Royal Oak vs. Ferndale: Best Fit for First-Time Buyers?

Erik Wright

Managing Broker & Founder

Royal Oak and Ferndale are two of the most popular places for first-time buyers in Oakland County, and both offer walkable downtowns along the Woodward corridor. Royal Oak is larger, with more housing choice and a bigger downtown. Ferndale is smaller, more compact and usually offers a lower entry price. If you want the most options, start in Royal Oak. If you want the lowest cost to get into a walkable downtown, start in Ferndale.

Royal Oak vs. Ferndale at a glance

Royal Oak

County: Oakland
Population (2020 Census): About 58,200
Median sale price (12 months): [MLS]
Average days on market: [MLS]
Typical homes: 1920s–1950s bungalows, Cape Cods, colonials, newer infill builds, condos
Main school district: Royal Oak Schools (parts of the city fall in other districts)
Downtown: Main Street and Washington Avenue

Ferndale

County: Oakland
Population (2020 Census): About 19,200
Median sale price (12 months): [MLS]
Average days on market: [MLS]
Typical homes: 1920s–1950s bungalows and Cape Cods, smaller lots
Main school district: Ferndale Public Schools
Downtown: Nine Mile and Woodward

Downtown life

Royal Oak has one of the largest downtowns in Oakland County, with dozens of restaurants, bars, music venues and shops, plus the Royal Oak Farmers Market and the Detroit Zoo just off I-696. It is busy on weekends and attracts visitors from across Metro Detroit.

Ferndale has a smaller, very walkable downtown centered on Nine Mile and Woodward, known for independent restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and a strong community event calendar. Both cities sit along the route of the Woodward Dream Cruise each August.

Homes and prices for first-time buyers

Both cities are dominated by early-to-mid-1900s bungalows and Cape Cods. Ferndale homes tend to be smaller and sit on smaller lots, which keeps prices lower. Royal Oak has a broader range, from starter bungalows to new construction on infill lots.

Entry-level homes: Royal Oak [MLS range] · Ferndale [MLS range]
Median: Royal Oak [MLS] · Ferndale [MLS]
Typical starter home size: Royal Oak [MLS] sq ft · Ferndale [MLS] sq ft

[Erik: add one sentence on how fast entry-level homes are moving right now in each city.]

Schools

Royal Oak Schools serves most of Royal Oak, though some neighborhoods are assigned to neighboring districts such as Berkley. Ferndale Public Schools serves Ferndale and nearby communities. Verify the district for any address on MI School Data.

First-time buyer tips for both cities

Get fully pre-approved, not pre-qualified. In popular starter price ranges, sellers favor buyers with underwriting already started.
Look into down payment assistance. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers assistance programs for eligible buyers. Ask your lender which ones you qualify for.
Inspect the basics. Many homes here are 70–100 years old. Order a sewer scope and check for knob-and-tube wiring, older plumbing and basement moisture.
Check the city’s requirements. Some cities require inspections or certificates at sale. Confirm current rules with the City of Royal Oak or City of Ferndale.

Which should you choose?

Choose Royal Oak if you want more inventory, a bigger downtown, and room to move up without leaving the city later.

Choose Ferndale if you want the lowest entry price into a walkable downtown and a tight-knit, community-driven feel.

If your budget stretches further, compare with Birmingham. If you need a lower entry point, see our guide to affordable Wayne County suburbs.

Start your search

Social House helps first-time buyers win in competitive markets with fast showings and clean offers. See Royal Oak and Ferndale homes for sale or book a free first-time buyer consult with Erik.

Royal Oak vs. Ferndale FAQ

Is Ferndale cheaper than Royal Oak?

Generally, yes. Ferndale’s homes are typically smaller and sit on smaller lots, so the median price is usually lower than Royal Oak’s.

Are Royal Oak and Ferndale good for first-time buyers?

Yes. Both have large supplies of starter bungalows and Cape Cods near walkable downtowns, which makes them two of the most popular first-time buyer markets in Oakland County.