible for repairs, taxes, insurance, and any HOA dues that apply, while condo owners often pay separate dues that may cover more shared maintenance. In Lexington Commons, that distinction matters because the exact experience depends on whether you are buying into a condo association or one of the single-family sections.
Compare the Cost of Ownership
Price is only one part of the decision. In Lexington Commons, monthly and annual ownership costs can vary by sub-association, so it is important to verify the exact address before you compare one property to another.
A City of Northville HOA profile described Lexington Condo Homes fees as covering items such as pool maintenance, lawn care, clubhouse upkeep, exterior repairs, and reserves for future repair needs. That same source also noted annual dues for the broader Lexington Commons Association of $60 for condos and $120 for houses at the time of that profile.
More recent listing snapshots paint a more detailed picture. Condo HOA fees in Lexington have been shown around $310 to $500 per month, while Lexington Commons South single-family HOA charges have appeared around $20 per month, or $240 annually. Because these figures come from different associations and listing snapshots, you should never assume one number applies to the entire neighborhood.
A Simple Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Lexington Condos | Lexington Detached Homes |
|---|---|---|
| Typical layout | 2-3 bedroom ranch or townhouse | 4-bedroom colonial-style homes |
| Approximate size | 1,250-1,750 sq. ft. | About 2,800+ sq. ft. in recent listings |
| Lot ownership | Shared community setting | Larger private lot |
| Exterior maintenance | Often more association-managed | More owner-managed |
| HOA structure | Typically higher monthly dues | Typically lower dues in listing examples |
| Amenities | Clubhouse and heated pool in condo community | Amenity access depends on association |
This is why the best comparison is not just purchase price. It is your full monthly housing cost, including mortgage, dues, taxes, insurance, and maintenance responsibilities.
The CFPB also explains that condo and HOA dues are usually paid separately from your mortgage. That makes it even more important to review your true all-in cost before you decide.
Check the Association Before You Buy
This may be the most important takeaway in the entire neighborhood guide: not every Lexington Commons address works the same way.
The Lexington Commons HOA overview shows that the community includes multiple associations. It also notes that North Lexington has 95 condos, South Lexington has 97 condos, and only the South condo homes have access to the condo pool.
That is a big reminder to verify exactly what you are buying. Before you move forward on any property, confirm:
- Which Lexington association the address belongs to
- What the dues cover
- Whether pool or clubhouse access applies
- What maintenance is handled by the association
- What responsibilities stay with the owner
For condo buyers, the public association site posts useful documents like the maintenance matrix, master deed, and bylaws. Those documents can help you understand where association responsibility ends and owner responsibility begins.
Why the Location Still Stands Out
No matter which housing type you choose, the location is a major part of Lexington Commons’ appeal. The neighborhood offers convenient access to downtown Northville, regional shopping, recreation, and major road connections.
The Downtown Northville DDA describes downtown as a walkable district with shops, dining, entertainment, and a Social District centered around parts of Main Street, Center Street, and Town Square. The condo association site also says the community is within walking distance of downtown Northville, restaurants, shops, entertainment, and parks.
For broader retail access, Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi offers a large mix of stores and restaurants, while Laurel Park Place is another regional option mentioned in the research for shopping, dining, and services nearby.
Outdoor recreation is another plus. Maybury State Park offers biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, equestrian use, and playground access. The City of Northville also notes a marked bike path connection to Maybury and to the trail network in Hines Park.
From a commute perspective, the Northville DDA location overview highlights access from M-14, I-96, and I-275. Since Lexington Commons is anchored near Eight Mile and Taft, that Eight Mile connection is especially relevant if you want practical freeway access.
Which Option Fits You Best?
If you are choosing between a condo and a detached home in Lexington Commons, the answer usually becomes clearer when you focus on how you want to live day to day.
Choose the condo if you want a smaller footprint, shared amenities, and less direct exterior maintenance. This option can make sense if your priority is ease, efficiency, and a simpler ownership experience in a sought-after Northville location.
Choose the detached home if you want more rooms, a larger lot, and greater privacy and control. This option may be a better fit if you are comfortable taking on more maintenance in exchange for more space and flexibility.
The biggest advantage of Lexington Commons is that you can weigh both choices in the same neighborhood setting. You are not just choosing a property type. You are choosing the ownership experience that fits your lifestyle best.
If you want help comparing specific addresses, HOA structures, and resale potential in Northville, connect with Gardner & Gesch Real Estate. Our team helps you look beyond the listing photos so you can make a smart, confident move.
FAQs
What is the difference between condos and homes in Lexington Commons?
- Condos in Lexington Commons generally offer smaller 2- or 3-bedroom layouts, shared amenities, and more association-managed maintenance, while detached homes typically offer larger colonial floor plans, bigger lots, and more owner responsibility.
Do all Lexington Commons properties have the same HOA fees?
- No. Lexington Commons includes multiple associations, so dues and what they cover can vary by address, property type, and sub-association.
Do all Lexington Commons condos include pool access?
- No. According to the Lexington Commons HOA overview, only the South condo homes have access to the condo pool.
Are Lexington Commons condos close to downtown Northville?
- Yes. The condo association site says Lexington Condo Homes are within walking distance of downtown Northville, along with nearby restaurants, shops, entertainment, and parks.
What should you review before buying a Lexington Commons condo?
- You should review the exact association, monthly dues, maintenance responsibilities, reserve information, and the condo documents such as the master deed, bylaws, and maintenance matrix.
Who should choose a detached home in Lexington Commons?
- A detached home may be the better choice if you want more square footage, more bedrooms, a larger lot, and more direct control over the property and its upkeep.
