White Lake is a gorgeous charter township of Oakland County. Located a little under an hour northwest from Detroit, Michigan, White Lake is home to approximately 30,020 people. Made up of three unincorporated communities--East White Lake, Oxbow, and White Lake--the town consists of 37.2 square miles, much of which has been preserved as state recreation areas and county parks, making White Lakes one of the most scenic areas in Michigan.

 White Lake consists of plenty of rural residences along the 21 picturesque lakes within its borders. Nature-lovers will delight in the fantastic options of waterfront property and private, wooded homes. 

M-59 intersects this charming rural town, allowing for the perfect opportunity for a majority of the townships commercial development to spring up along. So while residents have the privacy and tranquility of country living, they are not far from the main shopping districts of White Lake. 

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What is The History of White Lake?

White Lake was first occupied by the Potawatomie, Chippeway, and Ottawa Native Americans. They were attracted to the shores of White Lake, which they called “white” or “clear” which is where the name White Lake originated. 

The United States acquired Michigan from Great Britain with the 1783 Treaty of Paris, along with land east of the Mississippi. The first settlers arrived in 1830. Harley Olmsted was among the first of these settlers and built the first house in White Lake Township in 1832. 

White Lake Road was a well-used trail of the Native Americans. Later on, it became a popular stagecoach line used to run between Grand Rapids and Detroit. The stagecoach made several stops along the White Lake Settlement, which prompted the building of many small businesses and services along the way, slowly building up White Lake’s popularity and economy over the years. 

Between 1837 and 1900, lumber was the staple of the White Lake economy. Approximately 16 sawmills were erected and functioning in and around White Lake. Logging was the main contributing income for many years, until the industry was forced to slow due to the effects that logging had on the natural resources in the area. 

From the early 1900s to 1950, the economy turned towards orchards, commercial fishing, leather production, machining, and metal casting, taking advantage of all the other natural resources and excellent land quality of White Lakes. This area also started to grab the eyes of travellers passing through and the town established inns and resorts, highlighting the gorgeous bodies of water to the growing tourism industry. 

By the 1960s, White Lake had a reputation as a thriving manufacturing town as well as a popular resort destination. The residential developments grew and grew. Now, the area is made up of approximately 30,000 people and is a popular summer getaway, filled with cozy cottages, grand summer homes, and waterfront retirement living. 

What is Real Estate like in White Lake?

White Lake is known for its friendly, small-town atmosphere, safe neighborhoods, great schools, and gorgeous scenery. Many of the current occupants of White Lake are young and established families. Approximately 90 percent of the real estate in White Lake is owner-occupied over renting. The town has a suburban-rural feel to it that allows locals the best of both worlds: access to shops, restaurants, and services as well as the calm and quiet lifestyle that only the countryside can provide. 

White Lake is home to plenty of affordable neighborhoods. The average cost of real estate in this quaint town is approximately $275,000. Homes for sale include humble bungalows starting around $179,900 to grand country estates costing up to $2,995,900. Due to the amount of preserved naturelands, many of the homes in this area back onto protected grounds, making for spacious backyards and plenty of privacy. 

There are also dozens of open lots for sale in White Lake. Lots that are under 10,000 square feet can be found for around $26,000, while expansive 10-acre lots can be purchased for approximately $159,000. These options give potential residents the opportunity to build their dream home in an ideal, nature-infused location. 

Neighborhoods

There are dozens of fantastic neighborhoods that make up the White Lakes community. The area is known for its low crime rate and family-friendly atmosphere. There are a multitude of top-rated schools in the town, from some of the top school districts in the state. The variety of affordable housing makes it possible for people of all stages of life, from young professionals to established families to retiring seniors, to make a life for themselves in a comfortable and welcoming setting. 

What is there to do in White Lake?

Locals and visitors alike will not have a hard time finding something to do in White Lake, Michigan. The township is home to a multitude of interesting and exciting activities, entertainment, and excursions. Those who love to get outside will enjoy White Lakes many excellent golf courses, beaches, and parks. History buffs can explore the various museums and historical landmarks. Theatre enthusiasts can take in a show or a poetry reading at the historic Playhouse. Throughout the year, many festivals, events, and car shows are hosted by White Lake, providing ample opportunity to take in the sites, the sounds, and the people of beautiful White Lake. 

Explore The Great Outdoors

If there’s one thing that White Lake is known for, it’s the beautiful mix of flora and fauna that cover the vast and various terrains of the area. The rigorous upkeep of these stunning areas is what makes a trip into Michigan so memorable. Residents of White Lake have copious opportunities to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors and all the natural beauty that Michigan is famous for. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is in charge of maintaining the state’s natural resources including state parks, state forests, and the numerous recreation areas within Michigan’s borders. White Lake is home to a multitude of parkland and recreational areas. The largest of these is Highland Recreation Area with over 5,900 acres of well-maintained and protected parkland packed with wildlife. Visitors to this gorgeous park can stay for a night of camping, access a one-day pass to the park, and enjoy the forest, wetland, and kettle lakes that make up the area. Highland is home to over 45 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horse-back riding. 

Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area is another popular destination in White Lakes. The park boasts of challenging mountain bike tracks, public boat access, and hosts the annual “Quake on the Lake” hydroplane races. White Lake residents can enjoy the mature forests surrounding the area, take a shady hike through the trees, indulge in a picnic along one of the scenic lookout rest spots, or lounge on the sandy beaches along the lake. The opportunities to take in Michigan’s picturesque landscape are boundless. 

For a more active outdoor excursion, locals can take to the hills during the snowy months of the year. White Lake is home to the popular Alpine Valley Ski Resort. The tree-lined slopes found at this exciting destination include a wide variety of terrain perfect for all skill levels, from beginner to challenging trails. Alpine Valley offers day-passes, seasonal passes, as well as group instruction to the local schools. 

Locals can also enjoy the various beaches surrounding the many lakes in the area. Many or the public access lakes offer rental equipment for various water sports. Canoe and kayak rentals are popular for cruising down White River. Boating, tubing, and waterskiing are among the wide variety of hobbies that locals of White Lake enjoy. White Lake also has a healthy fishing community. The various waters of the lakes provide ample opportunities for anglers to catch bass, perch, trout, walleye, and more.  

Education In White Lake

Due to the expansive borders of the town, White Lake residents are provided education from a variety of excellent Michigan school boards. Clarkston Community School District, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, Holly Area School District, and Huron Valley Schools all contribute to the various neighborhoods that make up White Lake. 

Clarkston Community School District is made up of 7,320 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Clarkston Schools provide education to the northeast section of White Lake

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools is one of the larger Michigan school districts, consisting of approximately 13,615 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Walled Lake Schools provide education to the southern region of White Lake.

Holly Area School District is a small school bored, serving 3,300 students from pre-kindergarten to the 12th grade. Holly Schools provide education to a small portion of the northwest region of White Lake.

Huron Valley Schools consists of approximately 8,965 students ranging from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Huron Valley Schools serve the western section of White Lake. 

Arts & Culture

The White Lake Historical Society is a dedicated organization that was founded in 1986 and strives to preserve and showcase the rich history of White Lake. What started as a group of 18 individuals has grown to a successful 80-member organization. The White Lake Historical Society is responsible for several beloved events throughout the year. The Kelly-Fisk Farm Festival is a local favorite that takes place the weekend after Labor Day, and has been a town favorite since 1986. The Arts and Crafts shows put on by the historical society features local artwork, antiquities, and a selection of interesting collectables displayed by various vendors. 

The Cobblestone Home Questers Group was formed in 1981 and is one of five Quester groups in the Mid-Lakes area. Named after the cobblestone home of White Lake Road, which was built by John Garner in 1846, this active, non-profit organization strives to restore and preserve historical sites, antiques, and collectables. 

The Playhouse has been a stable part of the White Lake community since its inception in 1916. Designed after Chicago’s LaSalle Theater, this historical theatre presents live productions, hosts social community events, educates local artists, and enriches the community’s artistic scene. 

White Lake Township is host to several incredible annual festivals and events throughout the year. Locals can enjoy the many arts and crafts festivals, the annual Pumpkinfest, the West Michigan Wine and Jazz Festival, antique car shows, and of course, spectacular 4th of July celebrations where everyone gathers to watch fireworks color the night sky, preferably over one of the many lakes where the colors reflect and dance all night. 

Dining & Shopping

The culinary experiences of White Lake are seemingly endless. Whether you’re a foodie looking for the next great culinary discovery or just looking to grab a quick bite on your way to the beach, White Lake Township has something exceptional to enjoy. The warm and friendly service found at each establishment in town is accented by the many local and family-run restaurants that makes White Lake so popular. Everything from waterfront patios, quaint cafes, familiar franchises, and breweries featuring unique craft beer, wine, and spirits, make up the eclectic dining opportunities found in White Lake.

While White Lake doesn’t have access to its own mall, there are plenty of shops to explore. Cute waterfront retailers line the beaches, custom-made furnishing stores offer unique furniture and decor items, and local Mom and Pop shops make for a friendly and familiar shopping trip in the more commercial areas of town. For those looking to further explore their shopping needs, neighboring towns such as Highland Township, Commerce Township, Springfield Township, and Waterford Township offer even more opportunities.  

White Lake, Michigan, is such an incredible township. The welcoming and familiar feel you get when you stride into town makes newcomers feel instantly at home. The sensational scenery that dominates the town makes the most picturesque backgrounds to every rural home that can be found in the area and allows residents a calm and peaceful lifestyle that just can’t be imitated in the more populous urban areas of Michigan. For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city living, a beautiful waterfront or forested home in White Lake is definitely one to be considered.