Troy, Michigan Living Guide: Housing Market, Schools, Safety & Weekend Fun

By Andrew McManamonPlaces To Live In Michigan

Introduction

Troy, Michigan consistently comes up in relocation conversations thanks to its size, location, and wide range of housing options. As one of Oakland County’s larger cities, Troy offers a mix of established neighborhoods, commercial hubs, and green space. If you’re considering a move here, it’s helpful to understand both the benefits and the trade-offs so expectations stay realistic from day one.

Troy, Michigan Living Guide: Housing Market, Schools, Safety & Weekend Fun

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Where Is Troy, Michigan Located?

Troy is located in southeastern Oakland County, roughly 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. According to U.S. Census Bureau geographic data, the city sits between Birmingham, Sterling Heights, Clawson, and Rochester Hills.

Troy is served by major roadways including I-75, M-59, and Big Beaver Road, which connect residents to Detroit, Auburn Hills, and other employment centers. This central positioning makes Troy a frequent choice for commuters across Southeast Michigan, based on Michigan Department of Transportation maps.

Cost of Living in Troy, Michigan

The cost of living in Troy is higher than the Michigan average, driven primarily by housing costs. According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, median home values in Troy exceed statewide figures.
Utilities and transportation expenses are generally in line with Oakland County norms, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics regional data. Overall, Troy’s cost profile aligns with other established Southeast Michigan suburbs, as reflected by BestPlaces.net and Niche.com comparisons.

Real Estate & Housing Overview

Troy’s housing stock is diverse. Common home styles include brick colonials, ranch homes, split-levels, and newer condominium developments. Based on U.S. Census Bureau housing data, much of the city’s residential construction occurred between the 1960s and 1990s, with pockets of newer development scattered throughout.
Lot sizes vary widely depending on neighborhood, and new construction is typically infill or small-scale developments rather than large subdivisions. Market activity fluctuates with interest rates and inventory levels, according to Oakland County MLS summaries cited by Niche.com.

Property Taxes in Troy

Property taxes in Troy reflect city, county, and school district millages and are generally higher than Michigan’s statewide average. According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, Oakland County municipalities often carry higher millage rates than many other regions of the state.

Actual tax amounts depend on assessed value and exemptions, and buyers are encouraged to verify estimates directly with the City of Troy Assessor’s Office or Oakland County Equalization Department.

Things to Do & Lifestyle

Troy offers a broad mix of recreational and lifestyle amenities. The city maintains multiple parks and trail systems, including Firefighters Park and the Troy Trail network, according to City of Troy Parks & Recreation resources.

The Troy Community Center provides fitness facilities, aquatic amenities, and classes for residents. Cultural attractions include the Troy Historic Village, which hosts educational programs and events, per its official site.

Retail and dining options are anchored by areas like the Somerset Collection and surrounding commercial corridors, making Troy a regional shopping destination.

Schools & Education (Neutral Framing)

Troy is primarily served by Troy School District and portions of the Birmingham and Avondale school districts, depending on location. According to GreatSchools.org and Niche.com, performance indicators vary by individual school and program.

The city is also near multiple higher education institutions throughout Oakland County, offering additional academic and professional development options.

Pros & Cons of Living in Troy

Pros

Central Oakland County location with major highway access
Wide variety of housing styles and neighborhoods
Extensive parks, trails, and recreation facilities
Strong commercial and employment presence

Cons

Higher housing costs compared to Michigan averages
Property taxes above statewide norms
Traffic congestion along major corridors during peak hours
Large geographic size may limit walkability in some areas

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Troy, Michigan

Where is Troy located in Michigan? Troy is in southeastern Oakland County, per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Is Troy considered a large city? It is one of Oakland County’s largest cities by population, according to Census data.
What highways run through Troy? I-75 and M-59 serve the city, per MDOT maps.
Does Troy have parks and trails? Yes, the city maintains numerous parks and trail connections.
Is there public transportation in Troy? Limited service is available through SMART, per regional transit authorities.
What types of homes are common in Troy? Single-family homes and condos dominate the housing stock, per Census data.
Are property taxes high in Troy? Oakland County rates are higher than Michigan averages, per Michigan Department of Treasury.
Is Troy walkable? Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood, according to Niche.com.
Does Troy have a downtown area? Troy has multiple commercial corridors rather than a single traditional downtown.
Are there cultural attractions in Troy? Yes, including the Troy Historic Village.
How far is Troy from Detroit? Approximately 20 miles, based on state GIS data.
Is new construction available in Troy? Limited infill and small developments exist, depending on market conditions.

To Conclude:

If you're looking to move to, from, or within the state of Michigan in one day or a million, I help people do just that and I love it as a Michigan Realtor. Please reach out anytime for help — I’m happy to be your go-to resource.