Royal Oak, MI

Thinking of moving to Royal Oak, MI? Explore our complete guide to living in Royal Oak, covering local cost of living, top-ranked schools, job growth and the best neighborhood amenities.

Just north of Detroit along the historic Woodward Avenue corridor, Royal Oak is one of Metro Detroit’s most walkable, high-energy hubs. Catching a concert at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, watching classic cars cruise down Woodward Avenue or spending a weekend morning exploring the world-famous Detroit Zoo are just a few examples of why living in Royal Oak is high-octane fun. Just 12 miles north of downtown Detroit in Oakland County, this community of 60,209 blends walkability in its energy-packed downtown center with peaceful, tree-lined residential neighborhoods. Accessible housing options offer exceptional purchasing power in the metro area’s geographic heart. Royal Oak is a desirable destination for young professionals, growing families and recent retirees seeking a suburban lifestyle with outstanding amenities and entertainment.

Top Reasons to Move to Royal Oak, MI:

• More Bang for Your Buck: Royal Oak offers buyers maximum bang for their buck – the median home value is $320,565. Compared to neighboring high-end Oakland County communities, the city delivers charming bungalows, classic Craftsman homes and modern condos at a remarkably accessible price point. Coupled with low crime rates, steady property appreciation and a robust tax base, residents enjoy incredible long-term financial value.
• A Walkable Downtown District: Downtown Royal Oak, located along Main Street and Washington Avenue, is legendary across Southeast Michigan. The walkable city center is lined with independent retailers, rooftop bars and beloved dining spots like Ale Mary’s Beer Hall, Trattoria Da Luigi and the Royal Oak Brewery. The Royal Oak Farmers Market is a popular gathering place that is open year-round and features local produce, artisan foods, food truck rallies and other craft goods. The community regularly comes together for Arts, Beats & Eats over Labor Day and the Woodward Dream Cruise.
• Arts and Attractions: Entertainment is always on tap in Royal Oak. Families love spending days at the Detroit Zoo while music fans can catch touring acts at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. The city also features independent cinema at Emagine Theatre, comedy clubs and public art murals painting the downtown district. Enjoy some laughs at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, a legendary venue that’s launched the careers of several comics. Get in touch with nature at Quickstad Park, a wooded area with hiking trails, wildlife viewing and nature programs.
• Royal Oak Is Family-Friendly: Royal Oak is a great place for young families thanks to its many outstanding amenities. Served by the Royal Oak Schools district, local public schools earn high marks for academic achievement, STEM academies and fine arts programming. The city is also home to the Royal Oak Public Library and its incredible facilities, including the Butterfly Garden, a local pollinator sanctuary used for nature observation, educational STEAM programs and community-led gardening. Families also love the Detroit Zoo, Star Jaycee Park and great youth sports networks.
• Detroit in a Minute: Navigating the Detroit metro area is exceptionally easy from Royal Oak. Perched at the intersection of I-75 and I-696, commuters enjoy quick 15-minute drives to downtown Detroit, major automotive/tech corridors in Troy and Southfield and Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), plus direct Amtrak service running right through town.