Welcome to Troy - consistently ranked among America's safest and most livable cities! If you're considering a move to this Oakland County gem, you're joining a thriving community of professionals, families, and retirees attracted by exceptional schools, major corporate employers, diverse dining, and suburban comfort just 20 minutes from Detroit.
Troy in 2024 represents the best of Michigan suburban living: immaculate neighborhoods, award-winning schools (Troy High School consistently ranks in America's top 100), walkable shopping districts, and a multicultural community that's both welcoming and prosperous. From established subdivisions with mature trees to modern condos near Somerset Collection, Troy offers housing for every lifestyle.
When you settle into your new Troy home, Elite Roofing ensures your roof is prepared for Michigan's challenging winters and summer storms. Our comprehensive inspections help new homeowners protect their investment before the first snowfall arrives.
📋 Table of Contents
💰 Cost of Living in Troy
Troy offers an upscale suburban lifestyle with a cost of living slightly above the national average, justified by excellent schools, safety, and amenities. For families prioritizing education and quality of life, Troy delivers exceptional value.
📊 Troy Cost Breakdown
- Median Home Price: $310,000 (range $200k-$800k+)
- Average Rent (1BR): $1,350/month
- Average Rent (2BR): $1,650/month
- Property Taxes: $3,500-$8,000/year (effective rate ~2.5% of assessed value)
- Utilities (Winter): $200-$280/month (heating costs peak December-February)
- Groceries: Slightly above national average (premium grocery options available)
- Transportation: Car-dependent; gas/insurance $200-$300/month
- Overall Cost Index: 8-12% above national average
While Troy's housing costs more than regional averages, residents gain access to some of Michigan's best schools, lowest crime rates, and highest-quality municipal services. The premium pays dividends in education outcomes and property value appreciation.
💼 Job Market & Economy
Troy serves as a major corporate hub, hosting more Fortune 500 company headquarters than any other Michigan city outside Detroit. The job market is strong across technology, automotive, finance, and professional services.
🏢 Major Employers & Industries
- Average Household Income: $94,000
- Median Household Income: $85,000
- Unemployment Rate: 3.2% (2024)
- Job Growth: 2.8% annually
- Top Growth Sectors: Engineering services, software development, automotive tech, fintech
- Average Commute: 24 minutes
Troy's central location provides easy access to jobs throughout Oakland County and Detroit. Many residents work for Troy-based employers or commute to Southfield, Auburn Hills, or Detroit. Remote work options remain strong, particularly in tech and professional services.
🏘️ Neighborhoods & Housing
Troy's neighborhoods range from established subdivisions with mature landscaping to modern developments with contemporary homes. Most areas feature excellent schools, low crime, and well-maintained properties.
🌳 North Troy
Vibe: Family-oriented, excellent schools, estate homes
Housing: $400k-$900k | Large colonials, contemporary
Highlights: Top schools, spacious lots, mature trees
🏘️ Somerset Area
Vibe: Upscale, convenient, professional
Housing: $250k-$550k | Condos, townhomes, singles
Highlights: Somerset Collection, dining, walkability
🏡 Northfield Hills
Vibe: Established, quiet, family-friendly
Housing: $300k-$600k | Ranch, colonial styles
Highlights: Great schools, parks, community feel
🌲 Sylvan Glen
Vibe: Prestigious, wooded, private
Housing: $500k-$1.2M | Custom builds, estates
Highlights: Large lots, luxury homes, exclusivity
→ Read our complete Troy Neighborhoods Guide
Architectural Styles: Troy features predominantly colonial, ranch, and contemporary styles built between 1960-2020. Many homes have been updated with modern amenities while maintaining classic suburban architecture. Newer developments near Big Beaver Road showcase contemporary designs.
Rental Market: Competitive, especially near Somerset and major employers. Quality apartments and condos rent quickly. Many high-end apartment complexes cater to young professionals and executives.
🎓 Schools & Education
Troy's public schools consistently rank among Michigan's best, making the city a top choice for families. Troy School District serves most of the city with exceptional results.
🏫 Education Overview
- Troy School District: GreatSchools rating 9/10; nationally recognized
- High Schools: Troy High School, Troy Athens High School (both ranked in top 100 nationally by U.S. News)
- Test Scores: Consistently exceed state and national averages
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Advanced Placement: Extensive AP course offerings with high pass rates
- Private Schools: International Academy (top-ranked), Cranbrook Schools (nearby), Troy Christian
- Higher Education: Oakland University (nearby), Wayne State, University of Michigan
Why Troy for Education: Many families move to Troy specifically for the schools. Troy High and Athens regularly produce National Merit Scholars, offer 30+ AP courses, and send graduates to top universities nationwide. Elementary and middle schools maintain similarly high standards.
The district's diversity (over 50 languages spoken) provides students with global perspectives while maintaining academic excellence. Troy schools also excel in STEM education, arts, and athletics.
🌦️ Weather & Climate
Troy experiences typical Southeast Michigan weather with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Being slightly inland from Detroit, Troy occasionally sees heavier snowfall from lake-effect patterns.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Temp: 16°F to 32°F
Snow: 45 inches annually
Cold and snowy with occasional ice storms
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Temp: 32°F to 68°F
Rain: Moderate to heavy
Variable, rainy, gradual warming
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)
Temp: 62°F to 82°F
Humidity: Moderate to high
Pleasant with occasional thunderstorms
🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)
Temp: 42°F to 72°F
Conditions: Beautiful
Stunning fall colors, comfortable weather
- Ice Dams: Troy's freeze-thaw cycles create dangerous ice dams that damage gutters and cause leaks
- Heavy Snow Load: Roofs must support 35+ pounds per square foot during heavy snowfall
- Wind Damage: Summer storms with 50-60 mph winds can tear shingles and damage flashing
- Hail: Occasional severe thunderstorms bring damaging hail to Oakland County
Protect your Troy investment with a pre-winter roof inspection. Elite Roofing's comprehensive assessment identifies weak points before Michigan weather strikes.
🚗 Transportation
Troy is car-dependent but offers excellent highway access and manageable traffic. The city's central location provides easy access throughout metro Detroit.
🚌 Getting Around Troy
- Public Transit: SMART bus system with limited routes; most residents drive
- Major Highways: I-75 (north-south), I-696 (east-west), Big Beaver Road (M-1)
- Airport: Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) - 35 minutes; Oakland County Airport (nearby)
- Walkability: Moderate in Somerset area; low in residential neighborhoods
- Bike-Friendly: Improving with trails; not bike-commuter friendly overall
- Parking: Abundant and free at most locations
Commute Access: I-75 provides quick access to Detroit (20 minutes), Pontiac (15 minutes), and Ann Arbor (45 minutes). I-696 connects to Southfield and western suburbs. Traffic is generally manageable outside peak hours (7-9am, 4-6pm).
Winter Driving: Troy's roads are well-maintained in winter, but snow tires or all-weather tires are recommended. Budget for a reliable vehicle capable of handling Michigan winters.
🏥 Healthcare
Troy residents have access to excellent healthcare through nearby hospitals and numerous medical facilities within the city.
🏥 Major Healthcare Providers
- Beaumont Hospital - Troy: Full-service hospital with emergency department, nationally ranked
- Nearby Facilities: Beaumont Royal Oak, Ascension Providence, McLaren Oakland
- Specialty Care: Extensive medical office buildings with specialists in all fields
- Urgent Care: Multiple urgent care centers throughout Troy
- Quality: Beaumont Troy ranks highly in orthopedics, cardiology, and women's health
Troy's concentration of medical offices along Crooks Road and Big Beaver provides convenient access to primary care, specialists, dental care, and outpatient services.
🎭 Recreation & Lifestyle
Troy offers a sophisticated suburban lifestyle with upscale shopping, diverse dining, cultural amenities, and abundant recreation.
🛍️ Shopping
Somerset Collection (luxury mall), Oakland Mall, numerous shopping centers along Big Beaver Road
🍽️ Dining Scene
Diverse international cuisine (excellent Asian restaurants), upscale steakhouses, casual dining, craft breweries
🌳 Parks & Recreation
Troy Community Center, Stage Nature Center, numerous parks, golf courses, walking trails
🎨 Arts & Culture
Troy Historic Village, Troy Symphony Orchestra, Troy Public Library (award-winning), theater groups
Family Activities: Troy Community Center features pools, fitness facilities, and programs for all ages. The city's parks system offers summer concerts, farmers markets (Troy Farmers Market is excellent), and seasonal festivals.
Proximity to Detroit: Troy's location provides easy access to Detroit's professional sports, concerts, museums, and entertainment while maintaining safe, quiet suburban living.
✅ Your Troy Moving Checklist
Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure a smooth relocation to Troy:
📋 Essential Moving Tasks
🏠 Home Inspection & Roofing Essentials
Troy homes are generally well-maintained, but thorough inspection is essential - especially for roofs. Michigan winters and summer storms take their toll even on quality construction.
🔍 What to Inspect Before Buying
- Roof Age & Condition: Most Troy homes have 15-30 year asphalt roofs; verify remaining lifespan
- Ice Dam History: Check attic for water stains indicating past ice dam damage
- Gutters & Downspouts: Proper drainage crucial for basement protection
- Attic Ventilation: Essential for preventing ice dams and extending roof life
- Insulation: Critical for energy efficiency in Michigan climate
- Flashing & Valleys: Common failure points, especially on older roofs
- Basement: Check for water intrusion, especially in spring
🎁 Free Roof Inspection for New Troy Homeowners
Elite Roofing offers complimentary roof inspections for new Troy residents. Our comprehensive assessment includes:
- Complete roof condition evaluation with drone imagery
- Remaining lifespan estimate
- Ice dam risk assessment specific to Troy weather
- Identification of immediate concerns
- Maintenance recommendations to maximize roof life
- Written report with detailed photos
- Free estimate for any needed repairs or replacement
Protect your Troy investment before your first Michigan winter!
💰 Troy Roof Replacement Costs
Average Costs (2,000-2,500 sq ft home - typical Troy size):
- Asphalt Shingles: $7,000 - $11,000
- Architectural Shingles: $9,500 - $15,000
- Premium Designer Shingles: $12,000 - $18,000
- Metal Roofing: $15,000 - $28,000
Troy's higher home values justify premium roofing materials that enhance curb appeal and resale value.
Welcome Home to Troy!
Troy represents the pinnacle of Michigan suburban living - where excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, corporate opportunities, and cultural amenities converge. Whether you're relocating for a job at one of Troy's Fortune 500 companies, seeking top-rated schools for your children, or looking for sophisticated suburban comfort, Troy delivers.
As you prepare for your move, remember that protecting your home investment starts at the top. Michigan weather is unforgiving, and a proactive roof inspection ensures you're prepared for winter storms, summer heat, and everything in between.
🏠 Ready to Make Troy Home?
Before you close on your new Troy home, call Elite Roofing for a FREE professional roof inspection.
Our team has protected Troy homes for over 20 years. We understand Oakland County weather challenges and can ensure your new home is ready for Michigan's toughest conditions.