Commerce Township – Oakland County
Commerce Lake is one of Commerce Township’s signature inland lakes, made up of North Commerce Lake and South Commerce Lake, which together create a private, all-sports waterfront community. With approximately 236–262 acres combined and depths reaching over 60 feet in certain basins, Commerce Lake offers expansive water recreation, a vibrant lake atmosphere, and convenient proximity to Metro Detroit amenities. The Huron River flows through the system, and a dam maintains stable lake levels, giving the lake both recreational and hydrological significance.
Commerce Lake at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Commerce Township – Oakland County, Michigan |
| Size | Approximately 236–262 acres combined (North & South basins) |
| Maximum Depth | Approximately 60–67 feet |
| Lake Type | Private, all-sports |
| Public Access | No DNR public boat launch (resident/private access only) |
| Connected Waterways | Part of the Huron River system; dam-regulated |
| Bottom Composition | Sandy sections, deeper basins, and softer-bottom coves |
| Nearby Communities | Commerce Township, Walled Lake, Wixom, Milford |
Lake Lifestyle
Commerce Lake is known for its energetic, recreationally focused lifestyle. As a private all-sports lake, its activity is driven by residents rather than public traffic, creating a lively yet community-centered boating environment.
Popular on-water activities include:
- Water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding
- Wake surfing
- Jet skiing and personal watercraft riding
- Pontoon cruises
- Swimming along sandy and shallow shoreline zones
- Early morning paddleboarding and kayaking
- Ice fishing and skating during winter freeze
The split between North and South Commerce Lake gives the waterbody a mix of open-water boating zones and quieter coves, making it suitable for a wide range of lake users.
Real Estate Around Commerce Lake
Homes on Commerce Lake vary widely, offering a blend of:
- Remodeled original cottages
- Expanded mid-century lake homes
- Newer construction and luxury homes on premier shorelines
- Canal homes with culvert access into the main basins
- Neighborhoods featuring private association beaches or HOA amenities
Many properties enjoy deep water at the dock, and much of the shoreline has been modernized over recent decades.
Why buyers choose Commerce Lake:
- Large, private all-sports lake
- Consistently strong demand for lakefront homes
- Active and social waterfront environment
- Combination of classic cottages and high-end new builds
- Close to commerce districts, restaurants, parks, and commuter routes
→ Browse current homes for sale on or near Commerce Lake: [HERE]
Schools Serving Commerce Lake
Commerce Lake is primarily served by:
- Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
- Huron Valley Schools
Exact boundaries depend on address, but many Commerce Lake neighborhoods fall within either Walled Lake Northern, Walled Lake Western, Walled Lake Central, Milford High School, or Lakeland High School feeder patterns.
Things to Do On & Around Commerce Lake
On the Water
- All-sports boating
- Water skiing and wakeboarding
- Wake surfing
- Jet skiing
- Fishing for warm-water species
- Swimming and floating
- Paddleboarding in calmer portions of the lake
Off the Water
- Parks such as Proud Lake Recreation Area and Hickory Glen Park
- Access to the Huron River corridor for kayaking and hiking
- Shopping and dining along Commerce Road, Pontiac Trail, and in Novi/Wixom
- Seasonal community events, farmers markets, and lake gatherings
Commerce Lake offers the feeling of a resort-style lifestyle while remaining close to everyday amenities.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large private all-sports lake | Can feel busy on peak summer weekends |
| No public DNR launch (resident-only boating) | Limited available inventory |
| Depth supports excellent boating conditions | Some lots are smaller or closely spaced |
| Strong lakefront community | Higher lakefront prices |
| Close to Novi, Walled Lake, Wixom | Private access means limited outside resources |
Final Thoughts
Commerce Lake is one of the premier private lakes in Commerce Township, offering a blend of big-water recreation, community-driven shoreline living, and convenient access to suburban amenities. With two interconnected basins, deep water, and a vibrant boating culture, it is an ideal lake for residents who want an active waterfront lifestyle in a strong Oakland County community.
Frequently Asked Questions – Commerce Lake
Is Commerce Lake an all-sports lake?
Yes, Commerce Lake is a full all-sports lake allowing high-speed boating and towing activities.
Is Commerce Lake public or private?
It is a private lake with no public DNR launch, meaning boating access is limited to lake residents and authorized users.
How large is Commerce Lake?
Approximately 236–262 acres combined across North and South Commerce Lake.
How deep is Commerce Lake?
Depths reach approximately 60–67 feet in deeper basins.
Can you navigate between North and South Commerce Lake?
Yes — they form one navigable lake system.
Can you access other lakes from Commerce Lake?
Commerce Lake is part of the Huron River system, though practical navigation to other major lakes is limited by river width, depth, and culverts.
What school districts serve the lake area?
Most homes fall under Walled Lake Consolidated Schools or Huron Valley Schools.
Is Commerce Lake good for fishing?
Yes — anglers typically find bass, pike, panfish, and other warm-water species.
Is the lake busy?
It stays active during warm weather due to its size and all-sports designation, but traffic is limited to residents since there is no public access.
