WATERFORD, MI
WATERFORD, MI
Waterford Township, MI: lake life everywhere, five local community areas, and one of Metro Detroit’s most water-filled places to live
HIGHLIGHTS
Waterford (often called Waterford Township) is a large community in Oakland County best known for one thing: lakes. It’s a true “water-town” suburb where boating, beach days, fishing, kayaking, and sunset drives are part of the local lifestyle. Waterford’s identity is shaped by the fact that the township contains a huge number of lakes and waterways, which is exactly why it’s called “Waterford” in the first place.
Waterford Township is made up of five commonly referenced community areas: Clintonville, Drayton Plains, Elizabeth Lake, Four Towns, and Waterford Village. These names come up a lot when locals talk about where they live because the township is big enough to feel like multiple distinct pockets.
What Waterford Township is known for
1) One of the most lake-dense communities in Metro Detroit.
Waterford is famous for having dozens of lakes within and around its borders, giving residents multiple ways to enjoy water recreation—whether you own a boat, love paddleboarding, or just want to live near a beach park.
Some of Waterford’s well-known lakes and nearby water destinations include: Cass Lake, Crescent Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Lake Oakland, Lake Goodrich, Loon Lake, Maceday Lake, Otter Lake, Pontiac Lake, Silver Lake, Sylvan Lake, Van Norman Lake, Watkins Lake, Williams Lake, and many more. Because there are so many, Waterford offers a rare “choose your lake” lifestyle—each with a different vibe, neighborhood feel, and recreation style.
2) Five community areas that locals still reference.
The township’s size and history created recognizable pockets:
Clintonville
Drayton Plains
Elizabeth Lake
Four Towns
Waterford Village
These help people describe where they live and can hint at the “feel” of an area—whether it’s closer to lakefront activity, trails and parks, or more traditional suburban neighborhoods.
3) Outdoor recreation beyond the lakes: parks and trails.
Waterford isn’t just water. It’s also known for nature areas and parks that support walking, biking, and weekend outdoor plans. Many residents love that you can spend a whole weekend outside—lake time one day, trails and parks the next.
4) A “weekend getaway” lifestyle without leaving Oakland County.
A big appeal of Waterford is that it can feel like an up-north weekend destination even when you’re home. For residents, summer is full of lake routines, and even colder months still offer parks, nature, and scenic drives around the water.
Living in Waterford: vibe, lifestyle, and who it fits best
Waterford Township tends to feel outdoorsy, laid-back, and recreation-focused, and it’s often a great fit for people who want:
A true lake lifestyle without moving far from Metro Detroit
Options for boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and beach parks
Neighborhood pockets with different vibes depending on the lake and area
A more relaxed “weekend energy” feel, especially in warmer months
A mix of housing styles and price points compared to some higher-cost lake communities
If being near the water is a top priority—and you want lots of choices—Waterford is one of the strongest “lake lifestyle” areas in Southeast Michigan.
Real estate and home styles in Waterford Township
Because Waterford includes everything from lakefront areas to traditional subdivisions, the housing mix is broad. Buyers commonly find:
Lakefront and canal-adjacent homes in certain pockets
Ranches, colonials, and mid-century homes in established neighborhoods
Smaller starter-friendly homes as well as larger properties depending on location
Homes where lake access, views, and neighborhood lake culture can heavily influence demand and pricing
A helpful note for buyers: in Waterford, the “which lake?” question matters a lot. Each lake and area can create a different lifestyle—quiet and residential vs. more active boating culture vs. a park-and-trail centered routine.
Things to do: lake days, park weekends, and “choose your vibe” outdoor living
Waterford makes it easy to build your life around the outdoors:
Boat and swim on the lakes (or relax at waterfront parks)
Paddleboard, kayak, or fish depending on the lake you’re near
Enjoy parks and nature areas when you want trails instead of shoreline
Explore different lake neighborhoods and find the one that matches your lifestyle
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Waterford Township, MI
Is Waterford Township a good place to live?
It can be an excellent fit if you want lake life, outdoor recreation, and a community with many distinct neighborhoods and price points.
Why is Waterford called “Waterford”?
Because the township is known for its large number of lakes and waterways—the name reflects the area’s water-focused geography and lifestyle.
What are the community areas inside Waterford Township?
Locals often reference Clintonville, Drayton Plains, Elizabeth Lake, Four Towns, and Waterford Village when describing where they live in Waterford.
Do you need a boat to enjoy living in Waterford?
No. Boat owners love Waterford, but many residents enjoy lake access through parks, beaches, kayaking, fishing, and scenic walking areas without owning a boat.
What kind of homes are in Waterford Township?
A wide mix: lakefront homes, traditional subdivisions with ranches and colonials, mid-century neighborhoods, and a range of home sizes depending on the lake and location.
Want to explore Waterford Township homes that match your lake-life lifestyle?
If you want to call Waterford 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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