Lake Orion Township

Lake Orion is a vibrant Detroit suburb with a charming downtown business area and majestic homes. The neighborhood checks off all the needed boxes of local dining, shopping options, and housing opportunities. “Our motto is we’re living as a vacation. The majority of the township is lakes and parks," says Communications and Engagement Specialist for Orion Township Jenny Bhatti. "So, our residents value those amenities. We’re a close-knit community that comes together when there’s a need or support.”

Dragons serve as an important feature to Lake Orion's identity. This is due to the legend of a ferocious dragon being spotted on the lake in 1894, and each sighting it would grow in size. While this was found to be a childish prank, the community embraced it. Now, their sports teams are named the Dragons and it's the inspiration for their annual Dragon on the Lake festival. “It’s a big festival we have every August. Dragon boat racing, activities, vendors, live music every night," Bhatti says. "It’s a lot of fun.”

Orion Township offers something for everyone when it comes to housing choices. You have homes that overlook one of the several lakes or homes on the outskirts. Newly constructed subdivisions are coming up on both sides of the township. Modern ranches, colonial, and custom moderns are some of the most common architectures. Many of these homes will have at least two bedrooms and 1,000 square feet of space. Some notable differences are whether there are attached garages or private gravel driveways. Smaller ranch properties will range from $250,000 to $400,000. Then, if you have lakefront properties, that can vary from $500,000 to $750,000. However, homes can peak to $1 million.

Students will attend schools in the Lake Orion Community District, which carries a high grade on Niche with an A. Orion Oaks Elementary School is centrally located and serves grades kindergarten through five. This school has an A-minus Niche grade. Grades six through eight can be done at the A Niche-rated Scripps Middle School. Students can participate in one of the nine sports after school. Students will then earn their diplomas from Lake Orion High School, which carries an A Niche grade. Students can earn industry certifications or college credits if enrolled in career and technical courses. These include automotive maintenance, education, business and broadcasting.

Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers will blush over the acres of recreation. If you’re out west, you’ll find a bit of everything within Friendship Park. This is the largest park within the township at 135 acres and serves as a happening community space. Spend the afternoon playing in the baseball or soccer fields or walking the dog along the park trails. Civic Center Park is the most centrally located, carrying 79 acres. This park has basketball and volleyball courts, and it’s also home to the Wildwood Amphitheater. This space holds summer outdoor concerts featuring local bands. An all-day affair can be spent at the Bald Mountain Recreation Area to the neighborhood’s east. This 4,600-acre area houses 15 miles of trails, a beach area, and a water park. Water Warrior Island is a thrill-seeking paradise. Dive down the launching slides or swing and bounce within their inflatable obstacle courses.

Whether you’re to the east or west of the area, you will encounter several spots to grab a bite. If you go to the west near Gingellville, most dining is on Baldwin Road. Your hunger cravings can be satisfied at the Orion Grill. This family restaurant serves American, Italian, Mexican, and Greek-inspired dishes. If you’re by the Lake Orion Village, you’ll find any cuisine within the downtown area. Oat Soda Lake Orion carries several beer and wine options. Then, pair those beverages with their charcuterie and cheese dips or fancy one of their handmade handhelds.

Lake Orion is a shopper-friendly area as it carries several department stores. If you’re southwest towards Brown Road, you’ll find the Baldwin Commons Shopping Center. This little plaza houses Kohl’s, DSW and Ulta Beauty. Nearby Lake Orion village is where you’ll find the Shops at the Shores, which carries a Kroger. One destination you won’t want to miss is the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. This shopping center houses 185 stores, attractions, and restaurants. You can spend all day exploring the shops or taking the kids to different attractions such as Legoland Discovery Center or Sea Life Aquarium. Interstate 75 is just south of the neighborhood, running north to south through six states. This route can take you south for 40 miles towards Detroit or north toward Canada. A bit of everything resides within the Lake Orion walls.

Written By

Courtney Murphy

Photography Contributed By

Gregory Hayes

Video By

Samantha Houtchens