ROYAL OAK TWP., MI
ROYAL OAK TWP., MI
Royal Oak Township, MI: a small but mighty community between Ferndale and Oak Park with a unique Metro Detroit history
HIGHLIGHTS
Royal Oak Township (also called Royal Oak Twp or Royal Oak Charter Township) is one of the most unique places on the Woodward Corridor map. At one point, the original Royal Oak Township covered a much larger area that later became many of today’s well-known cities, including Hazel Park, Ferndale, Oak Park, Madison Heights, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak, Berkley, and Clawson. Over time, those communities incorporated and expanded, and what remains today is a compact township that is very much its own entity.
Modern Royal Oak Township is tiny by land area (about 0.55 square miles) and home to a close-knit population (around 2,300 residents). It sits in southern Oakland County, primarily tucked between 8 Mile and 9 Mile, with Ferndale nearby on one side and Oak Park on the other. Because it is small, it feels more like a neighborhood community than a sprawling suburb, and residents often describe it as a place where people know each other and local pride runs deep.
What Royal Oak Township is known for
1) A rare “township inside the suburbs” story.
Most people assume every community along the Woodward Corridor is a city. Royal Oak Township stands out because it is a small charter township that remained after surrounding areas incorporated. That backstory is a big part of why locals call it “small but mighty.”
2) A central location near major Metro Detroit hotspots.
Royal Oak Township’s location makes it easy to enjoy the best of nearby downtowns and amenities, especially in Ferndale, Oak Park, Royal Oak, and other close Woodward Corridor communities. Many residents love that you can be minutes from restaurants, events, shopping, and entertainment without living right in the busiest areas.
3) Community identity and neighborhood feel.
Because the township is compact, it has a strong neighborhood vibe. People who live here often appreciate the sense of community and the fact that it feels like a true residential pocket rather than a drive-through suburb.
Living in Royal Oak Township: vibe, lifestyle, and who it fits best
Royal Oak Township tends to feel connected, convenient, and community-oriented. It can be a great fit for people who want:
A smaller community feel while staying close to Woodward Corridor energy
Quick access to nearby downtowns for dining, nightlife, and local events
A practical location for commuting across Metro Detroit
A neighborhood environment where community matters and neighbors tend to look out for each other
If you like the idea of living near the action but not necessarily in the middle of it, Royal Oak Township is a smart place to learn more about.
Real estate and housing style in Royal Oak Township
Homes in Royal Oak Township are primarily residential and neighborhood-based. Buyers typically find:
Smaller-scale city-style blocks and a compact, community layout
Mostly single-family housing, with some variety depending on the street
A mix of long-time-owned homes and renovated properties
A market where “street by street” can matter because the township is so small
Since inventory can be limited in a small community, homes may feel less frequent on the market compared with larger neighboring cities.
What it is like day to day
Royal Oak Township is often a “home base” community. Residents enjoy:
Being close to everyday errands and services in surrounding cities
Having multiple nearby options for dining, shopping, and parks
Easy access to major roads that connect to Detroit and the wider metro area
The pride that comes with living somewhere that feels distinct and historically meaningful
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Royal Oak Township, MI
Where is Royal Oak Township located?
Royal Oak Township is in southern Oakland County, tucked between 8 Mile and 9 Mile, near Ferndale and Oak Park, with quick access to surrounding Woodward Corridor communities.
Is Royal Oak Township the same as the City of Royal Oak?
No. Royal Oak Township is a separate community from the City of Royal Oak, with its own governance and a much smaller footprint.
How big is Royal Oak Township?
It is very small, roughly 0.55 square miles, which is part of why it feels so neighborhood-based.
What is Royal Oak Township known for?
It is known for its unique history (it was once part of a much larger township area), its small but strong community identity, and its convenient location near multiple Metro Detroit hotspots.
What kind of lifestyle does Royal Oak Township offer?
A convenient, community-oriented lifestyle close to restaurants, events, and amenities in nearby cities, while still feeling like a quieter residential pocket.
Want to explore homes in Royal Oak Township?
If you want to call Royal Oak Township, 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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