Pros of Living in Clarkston, Michigan

Pro #1 – Clarkston Schools

Starting with one of the biggest pros of living in Clarkston, Michigan: Clarkston Community Schools. Locals already know the reputation, but for anyone outside the area, Clarkston schools are one of the main draws.

The district serves roughly 6,500 students across:

• 7 elementary schools
• 1 middle school (6–7th grade)
• 1 junior high (8–9th grade)
• Clarkston High School (10–12th grade)
• A virtual academy
• An early childhood center
• An alternative high school and community education facility

Clarkston High School has earned multiple College Success Awards (2018–2022) for preparing students for college enrollment and persistence.

Residents commonly highlight three strengths:

• Academic quality
• Strong athletics (football, basketball, hockey, cheer, golf, swimming, track)
• Tight-knit community culture

The district’s guiding phrase — “A collaborative learning environment where students, staff, and families are challenged, healthy, engaged, safe, and supported.” — reflects what many families say they experience.

Pro #2 – A Strong Community Feel

Clarkston’s community atmosphere is one of its most defining qualities. The Village of Clarkston itself is tiny — just half a square mile with around 916 residents, surrounded by the much larger Independence Charter Township (36 square miles, ~36,000 residents).

Because the village is so small, it retains that classic small-town feel where people know their neighbors and community involvement is incredibly strong.

Beloved events include:

• Art in the Village
• Farmers markets
• Concerts in the park
• Taste of Clarkston
• Memorial Day, Fourth of July & Holiday Lights parades

If you enjoy a highly engaged, community-driven environment, Clarkston is one of Southeast Michigan’s best examples of it.

Pro #3 – Charming Downtown Clarkston

Clarkston’s downtown is one of the city’s biggest lifestyle perks. It’s small, clean, beautifully maintained, and full of historic character. It delivers that perfect two-lane, postcard-worthy small-town downtown, surrounded by historic homes with exceptional curb appeal.

While some small towns feel worn down or neglected, Clarkston’s downtown is polished, well-kept, and clearly cared for — the kind of place where attention to detail is obvious.

Pro #4 – Things to Do & Local Attractions

Despite the village being small, the overall Clarkston area offers plenty to do, with attractions spread across both the village and Independence Township.

Restaurants in Downtown Clarkston:

• 2 South Brunch House
• The Fed Community
• Union Woodshop (famous BBQ)
• Honcho (Latin street-food inspired)
• Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen

Restaurants + Entertainment in Independence Township:

• Deer Lake Inn
• Clarkston Royal Diner
• Parker’s Hilltop Brewery

Parks & Recreation:

• Depot Park
• Independence Oaks County Park
• Fountains Golf & Banquet
• Oakhurst Golf Club

Major Regional Attraction:

• Pine Knob Music Theatre (concerts, skiing, golf)

Clarkston also has multiple lakes and ponds with public access for kayaking, swimming, or fishing.

Many online sources mistakenly focus only on the half-square-mile village and say “there isn’t much to do.” But when you include Independence Township — which most people identify as Clarkston — the offerings are far more substantial.

Cons of Living in Clarkston, Michigan

Con #1 – Home Prices

The biggest downside to living in Clarkston is the cost of housing.
It’s not as expensive as areas like Northville, Birmingham, or Bloomfield Hills, but Clarkston’s desirability pushes prices above many nearby towns.

Recent MLS data shows:

• Village of Clarkston (avg.): ~$395K (down ~5.9% YoY)
• Independence Township (avg.): ~$451K (up ~3.5% YoY)

Inventory is extremely limited. At the time of your script, village boundaries showed only two homes for sale — one around $630K (new build), one around $875K (historic home). Meanwhile, township listings range from ~$50K manufactured homes to multimillion-dollar properties on several acres.

Because Independence Township has more rural areas, many homes come with larger lots (2–12+ acres), which increases price and adds maintenance responsibilities.

Con #2 – Traffic & Congestion

Clarkston’s attractions—especially Pine Knob Music Theatre—draw visitors from across Metro Detroit. With a small, two-lane downtown and limited road capacity, traffic congestion is a common complaint.

Major causes:

• Pine Knob concerts and events
• Golf courses & banquet halls
• Restaurant and downtown traffic
• Visitors coming from outside the area

Downtown and surrounding roads become heavily congested during major events, and infrastructure wasn’t designed for this level of traffic volume.

Con #3 – Small-Town Mindset (“Set in Their Ways”)

Small towns with strong history often value tradition and maintaining what makes the place special. Clarkston, established in 1832, is no exception.

Because the community is so engaged and protective of the small-town charm, some residents feel that change is slow or resisted. This isn’t inherently negative — many people love Clarkston because it preserves its historic identity — but for individuals who want rapid modernization, this may feel limiting.

Again, this is about preserving community character, not about any group of people. It’s simply the nature of long-established small towns.

Final Thoughts

Clarkston, Michigan is a standout community in Oakland County, known for its schools, charm, community involvement, historic downtown, and proximity to major attractions like Pine Knob. But like any city, it offers trade-offs — especially regarding housing costs, traffic, and a slower pace of change.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to Clarkston or anywhere in Michigan, feel free to reach out anytime — I’d be happy to guide you.

Mentioned Links

Best Things About Clarkston Michigan: https://youtu.be/OfRmuKAKnfw?si=yuPzTgfbuHT7CKgs
Clarkston Michigan Events: http://villageofclarkston.org/2191/Community-Events
Things To Do In Clarkston Michigan: https://www.michigan.org/city/clarkston