While Royal Oak may not have a royal provenance, this city prides itself on being the “City of Trees.” This Detroit suburb combines one of the region’s largest downtown areas with a strong nature scene, best exemplified by its dense population of parks. This walkable community is about 12 square miles and is home to nearly 60,000 people, making it larger than nearby cities such as Oak Park but much smaller than Detroit.
Royal Oak earned its name in 1819 from an established oak tree that called it home. English King Charles II hid in a similar-looking tree during the English Civil War, and the tree'S resemblance became a stalwart of the town. This famous tree and thousands more became a pinnacle of Royal Oak’s identity when it achieved city status in 1921. Agriculture gave way to the retail industry and, recently, to a bustling entertainment and nightlife scene. This history is manifested in the city’s diversity of homes, varying from early 20th-century bungalows and Craftsman to recent luxury developments such as condominiums and lofts.
Whether jamming to performances by their favorite artists at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, taking in a production at Stagecrafters, or just spending time with the family at the Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak residents are never at a loss for entertainment and excitement.
Royal Oak is known its safe, quiet neighborhoods that surround a bustling downtown.
The Royal Oak Theatre hosts a number of well-known bands throughout the year.
Children and adults alike will enjoy spending hours viewing wildlife at the Detroit Zoo.
Royal Oak is a tight-knit suburb located just minutes from Downtown Detroit.
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300 acres of parks and green spaces
Royal Oak has plenty of outdoor recreation, with over 300 acres of green space across 50 parks. In fact, most residents live within walking distance of a park, thanks to a progressive park and playground development plan that swept the city in the 1930s and 40s.
Hamer Finch Wilkins Park, formally known as Beechwood Park, has a rich history. It’s named for freedom seekers and Royal Oak’s first Black settlers Henry and Elizabeth Hamer, their son-in-law, Mathew Finch — who fought in the 4th Regiment, Company M, Michigan Calvary in the Civil War — and his son-in-law, Harold A. Wilkins, who was a well-known resident of Royal Oak throughout the mid-20th century. The park is designed as a reflective garden with walking paths and educational installations that share the story of the Hamer family.
The city is also home to the National Shrine of the Little Flower, a basilica honoring Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, which is visited annually by thousands of Catholics from across the world.
Enjoy the views of the fountain and statue at Centennial Commons Park in Royal Oak.
The swings at Dickinson Park in Royal Oak are fun for all ages.
The picturesque playground at Optimist Park is popular among Royal Oak families.
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Craft beer crawls and free concerts
Unlike many nearby cities, Royal Oak has an established downtown area. The Royal Oak Restaurant Association sponsors walks, crawls and strolls at participating downtown establishments throughout the year. Residents can enjoy craft beer and wine tastings from some of the top breweries and wineries in Michigan at events like the St. Practice Bar Crawl in March, the Michigan Craft Beer Stroll in October or any of the regular wine strolls in Royal Oak’s Social District — one of the largest downtown areas in Metro Detroit.
The city’s Summer Concert Series is a favorite annual event at Centennial Commons Park. Sponsored by the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, the family-friendly series runs for six weeks from July through August. Food trucks and activities for the kids are on-site, and residents are encouraged to grab a beverage from any of the local restaurants in the Social District to enjoy during the shows.
Royal Oak is a highly walkable community, offering many destinations for shopping & dining.
Residents of Royal Oak enjoy outdoor dining year round along Main Street.
The Royal Oak Brewery is one of the areas top local spots for enjoy Michigan craft beers.
Downtown Royal Oak feautres a great number of locally-owned shops.
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Farmers Markets and Restaurant Week
The Royal Oak Farmers Market is open on Saturdays year-round. Royal Oak vendors sell locally produced fruits and vegetables, seasonings and prepared meals. On Sundays, the space becomes a flea market with antiques, apparel and more. The market also hosts the Royal Oak Food Truck Rally on the second Wednesday of each month. Live concerts are also held during the festivities from May through August. Downtown Royal Oak is filled with restaurants covering a wide range of cuisines, from American, Italian and Mexican fare to barbecue and seafood with sports bar and brewery vibes. Royal Oak Restaurant Week happens every June, offering residents a fully food-focused experience beyond the usual night out on the town. The city has several grocery stores, including Kroger, Fresh Approach and Hollywood Markets. Just east of Interstate 75 is the Oakland Mall, with Macy’s and JCPenney as anchor stores.
The Royal Oak Farmers Market has plenty of options for food and artisinal treats.
Royal Oak Winter Blast has plenty of booths and vendors during the festival.
Royal Oak has a robust bar and nightlife scene.
Use your tasting tickets and sample1/2 oz pours, at Royal Oak Bourbon Fest.
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Homes for every style and budget
While the median sale price is $350,000, homes range from $100,000 for older condos to $2.9 million for mansions on Vinsetta Blvd. Prices vary by street, as million-dollar mansions can be two blocks from $400,000 Colonial Revivals. “Homes were built from the 1940s to 1970s as new neighborhoods were being developed,” Eric Meldrum – a well-established Realtor in the Detroit suburbs - says. “Back in the day, builders didn’t need a lot of space, so you’re going to see bungalow homes and smaller-style homes. A lot of people are taking these homes, demolishing them, and building new houses.” This newfound diversity in housing styles contributes to Royal Oak’s inclusive housing market. Meldrum says, “If you want to be close to everything while on a budget, you’ve got a couple of options here.” Homes sell relatively fast at 23 days on average compared to the US average of 44 days. In 2024, the city drafted Master Plan, 2050, which envisions a city that is economically successful and allows for more housing.
Bungalows in Royal Oak are a cozy way to enjoy all that the area has to offer.
Small cottages in Royal Oak are ideal for first time home buyers.
Newly built homes in Royal Oak provide plenty of room for growing families.
Royal Oak is known for its stock of century-old homes.
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A school district that blazes TRAILS
With a B-plus Niche rating, the Royal Oak School District is ranked in metro Detroit's top 30 school districts. Six elementary schools can kickstart a student’s academic career. Royal Oak Middle School is the only middle school in the district, offering the IB Middle Years Programme in preparation for the IB Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme at Royal Oak High School. Churchill Community High School provides a more flexible, non-traditional academic experience for older students aged 16 to 19. Churchill also offers built-in credit recovery solutions, dual enrollment and Oakland Schools Technical Campuses Career and Technical Education opportunities. The Churchill Community Education Center provides GED prep and testing and English as a Second Language courses for adult and continuing education students. The center’s TRAILS Program — Transitioning Responsible Adults In Life Skills — focuses on community-based instruction and work-site-based skills for differently-abled learners.
Oakland Elementary School earned a B+ average in 2024 according to Niche.com.
Royal Oak Middle School has over 25 clubs and activities for students to choose from.
Royal Oak High School cares for over 1,300 Royal Oak students with a 97% graduation rate.
Norup International School serves 674 students in grades K-8 in 2024 according to Niche.com.
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New homes bring more inclusion
Residents can easily access Interstates 75 and 696, which intersect just between Madison Heights and Hazel Park. Woodward Avenue passes directly through Royal Oak, with the Detroit Zoo at the intersection of Woodward and I-696. Beaumont University Hospital is the city’s full-service hospital at 13 Mile and Woodward. The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is just over 26 miles away in Romulus.
“One of the things that people love about Royal Oak is its location. It’s at the center of the Metro Detroit area," Meldrum says. “Detroit is just 20 minutes away down I-75 and has a lot of year-round attractions, including major sporting events at the arenas.”
Low crime rates and Southeast Michigan weather patterns
In 2023, Royal Oak reported a violent crime rate 95% lower than the Michigan average and 74% below the US average. The property crime rate was 53% lower than the Michigan average and 70% below the US average. The weather patterns match those of the rest of Southeast Michigan, with all four seasons taking place and seeing regular snow in the winters.
Written By
Kaitlin Davis
Photography Contributed By
Owen Kaufman
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Roseanne Powell,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Royal Oak, MI sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Royal Oak, MI over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Large, totally renovated home features a remodeled kitchen with newer stainless steel appliances, original refinished oak flooring, spacious family room with gas fireplace, new carpet, new gutters and exterior trim work, new Pella windows and sliding door wall to deck overlooking an open rear grounds! In addition, you'll take note of the charming curb appeal, finished basement with full bathroom,
Step into timeless refinement where contemporary updates blend seamlessly with classic design in one of Royal Oak’s most attractively priced newer construction homes. Built in 2015 and thoughtfully renovated in 2024, this residence offers the rare opportunity to own a modern, move-in-ready home in the coveted Royal Oak School District that blends value, style and location.The main level welcomes
Welcome to Northwood Meadows! This charming ranch-style condo offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience in a highly desirable Royal Oak location. Featuring an open concept layout, this home boasts a beautifully updated kitchen with white shaker cabinets, butcher block countertops, herringbone tile backsplash, and stainless-steel appliances. The spacious living area is filled with natural
Have you been waiting for a perfect mix of modern, comfortable, and mid century in Royal Oak on a quiet tree lined street with sidewalks? This is it, tons of updates, lots of love to give, and such an amazing home ready to have new owners carry on its story!From the gigantic picture window in the front of the home, the spacious wood flooring throughout most of the first floor, the impressive
Enjoy modern and convenient living in the heart of Royal Oak! This elegant 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo, built in 2019, blends thoughtful design with upscale amenities. The main level features an open floor plan with a cozy stone fireplace, a sleek kitchen with quartz countertops, and a stylish living area that opens to a private balcony — ideal for entertaining or unwinding. Upstairs, both bedrooms
Located in a highly sought-after neighborhood just a short walk from vibrant Downtown Royal Oak, step into this beautifully renovated 1392 square foot home, where classic charm meets modern luxury. The main level features gleaming hardwood floors, a stylishly updated kitchen with contemporary finishes, and a full bathroom designed for comfort and convenience.Upstairs, prepare to be impressed!
Welcome to your next home—a beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in the vibrant heart of Downtown Royal Oak! Step into a sun-filled living room where natural light pours in and a cozy gas fireplace creates the perfect atmosphere for relaxing or hosting guests. The spacious open-concept dining area seamlessly connects to a modern kitchen featuring granite countertops, recessed lighting, and
Great walkable downtown Royal Oak two bedroom lower flat with covered front porch. Large living room with fireplace and formal dining room. Updated kitchen with granite countertops, lots of cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Hardwood floors throughout, large yard and basement for common storage plus washer/dryer. Ceramic tile bathroom with terrazzo floor. Available immediately. Tenant pays
Discover this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.1-bathroom bungalow nestled in the heart of Royal Oak. The home is freshly painted, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The modern kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances & granite countertops, perfect for all your culinary adventures. The home features a blend of hardwood floors, ceramic title & carpet offering elegance and
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