While Royal Oak may not have a royal provenance, this city prides itself on being the “City of Trees.” This Detroit suburb combines one of the region’s largest downtown areas with a strong nature scene, best exemplified by its dense population of parks. This walkable community is about 12 square miles and is home to nearly 60,000 people, making it larger than nearby cities such as Oak Park but much smaller than Detroit.
Royal Oak earned its name in 1819 from an established oak tree that called it home. English King Charles II hid in a similar-looking tree during the English Civil War, and the tree'S resemblance became a stalwart of the town. This famous tree and thousands more became a pinnacle of Royal Oak’s identity when it achieved city status in 1921. Agriculture gave way to the retail industry and, recently, to a bustling entertainment and nightlife scene. This history is manifested in the city’s diversity of homes, varying from early 20th-century bungalows and Craftsman to recent luxury developments such as condominiums and lofts.
Whether jamming to performances by their favorite artists at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, taking in a production at Stagecrafters, or just spending time with the family at the Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak residents are never at a loss for entertainment and excitement.
Royal Oak is known its safe, quiet neighborhoods that surround a bustling downtown.
The Royal Oak Theatre hosts a number of well-known bands throughout the year.
Children and adults alike will enjoy spending hours viewing wildlife at the Detroit Zoo.
Royal Oak is a tight-knit suburb located just minutes from Downtown Detroit.
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300 acres of parks and green spaces
Royal Oak has plenty of outdoor recreation, with over 300 acres of green space across 50 parks. In fact, most residents live within walking distance of a park, thanks to a progressive park and playground development plan that swept the city in the 1930s and 40s.
Hamer Finch Wilkins Park, formally known as Beechwood Park, has a rich history. It’s named for freedom seekers and Royal Oak’s first Black settlers Henry and Elizabeth Hamer, their son-in-law, Mathew Finch — who fought in the 4th Regiment, Company M, Michigan Calvary in the Civil War — and his son-in-law, Harold A. Wilkins, who was a well-known resident of Royal Oak throughout the mid-20th century. The park is designed as a reflective garden with walking paths and educational installations that share the story of the Hamer family.
The city is also home to the National Shrine of the Little Flower, a basilica honoring Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, which is visited annually by thousands of Catholics from across the world.
Enjoy the views of the fountain and statue at Centennial Commons Park in Royal Oak.
The swings at Dickinson Park in Royal Oak are fun for all ages.
The picturesque playground at Optimist Park is popular among Royal Oak families.
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Craft beer crawls and free concerts
Unlike many nearby cities, Royal Oak has an established downtown area. The Royal Oak Restaurant Association sponsors walks, crawls and strolls at participating downtown establishments throughout the year. Residents can enjoy craft beer and wine tastings from some of the top breweries and wineries in Michigan at events like the St. Practice Bar Crawl in March, the Michigan Craft Beer Stroll in October or any of the regular wine strolls in Royal Oak’s Social District — one of the largest downtown areas in Metro Detroit.
The city’s Summer Concert Series is a favorite annual event at Centennial Commons Park. Sponsored by the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, the family-friendly series runs for six weeks from July through August. Food trucks and activities for the kids are on-site, and residents are encouraged to grab a beverage from any of the local restaurants in the Social District to enjoy during the shows.
Royal Oak is a highly walkable community, offering many destinations for shopping & dining.
Residents of Royal Oak enjoy outdoor dining year round along Main Street.
The Royal Oak Brewery is one of the areas top local spots for enjoy Michigan craft beers.
Downtown Royal Oak feautres a great number of locally-owned shops.
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Farmers Markets and Restaurant Week
The Royal Oak Farmers Market is open on Saturdays year-round. Royal Oak vendors sell locally produced fruits and vegetables, seasonings and prepared meals. On Sundays, the space becomes a flea market with antiques, apparel and more. The market also hosts the Royal Oak Food Truck Rally on the second Wednesday of each month. Live concerts are also held during the festivities from May through August. Downtown Royal Oak is filled with restaurants covering a wide range of cuisines, from American, Italian and Mexican fare to barbecue and seafood with sports bar and brewery vibes. Royal Oak Restaurant Week happens every June, offering residents a fully food-focused experience beyond the usual night out on the town. The city has several grocery stores, including Kroger, Fresh Approach and Hollywood Markets. Just east of Interstate 75 is the Oakland Mall, with Macy’s and JCPenney as anchor stores.
The Royal Oak Farmers Market has plenty of options for food and artisinal treats.
Royal Oak Winter Blast has plenty of booths and vendors during the festival.
Royal Oak has a robust bar and nightlife scene.
Use your tasting tickets and sample1/2 oz pours, at Royal Oak Bourbon Fest.
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Homes for every style and budget
While the median sale price is $350,000, homes range from $100,000 for older condos to $2.9 million for mansions on Vinsetta Blvd. Prices vary by street, as million-dollar mansions can be two blocks from $400,000 Colonial Revivals. “Homes were built from the 1940s to 1970s as new neighborhoods were being developed,” Eric Meldrum – a well-established Realtor in the Detroit suburbs - says. “Back in the day, builders didn’t need a lot of space, so you’re going to see bungalow homes and smaller-style homes. A lot of people are taking these homes, demolishing them, and building new houses.” This newfound diversity in housing styles contributes to Royal Oak’s inclusive housing market. Meldrum says, “If you want to be close to everything while on a budget, you’ve got a couple of options here.” Homes sell relatively fast at 23 days on average compared to the US average of 44 days. In 2024, the city drafted Master Plan, 2050, which envisions a city that is economically successful and allows for more housing.
Bungalows in Royal Oak are a cozy way to enjoy all that the area has to offer.
Small cottages in Royal Oak are ideal for first time home buyers.
Newly built homes in Royal Oak provide plenty of room for growing families.
Royal Oak is known for its stock of century-old homes.
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A school district that blazes TRAILS
With a B-plus Niche rating, the Royal Oak School District is ranked in metro Detroit's top 30 school districts. Six elementary schools can kickstart a student’s academic career. Royal Oak Middle School is the only middle school in the district, offering the IB Middle Years Programme in preparation for the IB Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme at Royal Oak High School. Churchill Community High School provides a more flexible, non-traditional academic experience for older students aged 16 to 19. Churchill also offers built-in credit recovery solutions, dual enrollment and Oakland Schools Technical Campuses Career and Technical Education opportunities. The Churchill Community Education Center provides GED prep and testing and English as a Second Language courses for adult and continuing education students. The center’s TRAILS Program — Transitioning Responsible Adults In Life Skills — focuses on community-based instruction and work-site-based skills for differently-abled learners.
Oakland Elementary School earned a B+ average in 2024 according to Niche.com.
Royal Oak Middle School has over 25 clubs and activities for students to choose from.
Royal Oak High School cares for over 1,300 Royal Oak students with a 97% graduation rate.
Norup International School serves 674 students in grades K-8 in 2024 according to Niche.com.
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New homes bring more inclusion
Residents can easily access Interstates 75 and 696, which intersect just between Madison Heights and Hazel Park. Woodward Avenue passes directly through Royal Oak, with the Detroit Zoo at the intersection of Woodward and I-696. Beaumont University Hospital is the city’s full-service hospital at 13 Mile and Woodward. The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is just over 26 miles away in Romulus.
“One of the things that people love about Royal Oak is its location. It’s at the center of the Metro Detroit area," Meldrum says. “Detroit is just 20 minutes away down I-75 and has a lot of year-round attractions, including major sporting events at the arenas.”
Low crime rates and Southeast Michigan weather patterns
In 2023, Royal Oak reported a violent crime rate 95% lower than the Michigan average and 74% below the US average. The property crime rate was 53% lower than the Michigan average and 70% below the US average. The weather patterns match those of the rest of Southeast Michigan, with all four seasons taking place and seeing regular snow in the winters.
Written By
Kaitlin Davis
Photography Contributed By
Owen Kaufman
Video By
Joshua Kassabian
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Morgan Meredith,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Royal Oak, MI sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Royal Oak, MI over the last 12 months is $365,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**MULTIPLE OFFERS RECEIVED ON 1505 N ALTADENA - HIGHEST & BEST DUE BY MON, 4/6 @ 12PM. Move-in ready and perfectly located, this 4 bed, 1.5 bath home offers approximately 2,000 square feet of living space in the heart of one of Royal Oak’s most sought-after neighborhoods, just minutes from downtown shopping, dining, and nightlife. Inside, you’ll find a warm and inviting layout with wainscoting
Open house! Saturday, April 11th from 12pm-2pm. Stylish and truly unique ranch in Royal Oak with a lodge-inspired interior, an attached garage, and an unbeatable walkable location close to downtown. The bold blue exterior with a sunny yellow front door, white column entry, brick walkway, circular garden bed, and partially fenced front yard give this home serious curb appeal right from the start.
Open house! Saturday, April 11th from 12pm-2pm. Charming Royal Oak bungalow with a stone-accented front entry, beautifully updated interior, and a versatile layout that offers two main-floor bedrooms plus a private upstairs primary suite and a finished basement rec room. The classic diamond-pane door and stone facade give this home standout curb appeal right from the start. Step inside to a cute
Charming Royal Oak Bungalow Perfection – Just a Short Stroll from Downtown at 2108 E 4th Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067 Get ready to fall in love with this picture-perfect 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow that mixes timeless character with fresh, smart updates – all in one of Royal Oak’s most sought-after, tree-lined neighborhoods! At 1,055 sq ft, the open-concept main floor flows beautifully, while the
Welcome Home ! This traditional Brick Ranch located in the woodwardside subdivision is in a prime location with walkability to Royal oak shops and dining. Just a few blocks from the Royal oak Golf Course. Offering 3 bedrooms and 2 fully updated bathrooms, this move in ready home is perfect for the first time home buyer or investor. Stainless steel appliances included. Immediate occupancy for move
Charming two unit multifamily in prime Royal Oak, minutes to downtown dining, shopping, parks, and quick access to Woodward and 696. Ideal house hacking opportunity with privacy. Classic early 1900s two story colonial style design with a steep gable roofline, clean siding, bright white trim, and a welcoming covered front porch. Upper unit is vacant and offers a spacious one bedroom with great
Two buildable lots in north Royal Oak right around the corner from Corewell hospital, each offering 50 X 135 dimensions which will allow a wide variety of new construction designs and layouts. The variance to create the lots has been approved by the city and the sellers are in the process of completing the requirements. Water and sewer are located on Prairie. A great opportunity for a two home
Experience the perfect blend of modern style and unbeatable location. This bright, open-concept condo on Woodward Avenue offers a sleek, airy feel with stunning hardwood floors and a fresh, neutral palette. The heart of the home is the updated kitchen, boasting crisp white granite countertops. Forget the laundromat, your unit includes a convenient two-in-one washer/dryer. Plus, with a dedicated
Your opportunity on a beautiful Bungalow is here! featuring 3 bedrooms and two full baths, every room in this home is perfectly appointed with gorgeous finishes throughout including the fully finished and well portioned basement. You'll enjoy your all new kitchen featuring a beautiful full splash quartz countertop and stainless steel appliances included. Engineered hardwood floors adorn the
Welcome to this stunning new-build 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home, thoughtfully designed with modern living in mind. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be impressed by the spacious open concept layout, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.The expansive living area flows seamlessly into a gourmet kitchen featuring sleek quartz countertops and a large island, ideal for casual dining
Great Neighborhood! Great Equity Potential! Great Hidden Gem! You will appreciate the opportunity to live in this neighborhood and make this charming 3-bedroom bungalow your own. With the right amount of updates, you could have one of the cutest bungalows in Royal Oak. Plus, a nice 2 car garage for great shop or parking. Plus, enjoy the beautiful 4 season bonus room. Close to Parks, Downtown
Welcome to a truly exceptional brick bungalow where timeless charm meets modern sophistication. This is more than a home—it’s a lifestyle. Experience the perfect combination of classic details, thoughtful updates, and an excellent Royal Oak location within walking distance to Woodward Avenue, where neighborhood living meets downtown amenities like live music, nightlife, venerable restaurants,
Welcome home to 1517 Marywood, a charming story book brick home nestled on a tree lined street in a desirable Royal Oak neighborhood. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and approximately 1,350 square feet, this home offers a functional layout designed for comfortable, everyday living. The main level showcases a warm and inviting living room with a classic fireplace, custom built ins and original
Beautiful Royal Oak home with private fenced-in yard, refinished hardwood floors & Kitchen w/ white cabinets, granite counters. Other features include Living Room w/ large picture window, Neutral bathroom, Newer windows and roof and newer garage door. Partially finished basement w/ glass block windows. Fantastic location close to Wagner Park, Red Run Park & Golf Club and Downtown Royal Oak.
Open house! Saturday, April 4th from 12pm-2pm. Stunning newer construction in Royal Oak right next to Red Run Golf Course, featuring a gorgeous open floor plan, high-end finishes throughout, a fully finished basement, and a private fenced backyard. A charming covered front porch with brick accents and a bold red door sets the tone before you even step inside. The main level opens to a bright
Fabulous 3-bedroom ranch with bonus room (perfect for a home office or optional 4th bedroom) located in highly desirable Royal Oak. This freshly painted and updated home features stainless steel appliances, offering a clean, move-in-ready feel.Enjoy a huge unfinished basement with endless potential for additional living space, storage, or recreation. Step outside to a spacious fenced-in yard
**Charming Studio Apartment in Prime Royal Oak Location!** Discover your new home in this beautifully updated one-bedroom studio, just minutes from downtown Royal Oak. Enjoy easy access to vibrant shops, restaurants, and entertainment. This inviting studio features a modern design with tasteful updates, maximizing space and light for a cozy retreat. **Key Features:** - *Prime Location:** Short
Fabulous 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch in desirable Royal Oak. This freshly painted & updated home with all new SS appliances. Detached garage. Great Fenced in yard with deck for outdoor entertaining. Minutes away from great restaurants, shopping, gyms, parks, all amazing things in Royal Oak has to offer. Don't miss the gem before its gone. No Smoking inside home. Pets Negotiable with monthly pet fee.
Welcome Home ! This traditional Brick Ranch located in the woodwardside subdivision is in a prime location with walkability to Royal oak shops and dining. Just a few blocks from the Royal oak Golf Course. Offering 3 bedrooms and 2 fully updated bathrooms, this move in ready home is perfect for the first time home buyer, tenant or investor. Stainless steel appliances included. Immediate occupancy
Charming 3-bedroom brick ranch offering comfort, convenience, and classic appeal. The spacious kitchen features tons of cabinets and includes all appliances — with the refrigerator and dishwasher updated within the last few years. Enjoy a large, light-filled living room and three generously sized bedrooms, all with beautiful hardwood floors. The updated full bath adds a fresh, modern touch. A
Well-maintained and inviting community! This freshly painted 2-bedroom condo features brand-new luxury vinyl plank flooring and an open-concept main living space. New granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and new plumbing & electrical fixtures. Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer, ample closet space, and a private terrace overlooking the courtyard. The lower-level unit
Elegance Turn-Key 3BR/3BA Home Steps from Beaumont Welcome home to a space where every detail has been handled for you. This 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem offers a fresh, contemporary feel with cool neutral tones and modern decor. Whether you’re relaxing in the main-floor master or hosting guests in the second-floor suite, the layout provides ultimate privacy and flexibility. The 2022 kitchen
Step into your dream home with this stunningly remodeled 2nd-floor apartment, just a stone's throw from the vibrant heart of downtown Royal Oak. This inviting space boasts a brand-new kitchen and bath, complemented by sleek laminate hardwood floors that add a touch of elegance. Enjoy the convenience of modern living with amenities like a dishwasher, disposal, and central air conditioning, plus a
Sharp one bedroom bungalow with great walk to downtown Royal Oak location. Renovated bathroom with a custom tiled shower and all new fixtures. Updated kitchen with new quartz countertop. New flooring throughout with fresh paint. Very clean and ready to go. One year lease. One and a half month security deposit, 650 or higher credit score and a 12 month rental history from the applicant. One time
Newly renovated! Remodeled Royal Oak bungalow minutes from downtown Royal Oak, Birmingham, Berkley and Corewell Health hospital. This 3 bedroom 2 bath home has been completely remodeled and ready to move right in. New kitchen with shaker style cabinets, quartz countertops and new stainless steel appliances. New main bathroom with new tub and tile surround. New LVP floors on the upper and lower,
Briarwood Condo - Clean and well cared for complex. 3-bedroom first floor condo freshly painted and new carpet. Open main living space with door-wall to terrace overlooking courtyard. Hardwood in kitchen & dining area. Granite countertops & brand new appliances in kitchen. New high efficiency washer & dryer. New plumbing and electrical fixtures throughout. Two brand new 12,000 BTU A/C units. Lots
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