Oakland County is redefining the summer staycation with luxury pools that rival high-end resorts. From boutique apartment complexes to public aquatic centers upgraded with resort-style amenities, residents are finding vacation-worthy escapes right in their own neighborhoods.

Public pools throughout the county are offering destination-worthy experiences.

The Troy Family Aquatic Center, for example, is a summer staple for families, with its sprawling outdoor pool complex, tube slides, splash pad and zero-depth entry pool ideal for young swimmers. The park-like setting with picnic areas makes it a full-day experience for residents of all ages.

In Waterford, Waterford Oaks County Park offers one of Michigan’s only outdoor wave pools, complete with gentle rolling waves, a sandy beach area, and a children’s water playground.

Farmington Hills provides several options, too, including the Heritage Park Splash Pad and the indoor Costick Center Pool, ensuring residents have year-round access to family-friendly aquatic fun.

Royal Oak resident Sylvia Stefonivich spends her weekend free time with friends at the Troy pool renting the cabanas.

“I’d rather spend Saturday under a cabana with friends than at home scrolling,” Stefonivich said. “It’s like an all-inclusive resort under a cabana for hours right in Troy.”

Even smaller community centers and swim clubs throughout Birmingham, Novi, and Rochester are investing in high-quality aquatic facilities that rival many vacation destinations.

For others, resort-style living extends right to their front door. Some luxury apartment communities in Oakland County are embracing the trend with high-end pool amenities designed to create a summer escape at home.

At The Griffin Royal Oak, residents enjoy a pool experience that feels more like a boutique resort than a typical apartment community. Many apartment homes feature balconies that overlook the resort-style pool courtyard, where poolside games and resident barbecues create a vibrant, social atmosphere all summer long.

“Today, people aren’t just searching for a place to live — they’re looking for a lifestyle,” said Mike Hashemi, property manager at The Griffin Royal Oak. “In the summer, our poolside cabanas, lounge areas and outdoor social spaces create a resort-like atmosphere. Coming home feels more like a getaway, and that kind of experience is exactly what residents are looking for.”

As Oakland County continues to evolve, these resort-style amenities — whether public or private — are becoming an increasingly desirable part of the local summer lifestyle.

And, for those who opt for nature over poolside, did you know Oakland County has more lakes than any other in Michigan? Of all 387 lakes — 70 are still unnamed. The lakes, a significant feature of the county, formed by melting glaciers from the last ice age approximately 17,000 years ago.

With so many options available, residents don’t need to travel far for a little taste of vacation this season.