Located in northern Oakland County, White Lake is one of Metro Detroit’s best-kept secrets — a 540-acre all-sports lake known for its clean water, scenic coves, and laid-back lifestyle. Sitting in the heart of White Lake Township, it combines small-town serenity with easy access to nearby cities like Milford, Commerce Township, and Clarkston.

White Lake is ideal for families, boaters, anglers, and anyone who wants to live the lake life without leaving the suburbs.

White Lake at a Glance

Lake Lifestyle

White Lake strikes the perfect balance between recreation and relaxation. On summer weekends, you’ll find pontoons, wake boats, and jet skis cruising across the lake, but during the week, it’s calm enough for paddleboards and kayaks.

Surrounded by White Lake Township’s parks and trails, it’s also one of the most scenic lakes in southeast Michigan, with rolling wooded hills and coves that give it a northern feel. Most lakefront homes have sandy bottoms and gentle slopes — ideal for swimming and family fun.

Neighborhoods around the lake range from long-established cottage communities to newer year-round homes with private docks.

Fishing & Recreation

Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate White Lake’s variety — bass, pike, bluegill, and walleye are common, and the lake is regularly surveyed by the Michigan DNR Fisheries Division.

The public DNR launch on Ormond Road offers paved parking, a well-maintained ramp, and seasonal restrooms. You can review DNR data and depth contours on the official Michigan DNR Inland Lake Map for White Lake.

For more detailed water quality data, check the MiCorps 2024 White Lake Report (PDF), which tracks clarity and trophic state information.

Water Quality & Ecology

White Lake is classified as mesotrophic, meaning it has balanced nutrient levels and healthy oxygen content — great for fish and recreation. Water clarity typically measures between 10 and 14 feet, putting it among Oakland County’s cleaner inland lakes.

The lake’s management falls under the oversight of the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, which handles lake-level monitoring and watershed maintenance.

You can also view broader data through the Michigan EGLE Water Resources Division, which monitors inland lake ecosystems and clarity statewide.

Living on White Lake

White Lake Township is known for its parks, trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. The surrounding area has a mix of grocery stores, golf courses, and restaurants, all within a 10–15 minute drive.

Homes on the lake range from smaller renovated cottages to upscale custom homes with long stretches of frontage. Prices vary, but demand for White Lake real estate stays strong due to its depth, clarity, and convenient location.

If you want to check what’s currently for sale, browse active listings on White Lake HERE.

To estimate your property taxes, use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator and select Oakland County and Huron Valley Schools.

Nearby Conveniences

• Commute: ~40 minutes to Detroit, 20 minutes to Clarkston or Milford
• Nearest Hospital: Trinity Health Oakland Hospital (~20 min)
• Groceries: Meijer, Kroger, Aldi (within 10 minutes)
• Dining: Billy’s Tip’n Inn, The Root Restaurant, White Lake Inn
• Recreation: Indian Springs Metropark, Highland State Recreation Area, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area

Events & Local Vibe

White Lake Township hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the White Lake Citizens League Fireworks, local fishing tournaments, and community clean-up days. The lake community is friendly, involved, and active — a hallmark of why residents love living here.

It’s a place where neighbors wave as they pass on boats, and every sunset seems to stop time.

Pros & Cons

White Lake Facts & Data