|
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.
For the fastest response at night and on weekends please
email me. I check my Blackberry frequently and will
respond as soon as I see your message. |
