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Whitmore Lake homes (Livingston side)Whitmore Lake homes (Washtenaw side)Green Oak Township waterfront homes

Welcome to Whitmore Lake

Whitmore Lake sits on a county line: part is in Green Oak Township, Livingston County, and part is in Northfield Township, Washtenaw County (Washtenaw County Whitmore Lake management report). It's about 9 miles north of Ann Arbor (Wikipedia) and 25.4 miles from downtown Fenton. In November 2026, my site had 11493 E. Shore Drive (Green Oak side) and 160 E. Shore Drive (Northfield side) for sale, plus one pending.

Lake Overview

• Location: Green Oak Township, Livingston County, and Northfield Township, Washtenaw County (Washtenaw County Whitmore Lake management report).
• Size: sources differ. DNR data lists about 576 acres (Michigan's Named Inland Lakes, DNR data via MLSA); the county report and MichiganLakes.com list 677.
• Depth: up to 69 feet; mean about 9 feet (Washtenaw County Whitmore Lake management report).
• Boating: Northfield Township calls it an all-sports lake. I didn't find a DNR local watercraft control for it (Michigan DNR Livingston County watercraft controls; Washtenaw County).
• Public access: a DNR boat launch on North Shore Road in Green Oak Township; a Recreation Passport or parking fee is required (Northfield Township).
• Shoreline: Microsoft building-footprint map data shows about 419 buildings near the shore.

Living on Whitmore Lake

Whitmore Lake has a small-town feel with US-23 right there (Wikipedia), so commuting toward Ann Arbor or Brighton is easy. Think water-skiing in summer and ice fishing in winter (Northfield Township). Monahan Lake is just northeast.

Green Oak Township & Schools

Both active listings are in Whitmore Lake Public Schools, but parts of the Livingston side are in South Lyon Community Schools or Brighton Area Schools (Wikipedia), so I confirm the district for every address.

Tips for Buyers

• Understand riparian rights. Michigan waterfront ("riparian") owners generally have rights to dock and reach the water (EGLE inland lakes guide). "Lake privileges" or a shared lot is different, so read the deed and any easement.
• Know the local rules. I'll check Green Oak Township zoning, association rules, and any dock or shoreline rules for the specific parcel.
• Seawalls and permanent docks generally need an EGLE permit, while seasonal docks usually don't (EGLE dock handout). Ask for permit records.
• Confirm sewer or septic and well, and schedule inspections for any private system.
• Check the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and get a flood insurance quote early.
• Whitmore Lake's weed control project runs through Washtenaw County Public Works and is paid for by special assessments (2017 Northfield Township resolution; Whitmore Lake Lake Improvement Project 2024-2028 summary; Green Oak Township). I'll get the parcel's amount in writing.
• Taxable value generally "uncaps" after a sale (MCL 211.27a), so don't budget off the seller's tax bill.
• Both active listings have across-the-road frontage, so read the deed for how the lake lot ties to the house.

Tips for Sellers

• Lead with all-sports boating and the quick US-23 commute.
• Say "Whitmore Lake" plus your township (Green Oak or Northfield) in your listing.
• Have frontage, dock, sewer, well and assessment details ready.

FAQ

What county is Whitmore Lake in?

Both: Livingston County (Green Oak Township) and Washtenaw County (Northfield Township).

Is there a public launch on Whitmore Lake?

Yes, a DNR launch on North Shore Road in Green Oak Township (Recreation Passport or parking fee).

How big is Whitmore Lake?

Sources differ: about 576 acres in DNR data and 677 acres in the county lake report.

Let's Talk Lake Life

Want a big all-sports lake near US-23? I'd love to help you find a home on Whitmore Lake. Give me a call at (810) 962-4908.