Pros and Cons Of Living In Bloomfield Hills Michigan

🌳 A Quick Introduction to Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills isn’t your typical sprawling suburb. This small but mighty city has just over 4,000 residents and spans 5.04 square miles. Incorporated in 1932, it’s one of southeast Michigan’s most desirable (and beautiful) residential pockets.

Despite its size, it packs a punch — gorgeous tree-lined streets, nationally recognized schools, elegant architecture, and a location that puts you minutes away from Birmingham, Troy, and West Bloomfield Township.

It’s basically the Monaco of Metro Detroit, minus the yachts (but hey, we’ve got golf courses and lakes).

🏫 Pro #1: World-Class Schools

If there’s one thing Bloomfield Hills is famous for, it’s the schools.

According to Niche.com, the Bloomfield Hills School District ranks #2 out of 619 for public schools in Michigan.

And then there’s Cranbrook Schools, a private institution so prestigious that it made a cameo in Eminem’s 8 Mile — remember that rap battle reference?

Fun fact: about 80% of the district’s teachers hold master’s or doctoral degrees, and students can choose from over 128 clubs and extracurricular activities. Whether your kid’s into robotics or renaissance art, they’ll find their tribe here.

Simply put: education is kind of a big deal in Bloomfield Hills.

🚗 Pro #2: Prime Location and Easy Commute

Bloomfield Hills sits right in the middle of Oakland County, conveniently wedged between Birmingham, Troy, Clawson, and West Bloomfield.

Woodward Avenue (M-1) cuts diagonally through the city, providing quick access north to Pontiac or south to Detroit. The average commute is about 22 minutes, which beats the U.S. average of 26 minutes.

So whether you’re heading downtown, commuting to a tech hub in Troy, or sneaking off to a coffee shop in Birmingham, you’re perfectly positioned.

🎨 Pro #3: Things to Do (Yes, More Than You Think)

Even though Bloomfield Hills feels quiet, it’s not boring. Locals enjoy golf at Oakland Hills Country Club, art and science exhibits at Cranbrook Institute of Science and Cranbrook Art Museum, and seasonal events that highlight Michigan’s changing beauty.

You’ll find garden tours, hockey rinks, and even amphitheater events during summer. It’s the kind of place where your social calendar might surprise you — classy, calm, and cultured.

🏡 Pro #4: Stunning Homes and Architecture

If Michigan had a “celebrity neighborhood,” this would be it. The real estate in Bloomfield Hills is jaw-droppingly gorgeous — designed by world-famous architects and meticulously maintained.

About 92% of residents own their homes, and the median household income sits at a cool $178,000+. That’s nearly double the state average.

Every street feels like a drive through a luxury home catalog — manicured lawns, stone facades, and enough architectural variety to keep any HGTV fan smiling.

🚶‍♀️ Con #1: No True Downtown

Now for the not-so-glamorous part. While Bloomfield Hills has plenty of restaurants and shops, it lacks a traditional walkable downtown.

If you want that bustling “Main Street” vibe, you’ll need to head a few minutes south down Woodward to Downtown Birmingham — which, honestly, isn’t a bad deal. It’s packed with boutiques, fine dining, and festivals.

Still, for residents who crave walkability, Bloomfield Hills might feel a bit too peaceful (translation: quiet enough to hear your own thoughts).

💵 Con #2: Cost of Living

You probably saw this one coming. According to BestPlaces.net, Bloomfield Hills scores 133.3 on the cost-of-living index (where 100 is the national average).

Housing alone nearly doubles the U.S. average — no surprise, since 30% of homes here are valued over $1 million, and the median home price sits around $677,000.

It’s one of the top five wealthiest cities in the U.S., and it shows. Think luxury living — beautiful, but not exactly “starter-home” territory.

💤 Con #3: Quiet to a Fault

For some, Bloomfield Hills’ tranquility is a dream. For others, it’s… a little too quiet. The city doesn’t have big event venues or nightlife hotspots, so it’s easy to feel like you’re living in a scenic “pass-through” area.

Luckily, that’s easily fixed with a short drive. You’re minutes from Birmingham’s restaurants, Royal Oak’s nightlife, and downtown Detroit’s entertainment scene.

So really, it’s less of a “con” and more of a tradeoff — peace and privacy versus constant action.