Bloomfield

Over 15,000 years ago, gigantic glaciers dominated the lands, creating the boulder-strewn terrain anointed with gently rolling hills and shimmering lakes we know as Bloomfield Township today. The township, established in 1827, is a primarily residential suburb of Oakland County about 20 miles Northwest of Detroit. “The location is phenomenal with access to parks, shopping, larger lots, and taxes are lower than all the surrounding communities,” says Melanie Bishop and Noah Bishop, a mother-son Realtor duo with Max Broock Realtors with 52 years of combined experience.

As a resident of Bloomfield Township, you’ll find many water-fronted homes surrounding several lakes, including Upper and Lower Long Lake, Island Lake and Turtle Lake. Residences were designed with pure opulence, offering privacy and perched on forested knolls with vibrant gardens and stone driveways. Driving along the township’s winding roads, you’ll find the landscape is adorned with grand French-Eclectic, Colonial, Monterey and Greek Revival architectural styles. Split-levels, brick ranch homes and town homes may start at $220,000, while grand estates can reach over 2 million. “It’s a fast market. The neighborhood is transitioning; older homes are being torn down, and new homes are being built,” Bishop says.

Get your golf clubs ready to go as several country clubs dot the township, offering opportunities for relaxation, events and sports without ever having to leave, including the Oakland Hills Country Club, established in 1916. This historic club features two Donald Ross-designed 18-hole courses that have seen the biggest names in golf grace its greens. You’re about 8 miles from Dodge #4 State Park for trips to the beach when Summer comes in Michigan, where locals come for fishing and boating at Cass Lake. The Johnson Nature Center is a scenic escape with nature trails and babbling creeks. And when the kids need to burn off some steam, several pocket parks are found in neighborhoods.

Students in the community may be a part of one of four districts, including Birmingham City School District or Bloomfield Hills Schools, a highly rated school district ranked #5 in the entire state. Education options for younger kids include Lone Pine Elementary, Way Elementary, and North Hills Middle School, which offer a brand-new campus and are all allotted an A-minus, according to Niche. Bloomfield Hills High School received a grade of A-plus, according to Niche and offers The BHHS Pathway Program centering on agriculture, biomedicine and media arts. While Bowers Academy combines agriculture and academics, the Wing Lake Developmental Center is for students with severe cognitive and physical impairments.

Bloomfield Township’s dining scene is one to savor when you aren’t hosting dinner parties or attending evening events at the country club. Andiamo Italia is an up-scale ristorante with a warm ambiance to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. Roadside B&G is a casual eatery known for its seafood dishes and airy outdoor patio. While you won’t find royalty at Thai Princess, you’ll find traditional aromatic Thai staples paired with its calming atmosphere.

The Birmingham Shopping District, 5 miles away, is a cultural locus of 300 retailers ranging from ornate relics at Crimson Rose Antiques to the selection of world-class upscale designers curated at Dolce Moda. “Everyone loves Birmingham; it is like a mini-Manhattan,” Bishop says. There’s always something going on in Downtown Birmingham, especially during the holidays, where you’ll find locals coming out and meeting Mr. Claus during the annual Santa Walk. And the Woodward Dream Cruise, a celebration of antique cars, draws thousands down Woodward Avenue.

The Birmingham Farmers Market, where you can pick up locally grown produce, and Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Plum Market are available for all your grocery needs. A car-dependent community, US Highway 24 and Interstate 75 run through the heart of the township. From the highly rated schools, grand homes and access to shopping and nature, it’s no wonder even “The Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, once had a mansion here and made a home in Bloomfield.

Written By

Pao Cordero

Photography Contributed By

Colette Lane

Video By

Samantha Houtchens