Where Living Is A Vacation

Welcome to Lake Orion

Nestled in the heart of Oakland County, Lake Orion is a charming village with a rich history and vibrant community. Known for its motto, “Where Living is a Vacation,” Lake Orion offers both residents and visitors the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities.

 A Glimpse into History
Founded in the early 1800s, Lake Orion began as a modest settlement known for its picturesque lakes and rolling hills. The area soon became a popular summer destination, drawing visitors from nearby Detroit and beyond who sought the tranquility of the lake and its surrounding natural beauty. By the late 19th century, the village had grown into a bustling resort town, with vacationers flocking to enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on Lake Orion. Hotels popped up on Bellevue Island, an Amusement Park roared with visitors arriving by the Inter-Urban Railway, revelers rode the City of Orion Steamer to dance to national artists on Park Island, and the legend of the Dragon gained national attention.

As Detroit became the Motor City, many auto executives and employees made Lake Orion their home, drawn by its proximity to the big city and its peaceful lakeside lifestyle. This dual identity—part vacation town, part suburban community—has remained part of Lake Orion’s DNA ever since.

Why People Love Living Here
Today, Lake Orion is more than just a place to visit—it’s a thriving year-round community that continues to draw people in with its unique mix of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Here are a few reasons why people love calling Lake Orion home:

Stunning Waterfront – With over 482 acres of lakefront property and an array of water activities, Lake Orion offers a true waterfront lifestyle. The lake serves as the heart of the community, bringing people together for fun and relaxation.

Outdoor Adventure – Beyond the lake, residents enjoy miles of trails for hiking, biking, and walking, including the popular Paint Creek Trail and Bald Mountain State Park. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, there’s always something to explore.

Historic Downtown – The historic downtown district boasts a variety of boutique shops, local restaurants, and charming cafes, where visitors can experience the best of small-town living. The revitalization efforts in recent years have maintained the village’s historical charm while incorporating modern amenities.

Community Events – Lake Orion hosts a variety of festivals and community events throughout the year, from the Dragon on the Lake Festival to the annual lighted Christmas Parade. These events bring the community together and add a vibrant energy to the village, offering something for everyone.

Top-Notch Schools – Families are drawn to the area because of the excellent schools within the Lake Orion Community Schools district, which is known for its academic programs, extracurricular activities, and strong sense of community involvement.

Proximity to Metro Detroit – While Lake Orion feels like a peaceful retreat, it is conveniently located just 40 minutes from downtown Detroit, providing easy access to the city’s cultural attractions, entertainment, and employment opportunities.

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OUR RESIDENTS LOVE IT HERE

“I grew up in Lake Orion but then moved out of state for many years.  There was never a question that my husband and I would want our kids to grow up here and when we decided to move our family back three and a half years ago, I was a little worried we wouldn’t have much to do. Now that we’re back, I’m really pleased with all the changes that have taken place over the past few years. Lake Orion’s no longer a sleepy little village. Now the Downtown has tons of new shops and restaurants and there always seems to be some kind of an event to look forward to. My family and I are very grateful to the Village and the DDA for creating such a vibrant community.” 

– Molly Stevenson

 

 “The quality of the products in every store and restaurant, score high in my experience. All of the business owners are professional and make you feel like family. They are of high integrity and go out of their way to offer assistance. Many are all into partnering to help the whole work together as a team. They are involved in charitable efforts to give back to not only Orion residence, but beyond. It’s a great time to walk into any establishment. A big plus is the people here are off the charts with a sense of humor. Something the world needs more of. YES!”  

– Dolly Gott

“I love it here. It has the small town feel, but there’s always something going on – great places to eat, music, lots of parks and trails. I tell everyone I finally live in the town I’ve always wanted to, and I didn’t have to move. It just grew up around me!” 

– Carol Anne Roughton 

“My family moved to Oxford over 20 years ago, my husband’s family has lived in Orion Township for almost 30 years now and after we got married we bought the perfect house for us in the Village of Lake Orion 5 years ago. I love living here and I love all the work the DDA has done for the village in the 6 years I’ve been here!
We have 3 small children and the parks, the shops, the events and the walkability make living here too hard to leave.”

– Jessica Watterworth

OUR BUSINESS OWNERS DO, TOO

” When searching for the next location to open our Fork N’ Pint restaurant, we wanted a place where family operations were valued and participation in local events and happens was encouraged. The Village of Lake Orion was the perfect location. From the eclectic group of family-owned shops and businesses to the multiple events in the downtown and surrounding area, we believed the sense of family and community values were strong and prevalent. We at Fork N’ Pint are proud to open our doors, to serve and be part of this wonderful community.” 

– DOUG YOUNG, Restaurant Owner

 

“Lake Orion is a great place to have a business. I have seen a lot of positive changes over the last 10 years and think the future looks bright. I’m proud to be a part of this community.”

– DIA ZARAGA, Owner of Sagebrush Cantina

“As a longtime resident of Lake Orion, I have always wanted to locate my restaurant in the Village of Lake Orion. The downtown is vibrant and a great gathering place for everyone. Walking through the Village and enjoying the local shops and restaurants is always a good time. I am excited to be able to open Lockhart’s BBQ in such a great community.”

– DREW CIORA, Owner of 313 Pizza Bar 

“I am excited to join the great businesses in the Village of Lake Orion by adding an acoustic music venue, social café & creamery to the already great offerings in the area. I chose Lake Orion because I have been a resident for more than 20 year and love our downtown. Our location next to a music school and the arts center feels like a divinely planned “arts district” and we are happy to be at the center of it and only a block from great retail and dining options.”

– ALLAN GOETZ, Owner of 20 Front St.