[ChrisSurfer]

Hi there,

I'm based on San Francisco, California. And I'm considering a position in Auburn Hills, MI. I have two kids under 3. I have been doing a basic research of the area. But what would be your recommendations for living in the near by? We are looking for good pre-schools and safe outdoor areas.

Thanks in advance.

[Regajohn]

Renting or buying? What's your budget?
What are your requirements ( number of bedrooms, number bathrooms, square footage, other special requirements ... do you want a place in the city or 5 acres in the country)?

Need to provide a lot more information.

Other than parts of Pontiac, it's all pretty safe. It runs from lower middle class / cheap properties rural to expensive estates.

[Coldjensens]

Probably the most obvious answers are Rochester or Lake Orion. Very pleasant, safe, great schools. Short commute.

Part of Waterford are nice. Clarkston is nice. Orchard Lake is great(Orchard Lake St Marys has one of the best high school rowing teams in the State!). Troy is nice, Bloomfield Hills (for uber rich people - until recently the wealthiest zip code in the USA). Brimingham (nouveau riche), West Bloomfield, most of the lake communities to the West of Pontiac.

Then as you get out a bit further: Walled Lake, Farmington, Novi, Berkley, Royal Oak, Franklin, Milford, Highland, South Lyon, Northville.


If it were me, I would find a place withing walking distance of downtown Rochester or maybe waterfront in Lake Orion. But there are a ton of great options depending on what your preferences are. Even Auburn Hills is decent and in places very nice, but there are better options nearby.

If you are rich and want a big private or semi-private estate among other rich people than Bloomfield Hills is the place for you.

It is always nice to be near one of the metroparks, especially Kensington. If you are a shopping person than being near Novi or Troy will matter to you.

Many offer something a little bit or a lit different from the others. (some are basically the same). Some have sightly better schools, openness, water access, parks, shopping or other amenities.

That is enough to keep you busy. If you cannot find something you like amongst that list, do not move here.

[pjcinmi]

You could also look a little farther east of Rochester in Shelby Township. (Still less than 20 minutes to Auburn Hills Area) We too have a Metro Park Stony Creek. Utica Schools are always winning awards. Property Taxes are cheaper in Macomb County vs Oakland County.