Robert Coburn
RE/MAX First
(586) 576-9389
243 Total Sales
1 in Sylvan Lake
$261,900 Price
Sylvan Lake
Neighborhood in Michigan
Oakland County 48320
Between Detroit and Flint sits Sylvan Lake, a small community of less than 1,700 neighbors who all live within about a mile of its sparkling namesake lake. In 1818, an expedition led by Reverend John Monteith deemed this lake the most beautiful in the area. Before long, a summer hotel was built and a village sprouted around it. With its custom homes lining the lakeshore and willow branches blowing in the breeze, it’s no wonder that Sylvan Lake calls itself The Prettiest Little City in the State of Michigan.
The lake invites all kinds of recreation, from catching largemouth bass, to swimming and boating. Residents may dock at the members-only Oakland County Boat Club marina, on their own private dock, or get on the waiting list for one of the city’s 166 docking spaces. Park and beach access, including dock and athletic court usage, requires a yearly fee between $10 and $50. Parks are residents-only: Lakeview Park includes a boat launch and a place to picnic; Ferndale Park includes a sandy beach and a playground. And while dogs are not allowed at the beach, they can freely swim in the kayak area and by the boat ramp. Potential home buyers should also note that Sylvan Lake has a two-dog limit per household.
Though the avid kayakers and paddleboarders can make Sylvan Lake seem like a weekend getaway spot, don’t let them fool you: “It is a four-season, year-round community,” says Cyndi Cooper-Bunna, 21-year employee and Manager at Oakland County Boat Club. Residents-only Sylvan Lake Community Center hosts daily social events like a knitting group and game nights. All ages enjoy walking the 16-mile Clinton River Trail, which links Sylvan Lake to other suburbs across Oakland County. When it comes to eating out, locals love breakfast at Ellen’s Bakery & Café and fine evening dining at Sylvan Table. Highway 24 connects Sylvan Lake to Costco for groceries and Menards for home improvement supplies.
In this community, “There isn’t a huge amount of turnover,” says Cooper-Bunna. “People who live here don’t want to leave.” In addition to having 24/7 police protection, this neighborhood takes care of one another: thanks to a Community Development Block Grant, qualifying seniors receive free seasonal yard services. Yards are spacious and include several tall, leafy trees. Remodeled neocolonials, Tudor revivals, midcentury split-levels, contemporary builds and ranch-style homes start at $164,000 and go to $1.5 million for a lakefront property with a private dock. However, most Sylvan Lake homes have an estimated home value of $375,000 and an average of three bedrooms.
Most Sylvan Lake students attend Pontiac School District, which recently accepted a $147 million bond for district-wide improvements. The district includes Whitman Elementary, Pontiac Middle, and Pontiac High, which all score a C-minus on Niche. Students living on the west side of Sylvan Lake attend Roosevelt Elementary, West Bloomfield Middle, and West Bloomfield High, all of which earn an A on Niche.
From the lake’s azure waters to its well-maintained outdoor recreation areas, Sylvan Lake invites its year-round residents to admire nature’s beauty.
Written By
Laura Copan
Photography Contributed By
JC Knopf
Video By
Tyler Cataldo
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Agents Specializing in this Area
-
Robert Coburn
-
Mike Mattucci
Mike Mattucci
Responds QuicklyMax Broock, REALTORS®-Birmingham
(947) 282-5809
32 Total Sales
1 in Sylvan Lake
$470,000 Price
-
Carlos Kachal
Carlos Kachal
Responds QuicklyICON Realty Experts, LLC
(947) 218-6489
41 Total Sales
1 in Sylvan Lake
$249,000 Price
-
Jan Hays
Jan Hays
Responds QuicklyMax Broock, REALTORS®-Birmingham
(947) 210-5950
224 Total Sales
59 in Sylvan Lake
$210K - $1.6M Price Range
-
Darin DeWeese
Darin DeWeese
Responds QuicklyThe Agency Hall & Hunter
(947) 218-1872
89 Total Sales
8 in Sylvan Lake
$305K - $650K Price Range
-
Alex Nugent
Alex Nugent
Responds QuicklyReal Estate One-Troy
(586) 685-7456
200 Total Sales
2 in Sylvan Lake
$490K - $1.7M Price Range
Schools
Source:
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Beaudette Park
- Basketball
- Boating
- Fishing
Fran Leaf Park
- Bike Trails
- Fishing
- Lake
Baxter-Morgan Park
- Picnic Area
- Soccer
- Trails
City of Keego Harbor Park
- Bike Trails
- Fishing
- Picnic Area
Ferndale Park
- Bike Trails
- Boating
- Fishing
Lakeview Park
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Sylvan Lake | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Burglary | 3 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 3 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sylvan Lake, MI sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Sylvan Lake, MI over the last 12 months is $430,259, up 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$352,450
Median Single Family Price
$355,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$267
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
22
Months of Supply
2.70
Median List Price
$370,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
27%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
795
Median Year Built
1953
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,703
Below the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
-
$289,900
- 2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,060 Sq Ft
- 1449 Benvenue St
- New 5 days ago
Live-play in the heart of The Lakes Area with very close access to Telegraph & M-59. Just 6 houses from private Ferndale Park / beach. Boat docking privileges on clear & beautiful 458-acre Sylvan Lake. Enjoy a secluded neighborhood with new roads (2024) in this destination community. This 1920's home, fully renovated in 2024, blends vintage with modern sensibilities. All new design and neutral,
Melissa Socha Modern Way Realty LLC
-
$259,000
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 769 Sq Ft
- 1608 Inverness St
- New 6 days ago
Discover the possibilities in this charming ranch located in the "Prettiest Little City." Featuring 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with hardwood floors throughout, cove ceilings and plaster walls. Kitchen with doorwall leading to oversized deck ideal for entertaining. Centrally located full tile bath. Partially finished basement with rec room, full bath and loads of storage. Enjoy the peaceful
Jan Hays Max Broock, REALTORS®-Birmingham
-
$1,700,000
- 4 Beds
- 4.5 Baths
- 4,317 Sq Ft
- 2085 Pontiac Dr
Welcome to this breathtaking, fully reconstructed home in one of Sylvan Lake’s most desirable communities. With over 4,300 square feet of finely crafted living space, this 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath residence blends timeless elegance with modern amenities—designed for both everyday comfort and upscale entertaining. Step inside and experience an expansive open layout, enhanced by wide-plank engineered
Mo Thweny Real Estate One-W Blmfld
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,556
Median Age
54
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$104,006
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$143,781
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.9%
College Graduates
56.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
18°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
31''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50
/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
60
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Keego Harbor
A vibrant small town that is Oakland County's 'Heart of the Lakes'
Orchard Lake Village
Former resort area filled with waterfront views surrounding Orchard Lake
West Bloomfield Township
Affluent Oakland County suburb surrounds some of Michigan's best waters
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