Royal Oak

 

The City of Royal Oak requires no introduction to the Detroit metropolitan area. Conveniently located near several major thoroughfares, Royal Oak’s location is prime. Royal Oak has maintained the appeal of a small town, while affording many of the amenities of a large metropolis. Because of its respect for diversity, the city’s composition is truly eclectic. The population represents a diverse mix of individuals, age groups, incomes, and myriad of residential home styles. From modern condos and townhouses, to Cape Cod and colonial style homes, this city offers a variety of housing options for its residents.

 

Downtown Royal Oak has it all in terms of shopping, dining, and nightlife. Nowhere else in metro Detroit will you find a greater concentration of award-winning boutiques, restaurants, salons, galleries, and theaters. The renaissance of Royal Oak unveiled the city’s charm. Visitors to Main, Washington and other downtown streets experience the city’s unique sense of place and identity. This sentiment can be shared by pedestrians ambling along the downtown streetscapes that feature brick paving, street furniture, tree, and flower plantings. It can be felt among patrons of the theaters, upscale restaurants, coffee houses and distinctive shops. Visitors to downtown Royal Oak enjoy the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere and social interaction.

 

In addition to the downtown appeal, Royal Oak is also home to Red Run Golf Club, several well-maintained city parks, and the Royal Oak Music Theatre. The Detroit Zoo is also conveniently located to Royal Oak.

 

You will quickly realize why this city is often called the “City of Trees” with a quick visit to most residential neighborhoods that reveal large trees lining both sides of the street and meeting overhead, creating a thick, green canopy. Accounts by early Royal Oak residents describe the area as covered with enormous oak, beech, maple, basswood, linden, elm, hickory, tulip, black and white ash, black walnut and butternut trees. In 1936, the “City of Trees” committee was organized to study suitable tree types and promote their planting throughout the city. In 1938, the committee obtained 60 acorns that were direct descendants of the royal oak tree in England, from which the City of Royal Oak derived its name. The acorns were nurtured and grown at the Detroit Zoo, and some were transplanted to Memorial Park in 1948.

 

🌳 Parks & Outdoors

• 50+ Parks & Recreation Facilities – including community parks, mini‑parks, nature reserves covering over 310 acres 

• Memorial Park (24 acres) – baseball, softball, football, tennis courts, playground, pavilion, concessions, and WWII Legacy Memorial

• Normandy Oaks Park (40 acres) – splash pad, large playground, soccer fields, paved and nature trails, and  restrooms & pavilion

• Starr Jaycee Park & Tenhave Woods – natural playgrounds, Frisbee golf, woodland trails

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🏊 Pools & Fitness

• Modern Skate & Surf Indoor Skate Park – over 1 acre of ramps, rails, and bowl—great for skateboarding & BMX

• Municipal Facilities & Recreation – pavilion rentals (Memorial Park, Normandy Oaks) and community center-style programs 

• Outdoor Recreation – sled hills, playgrounds, walking loops in city parks; proximity to Detroit Zoo, Huron‑Clinton Metroparks for hiking and boating

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🍽️ Dining & Local Favorites

• Oak City Grille – American bar & grill on 6th Street with live music nightly

• Fifth Avenue – landmark sports bar/nightclub featuring games, TVs, rotating taps

• Johnny’s Speakeasy – secret‑entry cocktail bar praised for top‑tier drinks

• Iron Horse, Bar Louie, Three Cats, Lily’s Seafood & Brewery, HopCat – for craft cocktails, seafood, and laid‑back eats

• O.W.L. Diner – popular late‑night Mexican‑American spot on Woodward (open past midnight)

• Pinky’s Rooftop – rooftop dining & drinks with views

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🏛️ Amenities & Community Life

• Live Entertainment – Royal Oak Music Theatre (1,700‑seat historic vaudeville venue) and a vibrant downtown arts scene

• Shopping & Services – boutiques, salons, galleries throughout downtown; walkable and transit-ready

• Community Events – summer concerts, festivals, farmers markets, and city‑sponsored programs in parks

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🏡 Housing & Lifestyle

• Population & Diversity – ~58,200 people, median household income ~$95K, 97% US citizens; 66% homeownership

• Home Market – median listing price ~$375–383K; typical sale price ~$352K; high turnover (med. 12 days on market) 

• Housing Stock – mix of historic early‑20th‑century homes, mid‑century bungalows, townhomes, and apartments; walkable neighborhoods

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🎒 Schools & Family Life

• Education – Served by Royal Oak and Royal Oak Schools, alongside private/charter options; close to Detroit Zoo and Huron‑Clinton parks for field trips

• Recreation Programs – Active youth sports, outdoor events, senior programs, pavilion rentals, and skate programs via Parks & Rec

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🧭 Commuting & Location

• Location – ~12 mi north of Detroit, bounded by Woodward, I‑75, and I‑696; average 24-min commute and 2 cars per household

• Transit & Walkability – Very walkable city core with shops and nightlife; SMART bus service; car-oriented beyond downtown