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Waterford
Eden Index
Climate
9.1
•
Recreation
5.8
•
Community
3.5
•
Safeguard
6.5/10
Waterford, Michigan is a vibrant suburban community located in Oakland County, approximately 35 miles northwest of Detroit. Known for its picturesque landscapes and abundance of lakes, Waterford experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures averaging in the mid to high 80s°F (around 30°C), while winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
The hydrology of Waterford is defined by its numerous lakes, including Cass Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Loon Lake, among others. These lakes not only contribute to the natural beauty of the area but also provide ample opportunities for various recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Additionally, the Clinton River flows through Waterford, offering scenic trails for kayaking, canoeing, and biking.
Waterford boasts an array of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and biking at the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area and the Michigan Airline Trail. There are also several parks throughout the community, providing residents and visitors with spaces for picnicking, sports, and leisurely walks. With its diverse natural amenities, Waterford is a desirable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 9.1
Waterford receives approximately
821mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 77%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Waterford has a plant hardyness factor of
6, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
St. Clair-Detroit
Area Rivers
St. Clair-Detroit
Snowpack Depths
St. Clair-Detroit
Reservoir Storage Capacity
St. Clair-Detroit
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 5.8
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne County Fairgrounds RV | None | 691 ft | |||
| Pontiac Lake State Rec Area | 175 | 1,015 ft | |||
| Metamora - Hadley Rec Area | 215 | 934 ft | |||
| Sterling State Park | 250 | 579 ft | |||
| Ortonville State Rec Area | 25 | 1,073 ft | |||
| Highland State Rec Area | 40 | 977 ft | |||
| Groveland Oaks County Park | None | 963 ft | |||
| Proud Lake State Rec Area | 130 | 1,002 ft | |||
| Holly State Rec Area | 160 | 1,026 ft | |||
| Wolverine | 190 | 767 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 3.5
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.