You NEED TO Know This About Royal Oak Michigan

Royal Oak, Michigan, is a vibrant city, with a bustling downtown and an even better nightlife, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community, but just like most cities, it comes with its downsides and challenges. These are details you’re going to want to make note of.....

Welcome To Royal Oak Michigan

When we think of Royal Oak, we think about the walkable downtown area, the nightlife when all the nearby cities are sleeping, the close knit living, the location and how it’s beautifully situated right on the Woodward corridor and is close to all the wonderful cities and offerings in Metro Detroit that we all know and love, the nearby expressways, while being less than 15 miles from downtown Detroit. Outside of all that, what is there an actual NEED to know? Well, you need to know it all of course and everything in between, so let this video be your one stop shop for all things Royal Oak.

Living In Royal Oak Michigan

City of Royal Oak Michigan

For starters, to set the framework, Royal Oak is located in Oakland County, and is 11.79 square miles in size with a population of 57,500 people.

Living In Royal Oak Michigan

Royal Oak Township Michigan

Then there’s Royal Oak Township which most people probably didn’t know existed. It was established in 1833 as your typical 36 square mile township, but as Hazel park, Ferndale, Oak Park, Madison Heights, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak, Berkley and Clawson incorporated, the township began shrinking, and to protect themselves from annexation, they became a charter township in 1972, it’s Michigan’s smallest charter township by area coming in at a whopping 0.55 square miles with a population right around 2,400 people and is pretty much just a little chunk of Ferndale at this point.

Living In Royal Oak Michigan

Royal Oak Michigan Atmosphere

While on the topic of population, historically speaking, Royal Oak peaked in population in 1970 with a whopping 86,200 people and the population continues to decline at a rate of 0.34% annually according to world population review, the question is why? Well, just like Detroit in the 70’s, the D was roaring, and it’s known there was a mass exodus following that time period and the revitalization continues to present day, but why is a place like Royal Oak still losing population? And to answer that you have to think about the dynamic lifestyle that Royal Oak creates, it’s not a metro area, and it’s not a sleeper town, So you have this middle of the road area that is Royal Oak. it has the offerings, which increases the amount of people flooding to the area not only to live but frequently visit.

All that to say, it is a little faster paced and people, especially post pandemic, want to settle down a little bit. This was a spot where people could get to Downtown Detroit, Troy and Southfield with ease for their in person jobs, but now with a lot of jobs being remote, why be in all the hustle and bustle even though you don’t need to be? And I feel the same way, I like having the ability to live outside of Royal Oak but visit on occasion without being head first in that city close knit neighbor sneezes, I say bless you, living.

Living In Royal Oak Michigan

Royal Oak Michigan Rankings

When it comes to rankings, according to niche.com Royal Oak ranks an overall grade of an A+ and in my opinion that grade is going to get worse before it gets better and i’ll tell you why a little later.

The city also ranks #2 of 339 best suburbs for young professionals in Michigan, #12 of 803 best places for young professionals in Michigan, and #15 of 339 best suburbs to live in Michigan. While those ranks are impressive, I wanted to take a moment and talk about some of the bigger complaints when it comes to Royal Oak as well that most of these resources won’t tell you.

Living In Royal Oak Michigan

Royal Oak Michigan Complaints & Negatives

For starters, the parking situation. Royal Oak is paid meter parking, with parking structures, surface parking lots and on street parking. It can be fairly chaotic down there, most people will say the parking is horrible, good luck finding a spot, but it’s not actually as bad as you might think, the parking is there, you just need to find it.

And that’s where the Sentry Mobile app for parking comes in handy, even though it’s not as good as Ferndale or Birmingham’s apps, at the end of the day the parking complaint isn’t so much about the availability, because remember, the population was nearly 30,000 people more in the 70’s so the infrastructure is there, it’s more so about the software for parking and the wrongfully given parking tickets due to the bad software. Luckily, the city of Royal Oak cancelled their contract with the meter company they are using now that will end in December of 2025, which is a breath of fresh air for everyone who lives in and visits the area. All the locals will say, just get in the garage and don’t deal with the cluster of street parking, the downtown is so walkable which helps no matter where the parking is.

Royal Oak Michigan Atmosphere

Staying on the topic of parking, another complaint is with how much parking options there are and that it’s taking away from the aesthetic and small town feel the city once had, and it takes away from the ability to add some new exciting things to the town and I hear that 100%. You’d think this place would be one big ole crowded concrete jungle but believe it or not Royal Oak has been a part of The National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree city USA since 1976 for their tree planting program efforts allowing residents to request a tree be planted in the easement between the sidewalk and the street. There’s nothing better than a nice tree lined street in a neighborhood, but for you folks looking at homes with old, big, gorgeous and established trees in that easement area, just do me a favor and get a sewer scope when you’re buying a home because those roots like to beat up sewer lines quite a bit and it’s a costly fix you don’t think about until your basements are filled with you know what.

Royal Oak Michigan Stormwater Management

And speaking of sewers, stormwater management is a big big talking point in Royal Oak. There's literally a stormwater task force to combat infrastructure issues by changing out basin covers and utilizing rain gardens to help offset some of the stormwater runoff into the sewers. See more HERE.

Royal Oak Michigan Parks and Recreation

Arguing against the concrete jungle comment some more, Royal Oak, is practically bursting at the seams with over 50 parks—so many that you’re never more than a frisbee toss away from green space. Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll through a nature escape in Quickstad Park, Wagner Park, Star Jaycee park, Worden Park or Red Run park , Royal Oak’s got a patch of grass with your name on it.

Living In Royal Oak Michigan

Royal Oak Michigan Things To Do

Some people have also complained about the lack of things to do in Royal Oak, so I figured I’d dish it out for you and let you decide. Royal Oak is packed with things to do, whether you're looking for family fun, a night out, or just a good laugh.

Detroit Zoo

Start with the Detroit Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals who probably have more Instagram followers than you do, thanks to exhibits like the Arctic Ring of Life and the penguin center that feels like a sub-zero vacation.

Royal Oak Michigan Farmers Market

Next, hit the Royal Oak Farmers Market, where you can stock up on fresh produce and artisanal goodies while pretending you’re on an episode of Chopped. More details HERE.

Royal Oak Music Theatre

For entertainment, the Royal Oak Music Theatre hosts concerts and comedy shows that attract big names and even bigger crowds. More information HERE.

Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre

And if you’re feeling fancy, Catch a play at the Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre, where the community puts on amazing productions. More information HERE.

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle

And, if life’s stressors have you craving laughter therapy, head to Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, a legendary spot that’s launched the careers of comedic icons like Tim Allen. More information HERE.

I’d say the offerings are fairly diverse, but it may not be enough for you to have something different to do everyday of the month, and that’s where the events come in.

Living In Royal Oak Michigan

Royal Oak Michigan Events & Festivals

I’d say the city is a hub of vibrant events and festivals that keep the community buzzing year-round.

Arts, Beats & Eats

Every Labor Day weekend, the city throws Arts, Beats & Eats, a celebration so packed with art, music, and food that it might as well be a cardio workout. Seriously, with hundreds of thousands of attendees, you’ll burn calories just walking from one food truck to the next.

Woodward Dream Cruise

In mid-August, car enthusiasts flock to the Woodward Dream Cruise, the world's largest one-day automotive event, where classic cars parade down Woodward Avenue, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

October brings the Royal Oak Spooktacular, a family-friendly Halloween event featuring trick-or-treating, costume contests, and festive activities that transform downtown into a Halloween haven. For dog lovers, Barktoberfest in September combines craft beer, live music, and canine-centric activities, including a Howl-a-ween costume contest and wiener dog races, making it a paws-itively delightful experience. These events, among others, make Royal Oak a lively destination, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and community experiences that cater to a wide array of interests. Among things to do and events, there’s also the restaurants that I believe are so underrated, because Royal Oak is known so much for its nightlife that the focus tends to be on cool atmospheres where you can get a drink and not so much where you can get the best food. More Royal Oak Michigan Events HERE.

Living In Royal Oak Michigan

Royal Oak Michigan Restaurants

When it comes to restaurants in Royal Oak Michigan, I'd call this spot a foodie haven brimming with diverse culinary experiences.

Redcoat Tavern - Royal Oak Michigan

Start your adventure at Redcoat Tavern, where the retro vibes and their iconic Piedmontese (peed-mon-tease) Hamburger make it a must-visit for burger enthusiasts. Menu right HERE.

D'Amato's Restaurant - Royal Oak Michigan

damatos royal oak michigan — Credit: https://www.damatos.com/

For a touch of upscale Italian dining, D’Amato’s has been serving timeless classics paired with an extensive wine list for over two decades. Menu is HERE.

Tom's Oyster Bar - Royal Oak Michigan

If fresh seafood is your craving, Tom’s Oyster Bar is a standout, offering indulgent dishes like Lobster Fries and Bourbon Glazed Scallops that are sure to impress. Menu is HERE.

Ronin Sushi - Royal Oak Michigan

Meanwhile, Ronin Sushi takes you on a global flavor journey with premium sushi rolls like the Cha Cha Roll and Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna. Menu is HERE

Lily's Seafood Grill & Brewery - Royal Oak Michigan

For a relaxed family-friendly setting, Lily’s Seafood Grill & Brewery delights with its Cracker Crusted Great Lakes White Fish and house-made microbrews. Menu is HERE.

Jim Brady's - Royal Oak Michigan

Jim Brady’s blends history and modernity with Detroit favorites like the Charlie Brown Burger and 7-Mile Caesar Salad served in a stylish, welcoming atmosphere. Menu is HERE.

O.W.L - Royal Oak Michigan

If late-night eats are more your style, O.W.L serves up bold, American-Mexican flavors with hits like their Chicken Fried Chicken Sandwich. Menu is HERE.

Pinky's Rooftop - Royal Oak Michigan

For rooftop vibes, head to Pinky’s Rooftop, where inventive cocktails like the Dancing Raspberries and desserts like the Beauty School Dropout are served with stunning views. Menu is HERE.

Mesa Tacos & Tequila - Royal Oak Michigan

Mesa Tacos & Tequila rounds out the mix with its authentic Mexican fare and impressive tequila selection, perfect for a lively evening. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, burgers, seafood, or Italian cuisine, Royal Oak’s diverse dining scene has something for everyone. Just bring your appetite and maybe stretchy pants! Menu is HERE.

Living In Royal Oak Michigan

Royal Oak Michigan Cost of Living

From Royal Oak’s great location, great rankings, things to do, events, restaurants, and bustling downtown, I wanted to focus on the home prices and property taxes while incorporating the schools in the area too which is very very important when it comes to your affordability so do yourself a favor and stick around.

Living In Royal Oak Michigan

Royal Oak Michigan Home Prices

Starting with home prices, take a look at this graph provided by the MLS showing the average sale price over the last 3 years, with the entire MLS in blue, the city of Royal Oak in green and the little baby Royal Oak township in yellow. In just 3-ish years, the city of Royal Oak’s average home price has jumped nearly $100,000 coming in at just over $386,000. This was one of the many areas that was hit extremely hard with bidding wars and chaos during the buyer demand boom that followed the pandemic.

And with that being said, the reason I said earlier that the overall grade of an A+ would go down is because of the affordability and cost of living aspect, because that will continue to increase most definitely. The area is in high demand and it shows. Over the last 365 days there have been 1,055 home sales in Royal Oak ranging from a $48,000 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, cooperative with 550 square feet to a 2.85 million dollar 2020 built colonial with 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 7,018 square feet with a 3 car garage situated on over half an acre. So it’s safe to say the area caters to a wide range of budgets, but I want to show you some homes that sold for right around that $386,000 average to give you an idea of what average looks like in Royal Oak.

Royal Oak Michigan Homes For Sale #1

This first one sold for $386,000. This 1953 bungalow has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 1 car garage, 2,032 total square feet, situated on 0.12 acres and ended up selling for $16,000 over asking price.

Royal Oak Michigan Homes For Sale #2

The next one is a $386,500 ranch that was built in 1971 with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,147 square feet, a 2 car garage, and situated on 0.17 acres.

Living In Royal Oak Michigan

Royal Oak Michigan Property Taxes

With those visuals in mind, I want to break down what your property taxes would be, but in order to do that I need to talk about the schools because that will affect your property tax rate. Royal Oak has 3 school districts: Royal Oak schools, Berkley schools and Clawson schools, and I will link more information to the schools in the description below. The millage rate (or rate used to calculate property taxes) is 38.3422 for royal oak schools, 40.0411 for Berkley schools and 43.0513 for Clawson schools.

In order to get a high estimate for property taxes, you’d take 50% of the sale price and multiply it by that millage rate and divide it by 1,000.

So using $386,000 as the average in this example, 50% of that is $193,000. $193,000 multiplied by 38.3422 and divided by 1,000 for royal oak schools is $7,400.04, that same equation using 40.0411 for Berkley schools is $7,727.93 and that equation for 43.0513 for Clawson schools is $8,308.90. As I say in every video, this is a high estimate. Most assessors will do this formula utilizing the current state equalized value of the home (or SEV) and that would be for a lower more financially ideal estimate, but I want you to plan for the worst to ensure no property tax jump will ruin your affordability after you purchased the home.

Moving To Royal Oak Michigan?

Although it may not seem like it to some, Royal Oak Michigan is working to improve its way of life and it’s something you can see looking at their master plan that outlines their plans until the year 2050. Although it’s a draft, you can look at the 108 pages or even the table of contents if you don’t feel like reading a novel to see what the plans are going forward from improving the cities structure, sustainability and climate action, more housing options, preserving and enhancing neighborhood character, reinforcing activity centers and increasing the mobility across the city.

For those of you watching, what are your thoughts on Royal Oak Michigan, would you live here, why or why not? Drop your comments below.

If you’re thinking about moving to Michigan in 1 day or a million, feel free to reach out anytime, I also have a link to the Living in Michigan newsletter below to give you insight on all things Michigan, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss out! Thanks for reading, until next time.

Cheers,

Andrew

Andrew McManamon is a Michigan REALTOR® with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and provides real estate services to Buyers, Sellers and Investors throughout SE Michigan including Livingston County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, Genesee County & beyond. Andrew has become one of the pillars of Michigan real estate. Prior to his real estate career Andrew was responsible for managing a senior living facility in Brighton, Michigan as a dining supervisor and an activities assistant. Andrew’s passion to help people is unlike any other, and he continues to strive to be the best resource he can be. Andrew graduated from Cleary University in Howell, Michigan with a double major in business and marketing, and currently resides in Brighton, Michigan.

Contact Andrew

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