Royal Oak is one of the busiest housing markets in Oakland County. Realcomp recorded 1,093 residential and condo sales there in 2025, more than any other city on our list, with a median residential sale of $375,000.
The homes
Most of Royal Oak was built out in the first half of the twentieth century, on a regular street grid. Expect brick and frame bungalows, Cape Cods and small colonials on narrow lots, with ranch homes from the 1950s further north. Condos and townhomes cluster around downtown. Many older homes have been updated, but the age of the house still matters: ask about the sewer line, the electrical panel and the basement.
Getting around
Woodward Avenue runs the length of the city, and I-696 crosses its southern end, with I-75 along the east side. That puts Detroit, Troy, Birmingham and Southfield within a short drive. The Royal Oak Amtrak station sits downtown on the Wolverine line between Pontiac and Chicago.
Downtown and parks
Downtown Royal Oak, around Main Street and Washington Avenue, is full of restaurants and shops, and the Royal Oak Farmers Market runs year round. The Detroit Zoo is in Royal Oak, at Woodward and I-696, and the city runs dozens of neighborhood parks.
Buying here: taxes and costs
Royal Oak sets its own millage, as does each school district, so taxes differ from street to street. Remember that a Michigan home's taxable value resets after a sale: estimate your taxes from the home's state equalized value, not the seller's bill, and claim the Principal Residence Exemption after you close.
Thinking about Royal Oak?
Tell us your price range and a Raven agent will send you Royal Oak listings as they come on the market. Selling here? Ask what your home is worth.