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Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake

Located in Oakland County

$442,822 Average Value
$258 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Sylvan Lake’s waterfront village is a point of pride

Between Detroit and Flint sits Sylvan Lake, a small community of less than 1,700 neighbors who all live within about a mile of its sparkling namesake lake. In 1818, an expedition led by Reverend John Monteith deemed this lake the most beautiful in the area. Before long, a summer hotel was built and a village sprouted around it. With its custom homes lining the lakeshore and willow branches blowing in the breeze, it’s no wonder that Sylvan Lake calls itself The Prettiest Little City in the State of Michigan. From the lake’s azure waters to its well-maintained outdoor recreation areas, Sylvan Lake invites its year-round residents to admire nature’s beauty.

Dogs enjoy trails and kayak areas around Sylvan Lake.
Dogs enjoy trails and kayak areas around Sylvan Lake.
Sylvan Lake offers a peaceful, close-knit community atmosphere.
Sylvan Lake offers a peaceful, close-knit community atmosphere.
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Lake recreation, private docks and year-round social activities

The lake invites all kinds of recreation, from catching largemouth bass, to swimming and boating. Residents may dock at the members-only Oakland County Boat Club marina, on their own private dock, or get on the waiting list for one of the city’s 166 docking spaces. Park and beach access, including dock and athletic court usage, requires a yearly fee between $10 and $50. Parks are residents-only: Lakeview Park includes a boat launch and a place to picnic; Ferndale Park includes a sandy beach and a playground. And while dogs are not allowed at the beach, they can freely swim in the kayak area and by the boat ramp. Potential home buyers should also note that Sylvan Lake has a two-dog limit per household.
Though the avid kayakers and paddleboarders can make Sylvan Lake seem like a weekend getaway spot, don’t let them fool you: “It is a four-season, year-round community,” says Cyndi Cooper-Bunna, 21-year employee and Manager at Oakland County Boat Club. Residents-only Sylvan Lake Community Center hosts daily social events like a knitting group and game nights. All ages enjoy walking the 16-mile Clinton River Trail, which links Sylvan Lake to other suburbs across Oakland County.

Oakland County Boat Club hosts boating events near Sylvan Lake.
Oakland County Boat Club hosts boating events near Sylvan Lake.
Clinton River Trail links Sylvan Lake to Oakland County parks.
Clinton River Trail links Sylvan Lake to Oakland County parks.
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Longtime residents live in remodeled historic homes by the water

In this community, “There isn’t a huge amount of turnover,” says Cooper-Bunna. “People who live here don’t want to leave.” In addition to having 24/7 police protection, this neighborhood takes care of one another: thanks to a Community Development Block Grant, qualifying seniors receive free seasonal yard services. Yards are spacious and include several tall, leafy trees. Remodeled neocolonials, Tudor revivals, midcentury split-levels, contemporary builds and ranch-style homes start at $164,000 and go to $1.5 million for a lakefront property with a private dock. However, most Sylvan Lake homes have an estimated home value of $375,000 and an average of three bedrooms.

Sylvan Lake homeowners maintain landscaped yards with mature trees.
Sylvan Lake homeowners maintain landscaped yards with mature trees.
Contemporary homes join historic properties in Sylvan Lake.
Contemporary homes join historic properties in Sylvan Lake.
Sylvan Lake blends Tudor revival, ranch-style, and midcentury homes.
Sylvan Lake blends Tudor revival, ranch-style, and midcentury homes.
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Students attend either West Bloomfield or Pontiac public schools

Most Sylvan Lake students attend Pontiac School District, which recently accepted a $147 million bond for district-wide improvements. The district includes Whitman Elementary, Pontiac Middle, and Pontiac High, which all score a C-minus on Niche. Students living on the west side of Sylvan Lake attend Roosevelt Elementary, West Bloomfield Middle, and West Bloomfield High, all of which earn an A on Niche.

Walt Whitman Elementary serves Sylvan Lake families in Pontiac district.
Walt Whitman Elementary serves Sylvan Lake families in Pontiac district.
Pontiac Middle School offers diverse programs for Sylvan Lake students.
Pontiac Middle School offers diverse programs for Sylvan Lake students.
Pontiac High School provides academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Pontiac High School provides academic and extracurricular opportunities.
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Sylvan Lake offers small-town eats with big-name shops nearby

When it comes to eating out, locals love breakfast at Ellen’s Bakery & Café and fine evening dining at Sylvan Table. Highway 24 connects Sylvan Lake to Costco for groceries and Menards for home improvement supplies.

Sylvan Table offers upscale dining with locally sourced ingredients.
Sylvan Table offers upscale dining with locally sourced ingredients.
Costco near Sylvan Lake stocks groceries and household essentials.
Costco near Sylvan Lake stocks groceries and household essentials.
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JC Knopf
Photography Contributed By
JC Knopf
Tyler Cataldo
Video By
Tyler Cataldo

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jim Shaffer, an experienced agent in this area.

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Sylvan Lake Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$369,950
Median Sale Price
$327,949
Median Single Family Sale Price
$344,899
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
26
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$258

Area Facts

Number of Homes
751
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1953
Months of Supply
0.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,701
Below the national average
1,927
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,842
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,921
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Nov 29
    Open Sat 12PM - 2PM

    281 Draper Ave, Pontiac, MI 48341

    $235,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,243 Sq Ft
    • 281 Draper Ave
    • New 6 days ago

    WOW! Nothing finer, yet so so affordable. Honey stop the car & lets say hello to a good buy. Refurbished inside out, top to bottom. Great curb appeal as the professional landscape is just a taste of what's inside. Dazzling chefs kitchen of SS appliances, stylish luxury vinyl, handsome interior doors dressed with bold hardware. Designer chosen paints & lighting complete this picture of perfection.

    Pam Ford Morgan @properties Christie's Int'l R E Clarkston

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Sylvan Lake Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
1,556
Median Age
54
Population under 18
14%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.1%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$104,006
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$143,781

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.9%
College Graduates
56.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
31''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®®

50 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

60 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Sylvan Lake