Bloomfield Hills vs. Bloomfield Township: Understanding the Difference
This is one of the most common points of confusion in Oakland County real estate. Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township are separate municipalities with different price points, lot sizes, and municipal structures. If you're searching in the Bloomfield area, understanding the difference matters.
Market Data Comparison
| Metric | Bloomfield Hills | Bloomfield Township |
|---|---|---|
| Median Price | $1.5M | $556K |
| YoY Change | +30% | +5.2% |
| Days on Market | 66 | 28 |
| Price / Sq Ft | $233 | $214 |
| School District | Bloomfield Hills School District | Bloomfield Hills School District |
| Commute to Detroit | ~25 min | ~25 min |
Living in Bloomfield Hills
Bloomfield Hills is an incorporated city — roughly 4,000 residents on estate-sized lots with no commercial downtown. It's one of Michigan's most prestigious addresses. The housing stock is almost entirely large, custom-built homes on wooded lots exceeding an acre. Cranbrook Educational Community, a National Historic Landmark, is the city's cultural anchor. The median price exceeds $1.5M, and the market is deliberate — homes sit longer because the buyer pool at this level is smaller and more selective.
Full Bloomfield Hills guide →Living in Bloomfield Township
Bloomfield Township is a much larger municipality — roughly 42,000 residents — that surrounds Bloomfield Hills on most sides. The housing stock is more varied: mid-century ranches, 1980s–2000s colonials, newer construction, and condominiums alongside some estate-level properties. The price range is broader, with a median around $595K. The township has commercial corridors along Telegraph and Woodward, golf courses, and a mix of suburban neighborhood styles.
Full Bloomfield Township guide →Commute and Access
Virtually identical. Both are roughly 25 minutes from downtown Detroit via Woodward or I-75. They share the same geographic position in Oakland County — commute times are not a differentiator between the two.
School Districts
Both Bloomfield Hills (city) and most of Bloomfield Township are served by the Bloomfield Hills School District. Some Bloomfield Township properties near the southern border may fall within the Birmingham City School District. Always verify with the specific district.
Who Each Is Right For
Bloomfield Hills fits buyers who...
- Want estate-level privacy and acreage above all else
- Are buying in the $1M+ range for an architecturally significant home
- Value exclusivity and a small-city municipal structure
- Don't need commercial amenities within walking or driving distance
Bloomfield Township fits buyers who...
- Want the Bloomfield address and school district at a lower price point
- Need more variety — condos, ranches, colonials, and newer builds
- Value proximity to commercial corridors for shopping and dining
- Are buying in the $400K–$800K range
Bloomfield Hills is the prestige address with the estate lifestyle. Bloomfield Township is the broader, more accessible market that still carries the Bloomfield name and — for most properties — the same school district.
Common Questions
Are Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township the same school district?
Mostly, yes. Both are primarily served by the Bloomfield Hills School District. Some properties at the edges of Bloomfield Township may fall within the Birmingham City School District. Always verify by specific address.
Why is Bloomfield Hills so much more expensive?
Lot size and exclusivity. Bloomfield Hills zoning keeps lots large — often over an acre. With only about 4,000 residents and virtually no commercial development, the supply of homes is extremely limited and the character is preserved by design.
Can I get a Bloomfield mailing address in the Township?
Yes. Many Bloomfield Township properties carry a Bloomfield Hills mailing address (zip codes 48301, 48302, 48304). This does not mean the property is in the City of Bloomfield Hills. The legal municipality is what matters for taxes, services, and governance.
Which has more condo options?
Bloomfield Township, by a wide margin. The township has multiple condo and townhome communities at various price points. The City of Bloomfield Hills is almost entirely single-family estates.
More Comparisons
Can’t Decide? Let’s Talk.
We show homes in Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township regularly. One conversation about your priorities will narrow it down — and we can tour both in a single day.