Royal Oak MI

Royal Oak – A charming blend of small-town warmth and upbeat city energy, Royal Oak is one of Michigan’s hidden gems. Located just north of Detroit, this vibrant suburb offers a little of everything – walkable downtown streets filled with cafes and boutiques, a thriving arts scene, and community events that make you feel right at home. Whether you're catching live music, relaxing at the zoo, or enjoying a craft brew with friends, Royal Oak makes every day feel a little more special.

• Population: ~58,000
• Weather: Cold, snowy winters (20-35°F); warm, pleasant summers (70-85°F); crisp and colorful fall and spring seasons.
• Places To Visit: Detroit Zoo, Downtown Royal Oak, Royal Oak Farmers Market, Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle.
• Top Activities: Strolling downtown, catching a live show, enjoying Sunday brunch, exploring local art galleries, attending seasonal festivals.
• Famous Food: Detroit-style pizza, coney dogs at National Coney Island, gourmet burgers, and cold brews from local craft breweries.

Royal Oak, Michigan, is a vibrant suburb of Detroit known for its walkable downtown, local businesses, and close-knit community. Thanks to its proximity to major employers in the automotive, healthcare, tech, and creative sectors, Royal Oak offers a variety of professional opportunities. Below are five of the top careers in this growing metro area.

Top 5 Jobs in Royal Oak, MI

From growing tech startups to expanding health systems, Royal Oak offers professional diversity and competitive wages. Whether you're a healthcare provider or a tech pro, the city’s career landscape continues to grow with opportunities for advancement.

Royal Oak, MI might have that small-city charm, but don’t let that fool you—this place knows how to keep students entertained and relaxed. Whether you're looking for a quick study break, a weekend hangout, or just a cozy corner to recharge, Royal Oak delivers good vibes and plenty of fun.

Main Street Cafés & Boutiques – Lined with everything from indie shops to coffee houses like Atomic Coffee or Dessert Oasis, Main Street is perfect for low-key hangs. Grab a latte, browse local boutiques, or people-watch while you make weekend plans.

Royal Oak Farmers Market – On weekends, this spot transforms into a lively destination for fresh produce, artisan foods, and vintage treasures. It’s a fun and affordable way to spend your Saturday morning with friends—and sample some amazing snacks, too.

Emagine Royal Oak – Not just your average movie theater. Think plush seating, in-theater dining, and a full bar. Whether it's a Friday night blockbuster or a chill solo matinee, this place makes movie-watching feel like a mini vacation.

Detroit Zoo – Only a short walk or drive from the heart of the city, the zoo isn’t just for kids. It’s a huge, beautifully landscaped space that’s ideal for wandering, taking pics, and learning fun facts about animals from all over the world.

Royal Oak Music Theatre – This historic venue brings in big tours, local talent, and cool indie acts. Keep an eye on their schedule— it’s one of the best places for live music near campus, and tickets are usually student-budget friendly.

Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre – Love live theater? This charming community venue offers entertaining plays and musicals throughout the year. Grab friends and catch a show—it’s a fun way to support the arts and see something new.

Paint & Pour – Looking for a creative way to spend your evening? Try a paint-and-sip class. They’re usually BYOB, super chill, and perfect for unwinding while making something cool. No artistic skills required—just good vibes and maybe a sense of humor.

Starr Park or Normandy Oaks Park – Sometimes the best way to relax is just being outside. These laid-back local parks are great for picnics, pick-up games, or catching a little sun after class. Bring a blanket, your favorite playlist, and chill out with your crew.

Royal Oak may not be a mega metropolis, but it’s packed with cozy corners, lively spots, and creative scenes perfect for student life. Whether you’re recharging solo or hanging with friends, there’s always somewhere cool to land.

Royal Oak, Michigan, is centrally located in Southeast Michigan, making it an excellent base for students looking for top-notch higher education. While the city itself does not have large universities within its boundaries, it is surrounded by acclaimed public and private colleges that are easily accessible, offering a range of academic programs and opportunities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities near Royal Oak, MI

Oakland Community College (OCC) – Royal Oak Campus – OCC’s Royal Oak campus is right in the heart of town, offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs. Known for its affordable tuition and transfer pathways to four-year universities, it’s a popular choice among local students.

Wayne State University – Located just a short drive away in Detroit, Wayne State is a top public research university recognized for its diverse student body and standout programs in medicine, law, engineering, and the liberal arts.

University of Michigan – Dearborn – UM-Dearborn delivers high-quality education with strengths in engineering, business administration, and computer science. It’s known for its community involvement and robust research initiatives.

Oakland University – Found in nearby Rochester, Oakland University is celebrated for its state-of-the-art research facilities, acclaimed health sciences, business, and engineering programs, and vibrant campus life.

Macomb Community College – With campuses in Warren and Clinton Township, Macomb is an excellent and accessible choice for Royal Oak residents seeking a strong start in academic or technical careers. It offers great transfer agreements with Michigan’s top four-year schools.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Royal Oak, MI

Lawrence Technological University (LTU) – Just minutes away in Southfield, LTU is highly regarded for its engineering, architecture, and design programs. The university emphasizes hands-on, real-world education and industry partnerships.

University of Detroit Mercy – This accredited institution in Detroit is Michigan’s largest and most comprehensive Catholic university. Detroit Mercy is known for its programs in law, business, health professions, and engineering.

Madonna University – Located in Livonia, Madonna University offers a welcoming atmosphere and a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, especially in nursing, education, and criminal justice.

Walsh College – Based in Troy, Walsh specializes in business and technology education. It’s a fantastic choice for those pursuing careers in accounting, finance, information technology, and management.

Baker College – With a campus in nearby Royal Oak (and others across Michigan), Baker offers students flexible learning options in healthcare, business, IT, and applied sciences. They are known for career-focused curricula and student support services.

Royal Oak’s favorable location gives students access to a diverse selection of esteemed public and private colleges and universities. Whether you seek a large research institution, a faith-based university, or a community college to help you launch your career, you’ll find high-quality options nearby to help you thrive.

Royal Oak, MI, is home to a variety of excellent high schools that support academic growth, creativity, and college readiness. Whether you're looking for strong public programs or prestigious private institutions, this friendly and vibrant city offers students and families great educational opportunities.

Top Public High Schools in Royal Oak, MI

• Royal Oak High School – The main public high school in the city, Royal Oak High offers a wide range of AP courses, strong arts programs, and a supportive community. Students regularly move on to top colleges across the country.
• Berkley High School – Just on the border of Royal Oak, Berkley is known for its high graduation rates and diverse academic offerings, including a robust International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
• International Academy – Bloomfield Campus – Though not directly in Royal Oak, many Royal Oak residents apply here. This public magnet school ranks among Michigan's best, offering a world-class IB curriculum.
• Clawson High School – Located nearby in Clawson, this small, student-centered school offers a personalized learning experience, college prep resources, and strong community engagement.
• Lamonica Academy (part of Oakland Schools) – A public alternative high school in the region that supports students seeking nontraditional education paths, allowing for flexible learning experiences.

Top Private High Schools in Royal Oak, MI

• Shrine Catholic High School – This private, co-ed Catholic school in Royal Oak provides strong academics, faith-based education, and a variety of extracurriculars, including championship-level athletics and theater programs.
• Bishop Foley Catholic High School – Located nearby in Madison Heights, this school offers rigorous courses, an attentive staff, and a faith-driven curriculum focused on holistic student growth.
• Academy of the Sacred Heart – A bit outside Royal Oak in Bloomfield Hills, it’s an all-girls Catholic school known for high academic standards, global awareness, and leadership development.
• Detroit Country Day School – Though a short drive from Royal Oak, it’s one of Michigan’s top private schools. It offers an elite college prep program, competitive sports, and strong arts and STEM instruction.
• University of Detroit Jesuit High School – A highly regarded all-boys private school in the Detroit metro area known for academic excellence, tradition, and values-based education.

No matter which school you choose in or near Royal Oak, MI, there are outstanding educational options available that meet a variety of learning styles and goals. Whether it’s a public classroom experience or a more tailored private education, Royal Oak offers strong foundations for student success.

While Royal Oak, Michigan may not have its own major league professional sports teams, it enjoys a unique advantage—it's located just minutes from downtown Detroit, one of the most passionate sports cities in America. Residents of Royal Oak are die-hard fans and fierce supporters of Detroit’s professional sports franchises, often packing stadiums and arenas to rally behind their favorite teams. Whether it’s a crisp fall Sunday cheering on the Lions or a snowy winter night inside a packed hockey arena for the Red Wings, sports are a big part of the Royal Oak lifestyle.

Football – Detroit Lions (NFL)

• Detroit Lions – The Lions are one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, founded in 1930. While they haven’t won a Super Bowl yet, they hold 4 NFL Championships from the pre-Super Bowl era (1935, 1952, 1953, 1957). Fans are hopeful for a bright future led by exciting players like Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Ford Field, their home stadium located in downtown Detroit, is a short drive from Royal Oak and regularly filled with loud, loyal fans.

Baseball – Detroit Tigers (MLB)

• Detroit Tigers – A cornerstone of Major League Baseball since 1901, the Tigers have a rich legacy including 4 World Series titles (1935, 1945, 1968, and 1984). Over the decades, they’ve had legends like Ty Cobb, Al Kaline, and Miguel Cabrera wear the iconic Old English “D.” Comerica Park is a summer favorite for Royal Oak residents, offering beautiful skyline views and an electric game-day atmosphere.

Basketball – Detroit Pistons (NBA)

• Detroit Pistons – Renowned for their rough-and-tumble “Bad Boys” era in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, the Pistons have won 3 NBA Championships (1989, 1990, 2004). Known for legends like Isiah Thomas, Dennis Rodman, and Chauncey Billups, the team is in the middle of a youth-focused rebuild with upcoming stars like Cade Cunningham. Games are held at Little Caesars Arena, which also doubles as the home for the Detroit Red Wings.

Hockey – Detroit Red Wings (NHL)

• Detroit Red Wings – One of the NHL’s “Original Six,” the Red Wings are among the most decorated franchises in hockey history, boasting 11 Stanley Cup championships. Historic names like Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, and Nicklas Lidström have defined generations of championship teams. With a devoted fan base and an intense city rivalry spirit, attending a Red Wings game is a cherished tradition for Royal Oak locals and families alike.

Soccer – Detroit City FC (USL Championship)

• Detroit City FC – Although not part of Major League Soccer (MLS), Detroit City FC plays in the competitive USL Championship and enjoys a fiercely loyal following. Known fondly as “Le Rouge,” the team brings high energy and community involvement to Keyworth Stadium in nearby Hamtramck. Royal Oak's younger fans and soccer enthusiasts flock to games for their community-led culture, passionate supporters' section, and top-tier play.

While Royal Oak itself doesn't host pro franchises, it lives and breathes sports thanks to Detroit’s rich athletic scene just around the corner. From historic baseball moments to thrilling hockey nights and exciting up-and-coming basketball and soccer, residents of Royal Oak are part of one of America’s proudest sporting legacies.

Royal Oak, Michigan is a charming city packed with personality, delicious food, and a surprising amount of unique attractions. Nestled in the Detroit metro area, it’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you love art, nature, or quirky festivals, here are some fun facts about Royal Oak that will make you want to explore this small town with big city vibes!

1. Detroit Zoo Lives Here – Though it’s called the Detroit Zoo, it’s actually located right in the heart of Royal Oak. It’s one of the most popular family attractions in Michigan, home to over 2,000 animals from across the globe.
2. A Hub for the Arts – Royal Oak is bursting with creativity. The downtown area is filled with street murals, art galleries, and live music venues, making it a hotspot for artists and performers.
3. Birthplace of a Radio Legend – Radio personality Dick Purtan, a beloved Detroit-area DJ known for his hilarious charity fundraisers, lived and broadcasted from Royal Oak for years.
4. Street Art with Purpose – The city’s popular Art Explored program places public art pieces throughout downtown to make art more accessible to the community.
5. Home to “Arts, Beats & Eats” – Every Labor Day weekend, downtown Royal Oak comes alive with this huge festival that features live music, food from top local restaurants, and an art fair that draws thousands of visitors.
6. Historic Theater Charm – The Royal Oak Music Theatre has been hosting live shows since 1928. From comedians to indie bands, it’s still one of the area’s top entertainment venues.
7. Walkable Wonderland – With its compact downtown full of shops, restaurants, and bars, Royal Oak is one of metro Detroit’s most walkable cities. You’ll find new spots around every corner!
8. Funky Diners & Unique Eats – The city’s food scene is lively. Don’t miss one-of-a-kind spots like the retro-style O.W.L. diner or the famous Detroit-style pizza at Buddy’s not far away.
9. A Pet-Lover’s Paradise – Royal Oak is super dog-friendly. Many restaurants offer pet-friendly patios, and the downtown sidewalks are always full of happy pups out with their owners.
10. Green Spaces Galore – Despite the city feel, Royal Oak is home to over 50 parks, including the scenic Wagner Park and dog-friendly Normandy Oaks, perfect for a picnic or a peaceful walk.