Oakland County’s largest city blends growth, history and quality of life
Posted By: Detroit Free Press on August 18, 2025. For more information, please click here to read the source article.
The Detroit Free Press is showcasing neighborhoods in Michigan and the region, spotlighting the qualities that make each one distinctive. From historic charm to modern conveniences, these communities offer a range of appeal for residents and visitors alike. This week, we’re exploring Troy in Oakland County.
Appeal: Located along the I-75 corridor in southeast Oakland County, Troy is a vibrant city known for its strong economy, diverse neighborhoods and high quality of life. The city offers a wide range of housing options from established suburban neighborhoods to newer upscale developments.
One of the city’s most dynamic areas, the Big Beaver corridor, has transformed into a more urban, high-density district mixed-use hub for shopping, dining and business, attracting both residents and visitors.
Facts: Spanning 33.47 square miles, Troy was incorporated in 1955 and has grown to become the most populous city in Oakland County, with an estimated population of 87,338.
Its roots date back to the early 1800s, and remnants of its past can be experienced at the Troy Historic Village, a walkable campus of 19th-century buildings, and interactive exhibits. Troy is about a 30-minute drive to downtown Detroit. For more information, visit troymi.gov. (U.S. census)
New developments and awards: Several major projects, many involving office-to-residential conversions, are helping to repurpose underutilized buildings and adding to the city’s housing options, according to Dylan Clark, senior management analyst in the Troy City Manager’s Office.
- Former Kmart HQ site – Somerset West: The Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Concept Development Plan has been approved for a mixed-use development anchored by University of Michigan Health at 3100 W. Big Beaver, expected to open by spring 2027. The 40-acre site is slated to include up to 750 residential units, a 250-room hotel, 300,000 square feet of retail space, and 500,000 square feet of office space.
- Lindsey Center: Construction is underway for an office-to-residential conversion at 2690 Crooks Road, with new buildings for a total of 144 units.
- Forum Flats: At 295 Kirts Blvd., construction is complete on an office-to-residential conversion plus additional apartment buildings, adding 200 units.
- Village of Troy – Nearing completion on the south side of Long Lake, west of Rochester, this project will include 56 two-story townhomes, 20 single-family homes and 70 three-story townhomes.
- Hospitality and mixed-use additions: Liquor licenses have been granted for Hyatt Place Hotel and Vin 809 hotel-and-restaurant development at 801 and 809 W. Big Beaver, which will also include a five-level parking deck.
- Recognition for planning excellence: The Michigan Association of Planning acknowledged Troy with an “Excellence Award” in the Implementation category this year, for transforming Big Beaver Road into a more pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use corridor with approximately 40 site plans approved in the district since 2011.
Neighborhoods: Troy’s housing market offers a broad spectrum of styles and price points, from modest ranch homes around 1,000 square feet and classic colonials from the 1970s and ’80s, to spacious ranches and tri-levels on large, secluded lots. Newer subdivisions feature upscale 1½- and two-story homes and the city also offers a variety of condominiums and apartments.
According to Realcomp II Ltd., single-family home sales in 2024 ranged from $75,000 to $3.5 million, highlighting the city’s range of price points and housing styles.
Parks and recreation: With more than 400 acres of parkland, Troy offers a variety of community, neighborhood and mini parks. The city’s recreational amenities include Troy Community Center, Stage Nature Center & Troy Farm, Troy Trails, Troy Family Aquatic Center, Troy Historic Village and two golf courses.
Recent upgrades include a new pavilion and ice rink as well as newly added pickleball courts. A cricket field is currently under construction, and the City Council recently approved the purchase of an inclusive play structure, according to Clark.
Taxes: In 2024, total property tax rates for Troy vary depending on the school district ― $36.33 per $1,000 of a house’s taxable value in the Troy district, $34.64 in Avondale, $35.18 in Birmingham, $34.58 in Bloomfield Hills, $42.38 in Lamphere, $30.85 in Royal Oak and $36.22 in Warren. A $410,900 (median price) house with a taxable value of $205,450 would have property taxes of $7,463 in Troy, $7,116 in Avondale, $7,227 in Birmingham, $7,104 in Bloomfield Hills, $8,706 in Lamphere, $6,338 in Royal Oak and $7,441 in Warren.
Shopping and dining: Troy’s Big Beaver corridor serves as a major shopping and dining destination, anchored by the upscale Somerset Collection, a premier retail center featuring luxury brands and designer boutiques.
Beyond Big Beaver Road, shopping and dining options are throughout the city, including numerous strip malls and the Oakland Mall, in the southern part of Troy.
Industries and employers: Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital, Flagstar Bank, Delphi/Aptiv, Troy School District, Health Alliance Plan
Public transportation: Troy is served by SMART bus services, along with Troy R.Y.D.E. (Reach Your Destination Easily), a transportation program for Troy residents 60 and older, as well as adults 18 and over with disabilities.
Public safety: Troy police reported 75 burglaries, 117 vehicle thefts, 41 cases of criminal sexual conduct, 16 robberies and no homicides in 2024.
Community insight: Larry Grodsky, a longtime Troy resident and associate broker with Real Estate One, says that the city is attracting new homeowners from all over the globe.
“It’s a wonderful place to live, embracing community, culture, and activity,” Grodsky said. “There’s a strong focus on bringing residents together, expanding housing and commercial development and updating school facilities throughout the national renowned Troy education system.”
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