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
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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 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Royal Oak, MI over the last 12 months is $366,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Absolutely gorgeous brick home near Downtown Royal Oak, TURN KEY Fully renovated in 2025 with top line upgrades ! New gourmet & modern kitchen with new cabinet and granite countertops with beautiful backsplash ,All stainless-steel appliances included ,Update bathrooms with beautiful Detail ceramic tile in floors & shower and all new vanity, New flooring,Freshly painted throughout,New light
From the moment you walk into this charming home in one of Royal Oak's most desirable areas, you will appreciate the wonderful craftsmanship throughout. Enjoy cooking in your very nice kitchen that walks out to a spacious deck. The first floor offers a formal dining room, living room with a cozy fireplace, a powder room, and a bonus room that can be used as a 4th bedroom or office. As you walk up
Charming Royal Oak Bungalow Just Minutes from Downtown! Welcome to 2108 E 4th Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067 -- a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow blending timeless character with modern updates in one of Royal Oak's most desirable tree-lined neighborhoods. With 1,055 sq ft of living space, this home features a bright and open main floor layout perfect for everyday living and
Backyard views most people pay greens fees to enjoy. Perfectly positioned along the fairway of Royal Oak Golf Club, this well-maintained Royal Oak ranch offers a rare combination of privacy, open green space, and everyday convenience. With no rear neighbors and picturesque golf course views beyond the backyard, this is the kind of setting that rarely becomes available. Step inside and discover a
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY JUNE 20TH. Visit Home.con for 3D walk-thru video of home and floor plan layout. Same owners the past 44 years have enjoyed this home right across the street from this quaint little Frank Wendland Park that gets very low traffic on this dead end street. The owners loved raising their kids in this home and having the park right across the street. It's now it's ready for it's new
Welcome to this stunning new-build 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home, thoughtfully designed with modern living in mind. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be impressed by the spacious open concept layout, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.The expansive living area flows seamlessly into a gourmet kitchen featuring sleek quartz countertops and a large island, ideal for casual dining
GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE IN HENDRIE BOULEVARD SUB; THIS SUB IS SO CONVENIENT TO EVERYTHING DOWNTOWN ROYAL OAK HAS TO OFFER INCLUDING SHOPPING, DINING AND EXPRESSWAYS. THE LOT IS 50x120; THERE IS ROOM FOR EXPANSION AND A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO PERSONALIZE THIS HOME TO MAKE IT YOUR VERY OWN. THIS 3-STORY CRAFTSMAN HOME WAS BUILT IN 1916 AND EXUDES CHARACTER AND CHARM, ENJOY THE SCREENED FRONT
Completely updated and truly move-in ready! This beautifully maintained Royal Oak bungalow blends timeless charm with today's most sought-after upgrades. The stunning, fully remodeled kitchen features custom cabinetry, gorgeous granite countertops, ceramic tile flooring, a spacious breakfast nook for casual dining, and a full suite of Samsung stainless steel appliances. The inviting living areas
Step inside this charming 1926 Colonial where original craftsmanship and thoughtful updates come together beautifully. An arched solid wood entry door welcomes you into a spacious foyer that opens to a warm living room with hardwood floors, natural fireplace, and timeless architectural details. The formal dining room is ideal for entertaining, while the kitchen offers ample workspace and storage.
Well located freestanding building in Royal Oak with commercial/retail opportunities. Zoned "Neighborhood Business II" allowing a broad range of uses and possibilities. Lots of parking behind the building. Available for immediate occupancy. Seller would consider a long term lease for $4,000.00 a month.
Immediate Move-In! Located in The Harrison Collection, Royal Oak's premier modern townhome community offering elevated urban living. This luxury residence features a rare finished first-floor flex space ideal for a private office, home gym, or creative studio. The open-concept layout showcases wide-plank flooring, designer finishes, and a chef's kitchen with premium appliances. Dramatic
Great opportunity for two free standing commercial/retail buildings well located in Royal Oak. Zoned "Neighborhood Business II" which offers a wide variety of uses. Current tenants are on a month to month lease. Lots of parking behind the buildings. Owner owns the adjacent buildings and would entertain selling all three parcels that contain four separate buildings as a package.
Move right in and enjoy worry-free living in this beautifully updated first-floor Royal Oak condo! Featuring brand-new Wallside windows and a new doorwall (2026), all appliances replaced in 2025, a new wall A/C unit (2026), updated faucets throughout, and all new electrical switches and outlets, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and peace of mind. Located in the sought-after
Don’t miss this turn-key bungalow tucked away between downtown Royal Oak and 11 Mile with easy access to I-696 and everything downtown has to offer. You are welcomed into the home through the covered porch featuring new walkway/steps, front door and porch posts. Step inside to countless updates including a freshly renovated bathroom with marble floors, updated kitchen with quartzite counters and
Welcome Home ! This traditional Brick Ranch located in the woodwardside subdivision is in a prime location with walkability to Royal oak shops and dining. Just a few blocks from the Royal oak Golf Course. Offering 3 bedrooms and 2 fully updated bathrooms, this move in ready home is perfect for the first time home buyer, tenant or investor. Stainless steel appliances included. Immediate occupancy
Where majesty rises.The pride of a gorgeous home. The power of an award winning, walkable neighborhood. And the possibilities of a new lifestyle in Royal Oak, Michigan. In a landscape both renewed and redefined, The Griffin Royal Oak Apartments rises as the proud residence of choice. Utterly on-trend, yet universally elegant. Close to all you desire in metro Detroit, yet with a unique
Downtown Royal Oak Loft with stunning 6th floor western views. Master Bedroom featuring walk-in closet, large master bath with two sinks, and floor to ceiling windows over looking downtown and beyond. Open floor plan with living, dining and kitchen areas in massive great room with wall of windows to catch every sunset. Neutral painted walls, hardwood floors and stunning granite make this space
Welcome to The Harrison-luxury loft apartments in downtown Royal Oak, MI, where historic industrial character meets modern design. Originally transformed from a warehouse, The Harrison offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in Royal Oak just steps from the city's top shopping, dining, and nightlife, with easy access to major employers like Corewell Health and downtown
Charming and move-in ready home in a prime Royal Oak location! This adorable 3-bedroom home offers the perfect combination of character, updates, and convenience. Recent improvements include updated electrical, vinyl windows, fresh paint, and new flooring throughout, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.The finished basement provides valuable additional living space, perfect for a
Explore ICON on Main's must-see apartments in Royal Oak, MI. Featuring unfurnished and furnished studios, 1-, and 2-bedroom apartment floor plans, each apartment home offers you the amenities you need, and most importantly, what you want. ICON on Main can accommodate flexible leasing needs, including short and long-term stays for corporate housing, business travel, or personal needs. Enjoy
Freshened up for immediate move-in, this four bedroom, two full bathroom home sits a few blocks off 11 Mile and Main in the heart of Royal Oak, which means most of downtown is yours on foot. Walk to the Royal Oak Farmers Market, the Music Theatre, the Comedy Castle, and a Main Street full of restaurants, bars, coffee, and locally owned shops. You can leave the car in the one car garage and still
The Park on 13 offers newly renovated 1 and 2 bedroom apartments in Royal Oak, MI, with modern finishes, spacious layouts, and everyday conveniences designed for comfortable living. Located on W. 13 Mile Road near Corewell Health, Woodward Avenue, downtown Royal Oak, Birmingham, and major Metro Detroit employers, our community gives you access to the Royal Oak lifestyle without downtown
Stunning & Versatile Royal Oak Retreat at 3224 Altadena! Welcome to your new Royal Oak retreat! This beautifully updated 1,645-square-foot home perfectly blends modern upgrades with incredible versatility, making it ideal for multi-generational living or a spacious work-from-home lifestyle. The main level welcomes you with fresh, modern finishes, a bright living room, two comfortable bedrooms,
Nestled in the heart of Royal Oak, MI Midtown Pointe offers an array of luxury one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes for rent! This contemporary community is rich with high-end amenities, including a heated outdoor pool and sundeck, a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bike, an outdoor grilling area, and a pet washing station for your furry companion. Additional perks include a
Welcome to this fabulous rental in the heart of Royal Oak, perfectly located near Woodward Avenue and all the dining, shopping, and entertainment the area has to offer. Just minutes from Normandy Oaks Park, you’ll enjoy the best of convenience and outdoor living.This charming home features beautiful hardwood floors, three spacious bedrooms, and two full bathrooms. The thoughtfully designed
The Roy is unique. Our modern apartments in Royal Oak, MI, provide the best of the suburbs and city living. With the highly sought-after amenities, like a gorgeous, expansive rooftop terrace gated parking garage, paired with the lively social vibe of local hot spots or even at home in our entertainment room, all in a pet-friendly neighborhood. All of this and more is nestled in a beautiful
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