Retiring in Oakland Township offers a completely different vibe than almost anywhere else in Metro Detroit. If you are looking at zip codes 48363 or 48306, you likely aren’t looking for a high-density apartment complex next to a strip mall. You are probably looking for the same thing that drew residents here in the first place: wide-open spaces, rolling hills, and estate-style living.
However, navigating the senior living landscape here can be tricky. Unlike the denser suburbs of Troy or West Bloomfield, Oakland Township is semi-rural by design. This preserves the scenery, but it also means inventory is incredibly limited.
If you are researching retirement communities in Oakland Township, MI, you have likely realized there is essentially one major resort-style campus within the actual township limits. Most people searching here are looking for high-end amenities, continuity of care, and a location that keeps them close to the dining and culture of neighboring Rochester.
The Truth About Blossom Ridge (Now Flourish Collection)
If you have been searching online, you might be confused about the status of the area’s primary luxury community. You might see names like “Blossom Ridge,” “Moceri,” or “Flourish,” and wonder if the community is closed or under construction.
Let’s clear up the confusion immediately. The community formerly known as Blossom Ridge is open and fully operational, but it has undergone significant changes recently.
In July 2024, the property was sold by Moceri Companies to StoryPoint Group. With this change in ownership came a rebranding. The campus is now officially called the Flourish Collection at Oakland Charter Township.
Despite the name change, this remains a legitimate, high-end senior living destination. It was designed to feel more like a luxury resort than a facility, featuring a mix of independent cottages, duets, and apartments. The goal here is a “continuum of care,” allowing residents to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle in a private cottage and eventually transition to assisted living apartments on the same campus if their health needs change.
Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: What’s Available?
When looking at high-end communities like the Flourish Collection or its neighbors, the terminology can get overwhelming. It is important to distinguish between real estate designed for “55+ Active Adults” and actual “Assisted Living” care.
55+ Active Adult / Independent Living This is primarily a lifestyle choice. In Oakland Township, this usually looks like the cottages or “duets” (attached homes) at the Flourish Collection.
- You are paying for the real estate and the maintenance-free aspect.
- Someone else mows the lawn, shovels the snow, and fixes the roof.
- You generally do not receive medical care or daily assistance in this tier, though you have access to campus amenities like pools, spas, or clubhouses.
Assisted Living This is where lifestyle meets healthcare. These are typically apartment-style units within the main building of a campus.
- Residents receive help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as medication management, dressing, or bathing.
- Meals, housekeeping, and laundry are usually included in the monthly fee.
For many seniors in Oakland Township, the goal is to find a campus that offers both. This allows you to move in while you are fully independent and simply move “down the hall” or across the parking lot if you eventually need more support.
Top Luxury Alternatives Near Oakland Township
Because Oakland Township is committed to low-density zoning, you won’t find a senior living community on every corner. If the Flourish Collection doesn’t fit your specific needs or budget, you will likely need to look just across the border into Rochester Hills or Auburn Hills.
The following options are technically outside the township lines but are often just a 5 to 10-minute drive away, serving the same affluent demographic.
All Seasons Rochester Hills
Located just south of the township, All Seasons is known for a high-end rental model. They focus heavily on hospitality, offering fine dining and enrichment programs without requiring a massive upfront buy-in fee. It is a strong option for those who want luxury apartment living without the commitment of purchasing a cottage.
Waltonwood at University (Rochester Hills)
Situated closer to Oakland University, Waltonwood offers a full continuum of care. This is a good alternative if you are looking for a place that can handle everything from independent living all the way to memory care. The location offers easy access to the Village of Rochester Hills for shopping and dining.
American House Village (Rochester Hills)
This location features a distinct setup that mimics a small neighborhood. They offer independent cottages that provide a sense of separation and privacy, along with a main building for higher levels of care. It is often a comparable alternative for those who liked the cottage concept at the former Blossom Ridge.
Cost of Senior Living in Oakland Township
It is no secret that Oakland Township is one of the wealthiest areas in Michigan. The cost of senior living here reflects both the high real estate values and the premium level of service provided.
When budgeting for this area, you should expect pricing to be well above the state average.
- Premium Pricing: You are paying for the location, the sprawling grounds, and the luxury finishes.
- Entrance Fees vs. Rentals: Be sure to ask how the financial structure works. Some luxury communities (CCRCs) require a large upfront “entrance fee” that can range from $100,000 to over $400,000, which may be partially refundable. Others, like many StoryPoint or All Seasons properties, operate on a monthly rental basis.
Estimated Monthly Costs While prices fluctuate based on the level of care and apartment size, here are some ballpark figures for the area:
- Assisted Living: Expect base rates to start around $5,000 – $6,500 per month, with care levels adding to that cost.
- Independent Cottages: These often involve higher monthly rents or distinct HOA-style fees if you are in a buy-in model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Blossom Ridge in Oakland Township?
Blossom Ridge was sold to StoryPoint Group in July 2024 and rebranded as the Flourish Collection at Oakland Charter Township. It remains open and operational, continuing to offer luxury independent and assisted living services.
What is the difference between Independent Living and Active Adult communities?
“Active Adult” generally refers to housing (like cottages) for people 55+ who want a maintenance-free lifestyle but do not need care. “Independent Living” often refers to apartments within a senior community that include meals and housekeeping. Neither option includes medical care, which is reserved for “Assisted Living.”
How much does assisted living cost in Oakland Township?
Costs in this area are premium due to the location and amenities. You should budget between $5,000 and $6,500 per month for base rent in assisted living, plus additional fees for medication management or personal care services.
Is there a lawsuit against Oakland Township retirement communities?
You may see old search results regarding a zoning dispute between the township and developers from roughly 2011 to 2016. That legal battle was resolved years ago, paving the way for the construction of the community that is now the Flourish Collection. The community is fully built, licensed, and operating.
Are there affordable options in the area?
Oakland Township inventory is almost exclusively luxury. If you are looking for more budget-conscious options, you may want to look toward Auburn Hills or Pontiac, where communities like Baldwin House offer value-driven senior living.
