Oakland County, MI, is home to a plethora of must-see cities that offer a diverse range of attractions and activities, making it a worthwhile destination for visitors.
Oakland County cities are known for their vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful natural spaces, and a variety of family-friendly attractions.
This article enumerates 31 must-see cities in Oakland County, MI, and delves into what makes them unique.
Must-See Cities in Oakland County, MI
Vibrant Downtowns & Artsy Hubs
1. Birmingham
One of Michigan’s wealthiest cities, Birmingham is known for its lively, walkable downtown, luxury shopping and dining, thriving arts scene, and high quality of life.
This city offers a unique blend of small-town feel with urban amenities, family-friendly atmosphere, thriving economy, and diverse housing options, including high-value homes, luxury condos, and historic properties.
2. Royal Oak
Royal Oak, MI, is a popular destination for its vibrant downtown area filled with restaurants, bars, boutique stores, and salons. It’s also known for hosting major festivals like Arts, Beats & Eats and the Woodward Dream Cruise.
This lively suburb of Detroit, also called the “City of Trees,” boasts a strong sense of community, a thriving arts and culture scene, a robust farmers market, and a bustling nightlife.
3. Ferndale
Ferndale, MI, is known for being a walkable and inclusive community with a thriving arts and entertainment scene.
The suburb’s close proximity to Detroit makes it a desirable place to live. It offers a mix of residential properties and diverse amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and parks.
4. Rochester
Known for its historic charm and family-friendly atmosphere, Rochester, MI, is sought after for its historic homes, excellent schools, charming downtown area, and proximity to both natural beauty and urban amenities.
The area’s real estate offerings include historic single-family homes, newer developments, and condos.
5. Clarkston
Clarkston, MI, is considered a great place to live, with most residents owning their homes. The downtown area is a National Historical Site that features unique shops and restaurants along a scenic Main Street.
The city hosts various events and festivals year-round, including concerts, parades, and festivals.
Established Suburbs & Family-Friendly Towns
6. Farmington
Farmington, MI, is highly desired for its charming historic district, sophisticated Victorian-style homes, and top-rated public school system, Farmington Public Schools.
The city also boasts a strong sense of community further strengthened by local events and activities, including the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market.
7. Farmington Hills
Farmington Hills, MI, is a vibrant, upscale suburb known for its thriving business and technology landscape, investment opportunities, a bustling culinary scene, and numerous recreational opportunities.
It is coveted for its high quality of life, safety, and strong education system. Some of the popular attractions in the city include Heritage Park, the Holocaust Memorial Center, and the Finnish Center Association Cultural Center.
8. Rochester Hills
Rochester Hills, MI, is primarily known for being a safe, affluent, and family-friendly suburb with a thriving economy, strong job market, excellent public schools, and high quality of life.
The median household income in Rochester Hills is significantly above the national average. It also boasts a low unemployment rate.
9. Troy
Troy, MI, offers a wide array of amenities, including abundant parkland, golf courses, and cultural attractions like the Troy Historic Village, Somerset Collection, and the Stage Nature Center.
The city is highly sought after because of its strong economy, highly-rated schools, vibrant arts and culture, high safety rankings, and relatively low tax rates compared to other areas in Oakland County.
10. Novi
Novi, MI, is a hub of innovation and opportunity within the Greater Detroit metropolitan area. It is renowned for its thriving business landscape, diverse property types, upscale shopping destinations, excellent schools, and strong sense of community.
The city’s real estate market includes a variety of options, from single-family homes to condos and townhouses, making it appealing to a wide range of buyers.
11. Southfield
Southfield, MI, is a major business and commercial hub in the Detroit metropolitan area.
This diverse community is known for its urban-suburban mix, attracting both young professionals and retirees.
12. Northville
Northville, MI, is an affluent community desired for its charming small-town atmosphere, historic Victorian architecture, and vibrant downtown area with unique shops and restaurants.
The township features well-maintained neighborhoods with rolling hills, green spaces, small lakes, and landmark trees.
13. Berkley
Berkley, MI, is known for its small-town charm, family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and community-oriented lifestyle.
This highly desirable location in Oakland County has a sparse suburban feel. Its walkable downtown, vibrant community, and proximity to Detroit makes it attractive to many young professionals.
14. Clawson
Clawson, MI, is particularly known for its vibrant downtown area with unique shops and dining options, as well as community events held at Clawson City Park.
This dense, suburban community near Detroit offers a mix of residential areas, parks, and local businesses.
15. Madison Heights
Madison Heights, MI, is a suburb of Detroit with majority of residents owning their homes. This indicates a stable and invested community. Locals enjoy easy access to the city’s amenities, job opportunities, and cultural attractions.
The city is considered one of the best places to live in Michigan, attracting residents with its diverse mix of residential properties, thriving economy, and investment opportunities.
16. Hazel Park
Hazel Park, MI, is a family-friendly community desired for its small-town feel, access to urban amenities, welcoming neighborhoods, and affordable homes.
The city offers a mix of housing options, including bungalows, ranches, and newer construction, catering to various budgets and preferences. It also features Cape Cod bungalow-style homes that were common in the post-World War II era.
17. Oak Park
Oak Park, MI, is known as a diverse, family-friendly suburb with a strong sense of community, peaceful neighborhoods, and excellent schools.
Residents have convenient access to major freeways and a variety of recreational activities. Housing options include single-family homes and apartments.
18. South Lyon
South Lyon, MI, is a small city with a close-knit community, charming downtown area, family-friendly festivals, historic sites, excellent schools, and numerous parks and trails.
Additionally, the city has a lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly in housing expenses, making it a desirable place for families and young professionals.
19. Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills, MI, is primarily known for its thriving business community, high-tech parks, retail centers, educational institutions, and proximity to Detroit.
This fast-growing city offers a compelling mix of suburban living, a strong job market, and access to a diverse array of amenities, making it an attractive place to live.
20. Fenton
Fenton, MI, is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. It is known for its charming downtown area, numerous parks and lakes, and rich history.
The city is considered one of the best places to live in Michigan because of its welcoming, small-town atmosphere. While its cost of living is slightly above the state average, it remains below the national average.
21. Huntington Woods
Huntington Woods, MI, often called the “City of Homes,” boasts beautiful, well-maintained homes, many of which are Tudor-style houses.
This affluent city is known for its charming, single-family homes, excellent schools, and strong sense of community. It is also conveniently located near major freeways, the Detroit Zoo, and Rackham Golf Course.
Exclusive Enclaves & Lakeside Living
22. Bloomfield Hills
Ranked among the wealthiest cities in the country, Bloomfield Hills, MI, is coveted for its affluence, distinctive architecture, and prestigious educational institutions, including the Cranbrook Institute of Science and the Cranbrook Academy of Art.
The city’s real estate is renowned for its upscale properties and is known for its beautiful lakeside living. It boasts million-dollar residential properties designed by famous architects.
Residents enjoy access to parks, lakes, and exclusive clubs like the Bloomfield Hills Country Club.
23. Orchard Lake Village
Orchard Lake Village is known for its scenic natural setting, including a large lake and extensive trails. Its peaceful atmosphere and access to outdoor recreation make it an attractive option for families.
The city is highly sought after for high-end residences sitting on large lots, particularly those situated on or near Orchard Lake.
24. Lake Angelus
Lake Angelus, MI, is primarily known for its unique history, beautiful lake, abundant birdlife, family-friendly environment, and strong sense of community.
Its real estate is highly sought after for its upscale, waterfront properties on a private, 477-acre all-sports lake.
25. Keego Harbor
Nicknamed “Heart of the Lakes,” Keego Harbor, MI, is situated near several lakes, including Cass, Dollar, and Sylvan, offering beautiful lakefront scenery.
The area is home to a delightful mix of waterfront properties, particularly along Cass Lake. Other housing options include single-family homes and apartments in more traditional suburban neighborhoods.
26. Sylvan Lake
Characterized by its quiet, tree-lined streets and its namesake lake, Sylvan Lake, MI, is a charming, hidden community that exudes small-town atmosphere. It’s a desirable location for those seeking a peaceful, lakeside lifestyle.
Locals and visitors have access to several amenities like lakefront properties, two private beaches, parks, and recreational facilities, such as tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball courts.
27. Pleasant Ridge
The historic, close-knit community of Pleasant Ridge, MI, is known for its beautiful architecture, walkable streets, dog-friendly atmosphere, and excellent schools.
The city is a sought-after location for families and those seeking a suburban environment near Detroit.
28. Lathrup Village
Lathrup Village, MI, is highly desirable due to its historic homes, peaceful neighborhoods, low crime rate, thriving local economy, proximity to major highways, and a strong sense of community.
The area offers a mix of housing options, including older, well-maintained residences and newer construction, appealing to a variety of buyers.
29. Walled Lake
Walled Lake, MI, is known for its beautiful lake, rich heritage, recreational opportunities, close-knit community, and a bustling downtown area with quaint shops and restaurants.
Despite being a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water activities, the city has maintained its small-town charm.
30. Wixom
Wixom, MI, boasts a rich history, tracing back to the early 1800s, as well as a strong sense of community, beautiful parks and trails, and a thriving business sector.
This suburb offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and multi-family dwellings like duplexes.
31. Pontiac
Pontiac, MI, is popular for its automotive history, being the former home of the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors.
The city offers a variety of housing types, including single-family homes, both detached and attached, historic homes, as well as multi-family dwellings.
Conclusion
Oakland County, MI, is one of the most beautiful places in the Great Lakes State, which is why many visitors are drawn to consider buying a home in the area.
If you would like to explore the real estate offerings in Oakland County, MI, give us a call today at 248-780-0942 or send us your inquiry using this online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most affluent cities in Oakland County, MI?
Northville and Huntington Woods are some of the most affluent cities in Oakland County, MI.
Which Oakland County cities are best for families?
Orchard Lake Village and Pleasant Ridge are some of the best cities for families, offering a safe and peaceful environment as well as access to outdoor recreation.
Where can I find lakeside homes in Oakland County?
Bloomfield Hills, Lake Angelus, and Sylvan Lake are some of the cities where you can find the best lakeside homes in Oakland County.
