Moving to Clawson, Michigan: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide
Considering moving to Clawson, Michigan? This charming small city offers walkable downtown, good schools, and vibrant character. With approximately 12,000 residents in 2025, Clawson combines small-city atmosphere with urban sophistication and Oakland County’s most affordable walkable destination.
Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Clawson:
Clawson’s 2025 population is approximately 12,000 residents in Oakland County, 16 miles north of Detroit. The median age is around 38 years, with young professionals, families, and diverse residents. The population is approximately 88% White, 6% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic, 2% Asian. Clawson features walkable downtown along 14 Mile Road, good schools, small-city character, and serves as an affordable inner-ring Oakland County suburb with charm. The city attracts young professionals seeking walkability with affordability, families prioritizing good schools and character, and those wanting small-city living with urban access. Clawson appeals to residents valuing walkability, community character, good schools, and affordability for Oakland County. The community emphasizes downtown vitality, education, walkability, community connections, and maintaining small-city charm.
Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Clawson:
Clawson offers exceptional affordability for Oakland County. Median home values range from $180,000 to $280,000 in 2025, significantly lower than premium Oakland County suburbs while providing walkable character and good schools. The median household income is approximately $70,000. Rental properties average $1,000 to $1,500 monthly. Michigan has flat income tax 4.25%. Property taxes are moderate. Overall cost of living is very competitive for Oakland County, making Clawson highly attractive for young professionals, families seeking affordability, and those wanting Oakland County quality with value. The city provides tremendous value with walkable downtown and good schools at accessible pricing.
Economy and Job Market:
Clawson residents typically work throughout the Detroit metro. Many commute to Royal Oak (adjacent), Troy, Southfield, or Detroit. The broader metro offers vast opportunities. Typical commute times to Detroit are 20-30 minutes. The city serves as an affordable residential community. Many residents work in automotive, healthcare, professional services, and technology.
Education:
Clawson Public Schools serves city students with Clawson High School. School quality is good providing solid education with strong community support. The schools attract families seeking quality education with affordability.
Recreation and Lifestyle:
Clawson offers walkable downtown along 14 Mile Road with local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques creating vibrant small-city atmosphere, Clawson City Park providing recreation and community gathering space, beautiful residential neighborhoods, and small-city character. The city features community events, proximity to Royal Oak (immediately adjacent) for additional dining and entertainment, and authentic character. Residents enjoy walkable downtown with local businesses, good Clawson schools at affordable pricing, small-city connections and safety, immediate Royal Oak access, convenient Detroit location, and exceptional Oakland County affordability. The lifestyle emphasizes walkability and local businesses, community connections, affordability enabling Oakland County living, small-city character, and convenient urban access. The four-season Michigan climate features cold winters and pleasant summers. The community values walkable downtown, Clawson schools, local businesses, community events, affordability, and maintaining small-city charm. Living in Clawson means accepting small-city size, moderate rather than top-tier schools, limited parking downtown, and prioritizing affordability and walkability while enjoying exceptional Oakland County affordability with walkable character, good schools at accessible pricing, vibrant downtown with local businesses, small-city connections, immediate Royal Oak access, and convenient Detroit location creating Oakland County’s most affordable walkable destination where downtown vitality meets community character and exceptional value defines accessible Oakland County living with urban sophistication.
Healthcare and Services:
Clawson residents access comprehensive healthcare through nearby Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak (adjacent), William Beaumont Hospital Troy, and extensive Detroit metro medical facilities. The healthcare infrastructure is excellent with immediate access.
Transportation:
Clawson is accessed via Interstate 75, Crooks Road, 14 Mile Road, and various corridors. Downtown offers walkability. Most residents use personal vehicles. Typical commute times to Detroit are 20-30 minutes.
Conclusion:
Moving to Clawson in 2025 offers affordable Oakland County living with walkable downtown, good schools, and small-city charm. The city’s combination of exceptional value, downtown vitality, and community character makes it ideal for young professionals and families seeking Oakland County’s most affordable walkable destination where downtown charm meets good schools and exceptional affordability defines accessible inner-ring suburb living.
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