Ann Arbor 89 Exceptional
Ann Arbor Livability #7 ranked city in Michigan#85 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Ann Arbor, MI - Tree Town

Ann Arbor, Michigan, affectionately known as "Tree Town," is a vibrant college town located in the southeastern part of the state. Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers a lively atmosphere, rich cultural scene, and a strong sense of community. The city's blend of academic excellence, historic charm, and modern amenities makes living in Ann Arbor an attractive option for students, families, and professionals alike.

Residents of Ann Arbor enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Nichols Arboretum and Gallup Park are popular destinations for hiking, biking, and nature exploration, offering scenic views and a chance to connect with nature.

Ann Arbor's cultural scene is heavily influenced by the University of Michigan, which hosts a range of events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year. The Michigan Theater, the Ann Arbor Art Fair, and the Ann Arbor Summer Festival are cultural highlights that enrich the community's artistic and entertainment landscape. Living in Ann Arbor means being part of a dynamic and engaging community.

The cost of living in Ann Arbor is relatively high compared to other parts of Michigan, reflecting its desirable location and amenities. The housing market includes a variety of options, from historic homes near the university to modern developments in suburban areas. The city's economy is supported by industries such as education, healthcare, and technology.

Public transportation in Ann Arbor is well-developed, with access to TheRide (Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority) buses, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Ann Arbor's climate features four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters, allowing for a variety of seasonal activities. Overall, Ann Arbor offers a blend of academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, and a welcoming community spirit, making it a highly desirable place to live.

Pros and Cons of Living in Ann Arbor

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    No cons were found for this area, as there were no categories that scored well below average.

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What's it like Living in Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor, Michigan is a mid-sized city with a population of 121,093 inhabitants. In Ann Arbor, there are 4,294 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. The majority of Ann Arbor residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. The median age of all Ann Arbor residents is 28, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. Ann Arbor is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 37% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Ann Arbor is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Ann Arbor can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Michigan, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Ann Arbor and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Michigan and national averages.

Ann Arbor has a livability score of 89/100 and is ranked #7 in Michigan and #69 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Ann Arbor could be a great choice! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Ann Arbor ranks very well for crime (B-), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A).

If you're considering living in Ann Arbor, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Ann Arbor provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, and Kerrytown.

The Ann Arbor unemployment rate of 2.16% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Ann Arbor market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Ann Arbor is real estate affordability. The median home price for Ann Arbor homes is $346,800, which is 171.4% higher than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ann Arbor, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 100% higher than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Ann Arbor

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Compare Ann Arbor, MI Livability

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      Ann Arbor transportation information

      Statistic Ann Arbor Michigan National
      Average one way commute20min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work51.5%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.5%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit9.4%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle3.5%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk17.1%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home12.4%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Ann Arbor, MI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).