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Metro Detroit Oakland County Charter township
Oakland County's "lake township": waterfront homes, a rail trail and diverse communities
01 / Why it matters
Locals call West Bloomfield the "lake township of Oakland County," and they're not kidding: it's dotted with small and medium-sized lakes. Part of Cass Lake, the biggest lake in the county, is here, and Pine Lake lies entirely inside the township. Most of the growth came after the 1960s, as people moved out from the inner-ring suburbs.
Two communities shape its character in a big way. It's home to Michigan's largest Jewish population and the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit. It's also a center of the Chaldean (Assyrian) community: the Chaldean Cultural Center was founded here in 2004, and its museum is the first Chaldean museum in the world.
Daily life runs along Orchard Lake Road and West Maple (15 Mile), lined with shopping centers, boutiques and restaurants. If you'd rather be outside, the West Bloomfield Trail follows an old rail bed across the township and links up with the area's big bike trails.
02 / Known for
The "lake township": Pine Lake lies entirely within it, and part of Cass Lake, the county's largest lake, does too.
Home to Michigan's largest Jewish population, the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit and the Frankel Jewish Academy.
The Chaldean Cultural Center (2004) is the largest of its kind in the U.S., and its museum is the world's first Chaldean museum.
The West Bloomfield Trail follows the old Michigan Air Line rail bed, linking the Michigan Air Line Trail with the Clinton River Trail toward Pontiac.
03 / What’s on
Oct 5, 2026, 7:00 PMThe Berman Center for the Performing Arts · The Berman Center for the Performing Arts presents Find Me, Okay? on Monday, October 5, at 7 p.m. at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield; a solid pick if you like this venue’s programs.
![HOME[sic]](/media/events/9c81712be25f43413d7de0084348464aded7be9c865adbc01584d04ab3311121-480.jpg)
Oct 18, 2026, 7:00 PMThe Berman Center for the Performing Arts · HOME[sic], a movement-theater performance, is set for Sunday, October 18, at 7 p.m. at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield. It blends movement, illusion, and bold physicality to unpack homesickness and the fragile, shifting idea of home. Tickets available through the venue.
Oct 20, 2026, 6:30 PMThe Berman Center for the Performing Arts · Temple Israel and The Berman Center for the Performing Arts host a special screening of director Haley Geffen’s new film Safe Room on Tuesday, October 20, at 6:30 p.m. at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield. Geffen will be present; the film runs 73 minutes. Tickets required.
Nov 1, 2026, 7:00 PMThe Berman Center for the Performing Arts · The Berman Center for the Performing Arts hosts STORIED’s live concert experience on Sunday, November 1, at 7 p.m. in West Bloomfield, exploring Bob Dylan’s life, music, and meaning. Storytelling blends with live performance to trace his Jewish roots, biblical influences, and cultural forces. Tickets available.
Nov 8, 2026, 3:00 PMThe Berman Center for the Performing Arts · Clifford The Big Red Dog: The Musical hits The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield on Sunday, November 8, at 3 p.m. A brand-new musical comedy about friendship, imagination, and unconditional love. Tickets available.
Nov 10, 2026, 7:00 PMThe Berman Center for the Performing Arts · Trailblazing journalist Joan Lunden talks about her memoir, “Joan, Life Beyond the Script,” on Tuesday, November 10, at 7 p.m. at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield. Expect candid stories on TV breakthroughs, motherhood, survivorship, and aging. Tickets $18.
Nov 15, 2026, 3:00 PMThe Berman Center for the Performing Arts · The Berman Center for the Performing Arts hosts a 40th-anniversary screening of Ferris Bueller's Day Off on Sunday, November 15, at 3 p.m. in West Bloomfield. Written and directed by John Hughes, with an Author Talk at 5 p.m.; tickets available.
Nov 16, 2026, 7:00 PMThe Berman Center for the Performing Arts · Mandylicious hosts a book talk and food demo for Twisted: A New Approach to Challah, Babka and Other Twisty Bread on Monday, November 16, at 7 p.m. at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield. Expect live techniques and tastings. Tickets $25.
Nov 18, 2026, 7:30 PMThe Berman Center for the Performing Arts · L’Chaim, a musical journey from the Lower East Side to Broadway, is Wednesday, November 18, at 7:30 p.m. at The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in West Bloomfield. It honors the Jewish legacy of musical theatre, spotlighting composers and lyricists. Tickets available via the venue.
04 / Places
05 / What to do
A 7-mile rail trail popular with runners and bikers, with several parking access points along the way.
Official site ↗A quiet wooded nature preserve for when you need an hour away from the traffic.
Official site ↗Billed by West Bloomfield Parks as Michigan's largest splash pad; a summer win with kids.
Official site ↗A museum of Chaldean history from ancient Mesopotamia to modern Detroit, at Shenandoah Country Club, 5600 Walnut Lake Road. As of 2026 it was open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment, and advance reservations are required.
Official site ↗06 / History
The Michigan Air Line Railway finishes its Richmond–Jackson line (built 1877 to 1884), which runs through the township from Pontiac.
Grand Trunk Western abandons the rail line, which later becomes the West Bloomfield Trail.
The Chaldean Cultural Center is established.
07 / Born here
08 / People
Population and area are Census Bureau figures (West Bloomfield charter township).
Change since 2020, per the Census Bureau estimate: +0.2 percent.
