Tafelski

our community

Royal Oak, Michigan lies only eight miles north of the bustling city of Detroit, yet it retains a serene and elegant small-town atmosphere. When first settled in the early 1800's, multitudes of ancient oaks, elms, butternut and hickory trees forested the area. Settlers used care in cutting these, and today's Royal Oak is often called the "City of Trees", as its streets remain lined with towering old-growth trees. In 1936, a Tree Committee formed, to insure replanting of any diseased or fallen trees. They ordered and nurtured sixty acorns from the Royal Oak Tree of England, and proudly took the name for their city, incorporated in 1921. In 1976, the National Arbor Day Foundation designated Royal Oak as a Tree City, USA.

Census 2000 recorded Royal Oak's population at 60,062. The city covers almost 12 square miles. The median household income reported is more than $10,000 above the national average. Forty percent of Royal Oak's residents obtained a bachelor's degree or even more advanced education. Citizens here enjoy cool summer temperatures rarely rising above 82 degrees, and typically harsh northern winters.

Royal Oak is part of Oakland County, one of Michigan's most prosperous counties. Oakland County ranks second in America for per capita income in counties containing more than one million residents.

Royal Oak, MI boasts a strong and diversified economy. More than 2,400 businesses call this lovely city home. Many are service-oriented and retail companies, though manufacturing and industry remain a strong presence in Royal Oak. The largest employers include William Beaumont Hospital, Metaldyne Corporation, Consumer's Energy and DTE Energy. Royal Oak is rapidly becoming the regional hub for computer-based firms, and many innovative, high-tech e-companies call Royal Oak home.

Royal Oak's Downtown District holds a reputation as an ultra-chic and trendy place to shop, dine and take in the widely varied entertainment and culture available. The Downtown Development Authority and careful city planners work together to create a charming ambience with outdoor cafes and tree-lined avenues that beckon to window-shoppers. In warm months, flowers bloom throughout Downtown, planted by the city. Royal Oak contains many unique boutiques and specialty shops. The Royal Oak Music Theatre and the Main Art Theater draw patrons from all around the Detroit Metropolitan Area.

The Detroit Zoo extends over 125 acres in Royal Oak. Built in 1928, this is the first zoo to create natural habitats without barriers. Two new additions, which are some of the world's largest exhibits, include the Arctic Ring of Life, featuring polar bears in a North Pole environment, and Amphibiville, a 2-acre wetland.

Royal Oak, with its gracious tree-canopied streets, is one of Michigan's most unique cities. City leaders and committed residents show strong intent to keep Royal Oak a charming and prosperous place to call home.

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