Welcome to Troy: Michigan's Premier Suburb
Troy, Michigan consistently ranks among the best places to live in the United States, combining exceptional schools (Troy High 9/10, International Academy #1 in Michigan), safe neighborhoods, major employers like Altair Engineering and Kelly Services, and convenient access to Detroit's cultural attractions. With a population of 87,000 and median home values around $300,000, Troy offers upscale suburban living without the extreme price tags of comparable cities nationwide.
This comprehensive relocation guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Troy - from choosing the right neighborhood to understanding local services, schools, cost of living, and what makes this city special. Whether you're transferring for work, seeking better schools, or simply looking for a higher quality of life, Troy delivers on all fronts.
📊 Troy at a Glance
👥 Population
87,000
🏠 Median Home Value
$300,000
📚 School Rating
9/10 (GreatSchools)
💰 Median Income
$90,000
🚗 Commute to Detroit
20-30 minutes
🌦️ Annual Snowfall
40 inches
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods in Troy
Northfield Hills
💰 Median Home: $350,000-$500,000
Overview:
Troy's most prestigious neighborhood, featuring large homes on spacious lots with mature landscaping. Northfield Hills residents enjoy proximity to top schools, including easy access to International Academy, and a strong sense of community fostered by an active homeowners association.
Key Features:
- Home Styles: 2,500-4,500 sq ft, colonial, contemporary, and custom builds
- Lot Sizes: 0.25-0.75 acres, mature trees and landscaping
- Schools: Barnard Elementary, Boulan Park Middle, Troy High/IA
- HOA: Active association, architectural guidelines, community events
- Parks: Walking distance to Boulan Park and Nature Center
Perfect For:
Families prioritizing top schools, professionals seeking upscale community, buyers wanting mature neighborhood character with excellent property values.
Somerset
💰 Median Home: $320,000-$450,000
Overview:
Established neighborhood near Somerset Collection luxury shopping, offering elegant homes with easy access to dining, entertainment, and I-75. Many homes feature premium updates and architectural details.
Key Features:
- Location: Central Troy, walkable to Somerset Mall
- Home Styles: 2,200-3,800 sq ft, colonial and contemporary
- Schools: Morse Elementary, Larson Middle, Troy High/IA
- Shopping: Somerset Collection, Big Beaver corridor retail
Perfect For:
Professionals valuing convenience, shoppers wanting walkable luxury retail, families seeking established neighborhood with modern amenities.
Big Beaver Corridor
💰 Median Home: $280,000-$380,000
Overview:
Mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial development along Big Beaver Road. Offers convenient access to shopping, dining, and major employers. More affordable entry point to Troy's excellent school system.
Key Features:
- Home Styles: Ranch, colonial, bi-level, newer condos
- Lot Sizes: 0.15-0.40 acres
- Schools: Hill or Leonard Elementary, Baker Middle, Athens High
- Commute: Easy I-75 access, close to major employers
Perfect For:
First-time buyers, young professionals, families prioritizing school quality over home size, commuters needing freeway access.
🎓 Schools: Troy's Biggest Advantage
Troy School District is the primary reason many families relocate here. With a 9/10 district rating, 97% graduation rate, and 93% college enrollment, Troy schools prepare students for success at Michigan's top universities and beyond.
Highlights:
- International Academy: #1 high school in Michigan, top 50 nationally, 100% college acceptance
- Troy High School: 9/10 rating, 25+ AP courses, STEM academy, award-winning athletics
- Troy Athens: 8/10 rating, career academies, strong community atmosphere
- Elementary/Middle: All schools rated 8-9/10, comprehensive programs, technology integration
💼 Employment & Economy
Major Troy Employers:
- Altair Engineering: Engineering software, 2,000+ employees
- Kelly Services: Staffing and workforce solutions, Fortune 500
- Flagstar Bank: Banking and financial services
- Meritor: Automotive components and systems
- Penske Automotive: Automotive retail and services
- Behr America: Automotive climate control
Job Market:
- Unemployment: 3.2% (below national average)
- Job Growth: 2.1% annually
- Key Industries: Engineering, automotive, healthcare, finance, technology
- Average Salary: $75,000 across all industries
Commute Options:
- Detroit: 20-30 min via I-75
- Ann Arbor: 40-50 min via M-14
- Southfield: 15-20 min via Telegraph/Northwestern
- Public Transit: SMART bus routes, limited but expanding
💰 Cost of Living
Housing Costs:
- Median Home Price: $300,000 (varies $250K-$600K+ by neighborhood)
- Property Taxes: $4,500-$7,500/year (1.5-2.5% of home value)
- Rent (2BR): $1,400-$1,900/month
- Rent (3BR): $1,800-$2,600/month
Utilities & Services:
- Electric: $120-$180/month (average 2,500 sq ft home)
- Gas Heat: $80-$200/month (winter peaks)
- Water/Sewer: $60-$90/month
- Internet: $50-$100/month (fiber available in most areas)
Daily Expenses:
- Groceries: 5% above national average (premium stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's)
- Gas: $3.00-$3.50/gallon
- Dining Out: $15-$25/person casual, $40-$70 fine dining
🌳 Parks & Recreation
Top Troy Parks:
Troy Civic Center
Troy's recreational hub featuring aquatic center, ice arena, senior center, and community meeting spaces. Year-round programming for all ages.
Boulan Park
60 acres with trails, splash pad, playgrounds, sports fields, and nature center. Popular for family events and outdoor recreation.
Troy Nature Center
12-acre nature preserve with hiking trails, educational programs, and wildlife observation. Free admission, perfect for families.
Recreation Programs:
- Youth sports leagues (soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey)
- Swimming lessons and aquatic programs
- Fitness classes and senior activities
- Summer camps and enrichment programs
🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Somerset Collection
Metro Detroit's premier luxury shopping destination with 180+ stores including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Apple, Tesla, and Michigan's only Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. locations.
Other Shopping:
- Oakland Mall: Mid-range retail and dining
- Big Beaver Corridor: Target, Costco, Best Buy, major retailers
- Specialty Stores: Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, international grocers
Dining Scene:
- 100+ restaurants from casual to fine dining
- Diverse international cuisine (Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian)
- Local favorites: Bacco Ristorante, P.F. Chang's, The Capital Grille
- Family-friendly chains and local gems
🚗 Transportation
Roads & Highways:
- I-75: Main north-south route through Troy (Detroit to Flint)
- I-696: East-west connection to I-94 and Metro Airport
- Big Beaver Road (M-1): Major east-west commercial corridor
- Rochester Road, Livernois: North-south routes through Troy
Airports:
- Detroit Metro (DTW): 35 minutes, major international hub
- Oakland County Airport: 15 minutes, general aviation
Walkability:
Troy is primarily car-dependent suburban development. Somerset area offers some walkability to shopping and dining. Most neighborhoods require vehicle for daily errands, though all are bike-friendly with sidewalks.
🏥 Healthcare
Major Healthcare Facilities:
- Beaumont Hospital - Troy: Full-service hospital with emergency department
- St. Joseph Mercy Oakland: 10 minutes in Pontiac
- Urgent Care: Multiple locations throughout Troy
- Specialists: Comprehensive medical offices and specialty practices
🌦️ Weather & Climate
Four-Season Climate:
- Summer: 75-85°F, humid, occasional thunderstorms
- Fall: Beautiful foliage, 45-65°F, comfortable weather
- Winter: 20-35°F, 40 inches snow, ice and wind chill
- Spring: 45-65°F, variable conditions, occasional storms
Winter Preparation:
Troy winters require preparation: snow tires or AWD vehicle recommended, professional snow removal services available, proper home insulation essential, and quality roofing critical for preventing ice dams.
📋 Moving Checklist
✓ Before You Move:
- 6 Months Before:
- Research neighborhoods and schools
- Get pre-approved for mortgage
- Visit Troy to explore areas
- Research employers and job opportunities
- 3 Months Before:
- Find real estate agent or rental
- Schedule home inspections (including roof!)
- Research moving companies
- Plan school enrollment if applicable
- 1 Month Before:
- Transfer utilities (DTE Energy, water, internet)
- Update address with USPS, DMV, banks
- Register children for school
- Schedule roof inspection with Elite Roofing
✓ After You Move:
- First Week:
- Update Michigan driver's license (60 days)
- Register vehicles
- Find healthcare providers
- Explore neighborhood and local services
- First Month:
- Join Troy Recreation programs
- Connect with neighbors and community groups
- Establish service providers (lawn care, snow removal)
- Schedule home maintenance (HVAC, roof inspection)
🏠 Protecting Your Troy Home Investment
Moving to Troy represents a significant investment - both financially (median $300,000) and as your family's foundation. Your roof is your home's first line of defense against Michigan's harsh weather: 40 inches of snow, ice dams, wind storms, and summer hail.
Elite Roofing: Troy's Trusted Roofing Partner
- ✅ 25+ Years Troy Experience - We know Northfield Hills, Somerset, every neighborhood
- ✅ GAF Master Elite Certified - Top 3% of contractors nationwide
- ✅ New Homeowner Inspections - Free comprehensive roof assessment
- ✅ Insurance Transfer Assistance - Help with warranty transfers and documentation
- ✅ Lifetime Warranty - Protection that lasts as long as you own your home
- ✅ 24/7 Emergency Service - We're here when you need us most
- ✅ HOA-Compliant - Familiar with all Troy neighborhood requirements
New Homeowner Welcome Offer
Free comprehensive roof inspection for new Troy residents - We'll assess your roof condition, identify any issues, provide storm protection recommendations, and explain warranty coverage. No obligation, no pressure, just expert advice to protect your investment.
📞 Helpful Troy Resources
City Services:
- City of Troy: (248) 524-3300 | www.troymi.gov
- Troy School District: (248) 823-4000 | www.troy.k12.mi.us
- Troy Police (Non-Emergency): (248) 524-3477
- Troy Public Library: (248) 524-3538
Utilities:
- DTE Energy (Electric/Gas): (800) 477-4747
- Water Billing: (248) 524-3320
- Trash/Recycling: Included in city services
Community:
- Troy Chamber of Commerce: (248) 641-8151
- Troy Historical Society: (248) 524-3570
- Troy Parks & Recreation: (248) 524-3484
Welcome to Troy!
You've made an excellent choice relocating to Troy. With exceptional schools, safe neighborhoods, strong economy, and excellent quality of life, Troy offers everything families and professionals seek in a community. The city's combination of suburban tranquility and urban convenience creates an ideal environment for building your future.
As you settle into your new home, remember that Elite Roofing is here to protect your investment with expert roofing services, 24/7 emergency response, and lifetime warranties. We've served Troy families for 25+ years, and we're honored to welcome you to our community.