Living in Troy, Michigan: Everything to Know Before Your Move

Living in Troy, Michigan offers a blend of vibrant community life, exceptional educational opportunities, and a variety of attractions that cater to all ages. This city, known for its strategic location just miles from downtown Detroit and other major hubs, makes commuting and traveling convenient. With a robust employment scene tied to automotive, financial services, and information technology, residents enjoy a high average income of around $101,000. For those considering moving to Troy, Michigan, the city boasts top-rated schools, diverse housing options, and over 900 acres of parkland. Families will appreciate nearby attractions such as the Detroit Zoo, Cranbrook Science Museum, and Legoland Discovery Center, enhancing the appeal of this thriving city.

City of Troy Government, Facebook

Prime Location

Troy stands out as an ideal place to live due to its strategic location. It's conveniently situated just 22 miles from downtown Detroit, providing easy access to the city's vibrant business and entertainment districts. The Detroit Metro Airport is only 40 miles away, making travel a breeze. For those working in the automotive industry, the Warren Tech Center is a mere 12 miles from Troy, while the Milford Proving Grounds are just a 45-mile drive away.

Residents also enjoy proximity to charming neighboring towns. Just 6 miles north is Downtown Rochester, renowned for its spectacular annual Christmas light show. To the south lies Downtown Royal Oak, a lively area with excellent dining options and walkable streets, popular among younger crowds. To the west, Downtown Birmingham offers upscale shops and restaurants, perfect for a more refined outing. For seafood lovers, Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro is a must-visit for the best oysters in Metro Detroit.

Diverse Housing Options

Troy boasts a wide array of housing options, catering to diverse tastes and needs, from modern apartments to charming suburban homes. The average home sales price in the area is approximately $365,000.

Among the most sought-after neighborhoods is Troy Historic Village, where residents can experience a touch of 19th-century life. Another popular neighborhood is Somerset North, home to 142 houses built between 1991 and 1995. Although these homes are from the 90s, many have been beautifully updated. Currently, properties in Somerset North range from $750,000 to $1.1 million, with sizes spanning from 3,200 to 4,500 square feet. One standout home recently sold for over $1 million, featuring an exquisitely renovated kitchen.

Beach Forest Subdivision is another favorite, known for its larger, wooded lots. Homes here range from $800,000 to $1.4 million, with some properties extending up to 5,500 square feet. Notable recent sales include a home on Haverford that sold for just over $1 million and another on Greenhill, admired for its stunning living room, kitchen, master bathroom, and pool.

Top-Rated Schools

Troy takes immense pride in its exceptional school district, consistently earning top marks at both the state and national levels. Niche.com awards Troy Schools an impressive A+ across all categories, ranking it the number two district in Michigan. GreatSchools.org rates the district's high schools with perfect 10s and other schools with 9s, reflecting the consistent excellence throughout.

U.S. News gives the Troy School District an outstanding score of 98.5 out of 100, with Troy High School recognized as the 277th best school in the nation. SchoolDigger bestows a perfect five-star rating on the district, while Public School Review also gives it an A+. These high marks across the board highlight the district’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Safety First

According to the FBI, Troy is one of the safest cities in Michigan, boasting a crime rate significantly lower than the national average. The city’s assault rate stands at just 71 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 282, making it four times safer in this regard. Additionally, Troy’s burglary rate is remarkably low, with only 63 incidents per 100,000 people, while the national average is a staggering 500 per 100,000. This makes Troy's burglary rate eight times lower than the national average, underscoring its reputation as a secure and peaceful place to live.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Troy is higher than the Michigan average but aligns closely with the national average. Housing, the largest component of living expenses, is notably more expensive in Troy compared to the rest of Michigan. The median home cost in Troy is $419,000, significantly higher than Michigan's average of $285,000. However, on a national scale, Troy's median home price is below the average of $497,000.

Another factor contributing to the cost of living in Troy is the necessity of owning a car. With no walkable downtown area, residents rely on driving for everyday errands, including grocery shopping. The average commute time for Troy residents is 21 minutes, and public transportation options are limited. On the plus side, grocery and utility costs in Troy are on par with the national average, ensuring no additional expense in these areas.

Troy Historic Village, Facebook

Fun and Activities

Troy offers a diverse array of activities and attractions for families and individuals to enjoy:

Troy Museum & Historic Village

A must-visit for history enthusiasts, this museum and recreated village provide an immersive glimpse into the lives of 19th-century settlers.

Somerset Collection

Shopping aficionados will love this upscale mall, which boasts a wide selection of high-end brands and dining options such as Capitol Grill. Notably, it's the largest privately-owned mall in the U.S.

Stage Nature Center

Outdoor lovers can explore this 100-acre nature preserve, which features hiking trails, nature programs, and opportunities to spot deer, foxes, birds, and more.

Troy Family Aquatic Center

Perfect for family fun, especially during summer, this center offers water slides, a splash pad, and a picnic area.

AirTime Trampoline & Game Park

An indoor trampoline park where both kids and adults can jump, bounce, and flip to their heart's content.

MJR Theater

Movie enthusiasts will enjoy this state-of-the-art theater, known for its comfortable seating, excellent sound, and wide selection of films.

Boulan Park

A local favorite, this park features tennis courts, soccer fields, and plenty of green space for picnics or relaxing walks.

Expansive Parklands

Troy is home to over 900 acres of parkland spread across multiple city parks, each offering unique features and amenities for residents and visitors alike.

Stage Nature Center

This 100-acre nature preserve is perfect for hiking and exploring local plant life. The center provides a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, foxes, and rabbits. Bird watchers will particularly appreciate the diverse bird species that can be spotted here. The center also hosts educational programs and special events throughout the year, such as the popular Maple Syrup Time event in March, where visitors can learn about the process of turning sap into syrup.

Raintree Park

A beautiful local park featuring walking trails, playgrounds, soccer fields, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for family outings and recreational activities.

Firefighters Park

Spanning 96 acres, this park offers trails, picnic shelters, and a disc golf course. It's a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy various activities in a scenic setting.

Annual Fairs and Festivals

Troy, Michigan, is celebrated for its vibrant, family-oriented community, with numerous annual fairs and festivals that bring residents together throughout the year. Here are some favorites:

Troy Family Daze

This major, multi-day event held every September features a carnival, live entertainment, fireworks, a circus, and more. It also boasts a variety of food vendors and a beer tent, making it a highlight of the year for many families.

Troy Summer Sensation Concert Series

Held at Boulan Park during the summer, this concert series offers free live music performances. Community members can enjoy the music in a picnic-style setting, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Troy Restaurant Week

Usually held in August, this annual event showcases the diverse culinary scene of Troy. Various restaurants participate, offering special menus and pricing, allowing patrons to explore and savor the local cuisine.

Firefighters' Halloween Safety Glow Walk

Every October, the Troy Fire Department hosts a Glow Walk at Firefighters Park. Families receive glow sticks and safety tips for trick-or-treating, making it a fun and educational event for all.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

In December, Troy's annual tree lighting ceremony is a festive occasion featuring a visit from Santa, carolers, and hot chocolate, bringing holiday cheer to the community.

Troy Farmers Market

From June to October, the farmers market is a popular recurring event. It offers locally sourced produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts, providing a great opportunity to support local vendors and enjoy fresh products.

Dining Scene

Troy's restaurant scene has flourished over the past five to six years, offering an impressive array of dining options that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

This renowned steakhouse is celebrated for its prime steak selection and elegant atmosphere, making it a go-to for special occasions and fine dining.

The Capital Grille

Known for its sophisticated menu featuring steaks, seafood, and an extensive wine list, The Capital Grille offers an exceptional dining experience.

Lebanese Grill

This cozy, family-friendly restaurant serves delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for all.

Eddie V's Prime Seafood

Specializing in both seafood and steak, Eddie V's is a top choice. Don’t miss the crab cakes and the delectable bananas foster for dessert.

Ocean Prime

An award-winning establishment, Ocean Prime is famous for its high-quality seafood, steaks, and expertly crafted cocktails.

Shield's Restaurant Bar Pizzeria

A local favorite, Shield's is beloved for its authentic Detroit-style deep dish pizza, making it a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts.

Mon Jin Lau

This restaurant offers a diverse menu of Asian cuisines, including sushi, Chinese, and Thai dishes, ensuring a flavorful dining experience.

Alibi Lounge

This iconic spot is a standout for its exceptional pizza. A popular go-to order at Alibi includes the French onion soup, a single piece of fish from their fish and chips, and a whole pizza. For an extra treat, try the pizza with extra sauce and fresh mushrooms for a truly satisfying meal.

Troy is also home to popular chains such as Yard House, Seasons 52, Kona Grill, and Bonefish Grill, each offering their own unique culinary delights.

Employment Landscape

The employment scene in Troy is closely tied to the automotive, financial services, and information technology sectors. With an average income of around $101,000, the city boasts a robust job market supported by several major employers.

Magna International

This Canada-based automotive supplier has a significant presence in Troy, with multiple divisions located in the city, contributing heavily to the local economy and employment.

Flagstar Bancorp

Headquartered in Troy, Flagstar Bancorp is one of the largest residential mortgage servicers and originators in the U.S., providing substantial employment opportunities in the financial services sector.

Kelly Services

Known globally, this staffing agency has its headquarters in Troy, offering numerous jobs and supporting the workforce in various industries.

Meritor

A leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking, and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicles and industrial markets, Meritor's headquarters in Troy adds to the city's strong industrial base.

Altair Engineering

Headquartered in Troy, Altair Engineering specializes in product design and development, engineering software, and cloud computing software, making it a significant player in the local tech scene.

PNC Financial Services

While headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PNC has a substantial presence in Troy, employing many residents in its operations.

Aptiv

This auto parts company, with its operational headquarters in Troy, provides a significant number of jobs, reinforcing the city's status as a hub for the automotive industry.

Nearby Family Attractions

Troy's proximity to a variety of family-friendly attractions makes it an appealing place for families to settle. Here are some highlights:

Detroit Zoo (9 miles)

Located in Royal Oak, the Detroit Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world, offering a fun and educational outing for all ages.

Cranbrook Science Museum (10 miles)

This museum features a planetarium, observatory, and numerous interactive science exhibits, making it a favorite destination for curious minds.

Sealife Michigan Aquarium (15 miles)

Situated in Auburn Hills, the aquarium boasts an ocean tunnel, interactive touchpools, and thousands of sea creatures, providing an immersive underwater experience.

Detroit Institute of Arts (20 miles)

One of the top art museums in the country, the DIA offers family-friendly events and workshops, making art accessible and enjoyable for all.

Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village (26 miles)

This venue allows visitors to explore America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and innovation, offering a rich historical experience.

Detroit Children's Museum (20 miles)

Perfect for younger children, this museum features a variety of educational and interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and learning.

Legoland Discovery Center (15 miles)

Located at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills, this Lego-themed indoor playground is ideal for kids aged 3-10, offering creative play and building fun.

TreeRunner Adventure Park Rochester (8 miles)

An aerial adventure park with climbing, ziplining, and obstacle courses tailored for different age groups, ensuring an exciting outdoor adventure.

Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum (6 miles)

Based in Farmington Hills, this quirky museum is filled with vintage coin-operated machines and unique collectibles, offering a nostalgic and entertaining experience.

In summary, living in Troy, Michigan offers a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle with its excellent schools, diverse housing options, and a thriving job market. The city's safety, combined with its rich array of parks, family-friendly events, and nearby attractions like the Detroit Zoo and Henry Ford Museum, makes it an ideal place for families. For those moving to Troy, Michigan, the vibrant community, top-notch dining scene, and abundant recreational opportunities provide a high quality of life. With its perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban charm, Troy is a city that truly has something for everyone.