Highland Township (Oakland County), Michigan: Best Neighborhood Pockets + Pros/Cons for Newcomers — Should You Move Here?

By Andrew McManamonPlaces To Live In Michigan

Introduction

Highland Township, Michigan, is a northern Oakland County community that often attracts people looking for space, water access, and a quieter day-to-day rhythm. With numerous lakes and large residential parcels, it feels noticeably different from denser southern suburbs. That said, living here comes with tradeoffs, especially when it comes to commuting and access to amenities, which makes it worth a closer look before making a move.

Highland Township (Oakland County), Michigan: Best Neighborhood Pockets + Pros/Cons for Newcomers — Should You Move Here?

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Where Is Highland Township, Michigan Located?

Highland Township is located in northwest Oakland County, bordering communities such as Milford Township, White Lake Township, and Commerce Township. M-59 runs directly through the township, serving as the primary east–west corridor and connecting residents to I-96 and U.S.-23.

Based on U.S. Census Bureau geographic data, Highland Township covers a large area that includes residential neighborhoods, lakes, and protected recreation land.

Cost of Living in Highland Township, Michigan

The cost of living in Highland Township is influenced most by housing and transportation. While home prices are generally lower than some lake-heavy Oakland County communities, daily driving costs can be higher due to distance from major employment centers.

Housing: Median home values are typically above the Michigan average but vary widely depending on lake access, according to Niche.com
Utilities: Costs vary by home size and heating type, with some properties using private wells or septic systems
Transportation: Most households rely on personal vehicles, increasing fuel and maintenance expenses
According to BestPlaces.net, the overall cost of living in Highland Township is moderately above the Michigan average, driven primarily by housing and transportation factors.

Real Estate & Housing Overview

Highland Township’s housing stock is dominated by single-family homes. Common styles include ranch homes, colonials, lake cottages, and newer custom-built properties. Lot sizes are often larger than in nearby suburbs, ranging from half an acre to multiple acres.
Based on U.S. Census Bureau housing data and Niche.com reports, much of the housing stock was built from the 1960s through the early 2000s, with limited but ongoing new construction. Market activity tends to be steadier than in higher-density Oakland County markets.

Property Taxes in Highland Township

Property taxes in Highland Township are calculated using township, county, and school district millage rates. According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, millage rates vary by school district and voter-approved levies, meaning tax amounts can differ significantly from one property to another.

For accurate figures, buyers should review current millage rates through Highland Township and Oakland County assessing offices, as tax rates can change annually.

Things to Do & Lifestyle

Highland Township’s lifestyle is closely tied to outdoor recreation and nearby town centers:

Parks & Trails: Highland Recreation Area offers hiking, biking, camping, and seasonal activities (Michigan DNR)
Lakes: Numerous inland lakes support boating, fishing, and paddling throughout the township
Nearby Downtowns: Milford and White Lake provide dining, shopping, and community events
Community Activities: Township programs and regional events offer low-key ways to stay involved without a dense urban setting

Schools & Education (Neutral Framing)

Highland Township is served by multiple school districts, including Huron Valley Schools and Lakeland Schools, depending on location. According to GreatSchools.org and Niche.com, school performance metrics vary by campus and program. School district boundaries should be reviewed carefully when evaluating specific properties.

Pros & Cons of Living in Highland Township

Pros:

Abundant lakes and outdoor recreation access
Larger lot sizes and lower housing density
Direct access to M-59 for regional travel
Proximity to state recreation land

Cons:

Longer commute times to major employment centers
Limited public transportation options
Fewer retail and dining choices within the township
Property taxes vary significantly by location and school district

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Highland Township, Michigan

Where is Highland Township located? – Northwest Oakland County (U.S. Census Bureau)
Is Highland Township more rural or suburban? – A blend of suburban neighborhoods and low-density residential areas
How far is Highland Township from Detroit? – Roughly 45–55 minutes depending on traffic
Are there many lakes in Highland Township? – Yes, multiple inland lakes are located throughout the township (Michigan DNR)
What types of homes are common? – Single-family homes, lakefront properties, and custom builds
Is public transportation available? – Very limited
How does the cost of living compare to Michigan overall? – Moderately above average (BestPlaces.net)
Are there parks nearby? – Yes, including Highland Recreation Area
Is new construction available? – Limited, primarily custom homes
What school districts serve the area? – Huron Valley Schools and Lakeland Schools
Do homes typically have large lots? – Many properties include half an acre or more
Are utilities public or private? – A mix depending on location
Is Highland Township growing? – Growth has been steady but controlled
Where do residents shop and dine? – Commonly in Milford, White Lake, or Commerce
Who tends to like living in Highland Township? – Those prioritizing space, lake access, and a quieter daily pace

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.