Whitmore Lake is seen as the official end of the Detroit area, since several of the Mile Roads that delineate Detroit, including the famous 8 Mile Road, end here.
Located west of the Detroit metropolitan area and north of Ann Arbor, Whitmore Lake is an unincorporated community with a population of 6,423
Whitmore Lake is seen as the official end of the Detroit area, since several of the Mile Roads that delineate Detroit, including the famous 8 Mile Road, end here.
Located west of the Detroit metropolitan area and north of Ann Arbor, Whitmore Lake is an unincorporated community with a population of 6,423. Besides its proximity to two of the more visible cities in Michigan, Whitmore Lake is known for its five lakes -- Whitmore, Horseshoe, Monahan, Wildwood and Lawton -- which take up much of the 667 acres of land area. Despite interest from surrounding communities, Whitmore Lake has chosen to stay unincorporated.
Moving to Whitmore Lake
Whitmore Lake combines laid back lake shore living with easy access to bigger cities. Much of the housing for rent in Whitmore Lake is located along one of the community's lakes, especially the largest lake, Whitmore Lake, which is located east of U.S. Highway 23. When searching for an apartment rental, be on the lookout for discounts and specials such as reduced rent deals and even things such as free gym membership (yes, really!). A shopper willing to put in some research when finding places to rent in Whitmore Lake can land a sweet deal. As with much of Southeast Michigan, housing is reasonably priced, so there won't be many hoops to jump through besides the usual income verification, and credit and background checks.
Living on the lake
If taking a watercraft for a spin is something that appeals to you, you're in luck. Not only are there a ton of lakes around, much of the housing is on, or within quick walking distance of a lake. Whitmore Lake has house rentals and apartments to rent on its west, north and south shores, while there are several housing options along the shores of Horseshoe Lake and Monahan Lake as well. And even if you aren't directly on the lake, it doesn't take much for you to be boating. So ships ahoy!
Two-bedroom bonanza
If you are looking for multiple bedrooms but aren't quite ready for a house, Whitmore Lake has plenty of options. The township is flush with 2-bedroom apartments for rent, and account for nearly 60 percent of the apartment stock in Whitmore Lake. Some of these are student housing for those studying in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti (Westbrook Apartments off Main Street in the southern part of town has student renters), but both Harbor Cove Apartments on the western shore of Whitmore Lake and Whitmore Lake Apartments on the eastern shore have plenty of 2-bedroom, non-student apartments.
Finding a house
If apartment living isn't for you, then Whitmore Lake does have homes for rent. Nearly 500 houses are open to renters, so there are options if you don't want to find apartments or duplexes for rent. Places to look for houses to rent are off the south shore of Whitmore Lake south of Shore Drive, along the western shore of that lake, or off Barker Road west of U.S. 23.
Neighborhoods
Whitmore Lake doesn't have specific neighborhoods, but there are three main areas. Western shore of Whitmore Lake: This area, which has houses off Main and Barker along with the Harbor Cove Apartments, is extremely active, and there are several outstanding dining options here. Three of the more popular options are Captain Joe's Grill and Chill -- which doubles as a restaurant and a bar with live music -- The Whitmore Lake Tavern right along the shore of Whitmore Lake, and Little Porky's Pizza. Mac's Marina is a place to rent boats or purchase boating equipment for the boater and fisher in you.
South Whitmore Lake/Horseshoe Lake: The southern part of town is in easy access of Whitmore Lake High School, Whitmore Lake Middle School and the University of Michigan. Westbrook Apartments provides apartment housing. Also in the area is Bobber Down Bar and Grill, which was reopened in 2013, and has food, karaoke, live music and patio seating.
Monahan Lake: There are some houses on the northern and eastern shores of Whitmore Lake, but housing isn't as plentiful as along the western and southern shores. Whitmore Lake Apartments is located in this area, and Oak Valley Entertainment off Whitmore Lake Road provides a driving range, fireworks, and tent and inflatable playground rentals for endless family fun.
Living in Whitmore Lake
Obviously, aquatic endeavors such as boating, fishing, and jet skiing are popular forms of recreation. Along with daily water entertainment (hey, you can ice fish in the winter), Whitmore Lake's annual Independence Day celebration, which is held throughout the Fourth of July weekend, is worth checking out, if just for the boat parade and the water ski show. The Whitmore Lake Harvest Festival, held at the end of September, focuses on animal rescue and raises money for pet adoptions along with providing activities for pets and pet owners. Bring Sparky and Spike!
If you want to get away from the lake life, Ann Arbor and Detroit provide great options. Ann Arbor, only 10 miles south, provides residents easy access to University of Michigan events such as athletics, concerts, and the Ann Arbor Art Fair, while Detroit -- located roughly an hour east of Whitmore Lake -- provides plenty of sports, concert, and entertainment options.
