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.
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.
Nothing Found
No cons were found for this area, as there were no categories that scored well below average.
Ann Arbor, Michigan is a mid-sized city with a population of 125,691 inhabitants. In Ann Arbor, there are 4,512 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (70% White). Given that fact, Ann Arbor could be considered less diverse than other cities. With an average age of 28 years old, Ann Arbor could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. 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. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Ann Arbor offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, far 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, commute, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Michigan and national averages.
Ann Arbor, MI receives 89 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #7 in Michigan and #85 in the USA. Based on this score, Ann Arbor would be considered a very livable city! Ann Arbor has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Ann Arbor has been rewarded with high marks for education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+).
Ann Arbor has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Ann Arbor has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Ann Arbor are: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, and Kerrytown.
The Ann Arbor unemployment rate of 2.3% 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.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Ann Arbor can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Ann Arbor. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Ann Arbor are affordable. Median real estate prices in Ann Arbor come in at $612,954, which is 159.9% higher than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ann Arbor, the home price to income ratio is 5.9, which is 84.4% higher than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Ann Arbor | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 51.5% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.5% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 9.4% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.5% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 17.1% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.4% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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