Localism: Royal Oak, Michigan: Fun, Friendly and Happening!

With a vibrant downtown that has become an entertainment destination for Metro Detroit, Royal Oak has undergone a renaissance in recent years. You'll see lots of exciting new residential developments changing the skyline of downtown Royal Oak. With a great assortment of restaurants, unique shops and a theater that shows independent films, downtown truly offers something for everyone. Royal Oak is home to the Detroit Zoo, William Beaumont Hospital, the Royal Oak Music Theatre, the Main Art Theatre and Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle.

Royal Oak Homes

Royal Oak offers a diverse selection of housing from designated historic homes to lots of brand new downtown lofts.

Take a look at our market updates and Royal Oak real estate market information on miOaklandCounty.com

Search for homes in Royal Oak, Michigan on Oakland County Homes, or contact Maureen directly at 248.961.0801.

Royal Oak Links

US Census Information about Royal Oak, Michigan
City of Royal Oak's Official Site -- Great site for links to Royal Oak related web sites
Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce
Royal Oak Public Library
Downtown Royal Oak
Royal Oak Farmers Market

Famous people who have lived in Royal Oak, MI

Glen Frey (musician from the Eagles)
Tom Hayden (California Politician & former husband of Jane Fonda)
Kid Rock
Bill Freehan - MLB catcher for the Detroit Tigers
Father Charles Coughlin - "Radio priest" at the National Shrine of the Little Flower during the Great Depression
Jack Kevorkian - physician incarcerated for assisting patients' suicide

Top 10 Things I Like About Living in Royal Oak

By Ann Burns, SKBK Sotheby's Relocation Director and a very happy Royal Oak resident. She couldn't keep it down to 10.

We have great city parks and a lot of them!
Royal Oak Flea Market
Little Tree Sushi
Fifth Avenue Billards
Holiday Market, especially the wine department manager, Brian Croze
Sunday brunch on the patio at Pronto
Inn Season Restaurant (vegetarian)
Diverse community
Main Art Theater
Gayle's Chocolates
Chocolate Martinis at Goodnight Gracies

photo credits: Detroit Zoo and Gayle's Chocolates by Ercy; Condo photo by GOda

Posted Saturday Dec 30

(12/30/06 01:43PM) — Maureen McCabe - Central Ohio real estate

I have been in Royal Oak MI .... as recently as last Saturday! I did curtsy toward Birmingham about 4:30.... I think. My sense of direction gets turned around in the mitten state.

Good local content Michigan Maureen.

(12/30/06 01:48PM) — Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky, SKBK Sotheby's - Metro Detroit

Thanks, Mo in OH! Michigan was honored by your presence.

(12/30/06 05:15PM) — Linda Davis

I like this a lot! It's a great template for a local content blog. The Southeastern CT area is a bunch of small towns. I'm going to find people to list "Top 10 things I like about living in....." and then feature them on my blog. I love Active Rain!

(12/30/06 05:20PM) — Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky, SKBK Sotheby's - Metro Detroit

I've been trying to do the top 10 lists for a while. It's fun. Can be challenging to get them, but if you call people up and just ask, I bet they will come up with something, Linda.

(12/30/06 06:08PM) — Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder

Did I read "sushi" in there somewhere? When are we going? Do they send out? It's been much too long since my last fix! Love your format, MF!

(12/30/06 06:19PM) — Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky, SKBK Sotheby's - Metro Detroit

Next time you are in town, the sushi is on me! Thanks for the compliment. You are a master of blogging for "the people" so that means a lot.

(12/30/06 06:21PM) — Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder

Be careful what you offer. I can eat A LOT of sushi!!! You deserve the compliment. You are one of the most gifted and prolific writers we have on AR. Enjoy your New Years!

(12/30/06 07:11PM) — Chris Tesch College Station, Texas Real Estate

I love the top 10 list!!! It works well and builds excitement! Also great to have famous people. I never lived in Royal Oak, but close!!!

(12/30/06 07:14PM) — Linda Davis

The top 10 list is also a great way to connect with some old customers - I'm going to email or call a few next week and ask them to help!

(12/30/06 07:24PM) — Carole Cohen

Cool consumer post as usual! I love the photo of the artwork for the chocolate factory; talk about good branding! And yes Top Ten is a great idea!

(12/30/06 08:01PM) — Monika McGillicuddy~NH Real Estate Broker

Kid Rock and Glen Frey...

I saw Glen at a NAR concert he was pretty good and hadn't aged much.

I wish I lived in an exciting area like you do Maureen.

(12/30/06 08:03PM) — Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky, SKBK Sotheby's - Metro Detroit

Monika, they don't live in Royal Oak any more...

(12/31/06 04:20AM) — South Florida Real Estate • Leanne Paynter

Maureen, like others here, I love the top 10 list but I also think it's cool that you include interesting trivia like "famous people who have lived in Royal Oak, MI".