AirSho Oakland County SE Michigan Cities

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Cities: Birmingham || Bloomfield Hills || Clarkston || Commerce Township || Farmington Hills || Lake Orion || Milford || Novi || Oakland Township || Orchard Lake || Rochester Hills || South Lyon || Troy || Walled Lake || Waterford || West Bloomfield || White Lake Township

Neighbor Counties: Genesee || Livingston || Macomb || Wayne || St. Clair || Washtenaw

Oakland County Michigan began as a settlement where the Saginaw Trail crossed the Clinton River in 1818. A year later Oakland County was officially organized and was named for its beautiful oak trees. Oakland County was not heavily wooded enough to attract many lumbermen, and settlement was slow at first. Oakland County's agriculture was productive, however, and when roads and railroads to the north were built, the county was able to trade with the lumber areas. Today the excellent agriculture of Oakland County has been overshadowed by its industrial and residential growth. The result is a mixture of big city, suburban, and rural lifestyles. A superior system of parks includes 6 state recreation areas, 3 state parks, and 2 metroparks providing Michigan's second largest population with an abundance of leisure opportunities. Oakland County has 453 lakes, 83,000+ acres of parks, and over 60 public golf courses.

Birmingham || Map || Oakland County

Birmingham was originally settled in 1819 by John Hunter and his sons. It received a post office in 1821 under the name Bloomfield, after the township. In 1836, Roswell T. Merrill envisioned this area to have a successful industrial future and proposed re-naming it after Birmingham, England where the industrial revolution began. It eventually incorporated into a village in 1864. The town later played a major role in the development of the auto industry and emerged into a highly successful business area, incorporating as a city in 1932. Birmingham’s success has continued to the present, maintaining a wide variety of both large and small business. It’s unique downtown area is especially known for being one of the highest quality shopping areas in Michigan and the mid-western U.S.

Bloomfield Hills || Map || Oakland County

In the early 1930's, wealthy Detroiters began buying up acreage for estates in this area. Among those who were attracted to the community was the publisher of The Detroit News, George G. Booth, and his wife Ellen Scripps Booth. Their estate, Cranbrook, is now a notable cultural and educational center. Cranbrook is home to an elementary school, a girls high school, a boys high school, an art academy and a science museum. Although the schools are private, the public may visit the institution, walk the grounds and tour the museum and art gallery. Residential homesites in the Hills are noted for their spacious well groomed surroundings and award winning architecture. The school system offers special programs for both the gifted and the handicapped, and provides a farm, garden center and nature center. Residents may belong to the Bloomfield Open Hunt Club, the Bloomfield Country Club or any number of other private clubs and organizations. The Franklin Cider Mill, constructed in 1832, is still producing fresh cider from apples grown in the area. A world class golf course is located in the Township. Oakland Hills, well known as "The Monster", is but one of several private courses. Another landmark is Kirk-In-The-Hills. This huge, gothic presbyterian church is a re-creation of Scotland's Melrose Abbey.

Clarkston || Map || Oakland County

Clarkston is the home of a world class outdoor music theatre, which is still known by many as Pine Knob. Everybody in the entertainment industry has appeared here at one time or another. To local residents, Clarkston is a quiet place to live and raise children. The high school is brand spanking new. A squatter from New York State, Linux Jacox, in 1830 built the first home here. It was a cedar-pole shanty. In 1832 the second house and a sawmill was built by Butler Holcomb. In 1840 the village was platted and named by Clark brothers, Jeremiah, Nelson W., and Milton H. On December 12, 1840 the Independence post office was transferred to and renamed Clarkston. The village was incorporated in 1884.

Commerce Twp || Map || Oakland County

Lying within the lakes area of Oakland County, residents of Commerce Township enjoy fine lake and river recreation. This is primarily a residential community. The economic base of the township began to expand in the 1980's as commerce and industrial parks were constructed. Commerce Township is located in two public school districts: Huron Valley and Walled Lake.

Farmington Hills || Map || Oakland County

Incorporated in 1973, Farmington Hills is a 34 square mile suburban community with a pastoral and gently rolling terrain, in Oakland County, located 17 miles northwest of downtown Detroit. The City possesses an ideal location within 25 minutes of Detroit Metro Airport and at the focal point of a North/South and West/East freeway network. Industrial centers of Warren, the Saginaw/Flint area, Lansing and Toledo, Ohio, as well as the Ann Arbor technology corridor are within an hour drive. In addition, the 12 Mile Road, Orchard Lake Road and Northwestern Highway corridors host many commercial and office developments, which house many corporate headquarters and district offices of regional, national and international prominence. The community offers many premier residential areas providing a wide range of housing options including more than 19,000 single family sites (including detached condominiums), more than 11,000 apartment units and 4,000 attached condominium units designed to fit every life style. The City's respect for its Quaker heritage is demonstrated by its commitment to historical preservation through its Historic Commission, Historical District and the conversion of the historic Spicer Estate House to a Visitor Center within the 211 acre passive Heritage Park, located in the center of the City. The City is enhanced by exemplary education opportunities for kindergarten through 12th grade via both public and private schools and a premier district library system with one of the highest annual circulation rates in the State, a broad spectrum of recreational and cultural activities available within the City or within a short drive. Twelve major colleges and universities are within a 45 minute drive of the community. Quality health care is readily accessible through Botsford Hospital, which is a teaching Osteopathic Hospital associated with Michigan State University. Twelve major medical centers and hospitals are within a half hour driving distance of the City. Many physicians affiliated with these medical facilities maintain their offices in Farmington Hills.

Lake Orion || Map || Oakland County

Lake Orion is located just north of Pontiac on M-24, 25 miles north of Detroit. The Pontiac Silverdome, The Palace of Auburn Hills, Great Lakes Crossing Manufacturers Outlet Mall and the new Chrysler Technical Center are only minutes away. The first settlement here was named Canandaigua, after Canandaigua, N.Y. by the settlers who had come from there. It was renamed Orion "because it was short, handy to write, and altogether lovely." In 1929, it was renamed Lake Orion. A power dam, built in 1828, united several small lakes and formed the present mile-wide lake. The area became a summer resort and developed into a year-round community.

Milford || Map || Oakland County

Milford is home to thousands of acres of state and metro parks. Milford is quaint, historic. Located on the Huron River in western Oakland County, it is named after the township. Originally settled by Levi Pettibone in 1827, a post office began in 1836, it eventually organized as a village in 1869. The waters of Pettibone Creek and the Huron River were the main attraction for people coming to the area, harnessing energy for sawmills and other facilities. Today, Milford retains its original Victorian style architecture downtown while at the same time developing as an upcoming suburban area to Detroit. Milford is known for being the home of the General Motors Proving Grounds, Kensington Metro Park, and camp Dearborn. Milford celebrates winter with the production of unique ice sculptures which can be seen along main street outside the shops.

Novi || Map || Oakland County

Settled in 1825, Novi maintained a slow-paced, farm-based development into the Twentieth century. Incorporated as a Town in 1959, then as a city in 1969, Novi began its growth with the construction of the interstate highways. During the 80’s the City of Novi made the transition from a rural residential area to a rapidly developing commercial center with attendant residential and industrial development. A completely new city center was subsequently created in what was just recently farmland. Novi is located in one of the highest per capita income counties of the country, Oakland County. Housing is abundant with a variety to suit almost every lifestyle. Novi is able to boast about its highly acclaimed school system. Historically, Novi area students have excelled on Educational Assessment Test. Shopping and convention facilities abound in Novi. Twelve Oaks Mall, the Town Center, West Oaks Mall, our soon to be "Main Street" and many other shopping conveniences have made Novi a regional attraction. The Sheraton Oaks and Novi Hilton provide up-to-date meeting and convention facilities. The Novi Expo Center is host to many trade and exposition shows each year. Recognizing these desirable community qualities, many prominent businesses have made Novi their home.

Oakland Township || Map || Oakland County

Orchard Lake || Map || Oakland County

Orchard Lake was given the name by Indians who called it: "Menahsagorning" (Apple Place) referring to the many apple trees around the lake. Apple Island is in the center of Orchard Lake and was home to a tribe who would retreat to it's safety after fighting battles. General Joseph Copeland helped organize Orchard Lake during the early 1870’s. One of the first buildings was the Orchard Lake Hotel. Orchard Lake retains much of its garden-like atmosphere due to careful zoning. Here you will find some of the most beautiful homes in the world.

Rochester Hills || Map || Oakland County

Rochester Hills is comprised of 32.2 square miles and is situated in the east central portion of Oakland County. Present population is estimated at 62,000. The populace is well-educated, interested in community and civic affairs, proud of their homes and the municipality in which they live. There is a wide range of homes in the City. Some of the older residential areas have been upgraded by the installation of drainage facilities, municipal water and sewer and rehabilitation of individual homes. New development is of excellent quality and the City is ideally suited for the continuation of high quality growth. Rochester and Avondale Community Schools provide quality K-12 education. College curriculum is available at Rochester College, Oakland University, and Oakland Community College. All educational levels, through doctoral programs, are available. Recreation is within easy reach at municipally supported parks. The Museum at Van Hoosen Farm in historic Stoney Creek Village, Meadow Brook Hall, Meadow Brook Music Festival, Yates Cider Mill founded in 1863, a full service library, over 25 churches and a pedestrian/pathway system the length and breadth of the city are but a few of Rochester Hills features. Crittenton Hospital, a 290 bed, full service facility located in the City, provides health care with 24 hour emergency service.

South Lyon || Map || Oakland County

In the extreme southwest corner of Oakland County, Lyon Township is known to many as "Horse Country". Large equestrian farms provide training for local area harness race courses. There is a nice mixture of subdivisions and larger acreage homesites. First referred to as Thompson’s Corners, South Lyon began in 1832 when the first house was built. The Michigan Legislature named the surrounding township after Lucius Lyon, one of its members. Today, the town retains much of its historical look including the preservation of the old South Lyon Hotel, as well as the First Presbyterian Church, which is on the Historical register.

Troy || Map || Oakland County

Located north of Detroit, Troy is the 12th largest city in Michigan, 2nd largest city in the state based on total property value, and located in one of the five most prosperous counties in the U.S. Troy is cosmopolitan, a growing and vibrant community with a strong sense of civic pride, rich in cultural diversity, community wellness & economic vitality. Troy is known for it's mix of world class corporations, upscale shopping, community services, schools, and much sought after homes in popular subdivisions.

Walled Lake || Map || Oakland County

Walled Lake was first settled in the mid 1820’s when a Walter B. Hewett bought government land here. A Jesse Tuttle from Pennsylvania moved here and platted the land officially, with the first post office opening in 1833. The name was believed to have derived from the appearance of the areas’ lake, which looked like the waters were "walled" due to drift deposits or the action of water and ice. The village grew as a suburban area adjacent to Detroit, eventually incorporating as a city in 1954. Today, it remains a pleasant location for quality suburban living, complete with shopping plazas and well-kept residences situated around the lake.

Waterford || Map || Oakland County

An indian trail, once known as the Saginaw Trail, is called Dixie Highway today. After the War of 1812, veterans were given parcels of land to settle. Oliver Williams and Alpheus Williams, his brother-in-law, entered the first land purchase in Waterford for $2 an acre and settled at Silver Lake. In 1854, the General Store was built on the southwest corner of Andersonville Road and Dixie Highway. This store now stands in Greenfield Village where it was set up after Henry Ford purchased it in 1927. Here's a link to Waterford's colorful history.

West Bloomfield || Map || Oakland County

West Bloomfield, Michigan has always been a favorite among suburban Detroit homeowners. Inland lakes featuring elegant lake front homes and contemporary homes by award-winning builders can be found in every corner of the township. Sporting facilities and country clubs are abundant in West Bloomfield, including the Detroit Skating Club--the working home of Olympic Gold Medalist Tara Lipinski. Fine restaurants and unique shopping centers are abundant.

White Lake Twp || Map || Oakland County

First settled in the 1830s, White Lake grew into a thriving business community 40 years later. White Lake Township redeveloped and remained as an agricultural community until after World War I. Around 1920 a gradual transition to "recreation" began as the new auto age gave Detroit residents access to White Lake by car. This trend has continued for over 70 years. White Lake Township provides a wide selection of summer and winter activities. White Lake Township is made up of large areas preserved as state land and county recreation parks. Lots of lakes, hills and forests here. White Lake Township is located within the public school districts of Clarkston, Holly, Huron Valley, Walled Lake and Waterford. M-59 runs east and west thru the area and is presently being widened from Howell to Mount Clemens. I-275 construction from Novi to Clarkston is in both the construction and "talking" stages.