Clarkston 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

While Clarkston is the smallest city by land area in Michigan it is perfect for retirees who want to find a 55+ community near lake shores with small town charm. Clarkston has 4 large bodies of water within its borders: Deer Lake, Middle Lake, Susin Lake, and Mill Pond. Clarkston’s entire downtown area has been designated as a National Historic Site allows residents to enjoy unique dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Clarkston cost of living is high compared to most of Michigan but is lower than much of the country.

Clarkston sales tax is 6% all of which is state sales tax as Michigan has no city, local or county sales tax, groceries, prescription medications, newspapers and medical devices are exempt from sales tax. The average property tax in Clarkston is 1.75%. Michigan does have a state income tax of 4.25% but social security benefits are not taxed.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

There are a variety of leisure options for active adults in the Clarkston area, including:

Art & performances

• • Clarkston Conservatory of Music

Historical sites and museums

• • Environmental Discovery Center
  • Clarkston Community Historical Museum

Outdoor activities

• • Deer Lake Beach
  • Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club
  • Fountains Golf

Other activities

• • Waterford Hills Road Racing

Climate

The Clarkston area sees about 21 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the month of May. Average winter temperatures range from 17° to 28°. Summer in Clarkston is comfortable but slightly humid with summer temperatures averaging between 62° and 80° with 77% humidity. Average snowfall in Clarkston is 17 inches with the highest chance of snow during the month of February.

Health Care

Nearby Clarkston hospitals include:

McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac is 9.1 miles from Clarkston. McLaren Oakland is a 318 bed Level II trauma center which has received the Patient Safety Excellence Award, and 5 star rating from the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Trinity Health Oakland Hospital is 10.9 miles from Clarkston. Trinity Health Oakland is a large 443 bed that is a regionally ranked hospital by U.S. News & World Report. They are also rated as high performing in 7 adult procedures and conditions including colon cancer surgery, heart attack and heart failure care, kidney failure care, stroke treatment, knee replacement surgery, and COPD care.