"Royal Oak is the place to come to, not pass through on your way to somewhere else."

The City of Royal Oak requires no introduction to the Detroit metropolitan area. Conveniently located near several major thoroughfares, Royal Oak's location is prime. This is evident in the steady rise of property values throughout the city. Royal Oak has maintained the appeal of a small town, while affording many of the amenities of a large metropolis. Because of its respect for diversity, the city's composition is truly eclectic. The population represents a diverse mix of individuals, age groups, incomes, and myriad of residential home styles. Combined efforts of a proactive city government and Downtown Development Authority over the past several years have brought about a metamorphosis of the city's central business district. Downtown improvements have included changes to the landscape that encourage socialization.

Downtown businesses have created a diverse, one-stop commercial district where customers find quality and personal service. Retail shops offer specialty items and many restaurants feature outdoor patios that connect visitors to the heart of Royal Oak. Street furniture provides convenient resting places and vantage points to observe the flurry of activity.

The renaissance of Royal Oak unveiled the city's charm. Visitors to Main, Washington and other downtown streets experience the city's unique sense of place and identity, unlike cities without downtown districts. This sentiment can be shared by pedestrians ambling along the downtown streetscapes that feature brick paving, street furniture, tree and flower plantings. It can be felt among patrons of the theaters, upscale restaurants, coffeehouses and distinctive shops. Visitors to downtown Royal Oak enjoy the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere and social interaction.

A multitude of flora paints Royal Oak's landscape and explains why the city is often called the "City of Trees". Accounts by early Royal Oak residents describe the area as covered with enormous oak, beech, maple, basswood, linden, elm, hickory, tulip, black and white ash, black walnut and butternut trees. In 1936, the "City of Trees" committee was organized to study suitable tree types and promote their planting throughout the city. In 1938, the committee obtained 60 acorns that were direct descendents of the royal oak tree in England, from which the City of Royal Oak derived its name. The acorns were nurtured and grown at the Detroit Zoo, and some were transplanted to Memorial Park in 1948.

Housing Cost

Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $190,300

Demographics

Estimated population in July 2006: 57,984. Royal Oak covers 11.8 square miles. Its sits at an elevation of 670 feet above sea level.

Zip codes: 48067, 48073 - Area code: 248

Weather

Royal Oak, MI climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 20's.

The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 84.50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with anaverage minimum temperature of 19.80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 18 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Royal Oak is 33.58 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is June with an average rainfall of 3.60 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com