Ann Arbor, MI

Population: 118,087 livability score shield

Key findings

  • Ann Arbor has a Livability Score of 83/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Ann Arbor crime rates are 6% lower than the Michigan average
  • Cost of living in Ann Arbor is 25% higher than the Michigan average
  • Ann Arbor real estate prices are 96% higher than the Michigan average
  • Rental prices in Ann Arbor are 39% higher than the Michigan average

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      Ann Arbor, MI

      Ann Arbor, a city in Michigan, is home to around 200,000 people. Despite being on the smaller side, it packs a punch, thanks to the University of Michigan’s flagship campus, and associated hospital, being located there. It is also a technological hub, so it draws workers and students alike. With a cost of living only slightly higher than the national average, and reasonable home and rental costs, Ann Arbor is ideal for those who want to live in the Mitten State.

      With a humid continental climate, Ann Arbor has warm summers, transitional falls and springs and long and snowy winters due to the Lake Effect. Snow usually comes in October and stays through April, so bundle up.

      TheRide, the city’s transportation system, offers buses that get people where they need to be. It costs $1.50 per ride, making this a cost-effective option for many. Riding and seeing route destinations is easy, as is taking transportation to the airport via the AirRide service.

      Ann Arbor is primarily centered on two things: culture and the university. The Ann Arbor Art Fairs and the Ann Arbor Film Festival are attended by many locals and out-of-towners, due to their national reputations of being high quality and enriching. The Ann Arbor District Library and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library also hold numerous events, talks and workshops.

      The University of Michigan offers no shortage of things to do, visit and explore. The Michigan Stadium, also known as “The Big House,” is one of the largest football stadiums in the country. Cheer on the Michigan Wolverines as they take the football field, or watch a hockey game at the Crisler Center. The university Performance Society, as well as the musical theater program, one of the nation’s best, offer numerous chances to take in a show year-round. Past shows and events include Chicago, Evita, Spring Awakening and the Senior Sing. If museums are more your fancy, the school has art, archeology, natural history and science museums. Spend a day strolling through each to get your culture fix. Or, attend a tailgate before the big game, relax in the Law Library or wander around the botanical gardens. With plenty of things to do, you will never get bored in Ann Arbor.

      Moving to Ann Arbor will be a great chance to get to know the Midwest. Experience Midwestern hospitality, as everyone from your neighbors to the person passing you on the street will greet you with a “good morning.” Ask for help when you need it, and get it in return. Become part of a small but diverse community that values others and where they are, which will make you proud to call Ann Arbor home. Go Blue!

      Top Rated Schools in Ann Arbor

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      Ann Arbor Reviews

      Write a review about Ann Arbor Tell people what you like or don't like about Ann Arbor…
      DON'T die of boredom in Ann Arbor if u smoke weed (now fully legal in Michigan)
      Attractions9/10
      Community9/10
      Nightlife8/10
      Dining9/10
      Shopping9/10
      So a reviewer below a few yers ago said a lot of negatives about Ann Arbor about the roads being in bad shape, etc... Sure the people being very uninterested in you but weed is legal now so have a blast and fun with it!!
      4 -3
      Third world roads
      Attractions6/10
      Community6/10
      Nightlife7/10
      Dining7/10
      Shopping6/10
      This is a town and gown world. The campus area is bustling. U-M is expensive and selective. Lots of grad students, lots of folks born in other countries. Great grocery options with 2 whole foods stores, farmers market, Trader Joes and much more. Plenty of restaurants, but few good ones. Horrid streets and roads. Potholes everywhere. Expensive housing. Terrible weather five months a year, great seven. Lots of culture, good parks. Bike lines everywhere. Vast bus system. Big box stores on the outskirts, plus chain restaurants. Football Saturdays are a pain, with a hundred thousand visitors. Lots of petty crime, but overall a safe city.
      2 -2
      Die of boredom in Ann Arbor
      Attractions3/10
      Community3/10
      Nightlife3/10
      Dining3/10
      Shopping3/10
      Notice how the reviews were from visitors rather than actual residents?
      We have lived in many states from the West coast throughout the Midwest
      and after living her for 5 years we are ready to move! You can die of boredom here in Ann Arbor.

      Compared to Canton and Novi, there are no stores here other than a small dilapidated mall,
      We have yet to find one good restaurant in 5 years and it's clear why it was ranked
      #81 in Michigan and only #3557 in the USA.

      The roads are the worst in the country, with dirt roads everywhere and potholes on every block.
      City services and police presence are non existent here.

      As a homeowner, the taxes and utilities are the highest of any State we have lived with nothing in return.
      There is a shortage of housing and rents are high, jobs are scarce, weather is the worst and snow removal is minimal.
      Si whats the attraction to move here? We haven't seen any yet.
      4 -13
      I liked it!
      Attractions10/10
      Community8/10
      Nightlife10/10
      Dining10/10
      Shopping8/10
      I visited Ann Arbor a year ago (2012) and really loved it! There were tons of great restaurants and fun places to see. It also felt like there were a lot of trees surrounding the city and a great vibe. Because it is a college town, the nightlife was really fun as well! The streets were pretty full with people roaming and eating and enjoying each others company. I would really like to visit longer to really get a better feel for the area, but all in all I really loved my time there. It felt like a small town but with all the cultural aspects of a big city!
      1 -3
      Ann Arbor, MI - The Good Old Cityscape!
      Attractions7/10
      Community5/10
      Nightlife9/10
      Dining9/10
      Shopping9/10
      I was in Ann Arbor, MI in 2010 to visit college friends at the University of Michigan. My general impression of Ann Arbor is that it is mostly a university town. Most of the population is youth at the University and the majority of surrounding business thrives off the university. As a result Ann Arbor has a very young, fast paced and exciting feel for youth.

      The city of Ann Arbor is primarily setup around the university, therefore it is no surprise you will find tons of nightlife, restaurants and shopping in Ann Arbor since those tend to be favorites of the youth! I enjoyed a wide selection of well kept clubs and bars until the early hours of the morning! There is no shortage of good restaurants with everything from New York Delicatessen to S'cargo (Escargot) served fresh!

      Shopping in Ann Arbor is plentiful as well with multiple malls and shopping plazas as well as many different localities throughout the city focused on shopping. You can also find things for sale on just about every other street, typical of any city. Ann Arbor is a visit best suited for those who are interested in the younger lifestyle more than anything else.
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      Source: The Ann Arbor, MI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the 2016 United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).