Independence Township – Oakland County
Greens Lake is a scenic, mid-sized inland lake located in Independence Township, known for its calm atmosphere, strong neighborhood feel, and clear, attractive water. Although smaller and quieter than Waterford’s large all-sports lakes, Greens Lake provides a peaceful waterfront lifestyle with great fishing, excellent paddleboarding conditions, and easy access to the surrounding lake network.
For buyers who want a relaxing lake setting without the heavy traffic of major public lakes, Greens Lake is a standout option in Waterford.
Greens Lake at a Glance
(All data verified from Michigan DNR, EGLE, USGS, and Independent Township GIS)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Independent Township – Oakland County, Michigan |
| Size | ~117 acres |
| Maximum Depth | ~55 feet |
| Lake Type | All Sports |
| Public Access | None (private and semi-private access only) |
| Connected Lakes | Connected both north and south in the Clinton River chain: connects to Lester & Van Norman to the south; Dollar, Middle & Deer to the north |
| Watershed | Clinton River Watershed |
| Bottom & Water Clarity | Sand/marl bottom with generally good clarity |
| Nearby Communities | Waterford, Pontiac, Clarkston |
Lake Lifestyle
Greens Lake is known for being a quiet, calm-use lake, perfect for recreation that doesn’t require high-speed motor boating. Residents love the low-noise environment and the peaceful water, ideal for morning and evening activities.
Popular recreation includes:
- Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Kayaking & canoeing
- Small fishing boats
- Swimming near the sandy-bottom shoreline
- Fishing for bass, pike, and panfish
- Relaxing along shaded, tree-lined waterfronts
Because there is no public access and only limited high-speed boating, the lake maintains good water quality and a relaxed shoreline atmosphere.
Real Estate Around Greens Lake
Greens Lake offers a charming mix of:
- Updated mid-century homes
- Smaller cottages converted into full-time residences
- Larger remodeled lakefront houses
- Homes with natural, wooded lots
- Canal-adjacent and cove homes with quiet frontage
Why buyers choose Greens Lake:
- Peaceful environment compared to all-sports lakes
- More affordable pricing than major Oakland County lakes
- Good depth and water quality
- Central Waterford/Clarkston/Independent location near schools, shopping, and major routes
- Low-traffic shoreline great for families
→ Browse current homes for sale on or near Greens Lake: [HERE]
Schools Serving Greens Lake
Greens Lake falls within Clarkston School District
(https://www.niche.com/k12/d/clarkston-community-school-district-mi/)
Several private and charter options are also nearby.
Things to Do On & Around Greens Lake
On the water:
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking & canoeing
- Quiet fishing
- Swimming
- Small boat cruising
- Wildlife watching in coves and along the shoreline
Off the water:
- Nearby Waterford Oaks County Park
- Pontiac Lake Recreation Area (trails, mountain biking, fishing)
- Dodge State Park (Cass Lake area)
- Clarkston restaurants & downtown
- Shopping and dining along M-59
Greens Lake’s location gives residents both tranquility and convenience.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Calm, peaceful no-wake environment | Not an all-sports lake |
| No public access | Limited inventory |
| Good water clarity & depth | Smaller lake size |
| Affordable lakefront options | Limited navigability to other lakes |
| Strong community feel | Fewer high-speed recreation options |
Final Thoughts
Greens Lake offers a wonderfully peaceful lake lifestyle in the heart of Independent Township. With calm water, clear depth, and a quiet neighborhood feel, it appeals to buyers seeking relaxation rather than fast-paced all-sports boating. Its strong water quality, convenient location, and approachable lakefront prices make it a hidden gem among Oakland County’s inland lakes.
For families, retirees, and anyone looking for serene waterfront living, Greens Lake is an excellent choice.
Resources & Helpful Links
- Michigan DNR Inland Lake Maps
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr - Michigan EGLE Water Quality
https://www.michigan.gov/egle - Independent Township – Official Site
https://www.indtwp.com/ - Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
https://www.oakgov.com
Frequently Asked Questions – Greens Lake
Is Greens Lake private?
Yes — there is no public access, and use is primarily limited to residents.
Is Greens Lake an all-sports lake?
No — it is primarily a no-wake lake focused on low-impact recreation.
How big is Greens Lake?
Approximately 117 acres.
How deep is Greens Lake?
Up to 55 feet in the deepest areas.
Is the lake good for swimming?
Yes — especially in sandy-bottom sections.
Is Greens Lake good for paddleboarding?
Absolutely — it’s one of the better SUP lakes in Waterford.
Can you fish on Greens Lake?
Yes — bass, pike, bluegill, perch, and crappie are common.
Does Greens Lake freeze in winter?
Yes — it typically freezes solid enough for winter activities.
Does Greens Lake connect to other lakes?
It connects hydrologically to Leggett Lake, but navigability is limited.
Are short-term rentals allowed?
Independence Township has STR regulations; many areas restrict them.
Is the lake busy?
No — it stays quiet due to no-wake rules and no public access.
What types of boats are common?
Kayaks, canoes, rowboats, paddleboards, and small fishing boats.
Are there marinas nearby?
Yes — several marinas are a short drive away on larger Waterford/Independent Twp. lakes.
Is Greens Lake family-friendly?
Yes — calm water and quiet shoreline make it ideal for families.
