Troy Michigan Pros and Cons| Living in Troy Michigan - So you're thinking about making the move to Troy, Michigan? In this video, I touch on some history about Troy, Michigan, 3 pros and cons, along with some information pertaining to real estate and the cost of living.

Where Is Troy, Michigan Located?

Troy is located in central Oakland County, roughly 20–25 miles north of downtown Detroit. With direct access to I-75, I-696, M-59, and major surface roads like Big Beaver Road and Rochester Road, it’s positioned as a major regional connector within Metro Detroit.

According to Oakland County and regional planning data, Troy spans approximately 33.6 square miles, making it one of the larger cities in the county by land area as well as population.

Troy, Michigan at a Glance

Troy is the most populated city in Oakland County, with a population of over 87,000 residents. Oakland County itself covers more than 900 square miles, so standing out in a county that large says a lot.

Based on U.S. Census Bureau data:

• Troy is primarily residential with significant commercial zoning
• The city has a high concentration of corporate, engineering, and technology offices
• Development is spread out rather than centralized around a traditional downtown

Pros of Living in Troy, Michigan

Strong Rankings & Reputation

Troy consistently ranks highly among Michigan cities for overall livability.

According to Niche.com, Troy has been ranked:

• Among the top places to live in Michigan
• Among the top suburbs in the state
• Highly for public schools and overall quality of life

Other outlets such as U.S. News, BestPlaces.net, Livability, and CNN Money have also recognized Troy for its stability, infrastructure, and economic strength.

Major Business & Employment Hub

One of Troy’s biggest strengths is its role as a regional employment center.

According to city economic development data:

• Over 6,000 businesses operate in Troy
• These include global companies, engineering firms, and Fortune 500 offices
• Troy supports one of Southeast Michigan’s largest concentrations of high-tech and engineering jobs

The city contains:

• Millions of square feet of office space
• Significant manufacturing and R&D facilities
• Extensive retail corridors

For many residents, Troy offers the ability to live close to work without needing to commute across the region.

Schools & Education (Neutral Overview)

Education is often cited as a major draw for Troy.

According to U.S. News & World Report:

• Troy High School and Athens High School rank among the top public high schools in Michigan
• Rankings are based on graduation rates, standardized test performance, and college readiness

Additional school data from Niche.com and GreatSchools.org shows consistently strong performance across schools serving the area, using neutral academic metrics rather than subjective opinion.

Cons of Living in Troy, Michigan

Traffic & Transportation Challenges

With Troy serving as a major business destination, traffic congestion is one of the most commonly mentioned drawbacks.

Peak congestion typically occurs:

• Along I-75 and I-696
• On major arterial roads during commute hours

Public and alternative transportation options exist, including:

• SMART bus routes
• Rideshare services
• Regional transit connections

However, Troy remains a car-dependent city, and most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily travel.

Limited Traditional Downtown Feel

Troy does not have a classic walkable downtown core.

Instead, amenities are spread across:

• Commercial corridors
• Shopping centers
• Large-scale retail hubs

Somerset Collection serves as a central gathering point, but for those seeking a historic main street or dense pedestrian district, Troy offers a more suburban layout. Past redevelopment proposals for a centralized downtown have been considered but not implemented.

Cost of Living & Housing Prices

Troy’s cost of living is higher than the Michigan average, primarily due to housing and transportation costs.

Based on regional housing data:

• Home prices in Troy are above the state median
• Appreciation over the long term has been strong
• Inventory tends to be limited relative to demand

Rentals make up a smaller portion of the housing stock, and available units can be competitive. As with most Oakland County communities, property taxes vary by location and school district.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Troy, Michigan

Is Troy, Michigan a good place to live?
Troy consistently ranks highly for livability, schools, and economic stability based on third-party data sources.

Is Troy close to Detroit?
Yes. Troy is approximately 20–25 miles north of downtown Detroit with direct freeway access.

Does Troy have a downtown area?
Troy does not have a traditional downtown but offers extensive shopping, dining, and office districts.

Are schools in Troy highly rated?
Yes. Multiple schools serving Troy rank highly based on graduation rates and academic performance metrics.

Is Troy expensive compared to other Michigan cities?
Housing and transportation costs are higher than the state average, while other cost-of-living categories are closer to national norms.

What types of homes are common in Troy?
Single-family homes dominate, ranging from mid-century ranches to newer construction and luxury properties.

Is Troy walkable?
Most areas are car-dependent, with limited walkability outside of shopping centers.

Conclusion

Troy, Michigan offers stability, strong schools, major employment opportunities, and long-term value — all wrapped into one of Oakland County’s most established cities. While it may lack a traditional downtown feel and comes with higher housing costs, many people find the trade-off well worth it for the access, infrastructure, and reputation Troy provides.

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.