The sun sets over Coles Bay, gazing towards Cass Lake in Waterford.
Waterford Township is a Detroit suburb with lakeside living
Named for an abundance of lakes in the outer suburbs of Detroit, Waterford Township offers affordable lakeside living within minutes of dining and other amenities. Despite making up a large swath of land in the Northwest Detroit metropolitan area, Waterford has a small-town feel and is known among longtime residents for its community-minded setting, where neighbors prioritize taking care of their homes.
Numerous lakes are central to recreation and community
With over 30 lakes positioned around residential areas and parks, Waterford gives residents plenty of access to water recreation, making it stand out from other Detroit-area neighborhoods. Housing is often positioned right along lakefronts, with private access to the water. For public use, large parks such as Dodge #4 State Park offer beachside access to Cass Lake, as well as spots to fish and take stunning photos on the lake’s Observation Pier.
Around smaller, community-centered lakes, some residents organize neighborhood associations like the Elizabeth Lake Beach Association. Alternatively, residents can check out the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area for camping under the thick tree cover or lounging on Pontiac Lake Beach. In the winter, some lakes are available for ice fishing, ice skating and pond hockey.
Gaze upon Dodge #4 State Park and Cass Lake from above.
The sun sets over Coles Bay, gazing towards Cass Lake in Waterford.
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Waterfront living with well-kept homes and lawns
As a Keller Williams real estate agent in the area, Marcy Soufrine says Waterford Township residents "really care about their homes" and "take good care of them." Many homes in the area are single-family ranchers, while many lakeside homes offer more contemporary designs, often accompanied by docks on the property. Some plots offer large lawns, but within the city’s lakeside communities, an intimate and neighborly feel permeates. While single-family homes range between $100,000 and $500,000, open lots and condominiums are also available for less than $100,000.
Explore exquisite lakefront residences gracing Crescent Lake in Waterford.
Discover lakefront homes on Maceday Lake Road in Waterford.
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Brunch spots and family diners with outdoor views
For dining options, many local favorites are nestled within the township’s lakeside neighborhoods. Situated near Coles Bay, Fork N’ Pint is a go-to spot, particularly popular for its brunch. With an outdoor patio and highly reviewed breakfast/lunch fare from chicken & waffles to mimosas. At 4th Tavern Lakehouse, customers are treated to views of Crescent Lake on the outdoor patio, while enjoying no-fuss American fare like burgers, fries and grilled cheese. Brody’s on Cass is a family-owned diner just north of Cass Lake. For everyday grocery needs, Kroger and Meijer locations are found along Highland Road.
The Fork n' Pint restaurant serves delicious meals and brews.
Savor breakfast at Brody's on Cass, nestled in Waterford.
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Fireworks light up the sky during July 4th events
Independence Day is a big deal in Waterford, with individual lakes often hosting their own Fourth of July celebrations, lighting up the sky with an array of distinct fireworks shows. Soufrine says she encourages all her friends to visit during this time of year to catch this patriotic spectacle.
Parks and trails offer hiking, volleyball and farm animals
For a more traditional outdoor experience on land, Hess-Hathaway Park offers a playground and volleyball courts, as well as live farm animals living on the property year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of hiking along neighborhood trails, such as the Pontiac Lake Trail.
Kids love the playground at Hess-Hathaway Park.
Santa is sure to visit Hess-Hathaway Park.
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Photography Contributed By
Colette Lane
Video By
Brice Maddox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Crystal Halley,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Waterford, MI sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Waterford, MI over the last 12 months is $275,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRIVATE ALL-SPORTS Silver Lake, offering breathtaking sunset views, 90-foot-deep water, and the ideal setting to enjoy boating and all watersports. This extensively updated ranch features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and nearly 2,900 sq ft of finished living space with a light-filled, open-concept layout and expansive windows showcasing panoramic lake views. The designer-updated kitchen is equipped
Stephen ColeSignature Sotheby's International Realty Bham
Truly a LUCKY FIND! Exceptional lakefront opportunity on highly sought-after all-sports Williams Lake, tucked away off the main road for added privacy. Featuring 75 ft of rare, pristine sandy beach frontage with highly swimmable conditions, enhanced by extensive boulder landscaping. Beautifully positioned brick ranch on a deep 75x200 lot with breathtaking panoramic lake views. Versatile layout
Pam Ford Morgan@properties Christie's Int'l R E Clarkston
Welcome to 977 Boston Avenue, this 3 bedroom 1 bathroom ranch. Major updates already done for you—featuring a tear-off roof and new gutters (2024), plus a furnace (2019) and a newer HWT. This move-in-ready home offers a fresh coat of paint throughout the house, and a kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances. Situated on a spacious lot, the property provides plenty of outdoor potential
NEW PRICE – $199,900 Welcome home to this charming 2-bedroom with office/sitting space bungalow nestled in one of Waterford’s most desirable neighborhoods! This inviting home blends comfort, convenience, and value — making it the perfect opportunity for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone looking for a move-in-ready space with room to grow. Step inside to a bright and welcoming living room
This 4-sided brick, 4-bedroom Ranch home has much to offer & with the finished basement you will have excess room to gather. The primary bedroom has its own sliding door wall to enjoy warm summer nights. The huge back yard has a playhouse or extra storage. This home has a super location with many fine restaurants on Cooley lake road. You will have enough room in your driveway for nine to eleven
Recent Price Improvement! Welcome to 4734 Kemp Street in Waterford Township—a charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home set on a beautiful half-acre lot in a highly desirable area. This home features vaulted ceilings in the main living area, creating an open, airy feel filled with natural light. The centrally located kitchen serves as the heart of the home and connects the living spaces with a unique and
GREAT FAMILY HOME IN WATERFORD, 3 BEDROOMS 1 BATH, FULL BASEMENT HAS NEW FURNACE AND HOT WATER HEATER 2 1/2 CAR GARAGE WITH CAR PORT FENCED IN BACK YARD CLOSE TO SHOPPING AND SCHOOLS
Discover this inviting 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath colonial in a prime location with access to Upper Silver Lake. Enjoy nearby shopping, restaurants, parks, and convenient freeway access. The updated gourmet kitchen features custom cabinets, granite countertops, a stylish subway-tile backsplash, and premium stainless-steel appliances, making it ideal for entertaining. The breakfast nook offers a cozy
Experience the peace and tranquility of this updated contemporary lakefront home with 50 ft of frontage on the south shore of 367-acre private all-sports Elizabeth Lake and wonderful panoramic views from the 9 sets of lakeside Andersen door-walls! With over 3,400 sq ft of beautifully finished living space across three levels, this thoughtfully designed home blends elevated style and relaxed lake
Welcome to highly sought-after Magnolia Park in Waterford! This bright, beautifully maintained two-story condo offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and style. The main level features a spacious living room with a cozy gas fireplace, creating an inviting atmosphere for relaxing or entertaining. Just off the living room, enjoy your own private deck—perfect for morning coffee or
Enjoy lake living with deeded lots on beautiful Lester Lake and access to four additional lakes! This spacious 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home features open-concept living on both the main and lower levels, perfect for entertaining or multi-generational living. Take in gorgeous views of the lake from the front of the home, just across the street, or relax on the expansive 30x15 rear deck overlooking the
THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN APPRAISED FOR $288,000! Ask us for the report! If you are looking to live in the city of water and lakes, then you will fall in love with this home and how cute the design is and all the updates! Just pull into your brand new driveway freshly poured this year! Welcome to 3168 Herbell Waterford Michigan! This newly and fully updated Ranch is beautifully updated with 3
Gorgeous, custom-built, newer construction home on a large lot within walking distance to Watkins Lake and Scott Lake. This Colonial-style home features a large master suite complete with a walk-in closet and a private luxury bath, a convenient, second-floor laundry room, a gourmet chef's kitchen complete with a European Range Hood, Corian countertops, 52-inch Cabinets, and beautiful wood
Beautiful 4BR, 3.1BA home on a private 1-acre wooded lot with an unmistakable up-north feel. Enjoy sunset views and clear, sandy frontage on coveted all-sports Maceday/Lotus Lake. Features include a soaring 2-story great room, natural-stone fireplace, hardwood floors, and a first-floor primary suite with attached bath. This home offers a mother-in-law/guest suite and flexible living space.
Welcome to this inviting, light-filled home in the coveted Elizabeth Lake Estates community. Thoughtfully updated with central A/C, forced-air heat, a gas range, Nest thermostat, and whole-house water descaler. Custom motorized solar blinds (2023), recessed lighting, and bedroom ceiling fans enhance comfort throughout. The backyard is a standout with a 6-ft privacy fence, 15×20 Trex deck (2025),
Welcome home to Heritage Park Apartments! Our floor plans consist of spacious 1 & 2-Bedroom Apartments. Our community features a picturesque setting, tree-lined streets, and beautifully landscaped grounds. We're located only minutes from freeway access, local shopping, dining, and entertainment.Visit Heritage Park Apartments - We'd be happy to schedule you a tour of our community!
Available: July 1, 2026Fully Fenced Yard – A spacious, privacy-fenced backyard with a covered porch makes outdoor living easy. Perfect for kids, pets, entertaining, or quiet evenings outside.Oversized Detached 2-Car Garage – Significantly larger than a typical 2-car, with electricity, automatic door opener, and a brand-new roof. Plenty of room for two vehicles plus tools, bikes, lawn
Offering one and two bedroom apartments that offer a host of amenities that will make you want to call it your home, Laketree Apartments is the best place to live in Waterford. We are pet friendly with great outdoor space that is close to Dodge Park and Cass Lake. Laketree Apartments has a great location for convenience and value just minutes from dining, entertainment, and shopping. Our spacious
Under brand-new professional management, this Waterford gem delivers fresh renovations and the ultimate convenience of a 1st-floor entrance. Perfect for easy move-ins, quick grocery trips, and accessible living for all; and for anyone seeking comfort, privacy, and convenience. Spacious & Bright: Large windows and an open-concept living area make the most of the spring sunshine; Prime Waterford
Welcome Home to Cass Lake Shore Club! We offer spacious floor plans, convenient amenities, and a prime Waterford location come together for the perfect living experience. Our one- and two-bedroom apartments feature stylish interiors, private balconies or patios, and convenient in-home features designed for your lifestyle.
Free water, free garbage, free landscaping grass and snow. This ranch has first floor bedrooms and 1st floor laundry, providing ample space for relaxation and personal retreats. Walkout private deck vaulted ceilings. With two and a half bathrooms, convenience and privacy are assured for residents. The attached garage offers practical benefits, providing secure parking and additional storage
Enjoy living the good life at Glengarry Park! Located in Waterford, our spacious one and two-bedroom apartments were designed with your unique lifestyle in mind. With features like walk-in closets, a sparkling swimming pool, and a renovated playscape, its easy to see why our residents love living here.
New lease opportunity- updated ranch with canal frontage on Cass Lake. This beautiful 2-bedroom home is approximately 1,300 sf has a huge all-season room that could possibly be used as a bonus room or additional bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, a new kitchen with quartz countertops and new appliances, a freshly painted interior, hardwood floors in the living room, hall, and bedrooms, a washer and dryer
Waterford is a vibrant community where natural beauty, friendly neighbors, and a strong sense of local pride come together to create a welcoming environment for all. With its beautiful lakes, lush parks, and thriving local businesses, it's a place where opportunity and tranquility coexist, offering a wonderful quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're exploring the
Amazing Lakefront home on Lotus Lake with sandy beach and 89 ft of shoreline, huge yard and full size boat dock. Main floor has open floor plan overlooking the bay with stone fireplace & sliding doors that open to a huge refinished deck overlooking the backyard to the Lake. Main floor with bedroom and bath. First floor mud/laundry room with/ tons of storage includes Washer & Dryer. Second floor
Welcome to Cherokee Hills Apartments, where modern living meets ultimate convenience in the heart of Waterford Township. Our spacious 1 and 2-bedroom apartment homes feature contemporary upgrades, central air conditioning, ample storage, and pet-friendly policies, creating a perfect retreat for any lifestyle. Enjoy community perks like a sparkling swimming pool, and locked building entry for
Welcome to the absolute best location on Lake Oakland! Sitting high overlooking the lake with unobstructed views from almost every room in the house! Full finished walk out with full bath, extra possible bedroom, cold storage room, and utility room. The last remodel the owner spared no expense, super solid with no center posts, the heavy duty I beams extend to the front and back giving the most
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