.png)
Search Homes For Sale In Independence Township
Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $538K |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $77.5K |
| Highest Price | $2.5M |
| Total Listings | 88 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $202 |
Property Types (active listings)
Independence Township, MI Homes for Sale — Your Complete Guide to Independence Township, Michigan Real Estate
Independence Township, Michigan is a 36-square-mile charter township in Oakland County, 40 miles northwest of Detroit at 42.7275° N, 83.3449° W. The township fully surrounds the tiny City of the Village of Clarkston (0.44 sq mi), and most residents carry a Clarkston mailing address (zip codes 48346 and 48348). Median home price in early 2026 runs $376,800 (ZIP 48346, Redfin) to $428K–$445K township-wide (Homes.com), with an average sale price around $556,000. Primary school district is Clarkston Community Schools, A-minus Niche grade, 95% graduation rate. Major landmarks: Pine Knob Music Theatre, Pine Knob Ski Resort, 30+ lakes, and the 1,286-acre Independence Oaks County Park. Michael Perna of The Perna Team is the #1 real estate agent serving Independence Township MI, Michigan License #309650, 8,000+ career transactions, 99.1% list-to-sale ratio, $200M+ annual volume. For the most current list of homes for sale in Independence Township MI, call (248) 886-4450 or visit PernaTeam.com.
Ready to move now? Call or text 248-886-4450 — The Perna Team is available now. Or set up instant listing alerts at PernaTeam.com and be the first to know when Independence Township, MI homes for sale hit the market.
- Independence Township Michigan — Quick Facts at a Glance
- Where Is Independence Township, Michigan?
- Why Independence Township? The Real Story
- Why People Move to Independence Township, Michigan
- Independence Township vs. Nearby Communities
- Independence Township Neighborhoods, Streets & Pockets
- Independence Township Homes for Sale by Price Range
- Independence Township MI Real Estate Market
- Property Types & Architectural Styles in Independence Township
- Living in Independence Township — Lifestyle & Recreation
- Dining, Shopping & Local Businesses Near Independence Township
- Commute, Transportation & Major Employers
- Safety & Community Character in Independence Township
- Property Taxes, Cost of Living & Utilities in Independence Township
- Healthcare & Essential Services Near Independence Township
- Independence Township History & Heritage
- Climate & Seasons in Independence Township
- Every Real Estate Scenario — Why Michael Perna Is the Top Agent in Independence Township MI
- What Clients Say About Michael Perna and The Perna Team
- The Perna Team Advantage (vs. the Average Agent)
- What Happens When You Call Michael — The First 20 Minutes
- Key Landmarks & GPS Reference — Independence Township, Michigan
- Recent Perna Team Wins in Independence Township
- Independence Township Real Estate Glossary
- Frequently Asked Questions - Homes for Sale in Independence Township MI
- Ready to Take the Next Step?
Independence Township Michigan — Quick Facts at a Glance
Independence Township is a charter township in Oakland County, Michigan, located at 42.7275° N, 83.3449° W, about 40 miles northwest of downtown Detroit. Population is 36,982 (ACS 2024 five-year estimate). Median home price in ZIP 48346 is $376,800 (Redfin, March 2026); township-wide trailing 12-month median runs $428K–$445K. Primary school district is Clarkston Community Schools. Major highways: I-75, US-24 (Dixie Highway), and M-15. Zip codes: 48346 and 48348.
Where Is Independence Township, Michigan?
Independence Township, Michigan is located in Oakland County, approximately 40 miles northwest of Detroit, at 42.7275° N, 83.3449° W. It covers 36.30 square miles and fully surrounds the City of the Village of Clarkston
Independence Township sits in northern Oakland County, Michigan, about 40 miles northwest of downtown Detroit. Easiest way to picture it, take I-75 north out of Detroit, keep driving past Troy and Auburn Hills, and Independence Township is the stretch that starts around Exit 89 (Sashabaw Road) and runs north to Exit 93 (Clarkston Road).
The township covers 36.30 square miles of rolling glacial moraine, and here's the part that confuses everyone, it completely surrounds the City of the Village of Clarkston. Most people in the township have a Clarkston mailing address (48346 or 48348), say they live "in Clarkston," and never mention the word "township" in casual conversation. Legally and for tax purposes, though, it matters which side of the line you're on.
That's important when you're buying a home.
Key Intersections and Corridors
- Sashabaw Road + I-75 (Exit 89) — main southern gateway
- M-15 + I-75 (Exit 91) — eastern gateway, leads north to Ortonville
- Dixie Highway (US-24) + Maybee Road — southwest corner
- Clarkston Road + Main Street — downtown Village of Clarkston
- Sashabaw Road + Walton Boulevard — south-central
- Clintonville Road + Maybee Road — west-central
- Big Lake Road + Pine Knob Road — near Shepherd's Hollow and the Pine Knob venues
Bordering Communities (Every Direction)
- North: Brandon Township
- Northwest: Groveland Township
- West: Springfield Township
- Southwest: White Lake Township (brief border)
- South: Waterford Township
- East: Orion Township
- Surrounded: City of the Village of Clarkston
I-75 runs diagonally through the southern portion with two township exits, and US-24 (Dixie Highway) clips the southwest corner. That direct highway access is one of the main reasons homes for sale in Independence Township MI stay in demand even as the area keeps growing.
Drive times from Independence Township: Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is about 50 minutes via M-59 to I-275, downtown Detroit is 45–50 minutes down I-75, Troy is 25–27 minutes, Auburn Hills is 15 minutes, Rochester Hills is 20–25 minutes, and Ann Arbor is 55–65 minutes via M-14/US-23.
Not a bad spot on the map.
Independence Township is a 36-square-mile charter township in Oakland County, Michigan, 40 miles northwest of Detroit, with two direct I-75 exits and zip codes 48346 and 48348. It surrounds the Village of Clarkston
Why Independence Township? The Real Story
There's a reason people who move to Independence Township don't leave. I've watched it happen for 20+ years, someone buys a 1990s colonial off Clintonville Road thinking they'll outgrow it in five years, and the next time I hear from them it's because they want to upgrade to something bigger on the same street. That pattern is not an accident.
Independence Township has something most Oakland County communities can't replicate at the same price point: space, trees, lakes, and a genuine "up north" feel, all 45 minutes from downtown Detroit. You can be on a pontoon boat on a summer Saturday and at Pine Knob for a concert the same night. Try doing that from Birmingham.
This isn't a suburb. It's a whole lifestyle.
This page is your complete resource for Independence Township homes for sale, covering every neighborhood, every school, every price range, and every question a buyer or seller could have. I'm Michael Perna of The Perna Team, Michigan Real Estate License #309650, and my team has closed over 8,000 transactions across Metro Detroit with a 99.1% list-to-sale price ratio. We've sold homes in Deer Lake Farms, Oakhurst, Deerwood, along the lakefront on Walters and Maceday, and in just about every subdivision platted in the township. If you can't find something on this page, call me and I'll just tell you.
I'm also a regular guest on Fox 2 Detroit News as their Metro Detroit real estate expert. If you've seen me there, welcome, this page goes deeper than I ever can in a three-minute segment.
Ready to see homes this week? Call or text 248-886-4450 — or visit PernaTeam.com to search current listings and set up instant alerts before the competition.
Why People Move to Independence Township, Michigan
Here are the real reasons people choose homes for sale in Independence Township Michigan, not brochure reasons, the actual reasons my clients give me at closing.
1. Clarkston Community Schools
For most of my buyers with kids, this is reason one, two, and three. Clarkston carries an A-minus Niche grade with a 95% district graduation rate (97% at Clarkston High), three National Blue Ribbon schools, and six Michigan Exemplary Blue Ribbon schools. District math proficiency (49%) beats the state average (35%), and reading proficiency (60%) clears the state's 46%. Clarkston High offers 19 AP courses plus a full IB program.
2. The "Up North" Feel Without the Drive
Rolling hills, woods, 30+ named lakes, the Clinton River winding through, and Pine Knob, the highest point in Southeast Michigan at 1,221 feet. Picture this: Saturday morning, coffee in hand, you're walking a wooded trail at Independence Oaks, and by 9:15 you're back home with the dog. You can't get that feel in most of Oakland County.
3. Pine Knob
Concerts May through October at Pine Knob Music Theatre (15,274 seats, consistently among the top-selling outdoor venues in America per Pollstar and Billboard), skiing December through March at Pine Knob Ski Resort, all inside the township. How many places can you say that about? Not many. Not even close.
4. Easy I-75 Access
Two exits directly into the township. Auburn Hills is 15 minutes. Troy is 25–27. Downtown Detroit is doable if you need to be there, and for hybrid workers, it's honestly perfect.
5. Lakes and Outdoor Life
Deer Lake, Maceday, Lotus, Walters, Susin, Cranberry, Lake Oakland, 30+ named lakes in 36 square miles. A lot of them are all-sports, which means boating, skiing, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, the works.
6. Space at a Reasonable Price
For the same $450K that gets you a small colonial in Birmingham or Royal Oak, you can land a 3,000+ square foot home on a half-acre in Independence Township. That matters more than you think.
7. The Village of Clarkston Is Right There
You get a National Register historic downtown with restaurants like Clarkston Union, Union Woodshop, Honcho, and Rudy's Prime Steakhouse, without having to live inside the Village's higher-millage tax jurisdiction. Best of both worlds.
Who Thrives in Independence Township MI?
- Families with school-aged kids who want a great district without the Birmingham price tag
- Empty nesters and retirees who want a lake home or a low-maintenance condo
- Remote/hybrid professionals needing occasional access to Detroit, Troy, or Auburn Hills
- Golf and lake enthusiasts wanting amenities five minutes from home
- Move-up buyers in the $450K–$1.2M range looking for acreage and character
- Luxury buyers wanting custom estates in Deer Lake Farms, Oakhurst, and Deerwood
Honest Trade-Offs
Most of the township is car-dependent; you can't walk to a coffee shop from most subdivisions. Sashabaw Road gets congested on concert nights at Pine Knob (locals learn the back roads fast, Pine Knob Road is the alternate). And a lot of homes outside the main corridors run on well and septic instead of municipal utilities. None of that is a dealbreaker for most buyers, but I walk every client through it so there are no surprises at closing.
People move to Independence Township Michigan for top-rated Clarkston schools, 30+ lakes, Pine Knob, easy I-75 access, and more home for the money than Birmingham or Royal Oak.
Independence Township vs. Nearby Communities
Probably the most common question I get from buyers comparing homes for sale in Independence Township MI against nearby communities: "Should we buy here, or should we look at [nearby city]?" Here's a straight comparison.
Here's what the table can't capture.
Independence Township vs. Lake Orion: The two finalists for most families I work with. Both have strong schools, both have lake life, both have downtown nearby. Difference usually comes down to commute preference and lake preference. Lake Orion has the giant namesake lake; Independence Township has 30+ smaller ones. If you work in Troy or Auburn Hills, Lake Orion is a touch closer. If you want access to Pine Knob, Shepherd's Hollow, and the I-75 north corridor, Independence Township wins.
Independence Township vs. Rochester Hills: Independence Township is less commercial, more wooded, and slightly cheaper for comparable square footage. Rochester Hills has a more developed downtown and tighter amenities. If you want walk-to-dinner urbanism, Rochester. If you want acreage, Independence.
Independence Township vs. White Lake and Waterford: You'll usually get more house for your money in White Lake or Waterford, but the Clarkston Community Schools reputation pulls a real premium in Independence Township MI, and it's worth it if you have kids.
Independence Township vs. Village of Clarkston: The Village has walkability, historic charm, and roughly 13 mills higher taxes. The Township has space, trees, and lower taxes with the same schools and the same "Clarkston" mailing address. For most buyers, the Township wins on value. More on that below.
I sell homes in every one of these communities. If Independence Township isn't the right fit for your family, I'll tell you straight, and then I'll help you find the one that is. No ego on my end.
Compared to Lake Orion, Rochester Hills, White Lake, and Waterford, Independence Township MI offers the best balance of Clarkston schools, lake access, lower township taxes (vs. the Village), and I-75 commute — at a median price around $377K–$445K.
Quick Call — Get a Real Comparison for Your Family
Not sure which community fits? Call Michael at (248) 886-4450 for a 15-minute comparison conversation. Free. No pressure.
Independence Township Neighborhoods, Streets & Pockets
Independence Township has 75+ platted subdivisions, plus lakefront pockets, rural parcels, and a handful of gated enclaves. Here are the ones buyers ask about most often when they're searching for homes for sale in Independence Township Michigan.
Deer Lake Farms
The premium name. About 150 custom homes on the northwest side of the Village of Clarkston with HOA-governed architectural controls, mature trees, and private Deer Lake beach, docks, and boat launch for residents.
- Price Range: $600K–$2M+ (seven figures for lakefront)
- Home Styles: Custom colonials, transitional, lake estates
- School District: Clarkston Community Schools
- Best For: Luxury buyers who want walkable access to downtown Clarkston
- Notable: Private Deer Lake beach and launch for residents
Oakhurst
Gated, built around the private Oakhurst Golf & Country Club (Arthur Hills course, former site of the 99th Michigan Amateur). Brick-and-stone custom estates, mostly off Oakhurst Lane.
- Price Range: $700K–$1.5M+
- Home Styles: Custom colonial, transitional, contemporary estates
- School District: Clarkston Community Schools
- Best For: Luxury buyers, golf-lifestyle families, executive relocations
- Notable: Private club with pool, tennis, dining, a small handful of listings per year
Deerwood / The Manors of Deerwood
Upscale subdivision near Independence Oaks County Park, known for manicured lawns, landscaped gardens, and substantial brick homes.
- Price Range: $500K–$900K
- Home Styles: Brick colonials, traditional, some contemporary
- School District: Clarkston Community Schools
- Best For: Move-up families, buyers wanting HOA upkeep standards
- Notable: Walking distance to Independence Oaks trails
Cranberry Lake Estates
Homes from the late 1950s–1970s around a private all-sports lake about 1.5 miles from downtown Clarkston. Smaller footprints, cult-favorite pocket for buyers who want lake life without the Deer Lake price tag.
- Price Range: Mid-$400s–$800K
- Home Styles: Updated ranches, capes, a few newer custom builds
- School District: Clarkston Community Schools
- Best For: Lake buyers on a sensible budget
- Notable: Private all-sports lake with no public DNR launch (low weekend traffic)
Pine Knob Manor / Pine Knob Enclaves
Homes tucked into the streets around the ski hill and amphitheater, convenient, view-forward, and priced across a wide band.
- Price Range: $300s–$700s
- Home Styles: 1980s–2000s executive builds, mid-century ranches
- School District: Clarkston Community Schools
- Best For: Buyers who want luxury near Pine Knob amenities
- Notable: Quick access to both Pine Knob Ski Resort and Pine Knob Music Theatre
Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake
Newer PRD off Maybee Road east of I-75. Phase 2 added 24 single-family lots (approved 2023), and Clearview Homes is one of the active builders. The most active new-build opportunity in the township.
- Price Range: $500s and up for new builds
- Home Styles: New-build colonials, modern traditional
- School District: Clarkston Community Schools
- Best For: Buyers wanting new construction in an established township
- Notable: Still actively building out
Bridge Valley
Established family subdivision. Popular with relocating Stellantis and OU-affiliated buyers.
- Price Range: $400K–$600K
- Home Styles: Executive custom, traditional, European-influenced
- School District: Clarkston Community Schools
- Best For: Mid-market move-up families
- Notable: Wooded terrain, winding roads, favorite of professionals
Westwood Hills
5+ miles of HOA-maintained trails, family-friendly, strong price stability.
- Price Range: $400K–$650K
- School District: Clarkston Community Schools
- Best For: Move-up families who want trails out the back door
Mid-Market Family Subs — Clintonwood, Sashabaw Plains, Lake Waldon Village, Waldon Creek
The meat and potatoes of Independence Township's middle-market inventory.
- Price Range: $300K–$500K
- Home Styles: Brick colonials, Cape Cods, some ranches
- School District: Clarkston Community Schools
- Best For: Move-up families, dual-income households, first-time buyers at the upper end
Neighborhood Summary
Pick the lake. Pick the school boundary. Then pick the house. That's the order I coach clients on. If you tell me your school preference and your water preference, I can narrow this township from 600+ possibilities to a shortlist of five in one 20-minute call.
The best Independence Township Michigan neighborhoods are Deer Lake Farms (luxury lakefront), Oakhurst (gated golf), Deerwood (move-up families), Cranberry Lake Estates (lake-life value), and Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake (new construction).
Not sure which area fits your priorities? The best 20 minutes you can spend before your first showing is a quick call. 248-886-4450 — let's narrow it down before you tour a single home.
Independence Township Homes for Sale by Price Range
Independence Township MI homes for sale range from ~$220K (older condos) to $2.6M+ (Deer Lake lakefront estates). Sweet spot for family buyers is $350K–$500K. Luxury starts at $750K, with $1M+ concentrated in Deer Lake Farms, Oakhurst, and Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake custom builds.
Budget is usually the first filter buyers apply. Here's what you actually get at each tier.
Under $250K
Very little in detached homes. You'll occasionally find an older condo or townhome off Sashabaw or Maybee in the $220K–$250K range. If you're hard-capped under $250K for a single-family, I'd steer you toward Waterford Township or parts of Pontiac and explain why honestly.
$250K–$350K
Entry level. Expect older ranches, small condos, or homes that need updating. A good range for first-time buyers willing to put in sweat equity, or downsizers who want condo life.
$350K–$500K
The sweet spot for families. A 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath colonial or split-level on a quarter to half-acre in Clintonwood, Sashabaw Plains, Waldon Creek, or Westwood Hills. Clarkston schools included. Where the majority of Independence Township MI homes for sale trade.
$500K–$750K
Premium. Larger colonials, 4–5 bedrooms, updated kitchens, finished basements, sometimes lake privileges. Deerwood, Pine Knob Enclaves, and newer builds at Eagle Ridge live here.
$750K–$1M
Upper tier. Custom or semi-custom, 3,500+ square feet, premium lots, some lakefront or lake-view. Bridge Valley sits right in this zone; so do parts of Oakhurst and Deerwood.
$1M+
Luxury. Estate-class on 1+ acres, many with golf course or lake frontage, custom finishes throughout, and lots that sell themselves. My CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) designation earns its keep here, luxury buyers and sellers need someone who knows how to price, market, and negotiate in a thin, high-stakes market. The best lots still sell before photos go up.
If a certain price point doesn't really exist in the township right now, I'll tell you honestly and point you toward the right community where it does. Being helpful matters more than getting the deal.
The sweet spot for most Independence Township MI homes for sale is $350K–$500K in subs like Clintonwood and Sashabaw Plains. Luxury starts at $750K in Bridge Valley and Deerwood and scales to $2.6M+ on Deer Lake.
Independence Township MI Real Estate Market
As of March 2026, Independence Township Michigan's median sale price in ZIP 48346 is $376,800 (+4.7% YoY, Redfin). Township-wide 12-month median runs $428K–$445K (Homes.com), average sale price ~$556,337, median days on market 57–62, and inventory 40–90 homes with 1.6–2.0 months of supply. The Perna Team maintains a 99.1% list-to-sale price ratio across all Metro Detroit listings.
Let's talk numbers. Updated April 2026. If you're evaluating homes for sale in Independence Township MI, this is the data that actually matters, pulled from Redfin, Homes.com, Rocket Homes, and REMAX Southeastern Michigan.
Independence Township MI Market Snapshot
For context: Oakland County's countywide median is $360,000 and the statewide Michigan median is $270,200 (Redfin, March 2026). Independence Township trades at a 20–24% premium to the county and about 60% above the state average, a gap REMAX Southeastern Michigan president Jeanette Schneider specifically called out in April 2026 as a northern-Oakland market "that may become more popular with buyers looking for more space."
Prices are up. DOM is creeping up too. That's a window.
If you're a buyer ????: We're past the 2021–2022 frenzy. Well-prepped listings still move fast and frequently over asking, but you have a little more room to negotiate than you did eighteen months ago. For anyone who sat out the bidding wars, this is the best chance you've had in three years. My strategy: know what you want, get fully underwritten (not just pre-approved), and move when the right one hits.
If you're a seller ????: Still your market, but don't mistake "seller's market" for "list it and they will come." The homes that sell quickly and for top dollar are the ones priced right from day one and marketed aggressively. That's where The Perna Team's 99.1% list-to-sale ratio comes from, professional photography, drone video, MLS syndication, targeted paid media, and an in-house media team that doesn't wait two weeks to get your photos back.
Investment potential ????: Independence Township rentals perform well because Clarkston schools pull families. Single-family rentals in the $2,200–$3,500/month range rent quickly. Lakefront short-term rentals can do much better during summer concert season at Pine Knob, though the township has registration rules you need to understand first, and the Village of Clarkston restricts short-term rentals outright.
The Independence Township MI housing market in early 2026 has a median price of $376,800 in ZIP 48346 (+4.7% YoY), 57–62 days on market, and remains a softening seller's market. The Perna Team maintains a 99.1% list-to-sale ratio.
Thinking about buying or selling? Free home valuations and buyer consultations — call 248-886-4450 or visit PernaTeam.com. Zero pressure. Real answers.
Property Types & Architectural Styles in Independence Township
Independence Township's housing stock is unusually diverse for a single municipality. When you search homes for sale in Independence Township Michigan, you'll find almost every property type represented.
Single-Family Homes
The vast majority of the market. Colonials dominate (1980s–2000s brick and vinyl are everywhere), with a healthy mix of ranches, Cape Cods, Tudors, transitional customs, and modern farmhouse styles in newer construction.
Condos and Townhomes
Concentrated off Sashabaw and Maybee corridors, plus smaller pockets township-wide. Great for empty nesters, first-time buyers, and professionals who travel. Bavarian Village on Walters Lake is a well-known shoreline condo community.
Lakefront Homes
30+ named lakes means lakefront properties ranging from updated 1950s cottages to custom lake estates on Deer Lake, Maceday, Lotus, Walters, Susin, Cranberry, and Lake Oakland.
Historic Homes
The Village of Clarkston district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1980) and protects 100+ historic structures across Buffalo, Church, Clarkston, Depot, Holcomb, Main (M-15), Miller, Waldon, and Washington Streets. Architectural styles include Queen Anne, Italianate, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Empire, Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Stick Style, Bungalow, and Vernacular. This is why I carry the Historic Home Expert designation.
New Construction
Most active at Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake (Maybee Road, east of I-75, Phase 2 approved 2023, Clearview Homes active). Also scattered infill builds on Clintonville, Allen, and Walters roads, and occasional teardown-rebuilds on Deer Lake lakefront lots where a dated 1960s ranch gets scraped for a $2M new build.
Luxury Estates
Deer Lake Farms, Oakhurst, and Deerwood are the three main luxury pockets. Custom estates exceeding $1M are common. Marketing a luxury property is different from marketing a $400K colonial, it requires drone video, professional staging, targeted paid advertising, and a network of luxury buyers. That's what the CLHMS designation and our in-house media team were built for.
Vacant Land and Acreage
The township still has buildable lots scattered throughout, some on lakes, some wooded, some in gated communities with architectural approval required. If you want to build custom, I can help you find the right lot and review the builder contract before you sign.
If you're buying on well and septic (common in the township outside the main corridors), always insist on a separate well/septic inspection — most home inspectors don't cover them in depth. And builder contracts are not your friend — the deposit terms, change-order pricing, and lender/title steering clauses in the standard agreement are written for the builder. Let me review before you sign. Costs you nothing, saved my clients five-figure sums at closing.
Independence Township MI homes for sale span single-family colonials, ranches, lakefront cottages and estates, historic properties, condos, and luxury new construction at Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake.
Lakefront Homes — The Lake-by-Lake Guide
This is the section nobody else writes, and it's the single best reason to buy in Independence Township.
Deer Lake
137 acres · max depth 63 ft · all-sports · on the Clinton River. Private beach and boat launch for Deer Lake Farms and DLKHA residents. Cold clear water, bass/bluegill/pike/crappie fishing, and the shortest boat-to-dinner run in Oakland County (tie up at the township marina, walk to downtown Clarkston).
Maceday Lake
234 acres · ~117 ft deep (second-deepest in Oakland County) · all-sports. DNR-stocked with lake trout, splake, and rainbow trout. One of the only lakes in the metro with a real cold-water fishery.
Lotus Lake
185 acres · all-sports. Connects directly to Maceday (combined surface ~419 acres).
Cranberry Lake
Private all-sports · ~85 acres · no public DNR launch. The lack of public access keeps weekend traffic down, a meaningful value difference from Maceday or Lotus.
Walters Lake
All-sports. Bavarian Village condo community on shoreline, plus a handful of single-family lakefronts.
Susin Lake
~50 acres · spring-fed · private all-sports. A handful of estate-scale lake homes.
Crooked Lake
68 acres · non-motorized only · entirely inside Independence Oaks County Park. If you want the sunset-kayak lifestyle without the jet-ski soundtrack, this is your water.
Also Named
Lake Oakland, Softwater Lake, Greens Lake (Bay Court Park), plus 20+ smaller named lakes and ponds.
Lakefront Pricing Notes
Lakefront pricing in the township ranges from mid-$400s for a modest ranch on Cranberry to well over $2M for a full-frontage estate on Deer Lake. Frontage footage, bottom type (sand vs. muck), and whether the lot is walk-out-to-water all move the price more than interior square footage does. I've negotiated enough of these to know where buyers overpay, ask me before you write.
Independence Township has 30+ named lakes including all-sports Deer Lake, Maceday, Lotus, Walters, and Susin, plus private Cranberry and non-motorized Crooked. Lakefront runs from mid-$400s to $2M+ depending on frontage, bottom type, and water.
Historic Homes & the Village of Clarkston Historic District
If you want a 200-year-old Greek Revival with a front porch on Main Street, Independence Township is one of the last places in Metro Detroit where you can actually find one.
The Clarkston Village Historic District was listed on the Michigan State Register in January 1976 and the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It protects 100+ historic structures across Buffalo, Church, Clarkston, Depot, Holcomb, Main (M-15), Miller, Waldon, and Washington Streets.
Architectural styles in the district: Queen Anne, Italianate, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Second Empire, Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Stick Style, Bungalow, and Vernacular. Nelson Clark's 1839 house still stands at 71 N. Main. Henry Ford owned the Mill Pond dam and a weekend cottage here.
Buying inside the historic district comes with a Historic District Commission review for any exterior change. I've closed enough of these to know what the commission approves on the first pass and what slows the sale down, I carry the Historic Home Expert designation specifically for clients buying into protected districts.
Old houses tell stories. They also have old basements. Bring me.
The Clarkston Village Historic District (listed on the National Register in 1980) protects 100+ historic structures. Exterior changes require Historic District Commission review — which Michael Perna navigates via his Historic Home Expert designation.
New Construction in Independence Township
Most new-construction activity is in three pockets:
Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake (Maybee Road, east of I-75), the Phase 2 lots approved in 2023 are the most active new-build opportunity in the township, with Clearview Homes and other regional builders pricing the $500s and up.
Infill custom builds on remnant acreage, particularly off Clintonville, Allen, and Walters Roads.
Occasional tear-down/rebuild, concentrated on Deer Lake and the Pine Knob-area lakefront lots, where a dated 1960s ranch gets scraped for a $2M new build.
Builder contracts are not your friend. The deposits, change-order pricing, and lender/title steering clauses in the standard builder agreement are written for the builder. Let me review before you sign, it costs you nothing and I've saved clients five-figure sums at closing.
Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake is the most active new-build pocket in Independence Township after its Phase 2 approval in 2023. New construction here typically starts in the $500s and scales above $1M for custom lakefront teardown-rebuilds.
Clarkston Community Schools — Deep Dive
For most of my buyers, this is the whole reason they're looking at Independence Township MI homes for sale. So let's get into it.
Independence Township, Michigan is primarily served by Clarkston Community Schools, an A-minus Niche district with a 95% district graduation rate (97% at Clarkston High), three National Blue Ribbon schools, and six Michigan Exemplary Blue Ribbon schools. Clarkston High School offers 19 AP courses and a full IB program.
Clarkston Community Schools Overview
District stats:
- Niche grade: A-minus
- District graduation rate: 95%
- Clarkston High graduation rate: 97%
- Math proficiency: 49% (vs. 35% state average)
- Reading proficiency: 60% (vs. 46% state average)
- Per-pupil spending: $19,322 (above Michigan median)
- Enrollment: ~6,500–6,700 students
Independence Township School Ratings
Other Districts (Small Edges)
Small slivers of the township are served by Lake Orion Community Schools (Niche A) on the far west and Waterford School District (Niche C+) on the southern Bay Court edge. This is why you always verify school zoning at the actual address — not the zip code.
Private & Alternative Options
- Everest Collegiate High School and Academy, private Roman Catholic PK–12 at 5935 Clarkston Road
- Springfield Christian Academy, nearby Christian school
- Renaissance Alternative High School (within CCS)
- Oakland Schools Technical Campus, Northwest at 8211 Big Lake Road
Nearby Colleges
How schools affect home values: There's a measurable premium on homes zoned for Bailey Lake and Independence elementaries. Homes inside those attendance boundaries consistently sell faster and for more per square foot than otherwise-identical homes for sale in Independence Township Michigan in the less-highly-rated feeder zones. It's one of the first things I check when I pull comps.
I can pull the exact school boundary for any address on the MLS before you tour. It matters. For current ratings, visit the Clarkston Community Schools website or the Niche district profile.
Clarkston Community Schools holds an A-minus Niche grade, 95% district graduation rate, and three National Blue Ribbon schools. Top elementaries Bailey Lake, Independence, and Clarkston all score 9/10 on GreatSchools. Always verify zoning at the exact address — small edges feed Lake Orion or Waterford./p>
Living in Independence Township — Lifestyle & Recreation
If your weekends ever feel empty here, you're doing it wrong. The lifestyle is a real reason people pay a premium for Independence Township homes for sale.
Pine Knob Music Theatre
15,274 seats. Consistently among the top-selling outdoor amphitheaters in America (Pollstar and Billboard). Season runs May through October, operated by 313 Presents. Living 10 minutes from Pine Knob is its own lifestyle — and yes, on concert nights the Sashabaw/I-75 interchange gets busy. Address: 33 Bob Seger Drive.
Pine Knob Ski Resort
17 runs, 300-foot vertical, 6 chairlifts, signature mogul run called The Wall. Closest real ski area to Detroit. Night skiing Tuesday through Sunday. If you have kids, put this on the list. Address: 7778 Sashabaw Road.
Independence Oaks County Park
Oakland County's largest park at 1,286 acres, wrapped around 68-acre Crooked Lake. 12–14 miles of trails, Lewis E. Wint Nature Center, Hidden Springs swimming beach (lifeguarded), non-motorized boat launch, kayak/canoe rental, Twin Chimneys wedding shelter, archery range, cross-country ski rental in winter, and a state-designated old-growth forest. Entry: $5/day county residents, $8 non-resident. Address: 9501 Sashabaw Road, 2.5 miles north of I-75 Exit 89.
Clintonwood Park
Independence Township's 120-acre flagship at 6000 Clarkston Road. Ryan Kennedy Memorial Playground, Renee Przybylski Memorial Spray Park, seven tennis and pickleball courts, sand volleyball, baseball/softball/soccer, and the Senior Community Center. Home to Independence Fest every July 4 (25-year tradition: parade, car show, fireworks).
Bay Court Park
6970 Andersonville Road, on Greens Lake. Free admission, small swim beach, a brand-new inclusive playground (opened April 2024, $720K project), and the Ryan Schmidt Memorial Disc Golf Course.
Deer Lake Beach
Township-resident swimming beach on the south shore of Deer Lake, lifeguards Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Golf in Independence Township
Annual Events
- Independence Fest (July 4) — 25+ year tradition. Parade, car show, vendors, live music, fireworks at Clintonwood Park.
- Art in the Village — 40+ year tradition in downtown Clarkston.
- Tastefest — downtown restaurants close the streets for a street food festival.
- Depot Park concerts — free summer concert series in the Village of Clarkston.
- Farmers Market — warm-season market in downtown Clarkston.
On any given Saturday in Independence Township, you might see a wedding at a lakefront house, kids playing rec soccer at Clintonwood, a line at Union Woodshop, a packed parking lot at Pine Knob, and a family of deer crossing Sashabaw Road. All normal.
Independence Township MI lifestyle centers on Pine Knob (15,274-seat amphitheater and ski resort), the 1,286-acre Independence Oaks County Park, four major golf courses including top-50 Shepherd's Hollow, and 30+ lakes.
Dining, Shopping & Local Businesses Near Independence Township
The Village of Clarkston's Main Street punches way above its weight for a half-square-mile village — and it's the de facto downtown for every neighborhood of Independence Township homes for sale.
Restaurants In & Near Downtown Clarkston
- Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen (54 S. Main) — the mac and cheese Guy Fieri put on Food Network, served inside an 1840s converted Baptist church
- Union Woodshop (18 S. Main) — wood-fired BBQ and pizza from the same Curt Catallo restaurant group
- Honcho (15 S. Main) — Latin-Asian fusion in a converted mechanic's garage. Breakfast tacos are dangerous
- Rudy's Prime Steakhouse — Prime and Wagyu inside the old Rudy's Market building
- Essence on Main — gourmet deli and specialty market
- Kruse's Deer Lake Inn, 5th Tavern, Sagano Japanese Bistro, Clarkston Tap, Crispelli's Bakery & Pizzeria, Parker's Hilltop, Pastalegant Ristorante
Coffee, Bakeries & Casual
The Shoppe (Clarkston Union bakery), Biggby Coffee (multiple Sashabaw and M-15 locations), Café 8430.
Grocery & Daily Essentials
Kroger at Clarkston Oaks, Lakeview Food Basket near Walters Lake, Meijer just south in Waterford, Costco at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills.
Shopping Nearby
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets (Auburn Hills, 15 min), The Village at Rochester Hills (25 min), Somerset Collection (Troy, 30 min), plus downtown Clarkston boutiques, antique shops, the yarn shop, and the bike shop.
Add in Depot Park concerts, the Clarkston Farmers Market, the 40-year-running Art in the Village, Tastefest, and the annual tree-lighting, and the "do I need to drive to Birmingham for a night out?" answer is no.
Commute, Transportation & Major Employers
Independence Township's geography is one of its biggest selling points — you're connected without being consumed. Mean commute time for township residents is 28.8 minutes per ACS, lower than Oakland County as a whole because so many residents work the Auburn Hills/Pontiac corridor.
Key Roads and Highways
- I-75 — diagonally through the southern township. Two access points: Exit 89 (Sashabaw) and Exit 91 (M-15)
- M-15 (Ortonville Road) — north-south major corridor
- US-24 (Dixie Highway) — briefly through the southwest corner
- Sashabaw Road — main north-south arterial, widened to 5 lanes from I-75 to Clarkston Road in 2020
- Clarkston Road — east-west corridor
- Clintonville, Waldon, Maybee, Big Lake, Pine Knob Roads — local connectors
Major Employers Within 30 Minutes
Stellantis North American HQ (Auburn Hills), Oakland University (Rochester), McLaren Clarkston Medical Center (inside the township), Henry Ford / McLaren Oakland (Pontiac), Troy corporate cluster, and Beaumont/Corewell systems throughout Oakland County.
Public Transit and Airports
- SMART Bus runs select routes in northern Oakland County; the township is car-dependent
- DTW (Detroit Metro) — ~50 min via M-59 to I-275
- Bishop International Airport (Flint) — ~45 min north
- Oakland County International Airport (Pontiac) — 15 min (private aviation)
Homes for sale in Independence Township Michigan appeal especially to hybrid workers, the Auburn Hills tech/auto corridor, and executives who fly in and out of DTW frequently.
Independence Township MI sits 40 miles northwest of Detroit with two direct I-75 exits, a 15-minute commute to Auburn Hills (Stellantis HQ), and a 50-minute drive to DTW. Mean resident commute is 28.8 minutes.
Safety & Community Character in Independence Township
Independence Township is consistently one of the safer communities in Oakland County. Crime rates run well below Michigan and national averages, with a noticeably low violent crime rate.
Police services are contracted through the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, which operates a substation directly in the township. You get full professional coverage without the overhead of a standalone municipal department.
Fire and EMS are provided by the Independence Township Fire Department, including Advanced Life Support (ALS) capability — a real peace-of-mind factor for families and retirees.
Community feel: In most subdivisions, neighbors actually know each other. Clarkston High football games are community events — stadium fills up, marching band plays, parking lot fills an hour before kickoff. Independence Fest on July 4 draws thousands. People in Independence Township take their community seriously.
It's the kind of place where subdivisions are quiet at night. Parts of the township are strict enough about light pollution that you can still see stars, not a given in Metro Detroit. All of that factors into property values holding strong across every category of homes for sale in Independence Township MI.
Property Taxes, Cost of Living & Utilities in Independence Township
Here are the honest numbers.
Property Taxes
Independence Township's principal-residence millage is approximately 32 mills. Notably lower than the Village of Clarkston's combined rate of ~45 mills, which is why many buyers choose the township even though they want a Clarkston address.
On a $500,000 home assessed at 50% State Equalized Value, principal-residence tax runs roughly $8,000/year in the township vs. ~$14,500/year in the Village. Approximately $6,500/year difference.
Michigan State Income Tax
Flat 4.25% as of 2026.
Cost of Living
Slightly above the Michigan average, driven mostly by housing. Utilities, food, and daily costs align with the broader Metro Detroit average. Median household income at $114,699 is roughly 20% above the Oakland County average.
Utilities & Providers
Typical HOA Fees
- Condo communities (The Links, Bavarian Village): ~$275–$400/month
- Oakhurst: varies — country club membership is separate
- Gated communities: $500–$1,500/year depending on amenities
- Subdivisions with pool/clubhouse: $400–$1,200/year
I walk my buyers through the real total monthly cost, not just the mortgage, but taxes, insurance, utilities, HOA, well/septic reserves if applicable. No surprises at closing.
Independence Township MI's principal-residence millage is ~32 mills, roughly 13 mills lower than the Village of Clarkston. Expect ~$8,000/year in property taxes on a $500K home, saving ~$6,500/year vs. the Village.
Want to Know Exactly What You Can Afford?
Our integrated lender partners can pre-approve you in as little as 24 hours, with real rates, real terms, no guesswork.
Start Your Pre-Approval · Or call (248) 494-4698
Healthcare & Essential Services Near Independence Township
Access to quality healthcare is an underrated win of Independence Township Michigan real estate — and for SRES clients downsizing here, it's often the tipping point.
Hospitals and Urgent Care
- McLaren Clarkston Medical Center — inside the township
- McLaren Oakland (Pontiac) — ~10–15 min
- Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital – Royal Oak — ~30 min, Level I trauma
- Henry Ford Hospital – Troy — ~25 min
- Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital — ~25 min
- Multiple urgent care centers on Sashabaw, M-15, and Dixie corridors
Specialists and Medical Offices
Clarkston Medical Plaza, Waldon Medical Center, and the Sashabaw Road healthcare corridor cover pediatrics, OB/GYN, dermatology, orthopedics, dentistry, vision, all within 10 minutes.
Veterinary
Clarkston Animal Hospital, Independence Veterinary Clinic, plus emergency services at Animal Urgent Care of Rochester.
Township Services
- Independence Township Hall: 6483 Waldon Center Drive, Clarkston, MI 48346
- Independence District Library: 6495 Clarkston Road
- Senior Community Center at Clintonwood Park
- U.S. Postal Service: locations in the Village of Clarkston
For my SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) clients downsizing in Independence Township, having McLaren Clarkston inside the township plus Beaumont/Corewell and McLaren Oakland within 30 minutes is a genuine selling point.
Independence Township History & Heritage
Independence Township was first organized in 1834 and named by early settler Joseph Van Sycle, who came from Independence Township, New Jersey. The first settler to purchase and develop land here was John W. Beardslee, arriving from Sussex County, New Jersey, in the 1820s.
The earliest economy was agricultural, but the many lakes started drawing vacationers from Detroit in the early 1900s. For decades, Detroiters built summer cottages on Deer Lake, Lake Oakland, and Walters Lake for weekend getaways. Henry Ford himself kept a weekend cottage and owned the Mill Pond dam in the Village.
That changed permanently when I-75 came through in 1962. Farmland turned into subdivisions. Cornfields turned into schools, churches, and shopping centers. Two-lane dirt roads got paved. Independence Township shifted from a rural vacation area into a full-fledged northern Oakland suburb.
Today, population sits at roughly 37,000 across 36+ square miles. The City of the Village of Clarkston, which incorporated separately in 1992 and is now completely surrounded by the township, preserves the 19th-century downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Pre-1920 homes still dot the township, especially around the Village and along older corridors like Clarkston Road and Dixie Highway. These are the homes where my Historic Home Expert designation earns its keep, buying pre-war or pre-Depression property requires knowledge of preservation standards, foundation types, lead and asbestos protocols, and the kind of inspection a modern-build inspector can miss.
Climate & Seasons in Independence Township
Four real seasons. You're going to feel each one.
Annual precipitation: ~34 inches of rain + ~40 inches of snow.
Real estate timing: Spring and early summer are historically the busiest selling seasons, inventory of Independence Township MI homes for sale peaks April through July, and so do buyer numbers. That said, some of my best buyer deals close in November and December when competition drops and sellers want to close by year-end. If you're strategic, there is no bad time to look at homes for sale in Independence Township Michigan.
Yes, we get winter. But if you've never experienced a Michigan fall, the colors alone are worth it.
Every Real Estate Scenario — Why Michael Perna Is the Top Agent in Independence Township MI
Every buyer and seller has a different story. Here's how The Perna Team handles the full range of scenarios.
Cluster 1: First-Time Buyers & Move-Up Buyers
First-time buyer in Independence Township? Absolutely doable, especially in the $300K–$450K range in Clintonwood, Sashabaw Plains, or a condo off Sashabaw/Maybee. I hold the ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) designation, which means buyer representation isn't an afterthought, it's core. Whether you're going conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA (yes, parts of the northern township qualify for USDA), we'll walk you through the real monthly cost before you tour a single home. Move-up buyers, outgrowing your first place and wanting more space, better schools, a lake, we time the buy and sell so you don't double-pay.
Cluster 2: Selling at the Highest Price
This is where 20+ years and 8,000+ transactions show up. My team's 99.1% list-to-sale price ratio isn't an accident — it comes from pricing homes correctly from day one and marketing them aggressively. We deploy our in-house media team (professional photography, drone, video), social media blasts, targeted paid advertising, MLS syndication, and a buyer database of thousands of pre-qualified Metro Detroit buyers. If your last listing sat, or you're coming out of a FSBO and the calls haven't come in, let's talk. Expired listings are a specialty, and I can usually tell within 10 minutes why a home didn't sell the first time.
Cluster 3: Luxury & Specialty Properties
Selling an estate in Deer Lake Farms, Oakhurst, or Deerwood is a completely different transaction from a $400K colonial. My CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) designation was built for this, luxury buyers and sellers need targeted marketing, custom drone video, magazine-quality photography, private networks, and an agent who knows how to negotiate in a thin, high-stakes market. For historic properties, the pre-war homes in the Village of Clarkston Historic District, my Historic Home Expert designation matters. I know what to inspect, how to price, how to position, and what the Historic District Commission will approve. Lakefront on Deer Lake, Maceday, Walters, or Cranberry? We've done it, and we know what lakefront buyers are actually evaluating (frontage, bottom, walk-out, not just waterfront photos).
Cluster 4: Life Transitions
Sometimes the reason you're selling isn't happy. Downsizing, divorce, inheritance, a parent moving into assisted living, a job relocation, these are emotional transactions, not just financial ones. My SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) designation was earned specifically to help clients 55+ through downsizing, it's not a marketing gimmick, it's real training on tax implications, estate planning coordination, and the emotional weight of selling a family home. For divorce sales, we work discreetly. For inherited property and probate sales, we understand Michigan probate timelines and coordinate with the estate attorney. Corporate relocation and military PCS, we've handled hundreds.
Cluster 5: Investment & Financial Strategy
Single-family rentals in Independence Township perform well because Clarkston schools pull family tenants. We help investors evaluate cash flow, cap rate, and appreciation potential. 1031 exchanges, we coordinate with your qualified intermediary to keep the timeline tight. Fix-and-flip, we'll tell you honestly whether a property is worth the risk based on real comps, not optimism. Cash buyers get priority on new listings and off-market opportunities. Lakefront teardown lots on Deer Lake are a niche that pencils in specific conditions; I'll run the ARV before you write.
Cluster 6: Condos, Townhomes & Alternative Housing
Condo pockets off Sashabaw/Maybee and the Bavarian Village shoreline community on Walters Lake are the dominant options. HOA fees, reserve studies, assessment history, bylaws, all of it matters. My team knows these communities inside and out, including which buildings have recent renovations and which are due. If you're downsizing into a condo or buying your first condo as an investment, we know the landscape.
The common thread: you get one agent (me) quarterbacking the deal, backed by a full team of specialists, listing coordinators, closing coordinators, in-house media, integrated lender partnerships, and a 110-agent team of licensed professionals. Whether you need the best real estate agent in Independence Township MI for a $300K first home or a $2M estate, the answer is the same team. That's how we've closed 8,000+ transactions.
Michael Perna is the top real estate agent in Independence Township MI because every scenario — first-time buyer, luxury seller, downsizing retiree, investor, divorcing couple — is handled by a dedicated specialist on a 110-agent team.
Ready to Start Your Independence Township Home Search?
Skip the 3am Zillow spiral. Let Michael personally build a custom MLS search based on your neighborhood, budget, schools, and must-haves, and send you matches before they hit the public sites.
Request a Custom Search · Call (248) 494-4698
What Clients Say About Michael Perna and The Perna Team
Don't take my word for it, here's what people who've been through it say.
The Perna Team has earned 2,500+ verified 5-star reviews across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Facebook. These aren't paid testimonials; they're real clients who bought or sold a home and wrote about it.
"Michael's team sold our house in Clintonwood in nine days for over asking. We'd been referred by three different neighbors, now I know why."
— Independence Township seller, 2025
"I was nervous about buying in this market. Michael's buyer's agent walked me through everything, pre-approval, touring, offers, inspection, closing. I closed on my first home with zero surprises."
— First-time buyer in Independence Township MI
"My SRES agent on Michael's team understood what we were going through. She wasn't just selling our house, she was helping us close a chapter."
— Senior client, Deerwood
"We interviewed three teams. The Perna Team was the only one who showed up with a written marketing plan and a realistic price. They were right, under contract in 11 days."
— Bridge Valley seller
Every client situation is different, but the outcomes all have the same pattern: clear communication, aggressive marketing for sellers, patient representation for buyers, and a whole team working the deal.
The Perna Team Advantage (vs. the Average Agent)
Let me be blunt — The Perna Team is not a solo agent, and that matters.
Perna Team vs. Average Metro Detroit Agent
The real difference: when you work with a solo agent, you get one person trying to do 47 jobs — marketing, showings, paperwork, photography, social media, negotiations, closing coordination, buyer follow-up. Things fall through the cracks. Not because the agent is bad — because the model is broken.
When you work with us, you get:
- 110+ licensed agents covering all of Metro Detroit
- Listing coordinators managing paperwork and MLS from contract to close
- Closing coordinators staying on top of title, lender, and inspection timelines
- In-house media team, professional photography, drone, video — often same-day
- Inside sales team responding to buyer inquiries 7 days a week
- Integrated lender partners for quick pre-approvals
- 24/7 responsiveness, real estate doesn't operate 9 to 5
- Free home valuations, no pressure, no obligation
- Fox 2 Detroit News appearances as their Metro Detroit real estate expert
- Hyper-local knowledge in Independence Township, Clarkston, and every nearby community
The numbers speak to the model: 99.1% list-to-sale price ratio, $200M+ annual volume, 8,000+ closed transactions. That's not one good year — that's two decades of refining the system.
I quarterback every deal. My team executes. You get the benefit of both.
Same team on day one and closing day. Every time.
The Perna Team outperforms the average Metro Detroit agent on every metric that matters — transactions (8,000+ vs. 40), list-to-sale ratio (99.1% vs. 97%), and support infrastructure (110+ agents vs. one).
Recent Independence Township Sales (Comparable Homes)
Recent Independence Township MI home sales range from $225,000 (older condos) to $2.6M+ (Deer Lake lakefront estates and Oakhurst custom builds). The middle market, 3-bedroom family homes in established subdivisions, sold in the $420,000–$570,000 range in late 2025.
These are representative recent sales to give you a sense of what's actually trading. For current live comps on a specific neighborhood, call (248) 886-4450.
What Happens When You Call Michael — The First 20 Minutes
When you call Michael Perna at (248) 494-4698 about homes for sale in Independence Township MI, the first 20-minute conversation covers your goal, budget, timeline, school zoning preference, lake preference, and commute, and ends with a custom MLS alert going live in your inbox before you hang up.
I get it, calling a real estate agent for the first time can feel like a commitment you're not ready for. It isn't. Here's what actually happens the first time we talk.
Minute 0–5: The Goal
I ask one question: what's the outcome you're trying to get to? Buy a first home, trade up, downsize, sell and cash out, 1031 exchange into a rental, relocate for a job. No two clients have the same answer. Your answer steers everything that follows.
Minute 5–10: The Constraints
Budget. Timeline. School zoning preference. Commute. Lake or no lake. Yard size. HOA tolerance. Well/septic OK or city-water only. One-story or willing to do stairs. We get honest about what's flexible and what's not.
Minute 10–15: The Shortlist
Based on that, I narrow the roughly 600+ homes for sale in Independence Township MI (active plus pipeline) to a shortlist of 5–10 worth your time. I tell you honestly which neighborhoods aren't a fit for your criteria, and I explain why.
Minute 15–20: The Action Plan
You leave the call with:
- A custom MLS alert hitting your inbox the moment a new match goes live
- A recommended lender if you don't already have one, pre-approval in 24–48 hours
- A neighborhood match memo ranking your top 3 picks and why
- My direct cell for anything that comes up after
That's it. No contract. No obligation. No sales pitch. If we click, we keep going. If we don't, you've still got great information and a better search.
The single biggest mistake buyers make in Independence Township Michigan is shopping online for weeks before they call an agent. By the time you find me, you've been missing off-market listings, wasting time on listings already under contract, and competing with buyers whose agents saw new listings first. Call first. Shop second.
Ready for That 20 Minutes?
Call Michael at (248) 886-4450 · Or request a call back and we'll reach out within the hour.
Key Landmarks & GPS Reference — Independence Township, Michigan
Key Independence Township MI landmarks with precise GPS coordinates, useful for navigation, school-district verification, and confirming whether a specific address sits inside the township or the Village of Clarkston.
Driving Distances Within Independence Township
- Downtown Village of Clarkston → Pine Knob: 2.8 mi / 6 min
- Clarkston High School → Independence Oaks County Park: 4.1 mi / 9 min
- I-75 Exit 89 → Downtown Clarkston: 4.5 mi / 8 min
- McLaren Clarkston → Clintonwood Park: 2.9 mi / 7 min
Coordinates are approximate and for general reference, always verify specific addresses via MLS or county records before writing an offer.
Recent Perna Team Wins in Independence Township
The Perna Team has closed dozens of transactions in Independence Township MI over the last 12 months — from $225K condos to $2M+ Deer Lake estates. These are representative outcomes (addresses anonymized for client privacy).
Every one of these is a real Perna Team closing on homes for sale in Independence Township Michigan in the last 12 months.
These aren't the only wins, they're a representative cross-section. Every one started with a phone call to (248) 886-4450.
Independence Township Real Estate Glossary
Key terms every buyer and seller of homes for sale in Independence Township MI should understand, from "charter township" to "PRE" to "all-sports lake."
Quick reference for the terms you'll hear during an Independence Township Michigan real estate transaction.
All-Sports Lake — A lake permitting motorized watercraft (boats, jet skis, water-skiing). Most lakes in Independence Township MI are all-sports; Crooked Lake at Independence Oaks is non-motorized.
Charter Township — A form of Michigan municipal government with broader taxing and service authority than a general-law township. Independence Charter Township is one.
Clarkston Community Schools (CCS) — The A-minus-rated public school district serving the majority of Independence Township. 95% district graduation rate. Three National Blue Ribbon schools.
CLHMS — Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. The designation Michael Perna holds for transactions at $1M+.
DLKHA — Deer Lake Knolls Home Association. One of the HOAs governing homes around Deer Lake.
Homestead / PRE — Principal Residence Exemption. Michigan's tax classification for your primary home reduces your millage rate. Independence Township PRE is ~32 mills vs. ~50+ mills non-PRE.
Millage — Michigan's property tax unit. 1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. Independence Township = ~32 mills PRE; Village of Clarkston = ~45 mills.
MLS (Realcomp II) — Multiple Listing Service covering Metro Detroit. All Independence Township MI homes for sale listed here.
National Register of Historic Places — Federal list protecting the Village of Clarkston Historic District (listed 1980), which impacts exterior modification rules for pre-war homes.
PRD (Planned Residential Development) — A zoning tool that allows mixed-lot subdivisions. Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake is a PRD.
SEV (State Equalized Value) — Typically 50% of true cash value. Used to calculate Michigan property taxes alongside Taxable Value.
SRES — Seniors Real Estate Specialist. Michael's designation for clients 55+ and downsizing.
Taxable Value — The SEV capped by Proposal A's annual inflation limit. Resets to SEV on sale, one reason to understand tax implications before buying in Independence Township Michigan.
Village of Clarkston — A separately incorporated 0.44-sq-mi city completely surrounded by Independence Township. Same schools, same mailing address, but roughly 13 mills higher property taxes and a Historic District Commission.
Well & Septic — Private utilities common outside the main corridors. Requires separate inspection (most home inspectors don't cover these deeply).
Frequently Asked Questions - Homes for Sale in Independence Township MI
What is the median home price in Independence Township, MI?
The median sale price in Independence Township MI is $376,800 in ZIP 48346 as of March 2026 (+4.7% YoY, Redfin), with the township-wide 12-month median running $428,000–$445,000 per Homes.com. Average sale price is closer to $556,000 when luxury estates are included. Price per square foot averages around $214. For live neighborhood-specific pricing, call (248) 886-4450.
How many homes are for sale in Independence Township right now?
Active inventory typically sits between 40 and 90 homes in early 2026, with months of supply around 1.6 to 2.0, still a seller's market, but less tight than 2022.
Is Independence Township Michigan a good place to live?
Yes , Independence Township Michigan is widely considered one of the best places to live in northern Oakland County. Top-rated Clarkston Community Schools, 30+ lakes, Pine Knob ski and music venue, and an "up north" feel only 40 miles from Detroit. Crime rates run well below state and national averages.
What are the best neighborhoods in Independence Township?
The best neighborhoods include Deer Lake Farms (luxury lakefront), Oakhurst (gated golf), Deerwood (move-up families), Cranberry Lake Estates (lake-life value), Pine Knob Manor/Enclaves, Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake (new construction), Bridge Valley, and Westwood Hills. Michael Perna works every one of these.
How are the schools in Independence Township Michigan?
Clarkston Community Schools carries an A-minus Niche grade with a 95% district graduation rate, three National Blue Ribbon schools, and six Michigan Exemplary Blue Ribbon schools. Clarkston High School offers 19 AP courses and a full IB program. Small portions of the township feed Lake Orion or Waterford districts.
Who is the best real estate agent in Independence Township MI?
Michael Perna of The Perna Team is widely recognized as the top-performing real estate agent serving Independence Township MI. Michigan Real Estate License #309650, 20+ years of experience, 8,000+ closed transactions, a 99.1% list-to-sale price ratio, $200M+ in annual volume, and a 110-agent team. Contact The Perna Team at (248) 494-4698 or PernaTeam.com.
What types of homes are for sale in Independence Township MI?
Homes for sale in Independence Township MI include single-family colonials and ranches, luxury custom estates, lakefront properties on Deer Lake and Walters Lake, historic pre-war homes near the Village of Clarkston, condos and townhomes, and select new construction at Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake. Price range is roughly $225K to $2.6M+.
How long does it take to sell a home in Independence Township?
The current area median days on market is 57–62 days, per Homes.com March 2026 data. Well-prepared, correctly-priced listings move faster, Perna Team listings historically beat the market median, thanks to a 99.1% list-to-sale ratio and aggressive in-house marketing.
Is Independence Township safe?
Yes, Independence Township consistently reports crime rates below Michigan and national averages. Police coverage is contracted through the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, and fire/EMS (including Advanced Life Support) is handled by the Independence Township Fire Department.
What is the property tax rate in Independence Township Michigan?
Independence Township's principal-residence millage is approximately 32 mills, noticeably lower than the Village of Clarkston's ~45 mills. On a $500,000 home, that's roughly $8,000/year in township taxes vs. ~$14,500/year in the Village — a savings of about $6,500/year. Non-homestead rates are higher.
What is the difference between Independence Township and the Village of Clarkston?
Independence Charter Township is the 36-square-mile municipality. The Village of Clarkston is a separately incorporated 0.44-square-mile city completely surrounded by the township. Most Clarkston mailing addresses are actually in the township. Township millage runs roughly 13 mills lower than Village millage, about $6,500/year in savings on a $500K home.
How far is Independence Township from Detroit?
Independence Township is approximately 40 miles northwest of downtown Detroit, a 45–50 minute drive via I-75. Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is ~50 minutes via M-59 to I-275, and Auburn Hills is just 15 minutes south.
Are there luxury homes for sale in Independence Township MI?
Yes, luxury homes are concentrated in Deer Lake Farms, Oakhurst, Deerwood, and along lakefront on Deer Lake, Walters, and Susin. Prices range from $750K to $2.6M+. Michael Perna holds the CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) designation for these transactions.
What is the Independence Township housing market like right now?
As of early 2026, Independence Township remains a softening seller's market. Median price in ZIP 48346 is $376,800 (+4.7% YoY), median days on market is 57–62 days, and inventory is slowly rising from 2022 lows. Well-priced homes still draw strong buyer interest.
Does Michael Perna sell homes in Independence Township?
Yes, Michael Perna and The Perna Team actively sell homes in Independence Township, Michigan across every neighborhood, price range, and property type. Thousands of closings across Metro Detroit over 20+ years.
What should I know before moving to Independence Township Michigan?
Most residents have a "Clarkston" mailing address (48346 or 48348) even though they live in the township, most subdivisions are car-dependent, many homes run on well and septic, and school zoning matters, mostly Clarkston, but some edges feed Lake Orion or Waterford.
How do I get a free home valuation in Independence Township?
The Perna Team provides free, no-obligation home valuations. Call (248) 886-4450, email info@pernateam.com, or visit PernaTeam.com to request one. Michael or a team member reviews recent comparables, neighborhood trends, and your home's condition and replies within 24 hours.
What is the cost of living in Independence Township MI?
The cost of living is slightly above the Michigan state average, driven mostly by housing. Utilities, food, and daily expenses align with the broader Metro Detroit average. Median household income is approximately $114,699, roughly 20% above the Oakland County average.
Are there new construction homes in Independence Township?
Yes, though new construction is limited because the township is largely built out. The most active new-build opportunity is Eagle Ridge at Morgan Lake off Maybee Road east of I-75, Phase 2 approved 2023. Also scattered infill custom builds off Clintonville, Allen, and Walters Roads, plus occasional lakefront teardown-rebuilds. New construction typically starts in the $500s and exceeds $1M for custom lakefront.
What are the commute times from Independence Township to Detroit?
The commute from Independence Township to downtown Detroit averages 45–50 minutes via I-75 (about 40 miles). Auburn Hills is 15 minutes, Troy is 25–27 minutes, Pontiac is 15 minutes, and DTW Airport is about 50 minutes via M-59.
Is Independence Township MI good for families?
Yes , top-rated Clarkston schools, low crime, abundant parks (Independence Oaks, Clintonwood, Bay Court, Deer Lake Beach), 30+ lakes for recreation, and strong community events like Independence Fest make it one of the top family communities in Oakland County.
How do I sell my home fast in Independence Township?
Price it correctly from day one, prepare the home with professional staging and photography, and work with an experienced local agent. The Perna Team's 99.1% list-to-sale ratio and aggressive in-house marketing consistently beat the 57–62 day area median. Call (248) 494-4698.
What zip codes are in Independence Township MI?
Independence Township MI uses zip codes 48346 (central/southern township plus the Village of Clarkston) and 48348 (northern township). Both are entirely within Oakland County and carry "Clarkston" as the USPS mailing city name.
Is Independence Township the same as Clarkston?
No, Independence Township is not the same as the City of the Village of Clarkston. Independence Township is a 36-square-mile charter township that completely surrounds the much smaller Village of Clarkston (0.44 square miles). Most residents with a "Clarkston" mailing address live in the township, not the Village.
What are the best lakes in Independence Township Michigan?
The best lakes include Deer Lake (137 acres, all-sports), Maceday Lake (234 acres, second-deepest in Oakland County at 117 ft), Lotus Lake (185 acres, connects to Maceday), Walters Lake, Susin Lake (50-acre spring-fed all-sports), private Cranberry Lake, and non-motorized Crooked Lake inside Independence Oaks County Park.
Is Independence Township a good place to retire?
Yes, single-level ranch inventory, McLaren Clarkston Medical Center inside the township, the Clintonwood Park Senior Community Center, walkable downtown Clarkston, and lower township millage all make Independence Township a strong retirement market. The Perna Team offers a dedicated SRES-designated downsizing program.
How do I find a home in the best Clarkston school zone?
To find a home in the best Clarkston school attendance zone, work with a local agent who knows which streets feed top-rated elementaries like Bailey Lake and Independence (both 9/10 GreatSchools). Michael Perna pulls the exact school zoning for every address before you tour. Call (248) 494-4698.
How do I schedule a home tour in Independence Township?
Call Michael Perna at (248) 886-4450 or visit pernateam.com to request tours directly from any active MLS listing.
Are you interested in buying or selling a home in Independence Township, MI? Contact us here or call (248) 886-4450 to speak to one of our Independence Township realtors today!
Back to: Independence Township Real Estate Listings
Michael Perna serves as the trusted real estate guide for luxury home selling in Independence Township, Michigan, delivering proven results and maximum value for discerning homeowners. Contact today for a comprehensive market analysis and selling strategy consultation.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You've done the research. You know the neighborhoods, from Millpointe to Woodfield South to Edge Brook. You know the schools, the commute, the market, and what your money gets you in Independence Township, Michigan. Now it's time to take the next step.
Whether you're browsing Independence Township MI homes for sale for the first time, ready to list and want to know what your home is worth, or just want an honest conversation about whether Independence Township is the right fit, this is exactly what I do.
One call. No pressure. Real answers.
What Happens When You Call
No scripts. No runaround. Here's exactly what you get:
Buyers: I'll ask you 5 questions. Based on your answers, I'll tell you which neighborhoods and specific streets match what you're describing, and what your realistic offer strategy looks like in today's market.
Sellers: I'll give you a real number, not a Zestimate, not a guess. A precise pricing strategy based on 24 years of data in this specific market, followed by a clear plan for how we get you from listed to closed in an average of 14 days.
Both: I won't tell you what you want to hear. I'll tell you what's true. That's what 8,000+ transactions and 24 years earns you.
Contact Michael Perna — The Perna Team
Phone / Text: 248-886-4450
Email: michaelperna@pernateam.com
Website: PernaTeam.com
License: #309650 · CRS · GRI · ABR · SRES · CLHMS · Historic Home Expert
Reviews: Google · Zillow · Realtor.com · Facebook — thousands of 5-star reviews
Three Ways to Start Right Now
- Schedule a Free Consultation — Tell me your situation. I'll tell you exactly how I'd approach it.
- Get a Free Independence Township MI Home Valuation — No algorithm. A real analysis from someone who knows this market.
- Search Independence Township, MI Homes for Sale — Live MLS listings, updated daily.
Independence Township Homes for Sale by Price Range, Safety & Community Character in Independence Township
Written by Michael Perna, the best real estate agent for first-time homebuyers in Independence Township, Michigan
Start searching for your dream home now.
The Perna Team can help you with buying and selling all homes for sale in Michigan! Contact us online for an initial home evaluation,
or call (248) 494.4698 to speak to one of our professional agents regarding all your Michigan real estate needs.