Nestled between West Bloomfield and Orchard Lake Village, Orchard Lake is one of the most prestigious and visually stunning lakes in all of Oakland County. Known for its crystal-clear water, tree-lined shoreline, and luxurious lakefront estates, Orchard Lake blends serene natural beauty with upscale living — all within 30 minutes of Detroit.

Spanning roughly 795 acres with a maximum depth of 110 feet, Orchard Lake is the second-deepest lake in Oakland County and one of the cleanest in Michigan. It’s a place where privacy, recreation, and timeless Michigan lake charm all converge.

Orchard Lake at a Glance

Lake Lifestyle

Orchard Lake is synonymous with elegance and privacy. Surrounded by luxury estates and the Orchard Lake Country Club, it’s the kind of lake where early-morning water-skiing and sunset cruises are the norm. The shoreline is almost entirely residential, with grand homes that often feature private beaches, boathouses, and deepwater docks.

While the lake is technically all-sports, access is limited to residents, club members, and the private schools along the shoreline — giving it a quiet, relaxed environment even in peak summer months. The area is known for its sense of community, meticulously maintained properties, and tree-covered streets that make it feel worlds away from the Metro Detroit rush.

Fishing & Recreation

Despite its exclusivity, Orchard Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for residents and members of the Orchard Lake Country Club. The deep basin supports a range of fish including smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, perch, northern pike, and panfish.

The lake’s depth and clarity also make it one of the few Metro Detroit lakes suitable for recreational diving and sailing. Many homeowners enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking near shorelines where the water is glass-clear and surprisingly deep.

Water Quality & Ecology

Orchard Lake is among the clearest lakes in southeast Michigan, thanks to its deep basin and limited stormwater inflow. It is regularly monitored by Michigan’s EGLE Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, with consistently excellent clarity readings (often exceeding 20 feet).

You can find the latest data in the Michigan EGLE Water Quality Reports.
The lake’s trophic state is classified as oligotrophic, meaning nutrient levels are low, oxygen levels are high, and algae blooms are rare — a hallmark of a healthy, clean lake.

Living on Orchard Lake

Homes on Orchard Lake are among the most prestigious in the region, often priced well into the millions. The neighborhood surrounding the lake is filled with mature trees, well-kept estates, and a private, country-club ambiance.

There is no public access, which limits boat traffic and keeps the water calm and quiet — ideal for those seeking peaceful mornings and unspoiled views.

For estimating property taxes, use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator:

1. Choose Oakland County
2. Select West Bloomfield School District
3. Enter the home price or taxable value (~half of market value)

This will provide the most accurate property tax estimate for homes in the Orchard Lake area.

Nearby Conveniences

• Commute: ~30 min to Detroit, ~15 min to Birmingham
• Nearest Hospital: Henry Ford West Bloomfield (~10 min)
• Groceries: Plum Market, Trader Joe’s, Meijer (within 10–12 min)
• Dining: The Lodge, Stage Deli, Prime29, Apple Fritter Donuts
• Recreation: Orchard Lake Country Club, West Bloomfield Trail, Marshbank Park

Events & Local Vibe

Life on Orchard Lake revolves around community and recreation. The Orchard Lake Country Club hosts golf and sailing events, and the nearby St. Mary’s Preparatory frequently holds regattas and local festivals that bring the community together.

Unlike Cass Lake or Union Lake, Orchard Lake is not known for loud sandbar parties or heavy weekend boating — it’s refined, peaceful, and private.

Orchard Lake Facts & Data