The TRUTH About Living In Orchard Lake Michigan!

Andrew McManamon
4 days ago
8 min read

Orchard Lake Village, Michigan, might seem like just another picturesque city in Oakland County, but beneath its serene surface lies a treasure trove of untold stories and hidden gems that most people don’t know about. From its fascinating history to quirks that even locals might miss, this little slice of paradise has secrets that make it far more than just a beautiful spot by the water. Curious? Stick around to uncover what makes Orchard Lake truly one-of-a-kind—and why it’s more than meets the eye.

Living In Orchard Lake Michigan

Orchard Lake Village is a city located in Oakland County, about 25 miles northwest of Detroit. It’s part of Metro Detroit, but it's a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by lakes and woodlands, this village spans only 4 square miles—and one-third of that is water! Yes, you heard that right, ⅓ water, with a population of under 2,300 people. Orchard Lake Michigan is named very respectfully, since the lake itself is the centerpiece to this fine village. It was officially incorporated in 1928, but its history stretches back much further. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, and remnants of their culture can still be found today. Orchard Lake has a fascinating past. It became a hotspot for wealthy Detroiters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who built grand summer homes along the lake’s shore which stand just as tall or taller today. One of the area’s most notable landmarks, the Orchard Lake Schools campus, dates back to 1858. Originally a military academy, it now serves as a private Polish-American educational institution.

Orchard Lake

Orchard Lake (the lake itself) is the crown jewel of the village. Spanning 788 or so acres, it’s a haven for boaters, anglers, and anyone who loves being near water. The lake is meticulously maintained, and residents take pride in keeping it clean and beautiful and that’s why residents would agree the atmosphere this lake creates is home to some of the most amazing sunsets in the state. The lake has a maximum depth of about 110 feet, making it one of the deepest in Michigan. Orchard Lake offers an array of activities that appeal to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. For those drawn to the water, the lake itself is a paradise. Boating, fishing, and paddleboarding are popular pastimes, with the calm and clear waters providing an ideal backdrop for relaxation or adventure. The nearby West Bloomfield Trail is another gem, offering a scenic route for walkers, joggers, and bikers who want to immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty. For a more tranquil escape, the Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary is perfect for birdwatching or a quiet hike through the woods. While the village doesn’t have a bustling downtown, nearby areas like West Bloomfield and Sylvan Lake boast fantastic dining options, ensuring there’s always a place to enjoy a great meal after a day outdoors.

Living In Orchard Lake Michigan

Orchard Lake Michigan Community

The community spirit in Orchard Lake is not just a feeling but a defining feature of life here. A prime example of this is the annual Orchard Lake Fine Art Show, a prestigious event that draws both artists and visitors from all over Michigan and beyond. This show is consistently ranked as one of the top art fairs in the country and features a variety of artworks, live demonstrations, and interactive activities for attendees. Throughout the year, residents enjoy a variety of local traditions and gatherings.

Orchard Lake Fine Art Show

Holiday events like the village's Fourth of July fireworks display light up the sky and bring families together along the lake’s edge. Seasonal activities, such as winter ice-fishing tournaments, add a unique charm to life in Orchard Lake. Summertime brings lakeside BBQs and music nights hosted by community members, often creating an open invitation for residents to mingle and bond.

Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary

For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, the West Bloomfield Trail and the Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary host community-organized clean-up days and group hikes, fostering a collective appreciation for the village’s natural beauty. Residents also take pride in beautifying the area, with neighborhood garden clubs frequently hosting competitions and planting initiatives to enhance the village’s aesthetic appeal. Orchard Lake’s active homeowner associations ensure the community stays engaged with social calendars full of wine tastings, charity events, and educational lectures, often hosted at local venues or even in residents’ homes. This vibrant social tapestry makes Orchard Lake more than just a picturesque village—it’s a place where connections thrive and traditions are cherished.

Living In Orchard Lake Michigan

Orchard Lake Michigan Home Prices

When it comes to home prices and the cost of living, Here’s the deal: Orchard Lake isn’t cheap, I'll state a disclaimer out here as far as I can throw it. Homes often start in the high $500,000s and can easily soar into the millions, especially if you’re eyeing lakefront property. But for those who can afford it, the stunning views and serene lifestyle make it worth every penny.

Homes For Sale In Orchard Lake Michigan

To create more perspective about the home prices, as of recording this, there are 22 homes that are active, pending and sold within the last 365 days, 3 of them are active ranging from $1.6 million to $6.9 million, 2 of them are pending falling within that range and the sold homes range from $225,000 to $6.1 million. You might be thinking oh wow $225,000, but the reality is the home is not able to be lived in and will be most likely torn down so a several million dollar home will be put in its place.

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I also want to show you this graph provided by the MLS showing the average sale price over the course of 3 years with the whole MLS in blue and orchard lake in green. As you can see the average price in orchard lake is sitting around $1.91 million dollars which is up 40.8% year over year which means there was most likely a massive sale that occurred that is skewing the numbers big time, but there’s not a lot of inventory available there so it makes sense.

Living In Orchard Lake Michigan

Orchard Lake Michigan Schools

In terms of schools and education. In a property tax sense, Orchard Lake is served by the Bloomfield Hills School District, Walled Lake consolidated schools, and West Bloomfield School District, which consistently earns high marks for its academic programs, extracurricular activities, and overall student success rates. The district prides itself on offering a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, STEM-focused programs, and opportunities for arts education. For families seeking alternative education options, The Orchard Lake Schools campus is an educational and cultural cornerstone of the village, steeped in history and tradition.

Orchard lake Michigan Military Academy

Dating back to 1858, the campus was originally home to the Michigan Military Academy, a prestigious all-boys military prep school known for its grandeur and discipline. After the academy closed in the early 20th century, the site was transformed into a private Polish-American educational institution, continuing its legacy of excellence while embracing a new cultural mission. Today, the campus is a hub for education, heritage, and faith, offering a range of programs that celebrate Polish culture and Catholic values. The campus includes several notable institutions that highlight its diverse offerings and importance to the community. St. Mary’s Preparatory, a premier college-preparatory high school for boys, is known for its academic rigor and emphasis on personal development. SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary trains Catholic priests with a strong focus on Polish heritage and traditions, contributing significantly to the preservation of Polish-American culture. The St. John Paul II Liturgical Center serves as both a spiritual and cultural hub, hosting events and celebrating the rich Catholic and Polish traditions of the area. Finally, the Polish Institute of Culture & Research promotes and preserves Polish history, art, and cultural contributions through a variety of educational programs and exhibitions.

Living In Orchard Lake Michigan

Orchard Lake Michigan Property Taxes

Since we talked about home prices and schools, it seems fitting to lean into the property tax aspect of it all since it’s a financial burden people just don’t think about when moving to and within the state of Michigan. Circling ABC to those 3 school districts, each one has their own millage rate or rate used to calculate property taxes. As an outsider looking in it’s important to calculate these ahead of time so you know what you’re getting yourself into. The best tried and true estimate to ensure you don’t have an “uh-oh” moment a year later when the property taxes uncap due to a homeownership transfer, you would take 50% of the homes list price multiply it by the millage rate and dive it by 1,000 to get your yearly property tax estimate.

Again it’s a high estimate.

Bloomfield hills schools has a millage rate of 33.3540, West Bloomfield has a rate of 33.7193 and walled lakes is 29.4026. Since the majority of Orchard lake is swallowed up by the west Bloomfield school district, I’ll do a quick calculation for you. Say you were buying what that graph says is the average home price of 1.91 million dollars, which is skewed remember. Half of that is $955,000, we’d multiply that by the millage rate of 33.7193 and divide by 1,000 and get a whopping annual property tax burden of $32,210.93 and any increase in taxable value from one year to the next is capped at the rate of inflation or 5 percent, whichever is less.

Cons of Living In Orchard Lake Michigan

While Orchard Lake has its share of perks, it’s not without its challenges. First and foremost, the cost of living here is notably high. From the price of homes to the property taxes, living in this city requires a significant financial commitment. On top of that, some residents highly dislike the fact there’s limited amenities within the city itself. While surrounding areas like West Bloomfield offer ample shopping and dining options, Orchard Lake’s quieter vibe might not suit everyone, but it is a way to get a home on the higher end side and not be in all the noise, which is one of orchards lakes biggest draws.

Orchard Lake, Michigan, is a little slice of paradise for those who crave natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and, of course, lakefront living. But like any place, it has its drawbacks. Whether it’s the cost of living or the lack of bustling amenities, it’s not for everyone. However, if you’re looking for a serene escape with a touch of luxury, Orchard Lake just might be the perfect fit.

For those of you who know of orchard lake or have lived there, what are your experiences and thoughts? Drop them in the comments below.

If you’re thinking about moving to Michigan in 1 day or a million, feel free to reach out anytime. I also have a link to the Living in Michigan newsletter to give you insight on all things Michigan, so be sure to subscribe so you never miss out! Thanks for reading, until next time.

Cheers,

Andrew

Andrew McManamon is a Michigan REALTOR® with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and provides real estate services to Buyers, Sellers and Investors throughout SE Michigan including Livingston County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, Genesee County & beyond. Andrew has become one of the pillars of Michigan real estate. Prior to his real estate career Andrew was responsible for managing a senior living facility in Brighton, Michigan as a dining supervisor and an activities assistant. Andrew’s passion to help people is unlike any other, and he continues to strive to be the best resource he can be. Andrew graduated from Cleary University in Howell, Michigan with a double major in business and marketing, and currently resides in Brighton, Michigan.

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