If you are relocating to Metro Detroit and looking for luxury homes, privacy, larger properties, exceptional lakefront living, or some combination of all four, the Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield area should be one of the first places you explore.
This part of Oakland County offers a completely different lifestyle from Downtown Birmingham or Royal Oak.
Instead of focusing primarily on walkability and downtown living, buyers come to Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield and the surrounding communities for space, privacy, established neighborhoods, beautiful homes, mature landscaping and access to some of Southeast Michigan's most desirable lakes.
And when it comes to lakefront living, this area is difficult to replicate.
Upper Long Lake, Upper Straits Lake, Pine Lake, Orchard Lake, Cass Lake, Walnut Lake, Lower Long Lake, Forest Lake, Island Lake and numerous smaller lakes create an incredible variety of waterfront opportunities throughout the area.
At Sheel Sohal Realty Group, this is one of the markets we know best. We work with buyers and sellers throughout Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake Village and the surrounding lake communities.
If you are considering moving to this part of Metro Detroit, here is what you should know.
Understanding the Bloomfield and West Bloomfield Area
One of the first things relocating buyers discover is that "Bloomfield" can mean several different things.
There is the City of Bloomfield Hills.
There is Bloomfield Township.
There is West Bloomfield Township.
There is also Orchard Lake Village, which is surrounded by West Bloomfield Township and contains some of the area's most desirable waterfront real estate.
These are separate municipalities, and the differences matter.
Property taxes, school districts, municipal services, lot sizes, housing styles and even mailing addresses can vary.
A property may have a Bloomfield Hills mailing address without actually being located within the City of Bloomfield Hills.
The same general area can also include homes assigned to different school districts.
When buying here, the exact address matters considerably more than the name appearing on the mailing address.
Why Move to Bloomfield Hills?
Bloomfield Hills is one of Michigan's most established luxury residential markets.
The area is known for privacy, larger properties, custom homes, estate settings, mature trees, winding residential roads and architecture that ranges from historic estates to contemporary residences and newly constructed luxury homes.
Unlike Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills does not revolve around a traditional downtown.
That is part of its appeal.
Buyers typically choose Bloomfield Hills because they want more privacy and land while remaining close to Birmingham, Troy and other major Oakland County destinations.
Depending on the property, homes can sit on substantial lots surrounded by mature landscaping, wooded areas or water.
For executives, physicians, professional athletes, business owners and families relocating to Metro Detroit, Bloomfield Hills is frequently one of the first luxury markets we recommend exploring.
Bloomfield Township
Bloomfield Township surrounds much of the City of Bloomfield Hills and provides an enormous range of luxury housing.
Buyers can find established subdivisions, private roads, larger estate properties, lakefront homes, golf course communities, renovated residences and new construction.
Bloomfield Township is also home to several of the area's most desirable lakes and waterfront neighborhoods.
For buyers who like Bloomfield Hills but want additional housing options, lake access or a different price point, Bloomfield Township dramatically expands the search.
Why Move to West Bloomfield?
West Bloomfield offers another side of luxury Oakland County living.
The community is especially attractive to buyers looking for larger homes, established subdivisions, lakefront property, recreation and convenient access to Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hills, Novi and surrounding communities.
Water is a defining feature of West Bloomfield.
Lakes are woven throughout the community, and buyers can choose between direct waterfront homes, properties with private lake privileges and neighborhoods located minutes from the water.
Housing ranges from established homes and ranches to large custom residences, newer construction and luxury lakefront estates.
For buyers who want more space and a strong connection to Michigan's lake lifestyle, West Bloomfield deserves serious consideration.
Orchard Lake Village
Orchard Lake Village is one of the most distinctive luxury residential communities in Metro Detroit.
Located within the greater West Bloomfield area, Orchard Lake Village is known for its lakes, privacy, estate properties and limited inventory.
Some of the area's most impressive waterfront residences are located here.
Orchard Lake itself is the centerpiece, but the community also provides access to other highly desirable waterfront settings.
For buyers seeking a true luxury lakefront estate while remaining close to Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, Orchard Lake Village can be an exceptional option.
Lakefront Living in Oakland County
Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes, but you do not need to travel hours north to experience a waterfront lifestyle.
Some of Metro Detroit's most desirable lakefront properties are located directly within central Oakland County.
Depending on the lake and property, residents may enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and waterfront entertaining directly from their backyard.
Lakefront homes can range from renovated cottages and traditional residences to newly constructed multimillion dollar estates.
But buying lakefront property is different from buying a traditional home.
The lake itself matters just as much as the house.
Upper Long Lake
Upper Long Lake is one of the area's premier residential lakes and is surrounded by some exceptional luxury properties.
Its location places residents close to Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Orchard Lake and West Bloomfield while providing a distinctly private waterfront lifestyle.
Homes along Upper Long Lake range from established residences to renovated and newly constructed luxury estates.
For buyers seeking substantial waterfront homes with convenient access to Birmingham and central Oakland County, Upper Long Lake is one of the lakes we frequently recommend exploring.
Inventory can be limited, making individual property quality, frontage, orientation and location particularly important.
Upper Straits Lake
Upper Straits Lake is another highly desirable lake serving the West Bloomfield and Orchard Lake area.
The lake is surrounded by impressive residential properties and offers the type of waterfront lifestyle many buyers imagine when considering a move to Michigan.
Homes can vary significantly in age, size, architecture and frontage.
Because lakefront properties rarely compare perfectly with one another, evaluating recent sales requires looking beyond square footage.
Lot orientation, waterfront footage, water views, condition, renovation quality and the home itself all influence value.
Pine Lake
Pine Lake is one of West Bloomfield's best known residential lakes.
The surrounding area contains a mixture of established lakefront homes, major renovations and luxury residences.
For buyers who want boating and waterfront recreation while remaining centrally located within Oakland County, Pine Lake can be an excellent choice.
Waterfront inventory is naturally limited, and properties can vary substantially depending on location around the lake.
Orchard Lake
Orchard Lake is one of Oakland County's most recognizable luxury lakefront markets.
Located within Orchard Lake Village and surrounded by West Bloomfield, the lake offers some truly exceptional residential properties.
Large custom homes and estate style residences can be found along the waterfront, often with substantial outdoor entertaining areas designed around the lake.
For buyers seeking one of Metro Detroit's premier lakefront addresses, Orchard Lake is an important market to understand.
Because opportunities can be limited, buyers interested specifically in Orchard Lake should be prepared to move quickly when the right property becomes available.
Cass Lake
Cass Lake is one of the largest and most recognizable inland lakes in the immediate area.
The lake extends through multiple communities and provides extensive opportunities for boating and recreation.
Cass Lake offers a somewhat different experience from smaller residential lakes.
For buyers who prioritize being on a larger body of water and want an active boating lifestyle, Cass Lake can be particularly attractive.
The housing surrounding the lake varies widely, making the exact community and section of shoreline important when evaluating a property.
Walnut Lake
Walnut Lake is another highly desirable residential lake in the Bloomfield and West Bloomfield area.
Waterfront homes and nearby properties with lake privileges are highly sought after.
Walnut Lake is particularly appealing because of its central location and proximity to Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield.
For buyers who want a lake lifestyle without feeling removed from Birmingham and the surrounding business and entertainment districts, Walnut Lake is worth serious consideration.
Lower Long Lake
Lower Long Lake provides another waterfront option in the Bloomfield area.
Like many of the smaller lakes throughout Oakland County, properties can vary considerably in size, architecture and waterfront characteristics.
For buyers focused on privacy and water views rather than simply finding the largest lake possible, these smaller residential lakes can present outstanding opportunities.
Forest Lake
Forest Lake is another beautiful residential lake within the Bloomfield area.
The surrounding properties include some substantial luxury residences, and the lake provides a quieter residential setting while remaining close to Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills.
For buyers seeking privacy and a true estate atmosphere combined with waterfront living, Forest Lake can be especially compelling.
Island Lake
Island Lake provides another desirable waterfront setting within the Bloomfield and West Bloomfield corridor.
Like many of the area's lakes, availability can be extremely limited.
Properties should be evaluated individually based on frontage, views, lot configuration, home quality and overall setting.
Other Lakes Throughout the Area
One of the advantages of searching for a home in Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and West Bloomfield is that the waterfront market extends well beyond the largest and most recognizable lakes.
Depending on exactly where you search, additional lakes and waterfront communities include:
• Lower Straits Lake
• Middle Straits Lake
• Wabeek Lake
• Wing Lake
• Gilbert Lake
• Green Lake
• Orange Lake
• Morris Lake
• Simpson Lake
• Endicott Lake
• Chalmers Lake
• Cranbrook Lake
• Minnow Lake
• Vhay Lake
• Mirror Lake
• West Bloomfield Lake
There are also numerous smaller private lakes and ponds throughout individual neighborhoods.
For buyers who simply want waterfront rather than one particular lake, expanding the search to these smaller bodies of water can uncover opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
Not All Lakefront Property Is the Same
This is one of the most important things we explain to relocating buyers.
Two homes can both be advertised as "lakefront" while providing completely different experiences.
Before purchasing waterfront property, we look at much more than the house.
Important considerations include:
• Amount of waterfront frontage
• Lake size
• Water depth
• Lot orientation
• Sunrise or sunset exposure
• Boat restrictions
• Lake association rules
• Docking possibilities
• Seawall condition
• Shoreline condition
• Water views from inside the home
• Lot elevation
• Walkout potential
• Flood considerations
• Private versus public access
• All sports versus restricted lake use
• Nearby public access
• Overall boat traffic
A beautiful home on the wrong portion of a lake may not fit your lifestyle nearly as well as a less impressive home with exceptional frontage and views.
When purchasing lakefront property, you are buying the location first.
The house can be changed.
The lake and lot cannot.
All Sports Lakes vs. Quieter Residential Lakes
Another important decision is determining what type of lake lifestyle you actually want.
Some buyers want boating, water sports and an active summer atmosphere.
Others want kayaking, swimming, fishing, privacy and quiet water views.
Those buyers should not necessarily be looking at the same lakes.
This is why we recommend discussing your actual waterfront lifestyle before beginning the home search.
Do you own a boat?
Do you want to waterski?
Do you want to wakeboard?
Do you prefer quiet mornings on the water?
Do you want a sandy swimming area?
Is sunset exposure important?
Do you entertain frequently?
The answers can completely change which lakes we recommend.
Bloomfield Hills vs. West Bloomfield
Buyers frequently ask us which community is better.
The answer depends entirely on what you want.
Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township generally appeal to buyers prioritizing privacy, architecture, estate properties, larger lots and proximity to Birmingham.
West Bloomfield generally provides more housing inventory, more subdivision options and an even greater emphasis on lake living.
If your priority is a private estate close to Birmingham, we may focus more heavily on Bloomfield Hills.
If your priority is being directly on the water and having more lakefront options to choose from, West Bloomfield and Orchard Lake may become a larger part of the search.
Many buyers ultimately explore all three.
Bloomfield Hills vs. Birmingham
This is another common decision for luxury buyers.
Birmingham offers walkability, restaurants, shopping, community events and a true downtown environment.
Bloomfield Hills offers more privacy, larger lots and estate style living.
A buyer choosing between the two is often choosing between lifestyles rather than simply houses.
If walking to dinner and coffee is important, Birmingham may be the better fit.
If you would rather have additional property, privacy, a gated entrance or lakefront setting, Bloomfield Hills may make more sense.
The advantage is that the communities are immediately adjacent, so residents of Bloomfield Hills can still enjoy Downtown Birmingham within minutes.
Schools
The Bloomfield and West Bloomfield area includes several school districts.
Depending on the exact property, buyers may encounter Bloomfield Hills Schools, West Bloomfield School District and other neighboring districts.
Private school options are also available throughout central Oakland County.
The important thing for relocating buyers is not to assume the school district based on the mailing address.
A Bloomfield Hills mailing address does not necessarily determine the school district.
Always verify the district and individual school assignments for the specific property you are considering.
Luxury Real Estate in Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield
This portion of Oakland County contains some of Metro Detroit's most diverse luxury real estate.
Buyers can find:
• Private estate homes
• Gated residences
• Lakefront properties
• Golf course homes
• Historic architecture
• Mid century residences
• Completely renovated homes
• New construction
• Contemporary architecture
• Ranch homes
• Large custom residences
• Acreage properties
Pricing can vary dramatically.
A home's value may be influenced by municipality, school district, lot size, architecture, condition, renovation quality, privacy, lake frontage, water views and neighborhood.
That makes local comparable sales particularly important.
A home located less than a mile away may not necessarily be a meaningful comparable if it offers a completely different municipality, school district, lake or lot.
Buying Lakefront Property From Out of State
Purchasing waterfront property remotely requires additional due diligence.
Listing photographs can make almost any lake look impressive.
What photographs may not show is the neighboring property, shoreline, lake traffic, water depth, road position, lot elevation or how the home actually sits in relation to the water.
For relocating buyers, our team can provide:
• Virtual property tours
• Detailed waterfront video
• Drone perspective when available
• Neighborhood tours
• Comparable lakefront sales
• Property tax estimates
• Offer strategy
• Inspection coordination
• Seawall and shoreline evaluation coordination
• Dock and waterfront observations
• Contractor recommendations
• Appraisal coordination
• Title coordination
• Final walkthroughs
• Closing preparation
Our goal is to give you as much information as possible before you make a decision from another state.
Property Taxes
Property taxes should be carefully reviewed when purchasing in Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield or Orchard Lake.
The seller's current tax bill may not accurately represent what a new owner will pay after purchasing the property.
Michigan's taxable value can change following a transfer of ownership.
This becomes particularly important when purchasing higher value luxury or lakefront property.
Before making an offer, we recommend reviewing estimated future taxes so you understand the potential total monthly cost of ownership.
What Does Lakefront Property Cost?
There is no meaningful single average price for lakefront homes in this part of Oakland County.
Values vary enormously.
The lake matters.
The frontage matters.
The lot matters.
The view matters.
The house matters.
A renovated home on a smaller lake may sell for less than a dated property with exceptional frontage on one of the area's premier lakes.
Similarly, a newly constructed estate on Orchard Lake, Upper Long Lake, Pine Lake or Upper Straits Lake operates in a completely different market than an older waterfront home on a smaller lake.
For serious lakefront buyers, we recommend analyzing each property individually rather than relying heavily on broad price per square foot averages.
Tips for Relocating to the Bloomfield and West Bloomfield Area
Before choosing a home, spend time understanding the geography.
Drive through Bloomfield Hills.
Explore Bloomfield Township.
Visit West Bloomfield.
Drive around Orchard Lake Village.
See Upper Long Lake, Pine Lake, Orchard Lake, Cass Lake, Upper Straits Lake and Walnut Lake.
Then decide what actually matters to you.
Do you want lakefront?
Do you want an all sports lake?
Do you want acreage?
Do you want privacy?
Do you want to be close to Birmingham?
Do you prefer an established home or new construction?
Do you want a neighborhood or a private road?
Do you want Bloomfield Hills Schools or another district?
Once those priorities are clear, we can narrow a very large geographic area into a much more targeted home search.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes to live on near Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield?
Some of the area's most sought after lakes include Upper Long Lake, Upper Straits Lake, Pine Lake, Orchard Lake, Cass Lake and Walnut Lake.
However, the best lake depends on the lifestyle you want.
Lake size, boating preferences, frontage, privacy, water views and location should all factor into your decision.
Where can I find luxury lakefront homes near Birmingham?
Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield and Orchard Lake Village offer numerous lakefront opportunities within convenient driving distance of Downtown Birmingham.
Upper Long Lake, Walnut Lake, Pine Lake, Orchard Lake and Upper Straits Lake are among the areas buyers frequently consider.
Is Bloomfield Hills or West Bloomfield better for lakefront living?
Both offer waterfront opportunities, but West Bloomfield and the Orchard Lake area generally provide a greater concentration of lakes and waterfront housing.
Bloomfield Township also contains exceptional lakefront properties, particularly for buyers who want to remain extremely close to Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills.
Is Orchard Lake Village part of West Bloomfield?
Orchard Lake Village is its own municipality surrounded by the greater West Bloomfield area.
This distinction matters for property taxes, municipal services and other property specific considerations.
Can I find new construction on the lakes?
Yes, although inventory is limited.
Older lakefront homes are sometimes extensively renovated or replaced with new custom construction.
Newly constructed lakefront homes can command significant premiums because waterfront lots themselves are limited.
Are all of these lakes public?
No.
Access, boating rules, public launch availability and restrictions differ from lake to lake.
These details should be verified for the specific lake and property before purchasing.
Can I buy lakefront property in Michigan while living out of state?
Absolutely.
Our team regularly assists buyers who cannot attend every showing personally.
We can virtually tour properties, provide detailed videos, analyze comparable sales, coordinate inspections and help manage the transaction remotely.
Is Bloomfield Hills or West Bloomfield Right for You?
If you are looking for one of Metro Detroit's strongest combinations of luxury real estate, privacy, established communities and waterfront living, this part of Oakland County is difficult to overlook.
Bloomfield Hills offers estate living and privacy only minutes from Birmingham.
Bloomfield Township expands those options with additional neighborhoods, architecture and lakefront opportunities.
West Bloomfield provides an incredible concentration of lakes and residential communities.
Orchard Lake Village offers some of the area's most exclusive waterfront settings.
Together, they create one of Michigan's most diverse luxury residential markets.
The key is understanding which community, lake and property actually fit the lifestyle you want.
Relocating to Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield or One of Oakland County's Lakefront Communities?
At Sheel Sohal Realty Group, luxury and lakefront real estate throughout central Oakland County is a major part of what we do.
We work throughout Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake Village and the surrounding lake communities.
Whether you are looking for a private Bloomfield Hills estate, a renovated home in Bloomfield Township, a West Bloomfield residence or a luxury property directly on Upper Long Lake, Upper Straits Lake, Pine Lake, Orchard Lake, Cass Lake, Walnut Lake or another Oakland County lake, our team can help you understand the market and identify the right opportunities.
For buyers relocating from another state, we can narrow down communities and lakes before you arrive, virtually preview homes, analyze comparable sales and coordinate the purchasing process from beginning to closing.
Our goal is not simply to find you a waterfront home.
It is to help you find the right lake, the right property and the right value for the way you want to live.
Contact Sheel Sohal Realty Group to begin your Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield or Oakland County lakefront home search.
Luxury Experience at All Price Points.