Waterford Real Estate Market

Waterford Township is considered part of the lakes area in Oakland County and has a population of about 72,000 people. The Waterford Township Historical and Preservation Society, within Fish Hatchery Park, was formed in 1975. Waterford Township boasts more than 34 lakes sprawling more than 3,000 acres within the township limits. Many community residents live on or near one of these lakes.

In fact, most Waterford homeowners have lake access or boat privileges on one of the many all-sport lakes here. Many of the lakefront homes or cottages are being torn down, only to be reconstructed into modern custom-designed lakefront homes with values over one million dollars.

Some of the more popular lakes in the Waterford community include Crescent Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Sylvan Lake, Cass Lake, Maceday Lake, Loon Lake, Watkins Lake, Woodhull Lake, Maceday Lotus Lake, Silver Lake, Scott Lake, Lake Oakland, & Pontiac Lake, just to name a few.

Like a majority of Oakland County, Waterford Township is a bedroom neighborhood. Although farming was originally the basic means of support for most residents, the lakes attracted city dwellers. The railroad made it possible to commute during the summer months, and cottages were built on the more accessible lakes. As automobiles became common, many moved into the Waterford area as permanent residents, continuing to commute to their jobs in the cities. As a consequence, tax support came largely from residences. Even today, the industrial and commercial base in Waterford Township is so small that over 75% of the property taxes in Waterford are paid by homeowners.

The first time Waterford homebuyer has choices of ranches, bungalows, colonials, and tri-levels in the neighborhood. Many cottages are still found on the lakefront properties. Although many buyers are purchasing the smaller homes and rebuilding custom waterfront homes, there is still plenty of opportunity for homebuyers that are just starting out. Buyers looking for Waterford real estate on the higher end will never be disappointed with all the luxury lakefront homes to be found.

Popular neighborhoods in Waterford Township include Watkins Lake Estates, northwest of Scott Lake Road at Pontiac Lake Road; Elizabeth Lake Estates, south of Elizabeth Lake Road between Cooley Lake Road and Cass Lake Road; Drayton Plains, near where Dixie Highway and Sashabaw Road meet; Clintonville, near Lake Oakland; Four Towns, on the southwest corner of the township and home to Oakland Community College's Highland Lakes campus; and Huron Heights, on the northern shores of Sylvan Lake and home to the Summit Place shopping center. There are many lakes within Waterford Township, and many parks, including the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area and Dodge Brothers State and Waterford Oaks county parks.

The past couple years there have been increased foreclosures in Waterford. Investors are starting to buy distressed bank owned homes for very reasonable prices as more homeowners go through the foreclosure process.

Nestled near great communities like Auburn Hills, Rochester and Troy, Waterford is a great place to live when you want to be away from the city. But don’t be fooled, Waterford isn’t some small town. With over 70,000 residents, it’s a sprawling community with plenty of forests, parks and lakes.

Waterford’s schools are top-notch. They focus on success through the help of not just teachers but also parents, other school staff members, and folks within the community. Because of this standard, Waterford students represent high achievement in a variety of academics and extra-curricular activities.

With over 5,000 acres of state and metroparks in Waterford, you’ll find lots of activities from hiking and biking to horseback riding and golf.

You’ll have access to a lot of areas in Metro Detroit, being close to M-59, Telegraph Road and I-75, which can get you Downtown or up north relatively quickly.

The median home value in Waterford is at $163,000 and 86% of its homeowners live in the same home year-after-year.

Waterford Neighborhood Highlights

If you’re looking for a place to get outdoors, Waterford has lots of park space and lakes to fill up your weekend.

Whether you live in Waterford or you’re looking to spend some time hiking or biking on trails, you should definitely check out what Waterford has to offer. Don’t be fooled by all this talk about wooded areas and lakes. Waterford has great dining choices for all different kinds of tastes as well as a movie theater and bars so you can spend a night out with friends or loved ones, especially along M-59. Living in Waterford will allow you the chance to be close to nature without being far from shopping and commerce. With great schools and lots to do, you and your family will love living in Waterford, Michigan.

Waterford School Information

Waterford has its own public school system, with over 70% of its teachers holding a master’s degree or higher. 92% of its graduating students have sought further education.

There are:

• 13 elementary schools

• 2 middle schools

• 3 high schools

Waterford Historical Facts

Like most areas in Metro Detroit, Waterford had its founding as land was being sold to settlers between the late 18th century and early 19th century. Waterford was mainly just a village, but the residents did set up the first school classes in one of the resident’s sheep barns in 1821. A year later, a schoolhouse was built. Waterford became a township in 1834, just a few years before Michigan became an official state.

While the history of Waterford goes back to the founding of many of the communities in and around Metro Detroit, Waterford was far enough from the city to avoid massive expansion due to the auto industry like many other cities had. It’s because of this that the area remains quite open for development and boasts a lot of wooded terrain and park space for its residents to enjoy. Throughout the 20th century, Waterford and its communities to the north and west were where people went in order to get away, whether they wanted to spend some time on the lakes or spend some time hunting.

Waterford Geographical Location

Great Lakes Crossing - This massive indoor outlet mall features 185 manufacturers' outlets and retail stores, as well as restaurants and entertainment such as the AMC Star Great Lakes 25 Movie Theater.

• DTE Music Theatre - Looking to catch some of the latest musical acts and talent? This venue is one of the most attended amphitheaters in the country with a 15,000+ capacity. Watch the latest musicians play their hits as you sit back on a hill under the stars.

• Golf Courses - Ten golf courses including three in Waterford. From Silver Lake Golf Club to Pontiac Country Club, you’ll always be able to get in a golf session after work or on the weekends!

Further Out:

Even though Waterford is well north of Detroit, you’re still very close to many of the great things that Metro Detroit has to offer, and you’ll also have a big jump if your travels take you up north.

• Detroit Metropolitan Airport - 47 minutes away

• Bishop International Airport - 28 minutes away

• Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, Detroit Red Wings at the Joe Louis, or Detroit Lions at Ford Field - 45 minutes away

• Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills - 16 minutes away

• The University of Michigan Ann Arbor - 51 minutes away

• Michigan State University East Lansing - 1 hour 10 minutes away

• Mackinac Island - 3 hours 34 minutes away

Waterford Township Information

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