Independence Township's lakes, skiing and local restaurants
Home to over 36,000 people, Independence Township offers year-round entertainment and recreation. Lakes dot the landscape, backing neighborhoods and the Pine Knob Music Theatre, where locals can boat and fish in the warmer months. When the snowy Michigan winters blow in, residents can still get outside at the ski resort just down the street from their homes. The township centers around the Village of Clarkston, and while the village is not technically incorporated into the township, residents claim its downtown as their own, bringing more local restaurants and events.
Abundant outdoor opportunities across Independence Township
More than 30 lakes are available across Independence Township, each offering something different for residents. “A lot of them are all sports lakes, so you can basically take any kind of watercraft out,” says Realtor Emily Ford with Morgan and Milzow and lifelong Independence Township resident. “Others are only for smaller motors or require no wakes.” Independence Oaks County Park occupies over 1,200 acres, offering over 12 miles of natural and paved trails. Crooked Lake is one of the township's swimming and non-motorized boating lakes, complete with a pier for catch-and-release fishing. Pine Knob Golf Club is a 27-hole, open-to-the-public golf course. In the winter, Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort opens its slopes to beginners and experienced skiers.
Local restaurants and Village of Clarkston's downtown scene
In addition to its regular menu, Kruse’s Deer Lake Inn has a seasonal menu to keep the options fresh. One of the walls is just windows, lined with tables. 15th Street Tavern serves American fare and has a tented patio where people can sit outside. Every Tuesday, people can head here for trivia. While the Village of Clarkston is technically unincorporated from the township, residents enjoy the proximity to the downtown. “It’s very small. I always say, ‘If you blink, you’ll miss it!’” Ford says. “But there’s quite a bit packed in there. We have several restaurants and some boutiques. We did get our first fine dining restaurant in the area—Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse.” Clarkston Oaks has a Kroger, while Lakeview Food Basket is another grocery store option right by Walter’s Lake.
Various housing options and price points available
Curving narrow streets without sidewalks make up Independence Township’s various subdivisions. Many look similar, with trees along the streets and open front yards, while communities like Deerwood have manicured front lawns with landscaped gardens. The overall housing median price is about $426,000 for Independence Township, with condos, split levels and ranch-style homes typically selling around that price point. However, plenty of homes sell for much more, like the New Traditionals and contemporary houses ranging from $580,000 to $990,000. While custom-built homes are less common, two recent sales reached $1.5 million and $2 million.
Independence Township's three public school districts
Three school districts serve the township. Clarkston Community Schools handles the bulk of the township and receives an A-minus from Niche. Its high school offers various career pathway programs and an International Baccalaureate program. A small portion of the Independence Township’s western side attends A-rated Lake Orion Community Schools. Another small section along the southern side by Bay Court Park attends Waterford School District, which receives a C-plus.
Longstanding local traditions in the village and township
From May to September, Pine Knob Music Theatre hosts concerts, bringing in acts like Post Malone, Tim McGraw and The Cure. The venue can fit about 15,000 people and offers a mix of pavilion seating and lawn seating, where visitors can rent lawn chairs or bring their own picnic blankets. Every Fourth of July, the township celebrates with Independence Fest. The 25-year tradition features a parade, car show, vendors and live music, all ending in the fireworks finale. In downtown Village of Clarkston, Art in the Village has showcased local artists and musicians for the past 40 years. “We have a Tastefest downtown and all the restaurants participate. They close down the streets and people can sample the food,” Ford says.
Major highways and interstates cutting through the township
Interstate 75 cuts through Independence Township, linking it with other nearby townships and downtown Detroit, about 40 miles south. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is about 46 miles from the township. At home in Independence Township, Ortonville Road and Dixie Highway help motorists get around the area. Clarkston Medical Building is located within the township and has full medical services, including an emergency room and surgery department.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
