Michigan’s Best Kept Secret in Oakland County

Have you ever driven through a place and thought, “Wait… is this the countryside or a luxury neighborhood?” In Oakland Township, Michigan, it’s both — and somehow it works. One minute you’re passing open fields and horses, the next you’re driving by a $1.2 million estate with a six-car garage and a wine cellar bigger than your first apartment.

Oakland Township is one of those Metro Detroit suburbs that doesn’t behave like a typical suburb. It’s quiet, spacious, heavily wooded in spots, and full of winding roads, estate-style homes, and protected natural areas. It’s also one of the last true “hidden gem” communities in Oakland County that still blends rural character with high-end housing.

If you’re considering a move to Oakland Township, this guide will walk you through the essentials — location, lifestyle, neighborhoods, parks, housing, taxes, schools, and what day-to-day life actually feels like.

Rough drive times (depending on traffic):

• Downtown Detroit – About 30 miles south, typically 40–45 minutes via I-75.
• Auburn Hills – Roughly 15–20 minutes to the southwest (major employers, shopping, and restaurants).
• Ann Arbor – About 1 hour southwest, close enough for a day trip or the big game, but not an everyday commute for most.
• Nearby neighbors:
  • Rochester & Rochester Hills – Directly to the south
  • Orion Township & Lake Orion – To the west/northwest
  • Addison Township – To the north

This means if you live in Oakland Township, you’re:

• Minutes from downtown Rochester (shops, dining, festivals)
• A short drive from Lake Orion and Orion Oaks
• Well-positioned for commuting into Auburn Hills, Troy, or other I-75 corridor job hubs

Size, Layout, and Overall Vibe

Oakland Township covers roughly 36 square miles — the same ballpark as some larger townships like Macomb Township, but with far fewer people.

• Population: Just over 20,000 residents
• Population density: Around 550 people per square mile, which is low compared to many nearby suburbs

What that means in plain English:
You’re not crammed in. Larger lots, more green space, and a semi-rural feel are the norm in many parts of the township. Oakland Township has historically prioritized open space, larger lot sizes, and preservation, so it hasn’t been overrun by wall-to-wall subdivisions.

A few quick notes:

• Established in 1827, it’s one of the older communities in the region.
• It’s a charter township, not a traditional city, so there is no classic downtown within the township limits.
• Instead, residents rely on nearby cities like Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Lake Orion for downtown-style shopping and restaurants.

Different Parts of Oakland Township

Oakland Township isn’t just one “type” of neighborhood. It changes character depending on which corner you’re in.

Southern Oakland Township – Suburban Meets Upscale

Closer to Rochester and Rochester Hills, especially along roads like Adams, Dutton, and Silverbell, you’ll find:

• Established and newer subdivisions
• Brick colonials and newer construction with 3-car garages, ponds, and cul-de-sacs
• Gated or named communities such as “The Hills of Oakland” or “Oakland Hunt”
• HOA-managed neighborhoods with entrance monuments, landscaping, and shared amenities

This part of the township feels more like a traditional, modern suburb — but with larger homes and more green space than typical “inner ring” communities.

Northern & Eastern Oakland Township – Semi-Rural and Open

Head farther north or east (toward Predmore, Buell, Lake George, and near Stony Creek Metropark and Addison Township) and the vibe shifts:

• More open land, rolling fields, and woodlots
• Larger lots and longer driveways
• Gravel roads in some areas
• Farmhouses, hobby farms, and estate homes on acreage
• Some properties with horses or private stables (zoning allows equestrian uses on certain lot sizes)

Here, you’re more likely to have:

• Well and septic instead of city water/sewer
• More privacy
• A “country feel” while still being in Oakland County

Goodison – The Closest Thing to a “Downtown”

In the heart of the township at Orion Road & Collins Road, you’ll find Goodison, a tiny historic cluster that serves as Oakland Township’s informal “center.”

• The Paint Creek Cider Mill building is a local landmark. While its long-running cider operation and restaurant have changed over the years (and the traditional cider mill operation closed recently), the building still has significance and houses township offices and parks & recreation.
• Nearby, you’ll find trailheads, a playground, and access to the Paint Creek Trail.

Goodison isn’t a bustling downtown — it’s more of a cozy stopover that anchors the community’s identity and connects people to the trail system and parkland.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Lifestyle

If you love being outside, Oakland Township is a dream. The township has preserved over 1,500+ acres of parkland and miles of trails. In many ways, it feels like a massive nature preserve with houses woven throughout.

Some highlights:

• Paint Creek Trail
  • Runs right through the township and Goodison
  • 8.9-mile linear trail connecting Rochester to Lake Orion
  • Popular for biking, running, walking, and in some areas, horseback riding
  • Oakland Township’s stretch offers some of the most scenic portions with woods, bridges, and creek views
• Stony Creek Metropark (nearby)
  • Large regional park with a lake, beaches, trails, golf course, and year-round recreation
  • Easily accessible from many Oakland Township neighborhoods
• Local Township Parks
  • Multiple nature preserves and township parks with walking paths, boardwalks, playgrounds, and open spaces

Outdoor recreation in Oakland Township often looks like:

• Morning bike rides on Paint Creek Trail
• Hiking or cross-country skiing in nearby Stony Creek Metropark
• Backyard wildlife sightings (deer, turkeys, foxes, etc.)
• Quiet evenings on large decks surrounded by trees

Housing Market in Oakland Township (2025)

Oakland Township is not the budget option in Metro Detroit — it leans toward the higher-priced side of the market, largely due to lot sizes, newer construction, and demand for space.

Approximate numbers as of around mid-2025:

• Median sold home price: Around $630,000–$650,000
• Listings commonly appear in the $600K–$1.5M+ range
• Entry into the market typically starts in the mid-$400Ks for older or smaller homes

What you’ll commonly see:

• $400K–$600K:
  • Older colonials, ranches, or split-levels
  • Smaller lots or original-condition homes that may need updating
• $600K–$900K:
  • Newer construction or semi-custom homes in subdivisions
  • 3,000+ sq ft, 3-car garages, finished or finishable basements
  • HOA-managed neighborhoods, often with ponds, trails, and landscaped common areas
• $900K–$1.5M+ and up:
  • Custom estates on acreage
  • Luxury features, extensive outdoor living spaces
  • Premium locations near parks, trails, or scenic corridors

HOA fees in larger, planned communities commonly range from roughly $500–$1,200 per year, depending on amenities (entrances, commons, trails, ponds, etc.).

Rental options in Oakland Township are limited. Most properties are owner-occupied. When rentals do appear, they are typically:

• Single-family homes or townhomes
• In the $2,500–$4,000/month range, depending on size, quality, and location

Property Taxes and Utilities in Oakland Township

Property taxes in Oakland Township are generally middle-of-the-pack for Oakland County, but because home values are higher, the actual tax bill can feel substantial.

• Total millage rate: Typically around 30–34 mills, depending on your specific school district and any local millages in effect.
• On a $600,000 home, using a rough estimate with a typical millage, annual taxes often land in the $9,000–$10,000+ range, depending on assessed and taxable value and exemptions.

Always confirm current millage rates and run exact numbers with the township or county before purchasing.

Utilities & Services:

• Many properties (especially in the northern/rural portions) are on well and septic
  • No monthly water/sewer bill, but you’ll have periodic maintenance costs
• Properties closer to Rochester/Rochester Hills or in newer subdivisions may be on city water and sewer
• Electric & Gas: Commonly served by providers like DTE and regional natural gas utilities
• Internet: Comcast/Xfinity, AT&T, and other providers, with satellite or fixed wireless options in some rural gaps

Schools Serving Oakland Township

One of the major draws to Oakland Township is access to well-known public school systems.

Most of Oakland Township falls within Rochester Community Schools, which is consistently recognized on public ranking sites (like Niche and GreatSchools) for:

• Strong academics
• Extensive extracurriculars and athletics
• Well-regarded high schools such as Stoney Creek High School and Rochester High School

Depending on the exact address, some portions may also connect to neighboring districts. As always:

• Confirm the exact school district and assigned schools with the township, county, or district directly before buying or renting.
• Look up the most current public school performance data from official state sources or third-party sites to see if they align with your priorities.

Private and charter options are also accessible in nearby:

• Rochester Hills
• Lake Orion
• Auburn Hills

Jobs, Commute, and Daily Life

While Oakland Township itself is primarily residential and rural/suburban, it is surrounded by strong employment centers.

Common commute destinations:

• Auburn Hills – Major employers in automotive, engineering, robotics, and tech (Stellantis, suppliers, and other firms)
• Troy, Rochester Hills, and the I-75 corridor – Corporate offices, tech firms, medical offices, and professional services
• Healthcare systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Beaumont), Henry Ford Health, and Ascension have facilities within a reasonable drive.

Remote work is also common, and many residents value:

• Dedicated home office spaces
• Scenic views of woods and wildlife from their work-from-home setup

Healthcare access is strong, with:

• Major hospitals such as Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital within about 15 minutes
• Numerous urgent cares, pediatricians, dental offices, and specialists in nearby communities

Is Oakland Township, Michigan Right for You?

Oakland Township tends to appeal to people who:

• Want space, privacy, and natural surroundings
• Prefer larger lots and a more semi-rural or estate-style setting
• Don’t mind driving to nearby cities for downtown activities, restaurants, and shopping
• Value access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation
• Are comfortable with higher home prices and property taxes in exchange for that lifestyle

What you won’t get here:

• A traditional, walkable downtown within the township
• High-density condo living or big-city nightlife

What you do get:

• A rare mix of countryside scenery and high-end housing
• Trail systems, protected natural areas, and a quieter pace
• Proximity to Rochester, Lake Orion, and the broader Metro Detroit job market