CLARKSTON, MI
CLARKSTON, MI
Clarkston, MI: a historic small-town downtown with great restaurants, local museums, and quick access to lakes and parks
HIGHLIGHTS
Clarkston is a charming community in Oakland County with a cozy, historic downtown that locals still call the Village of Clarkston. Its growth happened in phases (first settled in the 1830s, later incorporated as a village, and eventually as a city), but it has kept the “small-town main street” vibe that makes people fall in love with it. Today, Clarkston is known for walkable streets, preserved historic sites, a surprisingly strong food scene, and easy access to outdoor recreation all around northern Oakland County.
If you want a place where you can grab coffee, meet friends for dinner, and still be minutes from trails, lakes, and weekend nature time, Clarkston fits that lifestyle well.
What Clarkston is known for
1) The historic Village of Clarkston (a real downtown, not a strip mall).
Downtown Clarkston is compact and walkable, with older buildings, local storefronts, and the kind of “everybody has a favorite spot” energy that makes a community feel connected. It’s the type of downtown where you can park once and spend a whole afternoon.
2) Local history and landmarks you can actually visit.
The Village of Clarkston features several spots tied to local history and community identity, including:
Nelson Clark House
Clarkston Community Historical Museum
These places help keep Clarkston’s roots visible, and they’re great for residents who love living somewhere with a story.
3) A food and drink scene that draws people in from other towns.
For a small community, Clarkston has a notable restaurant lineup. Locals frequently rave about:
Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen (a destination favorite)
Honcho Latin Street Food & Coffee
Brioni Cafe & Deli
This is a big reason Clarkston feels lively, especially on weekends and evenings.
4) Close to outdoor recreation and “Up North” energy without the long drive.
Clarkston sits near a network of parks, trails, lakes, and nature areas that make it easy to get outside. Many residents choose Clarkston because it feels like a gateway to outdoor Michigan life while still being connected to Metro Detroit.
Living in Clarkston: vibe, lifestyle, and who it fits best
Clarkston tends to feel friendly, walkable, and community-oriented, and it’s often a great fit for people who want:
A real downtown with local businesses and independent restaurants
A neighborhood feel with a slower pace than dense city living
Quick access to lakes, parks, and outdoor weekend activities
A community that feels established and connected
A place where you can be social without needing a big-city nightlife scene
If you like “small town charm” but still want quality dining and things to do nearby, Clarkston is a strong match.
Real estate and home styles in Clarkston
Clarkston offers a mix of housing options depending on where you are in the area. Buyers commonly find:
Older homes closer to the village area with classic character
Established subdivisions with mature trees and a neighborhood feel
Newer construction pockets as you move outward
A range of lot sizes, with some areas offering more space and privacy
A helpful note for buyers: in Clarkston, lifestyle can change by micro-location. Being close to the Village is a different daily rhythm than living a bit farther out where the setting can feel more wooded and quiet.
Things to do: downtown routines, local history, and easy weekend plans
Clarkston is built for simple, enjoyable routines:
Grab breakfast or lunch at a local cafe, then walk downtown
Meet friends for dinner at one of the village’s destination restaurants
Explore local history at the museum or historic sites
Spend weekends outdoors at nearby parks, lakes, and trails
Enjoy seasonal community events and small-town traditions when they pop up downtown
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Clarkston, MI
Is Clarkston a good place to live?
Clarkston can be a great fit if you want a small-town downtown, a friendly community vibe, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
What is Clarkston known for?
Clarkston is known for the historic Village of Clarkston, local landmarks like the Nelson Clark House and historical museum, and a surprisingly strong restaurant scene.
Is downtown Clarkston walkable?
Yes. The Village of Clarkston is compact and walkable, and many residents love the “park once and explore” feel.
What are some popular restaurants in Clarkston?
Local favorites often include Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen, Honcho Latin Street Food & Coffee, and Brioni Cafe & Deli.
Does Clarkston feel more like a city or a small town?
It leans small-town, especially in the village area, but it still has enough dining, activity, and nearby recreation to feel lively and convenient.
Want to explore Clarkston homes that match your lifestyle?
If you want to call Clarkston, MI home, reach out to us to get started today!
Jim Shaffer and Associates, powered by Good Company, has been helping Metro Detroit move since 1999. The team of 51 agents and staff closes an average of 850 transactions each year and has surpassed $2 billion in career sales, making them the #1 team in Oakland County, the top team in Ferndale, Royal Oak, Oak Park, and Hazel Park, and one of the most trusted names in Metro Detroit real estate. Their reputation for results and client care has earned recognition from RealTrends America’s Best, Hour Detroit All Stars, and the Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces.
With over 2,700 Google reviews, 956 Zillow reviews, and decades of local experience, Jim Shaffer and Associates has built a legacy of trust and community in Ferndale and across Metro Detroit. Their team specializes in guiding first-time home buyers, first-time sellers, move-up buyers, and downsizers through every step of the process. From Oakland to Wayne and Macomb Counties and all surrounding cities, Jim Shaffer and Associates continues to set the standard for exceptional service and proven results in Southeast Michigan real estate.
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