Waterford

Commerce Township, Waterford MI is a township within Oakland County, Michigan. As a suburb, it has a small-town feel. The township is perfect for those who love nature and the outdoors. According to Niche, Waterford has a population of 72,976 and ranks highly on the list of National Best Places to Live.

Beauty is all around in this township, with foothills, gigantic trees, vast rivers, and lakes. In fact, Waterford is 11% water. Huron River, one of the largest bodies of water in Oakland County, is a stream that flows to nearby counties and nearby lakes.

The township also has a lot of tourist destinations and recreational areas. The most notable is the Proud Lake State Recreation Area. This is the best getaway place for anyone looking for a calm haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

History:

The history of Waterford, Michigan began when the British occupied Michigan before the 1700s. In 1796, the British troops left, and the land became part of the US. Congress passed legislation establishing the Territory of Michigan in January 1805. In 1813, congress appointed Colonel Lewis Cass as the third governor. In 1819, he determined the borders of Oakland County. He established Waterford as a township in 1834. The US government established Michigan as a state in 1837.

As a typical pioneer settlement, the settlers developed Waterford over time into a small town with working physicians, schools, post offices, streets, driveways, and major roads, cemeteries, and stores. In 1869, churches were built that still stand today.

Local Landmarks:
Since Waterford is surrounded by nature, there are many parks you can visit with family and friends. Enjoy outdoor activities or explore the scenic views together, and foster and deepen bonds between friends and families. 

List of Parks and Recreation Areas in Waterford:

1. Waterford Township Parks & Recreation Department
2. County of Oakland Park & Recreation
3. Shell Park
4. Waterford Oaks Water Park
5. Hess Hathaway Park
6. Michigan Military History Museum
7. West Oakland Railroad Museum
8. Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society
9. Waterford Historical Society

Lakes:

Lakefront homes are common in a township with a notable number of lakes. These lakes provide recreational activities such as boating, kayaking,  and fishing. They’re a perfect place for families to bond during the holidays. Search for any lakefront homes for sale when you go looking for your dream home,  and you’ll enjoy the beautiful lakefront scenery every day. 

Notable lakes:

1. Baldwin Lake
2. Cass Lake
3. Clam Lake
4. Crescent Lake
5. Eagle Lake
6. Elizabeth Lake
7. Fiddle Lake
8. Geneva Lake
9. Huntoon Lake
10. Lake Angelus
11. Lake Oakland

Climate:

Waterford is colder than Detroit and its nearby cities. Nevertheless, its citizens enjoy moderate winters with light to heavy snowfalls, and fluctuating temperatures during spring. According to the Best Places Comfort Index, June, July, August are the most pleasant months and December to January are the least pleasant. 

Transportation:

Waterford is home to Oakland County International Airport, a hub to nearby airports, namely Pellston and Chicago Midway. The average commuting time in the township is 31-32 minutes, longer than the US average of 26 minutes. The only means of transportation is by car. Residents have the option of owning a car or carpooling with others.

Employment:

There is a 0.3% increase in jobs from last year, with future job growth of 39.7%, higher than the US average of 33.5%. According to  Places, people from Commerce Township live better than the rest of the US on average.  The township has a lower income tax at 4.3%, a lower sales tax percentage at 6.0%, and a higher family median income at $108,862. 

Schools:

Charter Township of Waterford, Michigan has a full list of public schools in three different school districts. There’s also the option for private schools in the Township.

1. Clarkson Community School
2. Oakland Community College
3. National Heritage Academies
4. Pontiac School District
5. Our Lady of the Lakes
6. Jefferson International Academy
7. Waterford School District

There is also Waterford Township Library for borrowing books and taking various short classes held in the place. 

Local Business:

There are lots of bars and restaurants to choose from in Waterford. There’s no need to worry about missing out on the action. These restaurants can cater to families and friends for casual dining, while the pubs and bars draw in those who love the nightlife,  or just a round of pints with friends. 

Here are the top 5 restaurants in Waterford according to TripAdvisor:

1. Lion’s Den
2. So Thai Restaurant
3. El Patio Mexican Restaurant
4. Heroes Bar-bq & Brew
5. Custard Corner

Here are the top 5 bars in Waterford according to Yelp:

1. Kickstand Brewing Company
2. Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen
3. Sylvan Table
4. Kennedy’s Irish Pub
5. The Lodge Grill & Bar

Housing Market:

This year is good for buying your first home or buying a second home. This year is also good for home sellers, as selling your home right now will give you a higher percentage gain. Home appreciation in Commerce Township is at a 5.5% high for the last 12 months, based on the current data from Best Places. 

Living in Waterford:

Waterford has a lower crime rate compared to other US cities, with a crime index of 56. Based on the data presented by Neighborhood Scout, Commerce Township is one of the most ideal places to raise a family.

It may be a small town, but out of all the US cities, residents of Commerce Township have the highest percentage of college graduates. There are also a good number of schools and a community that fosters learning. This makes Commerce Township a perfect place to raise children. 

The town also has a significant percentage of working professionals in jobs like sales, management, administrative, general office staff work, IT, Tech, computer, and math.

One of the most important landmarks in Waterford Township is the Waterford Township Veterans Memorial, built to honor the region’s veteran heroes and the branches of the army they served. There is also an online exhibition tour called Inside / Out art exhibit featuring the reproductions of artworks hosted by the Detroit Institute of Art. Family bonding and community building are important for the township of Waterford. The township encourages families and friends to partake in the series of scheduled activities posted on the Charter Township website. 

Talk to Us Today

We understand your need for a hassle-free home buying process or ways of selling a home faster. We are here to assist you with all your real estate decisions. To make the experience pleasant and worry-free, we have dedicated experts on board who know the community and the neighborhood. We can help you find your dream home and assist you in selling your home faster. Reach us at 248-830-1870, or send us an email at [email protected].