Oakland County

Whispers of “Car City” drift on the wind here in Oakland County. But Oakland County hums with a different energy than Detroit. Oakland County, a crucial piece of the Detroit metropolitan area, cradles the city’s northern suburbs. Established in 1819 and formally organized in 1820, Oakland County isn’t just a collection of charming suburban towns. It’s a historical tapestry woven with threads of industry, affluence, and rapid growth. Oakland County is home to over a million people. Surprisingly, it achieves this without a single city boasting 100,000 residents. This speaks to the unique, dispersed nature of this county, a constellation of smaller communities each contributing to a vibrant whole. Oakland County even lays claim to a piece of higher education. Oakland University bridges the cities of Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, a symbol of knowledge and growth within the county. In the early days, Oakland County saw the rise of lumber mills, fueled by the rich resources of the region and the Upper Peninsula. The steady chug of the Detroit and Pontiac Railroad, along with the well-trodden path of Woodward Avenue, brought settlers seeking new opportunities. Pontiac, nestled on the Clinton River, emerged as the county seat, a hub of activity. The hum of industry shifted gears with the advent of the automobile. The Oakland Motor Car Company, founded in 1907 and later absorbed by General Motors, transformed Pontiac into an automotive powerhouse. The 1950s witnessed a population explosion. Detroiters flocked to the suburbs, seeking space and a different pace of life. Oakland County distinguished itself from its neighbor, Macomb County. While Macomb attracted blue-collar workers, Oakland became a haven for white-collar professionals, fostering a distinct atmosphere of affluence. This prosperity is reflected in everything from its super-regional shopping malls like Somerset Collection and Twelve Oaks Mall to the median home price, which has historically soared above the national average. Oakland County isn’t just a place of economic prosperity. It’s a place of natural beauty too. Over 387 lakes shimmer beneath the Michigan sky, and four major rivers carve their way through the landscape. These waterways aren’t just picturesque; they’re reminders of the county’s careful planning. Even its townships, each roughly six miles by six miles, reflect the legacy of the Land Ordinance of 1785. Oakland County stands as a testament to thoughtful urban development blended with the allure of nature.