Good forYoung professionals and first-time buyers who want a walkable downtown, restaurants, and nightlife
Less ideal ifYou need a large lot, a big garage, or the most square footage per dollar
Housing style1920s bungalows and Tudors, updated ranches, and newer condos/townhomes near downtown
Buyer competitionHigh — well-priced, updated homes near downtown often move quickly
Commute & locationI-696 and Woodward; roughly 20–30 minutes to downtown Detroit
Price rangeVaries by street, size & condition — ask for the current range
Common inspection notesOlder housing stock — check electrical updates, basement moisture, and older sewer lines
Nearby alternativesFerndale, Clawson, Berkley

If you want to live close-in, walk to dinner, and stay in Oakland County, Royal Oak and Ferndale top most shortlists. They border each other along Woodward, share a similar era of housing, and both trade on walkable downtowns. But they're not interchangeable — and the right pick depends on what you value.

Quick take

Choose Ferndale for a denser, more compact, creative feel and often a lower entry point. Choose Royal Oak for a larger downtown, a wider range of housing and price points, and more room to move up over time.

The quick take

Both communities are established, close-in, and popular with buyers who'd rather walk than drive for everyday life. Ferndale is smaller and denser; Royal Oak is larger with a bigger commercial core. Neither is "better" — they serve different priorities.

Price & housing stock

Expect a lot of early-to-mid-century bungalows and Tudors, with newer construction and condos mixed in. Royal Oak's larger footprint gives it a broader range of price points, from entry-level bungalows to premium new builds. Ferndale's smaller lots can mean a lower entry price in some pockets, though demand keeps well-located homes competitive.

"City-wide averages hide the story. On these blocks, condition and exact location move price more than the ZIP code."

Walkability & feel

Ferndale is compact and creative — a dense, close-knit downtown you can cross on foot. Royal Oak's downtown is larger, with more retail, dining, and nightlife. If you want maximum walk-to-everything density, Ferndale delivers; if you want a bigger downtown and more housing variety within walking distance, Royal Oak edges ahead.

Commute

Both sit along the Woodward corridor with quick access to I-696 and reasonable drives to downtown Detroit, Troy, and the broader Oakland County job centers. Day to day, your exact street matters more than the city line.

Who each fits

  • Ferndale — first-time buyers and those who prize density, character, and a compact walk-everywhere lifestyle.
  • Royal Oak — buyers who want housing variety, a larger downtown, and more room to move up within one community.
Ask Trevor

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Next steps: Thinking about buying in Royal Oak or Ferndale? Start with the buyer resources or send Trevor the property you’re looking at. Already own here? See the seller strategy guide and request a local home value review — or compare other Metro Detroit neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions

Is Royal Oak or Ferndale more expensive?
Both are among Oakland County's more sought-after close-in communities. Royal Oak tends to have a broader range of housing and price points, while Ferndale's smaller lots can mean a lower entry point in some pockets. Compare recent sales rather than city-wide averages.
Which is better for walkability?
Both have walkable downtowns. Ferndale is denser and more compact; Royal Oak has a larger downtown with more retail and dining. Both deliver — the choice comes down to scale and feel.
Are there condos in both?
Yes. Both have condo and townhome options alongside single-family homes, which can be a good fit for first-time buyers or anyone wanting lower maintenance close to downtown.