For Molly and Nate Otto, the path to Oak Pointe was both intentional and serendipitous—rooted in a desire for more space, stronger community, and a place where their family could truly grow.

The couple, along with their son Joey Otto, an energetic and kind-hearted 8-year-old in second grade at Hornung Elementary, made the move from Chicago in 2019. At the time, they were living on the north side of the city, not far from Wrigley Field, enjoying all that urban life had to offer. But as Joey grew, so did their vision for the kind of life they wanted to create.

“As Joey started to get bigger, we realized we needed more space,” they share. “We wanted him to grow up in a smaller, more community-focused place—and to be closer to family.”

Though they weren’t actively searching, they came across a home in Oak Pointe that checked every box—including a pool and, perhaps most importantly, its location just down the road from Molly’s parents, Craig and Teri Muhn. After navigating a multiple-offer situation, they were grateful to call it home.

That proximity to family has become one of the most meaningful parts of their life here. Joey shares a close bond with his grandparents, who are a constant presence—whether helping support busy work schedules or cheering him on from the stands. Many of their favorite memories are spent together on Crooked Lake, fishing, tubing, and enjoying time on the pontoon. “They’re always there,” Molly says. “It means everything to us.”

Joey is at the center of much of the Otto family’s rhythm, and he keeps them moving year-round. “He’s very active in sports, which keeps us busy all year long,” they say. He plays on the 8U Brighton Travel Baseball team, with Nate serving as an assistant coach, and participates in BARC soccer, where Molly coaches. In the winter, it’s BARC basketball, and in the fall, tackle football with the Brighton Bulldogs Football Club. He also enjoys golfing with his parents in the summer and is learning to ski at Mt. Brighton—following in his mom’s footsteps as she grew up in Brighton.

While Joey’s schedule is full, what stands out most to Molly and Nate is who he is becoming. “We are very proud that Joey is a kind, caring person who is not afraid to challenge himself and others around him,” they share.

That same sense of commitment and partnership is at the heart of Molly and Nate’s relationship. The two met in Chicago in 2004 through a mutual Michigan State University friend and were married just two years later at the MSU Alumni Chapel. This August, they will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary—a milestone grounded in shared values and mutual respect.

“We admire each other’s commitment to building a true life partnership focused on family and community,” they say.

Both bring that same dedication into their professional lives. Nate is a Senior Project Manager with a national engineering consulting firm, where he has spent 26 years working on major airport projects across the country and internationally, including Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver, and even Abu Dhabi. As a CPA, Molly serves as a Finance Vice President for a global automotive company based in Ann Arbor, leading U.S. manufacturing finance teams. She began her career in public accounting and has since held multiple leadership roles, most recently earning her Executive MBA from The University of Michigan Ross School of Business with high honors.

Despite demanding careers, the Otto family is intentional about making time for what matters most. They enjoy cheering on the Michigan State Spartans, as Molly and Nate are both alumni—whether tailgating at football games, attending basketball matchups, or hosting watch parties with friends and family. That same enthusiasm extends to all Detroit sports teams, making game days a shared experience that brings people together.

Travel is another meaningful part of their family life. They’ve been vacationing at Anna Maria Island in Florida for more than 20 years, a tradition that continues to create lasting memories. Each summer, they return to Chicago to catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, visit museums with Joey, and revisit favorite restaurants. Their adventures have also taken them to Alaska, where they visited Denali National Park, and to Costa Rica where they zip-lined through the rain forest—experiences that reflect their adventures and love of exploring new places together.

At home, life is centered around connection. Birthdays are celebrated with dinners out or hosting family and friends by the pool. “We love having people over,” they say. “It’s where everyone comes together.”

For the Ottos, some of the best moments are also the simplest. “Our favorite way to unwind is hanging by the pool with friends, a cold beverage, and some good tunes,” they share.

When they’re out in the community, they enjoy spending time at local favorites like Genoa Township Park, Zap Zone, and Tap-Ins—places where Joey can stay active and they can spend time together as a family. Dining out is another shared experience, with Brighton Bar & Grill as a go-to for family meals and Ciao Amici’s a favorite for date nights, especially with live jazz music. And in true Chicago fashion, the search continues for the perfect tavern-style pizza close to home.

Their connection to Oak Pointe runs deep. As members of Oak Pointe Country Club, they enjoy golf, couples’ league, and tournaments, while Joey has competed on the Orca swim team for the past three summers. Nate also serves on the Oak Pointe HOA board, further investing in the community they call home.

They stay connected through their faith as well, attending Brighton First United Methodist Church, where Joey is active in children’s programs and volunteering. Molly has also previously served on the board of Torch 180, a local nonprofit supporting individuals with disadvantages.

For the Otto family, what makes Oak Pointe special is the balance it offers. “The small-town feel with a sense of community and a multitude of amenities is the best of both worlds,” they share.

Some of their favorite memories are the ones that bring everyone together—especially the Fourth of July, when fireworks light up the lake and neighbors gather at the beach and marina. “We love that we don’t have to travel up north to enjoy the best of Pure Michigan,” they say. “It’s all right here.”

More than anything, it’s the people who make it home. “We’ve really enjoyed meeting so many wonderful families and developing close friendships,” they share. “And having Molly’s parents right here in the neighborhood makes it even more special.”

And like many neighbors, they appreciate the role of this publication in bringing the community closer. “We enjoy getting to know our neighbors and seeing what’s happening in the neighborhood,” they say.

For the Otto family, life in Oak Pointe is exactly what they hoped it would be—full of connection, rooted in family, and filled with moments that matter most.