If you are considering a move to Metro Detroit and want a community that combines walkability, established neighborhoods, restaurants, entertainment, parks, and convenient access to nearly everything in Southeast Michigan, Royal Oak should be near the top of your list.
Royal Oak has become one of Metro Detroit's most recognizable communities because it offers something for nearly every stage of life.
You can live within walking distance of Downtown Royal Oak, purchase a classic bungalow on a tree lined street, find a larger home in one of the city's northern neighborhoods, choose newer construction, or enjoy a lower maintenance condominium or townhome.
At Sheel Sohal Realty Group, Royal Oak is one of our core markets. We work with buyers and sellers throughout the city and understand how much home values, housing styles, and neighborhood characteristics can change depending on where you are located.
If you are thinking about moving to Royal Oak, Michigan, here is what you should know.
Why Move to Royal Oak, Michigan?
Royal Oak offers an uncommon combination of suburban neighborhood living and an active downtown environment.
Residents have access to restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, entertainment, parks, community events, fitness, and everyday conveniences while remaining centrally located within Metro Detroit.
For buyers relocating from larger metropolitan areas, Royal Oak can be particularly appealing because you do not necessarily have to sacrifice activity and walkability to own a single family home with a yard and garage.
You can spend Saturday morning at the farmers market, walk downtown for dinner, attend a community event, and still return home to a quiet residential street.
That balance is a major part of Royal Oak's appeal.
Downtown Royal Oak
Downtown Royal Oak is the center of the city's entertainment and social scene.
The downtown district features restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping, entertainment venues, fitness studios, offices, and residential developments.
For buyers who prioritize walkability, living near downtown can dramatically change the experience of living in Royal Oak.
Instead of driving every time you want dinner or coffee, many residents can simply walk or bike downtown.
Downtown also hosts events and activities throughout the year, helping create a sense of community that extends beyond the residential neighborhoods.
For relocating buyers who are not ready to live in Downtown Detroit but still want activity and walkability, Royal Oak can offer an attractive middle ground.
Royal Oak Neighborhoods
Royal Oak covers a larger area than many relocating buyers initially realize.
And although people often refer to the entire city simply as "Royal Oak," different sections of the city can provide very different experiences.
Some buyers want to be within a few blocks of downtown.
Others want a quieter street and larger home farther north.
Some prioritize proximity to Woodward Avenue.
Others want easy freeway access or a location closer to Birmingham, Troy, Berkley, or Clawson.
Rather than choosing Royal Oak first and the neighborhood second, we recommend thinking about how you actually want to live.
Downtown and Near Downtown
For buyers who prioritize walkability, the neighborhoods surrounding Downtown Royal Oak are typically the first place to look.
These areas offer convenient access to restaurants, entertainment, shopping, parks, and community events.
Housing can include classic bungalows, colonials, renovated homes, newer construction, condominiums, and townhomes.
The closer you get to downtown, the more important the exact street and location can become.
Some buyers want to be right in the middle of everything.
Others want to be close enough to walk downtown while maintaining a little more separation from the activity.
Understanding that distinction is important when searching for a home.
North Royal Oak
Northern Royal Oak generally provides a more residential environment while still keeping residents close to downtown and surrounding Oakland County communities.
Depending on the neighborhood, buyers may find larger homes, different lot configurations, established subdivisions, and newer construction.
North Royal Oak can be particularly attractive to buyers who love the city but do not necessarily need to walk downtown every day.
It also provides convenient access toward Birmingham, Clawson, Troy, and other northern Oakland County destinations.
Woodward Corridor
Royal Oak's proximity to Woodward Avenue is another major advantage.
Living near the Woodward Corridor provides quick access to Birmingham, Ferndale, Detroit, and numerous restaurants, retailers, grocery stores, and businesses.
Homes in this portion of Royal Oak can be particularly appealing to buyers who want a central location and easy access throughout Metro Detroit.
Woodward is also one of Southeast Michigan's most recognizable corridors and plays a major role in connecting Royal Oak with neighboring communities.
Royal Oak Real Estate
One of Royal Oak's biggest advantages is the variety of housing.
Buyers can find:
• Classic brick bungalows
• Colonials
• Ranch homes
• Craftsman inspired properties
• Fully renovated homes
• New construction
• Luxury residences
• Condominiums
• Townhomes
• Downtown loft style living
This variety also means Royal Oak should not be evaluated as one single real estate market.
A smaller bungalow near downtown serves a different buyer than a newly constructed home farther north.
Lot size, street location, updates, garage space, proximity to downtown, school assignment, finished living space, and overall condition can all significantly affect value.
That is why understanding comparable sales within the immediate area is important when buying or selling in Royal Oak.
Royal Oak Bungalows
If there is one home style closely associated with Royal Oak, it is the bungalow.
Many of the city's most recognizable residential streets contain classic bungalow style homes.
These properties can offer tremendous character, hardwood flooring, fireplaces, established landscaping, and efficient layouts.
However, bungalow layouts vary significantly.
Some have smaller upper levels, while others have been expanded to create larger primary suites.
Some have beautifully finished lower levels, while others retain unfinished basements.
Many have undergone extensive renovations, while others present opportunities for buyers who want to update a home themselves.
When comparing Royal Oak bungalows, square footage alone rarely tells the entire story.
Layout and quality of improvements matter.
New Construction in Royal Oak
Royal Oak has also experienced substantial residential redevelopment.
Throughout the city, older homes have been renovated, expanded, or replaced with new construction.
Newer homes frequently offer features that are harder to find in Royal Oak's original housing stock, including larger kitchens, open floor plans, primary suites, home offices, attached garages, finished lower levels, and modern mechanical systems.
For buyers who want Royal Oak's location and lifestyle but prefer a newer home, there are opportunities throughout the city.
As with any new construction purchase, builder quality, lot location, floor plan, materials, and surrounding properties should all be considered when determining value.
Royal Oak Schools
Royal Oak Schools serve much of the community and are an important consideration for many relocating buyers.
When purchasing a property, buyers should always verify the specific school district and individual school assignments associated with the address.
Do not rely solely on the city name or mailing address.
School boundaries can affect both your personal decision and future resale, making them an important part of evaluating any property.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Royal Oak has an extensive network of neighborhood parks and recreational spaces throughout the city.
That is one of the advantages of Royal Oak's layout.
Rather than having only one or two large recreation areas, parks are distributed throughout many residential neighborhoods.
Residents have access to playgrounds, sports fields, walking areas, green space, community facilities, and other recreational opportunities.
Memorial Park is one of the city's most recognizable recreation areas, while numerous smaller neighborhood parks create convenient outdoor spaces throughout Royal Oak.
For buyers with children, dogs, or simply a preference for being outdoors, proximity to a park can be an important factor when choosing a neighborhood.
Royal Oak Farmers Market
The Royal Oak Farmers Market is another longstanding part of the community.
The market provides a gathering place for residents and adds to the city's neighborhood oriented lifestyle.
For relocating buyers, amenities like the farmers market help explain why Royal Oak feels different from a traditional suburban community built primarily around subdivisions and shopping centers.
There are places where residents naturally gather.
That creates a stronger connection between the residential neighborhoods and the city itself.
Dining, Entertainment and Shopping
Royal Oak has one of Metro Detroit's most active suburban downtown districts.
Residents have access to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, entertainment venues, shopping, fitness concepts, and community events.
But Royal Oak's location also places residents within minutes of Birmingham, Ferndale, Berkley, Clawson, Troy, and Detroit.
That means you are not limited to what is located within Royal Oak itself.
For many buyers, this central location is one of the city's biggest advantages.
Getting Around Metro Detroit From Royal Oak
Royal Oak is extremely well positioned within Metro Detroit.
Its location provides convenient access to major roadways and employment centers throughout Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties.
Downtown Detroit is easily accessible for sporting events, entertainment, dining, and employment.
Birmingham and Troy are located just north.
Ferndale and Detroit are directly south.
Southfield is nearby to the west.
For professionals who may work in different parts of Southeast Michigan, Royal Oak provides a central home base without requiring them to live far into the outer suburbs.
Royal Oak vs. Birmingham
This is one of the most common comparisons for buyers considering southern Oakland County.
Both communities offer walkable downtowns, restaurants, shopping, parks, and established residential neighborhoods.
The difference is primarily lifestyle, housing, and price point.
Birmingham generally offers a more luxury oriented market with higher home values, larger custom residences, and a more polished downtown environment.
Royal Oak generally provides a broader range of housing options and price points while maintaining an active downtown and central location.
If you want walkability and activity but Birmingham is either above your preferred budget or more formal than the lifestyle you want, Royal Oak can be an excellent alternative.
Royal Oak vs. Ferndale
Royal Oak and Ferndale are neighboring communities that are frequently compared by relocating buyers.
Both offer active downtown environments and convenient access to Detroit.
Royal Oak is larger and generally provides a broader range of housing, from smaller starter homes to substantial new construction.
Ferndale offers its own distinct downtown and community atmosphere and can provide another option for buyers prioritizing walkability and proximity to Detroit.
For many relocating buyers, touring both communities is the easiest way to understand the difference.
Royal Oak vs. Berkley
Berkley borders Royal Oak and provides another popular alternative.
Berkley has a smaller downtown and generally feels more residential, while Royal Oak offers a larger entertainment and restaurant district.
Both communities contain established neighborhoods with a large selection of bungalows, colonials, renovated homes, and newer construction.
Buyers who like Royal Oak but prefer a smaller community atmosphere should consider exploring Berkley as well.
Royal Oak vs. Troy
Royal Oak and Troy offer noticeably different suburban lifestyles.
Royal Oak is generally more attractive to buyers prioritizing walkability, character, downtown activity, and proximity to Detroit.
Troy offers larger subdivisions, significant shopping and employment centers, and many larger homes on more traditional suburban lots.
The right choice depends heavily on your priorities.
If you want to walk downtown for dinner, Royal Oak may make more sense.
If your priority is a larger home and a more traditional suburban environment, Troy may be worth exploring.
Property Taxes in Royal Oak
Property taxes are an important part of evaluating any Royal Oak home.
Relocating buyers should understand that the taxes currently shown on a listing may not represent what they will pay after purchasing the property.
Michigan's property tax system can result in changes to taxable value following a transfer of ownership.
Before making an offer, buyers should review an estimated future tax amount rather than simply relying on the seller's current tax bill.
This gives you a much more accurate understanding of your expected monthly housing costs.
What Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Royal Oak?
Royal Oak offers a wide range of home prices.
The cost of a property can vary substantially based on location, square footage, condition, lot size, proximity to downtown, renovations, garage configuration, and whether the home is newer construction.
Smaller original homes can provide more accessible entry points into the city.
Completely renovated homes, expanded properties, and new construction command significantly higher values.
Rather than relying on a citywide average, we recommend evaluating the specific type of property and neighborhood you are considering.
A renovated bungalow near downtown should not necessarily be compared with a larger new construction home in North Royal Oak.
The immediate comparable sales matter.
Buying a Royal Oak Home From Out of State
If you are relocating to Michigan, our team can help you begin your Royal Oak home search before you arrive.
We can assist with:
• Virtual property tours
• Neighborhood recommendations
• Private showings
• Comparable market analysis
• Property tax estimates
• Offer strategy
• Inspection coordination
• Appraisal coordination
• Local lender introductions
• Title coordination
• Contractor recommendations
• Final walkthroughs
• Closing preparation
When we virtually tour a home for an out of state buyer, we want to show you the things listing photos cannot.
What does the street look like?
How close are the neighboring homes?
How does the layout actually flow?
What condition is the property in?
How much traffic is nearby?
How far are you from downtown?
What does the backyard look like?
Those details become extremely important when you are purchasing a home from another state.
Tips for Relocating to Royal Oak
Before deciding where you want to live in Royal Oak, spend time experiencing different parts of the city.
Walk Downtown Royal Oak.
Drive through neighborhoods north and south of 12 Mile Road.
Explore the Woodward Corridor.
Visit the parks.
See how long it takes to get to Birmingham, Detroit, Troy, and your workplace.
Look at homes near downtown and compare them with properties farther north.
Most importantly, decide which factors matter most to you.
Do you want to walk downtown?
Do you want a larger home?
Is garage space important?
Do you prefer a renovated older home or new construction?
How much yard do you want?
How important is proximity to Detroit?
Once we understand those priorities, finding the right part of Royal Oak becomes much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Royal Oak, Michigan
Is Royal Oak, Michigan walkable?
Certain portions of Royal Oak are very walkable, particularly the neighborhoods surrounding Downtown Royal Oak.
Because the city covers a larger area, not every Royal Oak home will be within walking distance of downtown.
If walkability is important to you, the exact location of the property should be a major consideration.
Is Royal Oak close to Detroit?
Yes.
Royal Oak is an inner ring Detroit suburb and provides convenient access to Downtown Detroit and many of the region's major employment and entertainment districts.
Does Royal Oak have a downtown?
Yes.
Downtown Royal Oak is one of the city's defining features and includes restaurants, shopping, entertainment, offices, residential developments, and community events.
What types of homes are available in Royal Oak?
Royal Oak offers bungalows, colonials, ranches, renovated homes, new construction, condominiums, townhomes, and downtown residential options.
Is there new construction in Royal Oak?
Yes.
New construction can be found throughout Royal Oak as older homes are replaced or properties are redeveloped.
What communities should I consider if I like Royal Oak?
Buyers considering Royal Oak frequently also explore Birmingham, Berkley, Ferndale, Clawson, Beverly Hills, and Troy.
Each provides a different balance of walkability, home size, schools, downtown amenities, location, and price.
Can I live within walking distance of Downtown Royal Oak?
Absolutely.
There are numerous residential neighborhoods, condominiums, and townhomes located within walking distance of downtown.
If this is important to you, we can specifically focus your search on properties that provide true downtown walkability.
Is Royal Oak, Michigan Right for You?
Royal Oak's appeal comes from balance.
It provides the neighborhood feel many buyers want from the suburbs without completely giving up the restaurants, entertainment, walkability, and activity associated with living closer to a city.
You can own a single family home with a yard and garage while remaining minutes from Downtown Royal Oak, Birmingham, Ferndale, Troy, and Detroit.
You can choose a classic bungalow with character, a completely renovated home, new construction, a condominium, or a townhome.
And because Royal Oak contains so many different housing styles and neighborhoods, there is not one single version of living here.
Finding the right location within Royal Oak is just as important as deciding to live in Royal Oak itself.
Relocating to Royal Oak, Michigan?
At Sheel Sohal Realty Group, Royal Oak is one of the markets we know best.
Our team has extensive experience representing buyers and sellers throughout the city, from classic Royal Oak homes to renovated properties, new construction, condominiums, and opportunities near Downtown Royal Oak.
If you are relocating from another state, we can help you understand the different parts of the city, identify neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle, preview homes before you arrive, analyze comparable sales, and coordinate the entire purchasing process.
Our goal is not simply to find you a home in Royal Oak.
It is to help you understand the market well enough to recognize the right home, the right location, and the right value when you find it.
Contact Sheel Sohal Realty Group to begin your Royal Oak home search.
Luxury Experience at All Price Points.