Living in Independence Township Michigan (Read This First)

You ever find a place where you can go from ski slopes to sandy lakeshores before lunchtime? That’s Independence Township, Michigan in a nutshell — a corner of northern Oakland County where small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and suburban convenience somehow coexist without trying too hard.

It’s not the loudest or flashiest suburb in Metro Detroit. It doesn’t scream for attention. But once you spend some time here, it quietly grows on you — kind of like finding out your neighbor owns a boat and actually invites you to use it.

If you’re thinking about moving to Independence Township or you just keep hearing about Clarkston and want to understand the bigger picture, this guide breaks down what life here is really like — location, lifestyle, housing, taxes, schools, jobs, and more.

Quick geography and drive times:

• Size: About 36 square miles
• Population: Just under 37,000 residents
• Downtown Detroit: Roughly 45 minutes south via I-75
• Auburn Hills: About 20 minutes away (major job hub)
• Nearby communities:
  • Clarkston (inside the township)
  • Lake Orion to the north
  • Waterford to the south
  • Holly and other northern communities nearby

With I-75 running straight through the township, commuting is usually pretty manageable. And when I-75 turns into a parking lot (as it does), there are enough backroads to keep your sanity intact.

Lifestyle & Outdoor Recreation in Independence Township

If you’re an outdoors person — or at least like to pretend you are — Independence Township shines.

You’ve got:

• Over 1,300 acres of parkland
• 12 township parks
• Lakes, trails, hills, and open space everywhere

Some highlights:

• Independence Oaks County Park
  • Over 1,200 acres of wooded land
  • Miles of hiking and biking trails
  • A 68-acre lake for kayaking and fishing
• Deer Lake
  • Public beach and boat launch
  • Great views and summer hangout vibes
• Other lakes like Walters Lake, Bushman Lakes, Crooked Lake, and more — each offering different levels of boating, paddling, or quiet water time.

And then there’s the big one:

• Pine Knob Ski Resort – Yes, an actual ski hill right in the township.
• Pine Knob Music Theatre – A major outdoor concert venue right next door.

Winter: you’re carving turns on the ski hill.
Summer: you’re seeing your favorite band under the stars.

There aren’t many suburbs where you can say that.

Downtown Feel: Clarkston as Your “Main Street”

Independence Township itself is more residential and spread out, with tree-filled subdivisions, cul-de-sacs, and private drives. But the “downtown experience” most residents claim is:

Downtown Clarkston (inside the township border but its own city), with:

• Historic buildings and a classic small-town streetscape
• Local restaurants like The Union Woodshop and other well-known spots
• Coffee shops, boutiques, and seasonal events

Community events in the area include:

• Independence Fest
• Taste of Clarkston
• Clarkston Art Fair
• Kids Day in the Park
• Dive-in Movies at Deer Lake Beach

So while Independence Township doesn’t have its own standalone downtown, most locals use downtown Clarkston as their go-to spot for food, community events, and that hallmark small-town feel.

Neighborhoods & Housing in Independence Township

Independence Township offers a pretty wide spectrum of homes, which is part of the appeal.

You’ll see:

• 1950s & 1960s lake cottages that have been updated into year-round residences
• 1980s and 1990s colonials with larger yards and mature trees
• Custom homes on multiple acres with long driveways and lots of privacy
• New construction subdivisions with modern finishes, open-concept layouts, and neighborhood amenities

Hot corridors and areas:

• Around Sashabaw Road and Maybee Road:
  • Newer subdivisions
  • Easy access to shopping, I-75, and schools
• Near Dixie Highway and other main roads:
  • Condos, townhomes, and cluster communities
  • Close to grocery stores, retail, and services

The general feel:

• More space and seclusion than many inner-ring suburbs
• Big yards, mature trees, and natural features like ponds or woods
• Less focus on walkability outside of downtown Clarkston, but strong driveability with most essentials within a 5–15 minute drive

As far as the market:

• Median sold home price (mid-2025): Around $436,000
• Recent appreciation: Roughly 6–10% over the past year
• Average days on market: About 30 days for well-priced homes

So the market is active but not so frenzied that you can’t breathe or think before writing an offer.

Cost of Living, Property Taxes & Utilities

Cost of living in Independence Township is generally a bit above the Michigan average but still more affordable than many major metro areas across the country.

Property taxes:

• Typically between 32.199 and 34.5762 mills, depending on your exact location and school district.
• On a $425,000 home, you’re roughly looking at $6,500–$7,500 per year in property taxes, depending on taxable value and millage.

Always verify exact millage rates, SEV, and taxable value with the township or county before buying — the numbers can vary by street, school district, and proposal votes.

Utilities:

• Monthly combined gas, electric, and water often lands around $250–$400, depending on:
  • Home size
  • Weather (those Michigan winters…)
  • Whether you’re on city water or well

Water & sewer:

• Many neighborhoods closer to main corridors have city water and sewer.
• More rural or northern parts of the township often rely on well and septic, which means:
  • No monthly water/sewer bill
  • But periodic well/septic maintenance and potential future replacement costs

Internet, Services & Healthcare Access

Internet:

• Xfinity is widely available
• AT&T Fiber is available in certain neighborhoods
• Some rural gaps exist, but most homes have access to reliable broadband, which is key for remote workers.

Local services:

• The township manages things like snow plowing, leaf pickup, and basic infrastructure efficiently for most residents.
• Trash and recycling are typically handled via local providers or arranged by HOAs, depending on the subdivision.

Healthcare:

• McLaren Clarkston Medical Campus is located right in the area, offering convenient access to medical services.
• Larger hospitals within about a 20–30 minute drive include:
  • Corewell Health (Royal Oak and Troy area)
  • Henry Ford / Ascension facilities in nearby cities

Plenty of urgent cares, dentists, pediatric offices, and specialists are sprinkled throughout northern Oakland County as well.

Schools Serving Independence Township

Schools are a big reason many people consider moving here.

Most of Independence Township is served primarily by:

• Clarkston Community Schools, and in some fringe areas,
• Lake Orion Community Schools
• Waterford School District

Public ranking sites often note:

• Strong academic and extracurricular offerings at Clarkston Community Schools
• Well-known athletics and arts programs at Clarkston High School
• A mix of neighborhood schools and options within a short drive

There are also:

• Private school options within a reasonable drive
• Oakland Community College and other post-secondary options nearby

As always, for fair housing and accuracy, it’s important to:

• Verify exact school assignment (district and building) for a specific address with the district or township
• Review the most recent performance data directly from school districts or state education sources to make sure it aligns with your priorities

Jobs, Commuting & The Daily Grind

Independence Township is in a great commuting pocket for northern Oakland County.

Common commute destinations:

• Auburn Hills (about 20 minutes away)
  • Major employers like Stellantis, Continental, suppliers, and tech firms
• Waterford, Pontiac, Lake Orion, Troy, and other nearby cities along I-75 and M-59
  • Healthcare systems
  • Logistics and warehouse operations
  • Professional services and manufacturing

If you’re remote:

• Independence Township works very well for work-from-home professionals who want a quiet office with wooded views, nearby trails to decompress, and strong residential internet options.

Park-and-ride setups, carpool options, and direct freeway access via I-75 make commuting flexible, especially for people splitting time between multiple sites.

Is Independence Township, Michigan Right for You?

Independence Township tends to attract people who:

• Want a balance of nature and convenience
• Like the idea of living near lakes, trails, a ski hill, and a major concert venue
• Prefer bigger yards, mature trees, and space between homes
• Don’t mind driving a few minutes for groceries, restaurants, or coffee
• Appreciate having downtown Clarkston as their “Main Street” without living in the densest part of it

What you don’t get here:

• High walkability outside of downtown Clarkston
• Big-city nightlife right outside your front door

What you do get:

• A high-outdoor-lifestyle suburb with four-season recreation
• A community that feels close-knit without feeling crowded
• A “sweet spot” between rustic and convenient — “I want space and peace, but I still want Target 10 minutes away.”