“Downtown Royal Oak is an award winning, walkable community with a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as professional services, galleries & theaters.
Named one of the coolest suburbs in America by Apartment Therapy Magazine and Best Downtown Shopping District by the Metrotimes, Downtown Royal Oak is a diverse and thriving destination for residents of southeastern Michigan. In recent years, Royal Oak has experienced a resurgence as a regional entertainment and cultural destination, a dynamic place to live, and a meeting ground for creative minds. Downtown sports an eclectic blend of restaurants, retail, theatres, and galleries. Commercial development and city initiatives in this area are geared toward a pedestrian-friendly shopping experience. Its arts and entertainment amenities include Emagine Theater, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, the Royal Oak Music Theatre, Stagecrafters, over 45 popular dining establishments, professional services, and unique independent retail.
The Detroit Zoo, which attracts thousands of visitors to businesses in the City every year, remains the State’s number one tourist destination. Downtown Royal Oak also boasts a successful Farmer’s Market. The Market is a source of great community pride and history, offering shoppers an array of goods from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade floral arrangements and rare antiques. Additionally, downtown Royal Oak is host to many annual community art fairs and special events such as Arts Beats and Eats, The Art of Fire Show, the Beer & Wine Strolls, the Antique and Garage Sale, and many other events which draw tens of thousands of visitors to Downtown Royal Oak each year.
Many residents of all generations choose to make Downtown Royal Oak their home. The many lofts and modern, high rise apartment and condominium complexes make for attractive housing options in the downtown area. Outside of the downtown core, the city’s tree-lined neighborhoods are well established, with many residents having made Royal Oak their hometown for generations, instilling them with a sense of pride in their community. Downtown Royal Oak is home to one of five main campuses in the Oakland Community College system, and universities such as Oakland University and Wayne State University are nearby.
The city’s recreational services include over 50 public parks, 30 baseball fields, an ice arena, public and private golf courses, a mini-course and driving range, 34 tennis courts, an indoor soccer facility, and two Senior/Community Centers. With this much activity and fun in a clean and safe community, it is no surprise that Royal Oak has recently been named one of the Top 10 Most Exciting Small Cities in America by Movoto and the Best Place to Live in Michigan by areavibes.“—Romi.gov
