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Clarkston Uncovered: A Complete Guide to Living in Clarkston, MI

Clarkston Uncovered: A Complete Guide to Living in Clarkston, MI

If you're longing to escape from a fast-paced urban environment, then Clarkston, MI, with a population of only 1000, might be right for you. Even though Clarkston is essentially a village, it is quite accessible. It's only 40 minutes from downtown Detroit, and you can get on the I-75 and the M-15 from here.
Clarkston may be small, but it has a thriving downtown with several shops and restaurants. It's also a great school district in terms of academics, athletics, and the arts. If you like outdoor activities, then Independence Oaks County Park is nearby, offering hiking, fishing, biking, and boating. So is Pine Knob Ski Resort which is great for winter sports. Plus, there are a number of farmers' markets, festivals, and concerts in Clarkston.

Weather in Clarkston, MI

Clarkston has four distinct seasons, which makes it a great place to enjoy seasonal variety. In the summer, the temperature is 80-82 degrees, so you can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing or hiking. In the winter, the temperature is around 17 degrees, and there are 33 inches of snowfall; this makes it great for winter activities.
Humidity in Clarkston is average, and wind speeds are moderate, making the air fresh. Plus, there are 181 sunny days in the year, which is great for mood and outdoor activities.
A frozen river flows through a forest.

Cost of Living in Clarkston, MI

The cost of living in Clarkston, MI is 20% above the national average. However, this high cost is largely due to the cost of buying a home, which is 89.5% more than the national average. If you choose to rent in Clarkston, then the cost of renting is actually 31% lower than the national average.

Goods and services in Clarkston cost almost the same as the national average. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation cost the same or just a little above the national average, while utilities cost a little less than the national average.

Things to Do in Clarkston, MI

Even though Clarkston, MI, is a small town, you'll be surprised at the number of things to do here. Whether you're interested in sports, dining, music, theater, local history, or art, there's something for you in Clarkston, MI.

  • Pine Knob Music Theater: Previously called the DTE Energy Music Theater, the Pine Knob Music Theater is an award-winning music theater that hosts popular concerts with well-known artists. You'll find world-famous bands and singers performing at this venue every month.
  • Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort: If you're interested in winter sports, then Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort offers skiing and snowboarding until 10 pm on most days in the winter. You can also take skiing lessons or grab a bite to eat at their lounge.
  • Independence Oaks Park: The largest park in Oakland County, Independence Oaks Park covers 1,286 acres. It has a nature center, an overnight camping area, over 12 miles of trails, an archery range, a beach, and a boat launch.
  • Restaurants: If you just want to get a bite to eat, there are a number of restaurants in downtown Clarkston. There's the Clarkston Union Bar and Kitchen, which serves American comfort food and craft beer in a rustic atmosphere. Or you can try 5th Tavern Clarkston, also known for contemporary American food and its trendy upscale atmosphere. The Clarkston Royal Diner serves Italian and Greek food, while Clarkston Tap has a tavern-like atmosphere. For pizza, you can opt for Crispelli's Bakery and Pizzeria. And if you're going out with kids, then the arcade games at B's Roadhouse will keep them busy.
  • Clarkston Heritage Museum: If you're interested in learning more about Clarkston's history, the Clarkston Heritage Museum, which is located inside the Clarkston Independence District Library, has two themed exhibits every year and is open during normal library hours.
A street view of a town with cars parked on the side of the road.

Festivals in Clarkston, MI

Every year, there are festivals and community events that showcase food, music, and local culture in Clarkston, MI.

1. Clarkston Food Truck Rally: If you're a food truck enthusiast, you'll love Clarkston's annual food truck rally in mid-May. In addition to many food trucks, there's also live music and fun activities at this event which takes place at the Pine Knob Music Theater.

2. Independence Day Parade: Every fourth of July, Clarkston has an Independence Day parade led by the American Legion Color Guard, a 21-gun salute, and the singing of the National Anthem by a student from Clarkston High School.

In addition to the festivals within Clarkston, there are also several festivals in neighboring towns, such as the Michigan Renaissance Festival, the Michigan Antique Festival, and the Annual Cinco de Mayo Fest.

Pros and Cons of Living in Clarkston

If you are thinking of moving to Clarkston, it's a good idea to consider the pros and cons of the town before doing so.

Pros

  • Great weather, suitable for summer and winter activities.
  • It is a small, tightly-knit community with easy access to Detroit.
  • Great downtown, with shops and restaurants.
  • Great schools with strong academics and athletic programs.
  • There are lots of outdoor activities nearby, such as hiking, skiing, etc.
  • Stable economy, with higher-than-average median income and low unemployment rates.
  • The cost of living is close to the national average, apart from buying a home.

Cons

  • Homes in Clarkston are much more expensive than the national average.
  • Public transport is limited and sometimes, there can be a lot of traffic due to concerts in the area.
  • It's expensive to buy a home in Clarkston, but you won't run into this issue if you choose to rent because rents are actually cheaper here than the national average.
People are swimming and floating in a lake on a sunny day.

Live in Clarkston, MI

If you're thinking about moving to Clarkston, MI, then there's no better place to live than Lancaster Lakes Apartment Homes, which is close to shopping and dining and gives residents access to US-24. You can rent 1 and 2-bedroom homes here, with fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, air-conditioners, washer/dryers and lake views. Keep in mind that the community is also pet-friendly, with a clubhouse, a playground, a swimming pool, a basketball court, a picnic area, and much more. Come check out this wonderful community and learn more about the conveniences of living at Lancaster Lakes.