Why Gregory is the "Hidden Gem" of Livingston County in 2026

If you have been scrolling through Zillow lately, you’ve probably noticed a trend: in Brighton, Howell, or Ann Arbor, your dollar just doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. You might find a beautiful house, but it’s on a postage-stamp lot. Or you find the land you want, but the house needs a complete overhaul.

As a local Realtor living right here in Gregory, I see firsthand why more buyers are turning their eyes to our zip code. In 2026, Gregory represents one of the last true "sweet spots" in the region—a place where you can still get land, privacy, and community without sacrificing accessibility.

Here is why Gregory should be at the top of your search list this spring.

1. The "Elbow Room" Factor

The biggest request I get from buyers these days isn't granite countertops; it’s space. People want a yard for their dogs to run, room for a pole barn, or just enough distance from the neighbors that they don't hear every lawnmower start up on Saturday morning.

In Gregory, acreage is the norm, not the exception. While a $400,000 budget might get you a standard subdivision home in tighter markets, that same budget here often opens the door to properties with significant land. If you value privacy and potential over HOA restrictions, this is where you want to be.

2. A Commuter’s Best Kept Secret

There is a misconception that moving to Gregory means you are moving to the middle of nowhere. In reality, we are strategically located.

We are quietly tucked away, yet we have relatively easy access to the major hubs. whether you work in Ann Arbor, Lansing, or the Detroit metro area, Gregory offers a decompression zone. You get the peace of rural living, but you are still close enough to civilization for a Costco run or a dinner date in downtown Brighton.

3. Buying "Good Bones" (And How to Spot Them)

This is where my background comes in handy. I’m not a contractor myself, but I come from a family of them. I grew up around job sites, watching how things are supposed to be built.

When I tour homes with clients in Gregory, I’m not just looking at the paint colors or the staging. I’m helping you look at the "bones" of the house.

• Does the foundation look solid?
  
  
• Is the layout functional?
  
  
• Has the home been maintained, or just covered up?
  
  

Gregory has a unique mix of historic farmhouses and newer custom builds. Because I know construction quality when I see it, I can help you distinguish between a money pit and a solid investment that just needs a little cosmetic love.

4. A Community That Actually Feels Like One

I moved my family to Gregory because of the community feel. It’s the kind of place where neighbors help neighbors. Whether it’s spotting a local event or just waving as you drive down the road, there is a small-town connection here that is getting harder to find.

The Bottom Line

If you are tired of bidding wars on cramped lots, it’s time to widen your search radius. Gregory offers the land you want with the value you need.

I don’t just sell homes here; I live here. If you want a tour of the area or want to see what is currently on the market, let’s grab a coffee and chat.

Ready to find your space? Contact me!

Want to search for homes in Gregory on your own? Search Now!

Visit: djfpropertiesmi.com