TROY, MI
TROY, MI
Troy, MI: Oakland County’s largest city, known for Somerset Collection shopping, the Big Beaver “business corridor,” and a huge network of parks and trails
HIGHLIGHTS
Troy is a large, highly convenient city in Oakland County and a major northern suburb of Detroit. Covering about 33.6 square miles, Troy is the largest community in Oakland County by population and is widely recognized as a regional hub for shopping, dining, corporate offices, and everyday suburban living. While Troy’s earliest settlement activity dates back to the 1800s, the area was incorporated as the City of Troy in 1955, and it has grown steadily into one of Metro Detroit’s most established “everything-you-need-is-here” cities.
Troy’s vibe is a blend of business-center energy (especially along major corridors) and quiet residential neighborhoods with abundant green space. Many residents choose Troy because it makes day-to-day life easy: commuting, shopping, dining, parks, and schools are all close by, with quick routes to neighboring hotspots like Birmingham, Royal Oak, Rochester, and Detroit.
What Troy is known for
1) Somerset Collection: one of Metro Detroit’s most iconic shopping destinations
Troy is home to Somerset Collection, an upscale mall known for its distinctive layout and skywalk connection between sections of the property. With 180+ specialty stores, Somerset is a major draw for shopping, dining, and people-watching—especially around holidays and weekend afternoons.
2) Big Beaver Road: Troy’s best-known dining + business corridor
If someone says “Troy,” there’s a good chance they’re talking about Big Beaver Road. This corridor is lined with restaurants, hotels, and corporate office space, and it’s a big reason Troy has such a strong economy and employment presence. For residents, it also means a deep bench of dining options—everything from quick casual to polished date-night spots—without needing to leave the city.
3) Oakland Mall and big-box convenience
Troy also offers more traditional “grab-everything-in-one-trip” shopping through destinations like Oakland Mall (near 14 Mile and John R) plus surrounding big-box retailers and service corridors. Many people love Troy because it’s easy to run errands efficiently.
4) Parks, trails, and outdoor space all over the city
Troy has a surprisingly strong parks system for a large suburb. Favorites include neighborhood and community parks such as Beaver Trail Park, North Glen Park, Redwood Park, Donald J. Flynn Park, Raintree Park, and Troy Skate Park. These spaces support everyday routines—walks after dinner, playground time, picnics, sports leagues, and weekend recreation.
5) “Hidden gem” nature and local history experiences
Beyond typical city parks, Troy also has standout places that make it feel more unique than a standard suburb, including:
Stage Nature Center (a large nature preserve with trails and educational programs)
Troy Historic Village (a historic campus-style village that brings local history to life)
Living in Troy: vibe, lifestyle, and who it fits best
Troy tends to feel polished, practical, and family-friendly, and it’s often a great fit for people who want:
A central location with fast access to surrounding Metro Detroit cities
Lots of shopping and dining options close to home
Strong park access and outdoor recreation without driving far
A city that supports commuting, corporate work, and busy schedules
Suburban neighborhoods with a well-established feel
Troy is especially appealing to people who want convenience and options—where you can do a “mall day,” a nature walk, and a great dinner all in the same weekend without leaving town.
Real estate and home styles in Troy
Because Troy is large and developed over many decades, housing styles vary by neighborhood. Buyers commonly find:
Traditional ranches and colonials in established subdivisions
Larger homes in quieter residential pockets
A mix of renovated mid-century homes and newer construction depending on the area
Neighborhoods where proximity to major roads, parks, and shopping can shape the feel of day-to-day life
A helpful note for buyers: Troy is a city where micro-location matters. Living near Somerset and Big Beaver feels different than living deeper inside a residential neighborhood closer to parks and trails.
Things to do in Troy: easy weekend plans
Troy makes it easy to stay local:
Shop and dine at Somerset Collection
Explore Big Beaver Road restaurants and entertainment
Spend time outdoors at community parks or on city trails
Take kids (or visiting family) to Stage Nature Center
Enjoy seasonal programs and events at Troy Historic Village
Skate, bike, or hang out at Troy Skate Park and nearby park spaces
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Troy, MI
Is Troy, MI a good place to live?
Troy can be a great fit if you want a convenient, well-established suburb with strong shopping, dining, parks, and easy access to the rest of Metro Detroit.
What is Troy, Michigan known for?
Troy is best known for Somerset Collection, the Big Beaver Road business and dining corridor, major retail options like Oakland Mall, and a strong network of parks and recreation.
How far is Troy from Detroit?
Troy is a northern suburb of Detroit and is typically about a 20–30 minute drive to downtown Detroit depending on traffic and exact starting point.
Does Troy have good parks and trails?
Yes. Troy has many parks (including larger community parks) plus standout outdoor destinations like Stage Nature Center.
Is Troy more of a “downtown” city or a suburban convenience city?
Troy is primarily a suburban convenience city—it’s known for corridors and destinations (like Somerset and Big Beaver) rather than one dense traditional downtown.
Want to explore Troy homes that match your lifestyle?
If you want to call Troy, 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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