Ann Arbor is a city and county seat in Washtenaw County, Michigan, United States. It is the principal city of the Ann Arbor metropolitan area, with 372,258 residents. Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan. The city’s economy is also centred on high technology, with several companies drawn here by the university’s research and development infrastructure. Next, I’ll tell you about the 10 best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor. Prepare this guide, and you will have an unforgettable stay.
Is Ann Arbor a Good Place to Live?
Ann Arbor is a city of contrasts. It combines the modern and the past, technology and tradition. Home to the University of Michigan, the city’s educational landscape is thriving. It has a wealth of schools, libraries, and research institutions that foster a culture of intellectual curiosity and growth. A charming, historic main street has bookstores, gift shops, and restaurants. There is also a wealth of cultural attractions and activities. The youthful atmosphere of the university is everywhere.
Ann Arbor is next to a revitalized Detroit, which has led to a burgeoning startup scene and a thriving international community. The city has always been a beacon of vibrancy, fueled by an unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit and a constant influx of talent. Its economy is a testment to this, with thriving healthcare, technology, and education industries.
In addition to excellent public schools, an increasingly diverse job market, and a low crime rate, Ann Arbor is becoming attractive for locals of all ages. Through an active law enforcement presence and community engagement initiatives, the city strives to create a safe environment where individuals can thrive and enjoy all Ann Arbor offers.
Best Neighborhoods in Ann Arbor
1. Burns Park
Must-visit Attractions: Burns Park Players, York Food and Drink, Branches of Argus Farm Stop
Burns Park is known for its tree-lined streets and a collection of brilliant historic homes. Many of these have been carefully renovated to blend the classic with the modern.
Burns Park is located in downtown Ann Arbor and features a sports field, pedestrian street, and community centre. Here, you can have leisure activities and organize neighborhood activities. Burns Park is the centre of local activity and socializing, bringing the community’s residents together.
The neighborhood promotes walking and biking, making getting to the University of Michigan and the bustling downtown area easy. Therefore, this community attracts students and families attending the University of Michigan. They appreciate the tranquillity of small city communities and the ease of transportation.
The park is also home to Burn Park Players, a unique theatre company. It is popular. Branches of Argus Farm Stop and York Food and Drink surround it, and large shopping malls and grocery stores are nearby. Many of the residences in Burns Park are historic and have been renovated to provide an excellent visual experience for residents. Burns Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor.
2. Kerrytown
Must-visit Attractions: Zingerman’s Dell, Kerrytown Market & Shops, Kerrytown Concert House
Kerrytown is a vibrant community located just north of Ann Arbor. The famous Kerrytown Market & Shops and nearby farmers markets offer residents fresh produce and local goods. There is also the famous Zingerman’s Dell, arguably the culinary magnate of the neighborhood, which has profoundly influenced the local cuisine. It’s home to Kerryton Concert House, which plays popular music from the Ann Arbor area. Because of this, the neighborhood is very walkable and lively every day. This vibrant district boasts a bustling market, quaint shops, and cosy cafes that invite exploration and discovery. Immerse yourself in Kerrytown’s unique ambience, where every corner exudes warmth and creativity. People looking for an urban lifestyle will gravitate here. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor.
3. WaterHill
Must-visit Attractions: Hunt Park, Bluff Nature Area, Argo Park, Music Fest
WaterHill is known for its annual music festival and diverse architectural styles. The neighborhood is eclectic, with craftsmanlike bungalows, Victorian houses and mid-rise apartments. Such a community can meet every need of the people.
In recent years, the popularity of spacious modern-style homes has increased, and WaterHill is highly sought after. WaterHill is close to the city centre, and residents are within walking distance. WaterHill has many amenities, including Hunt Park, Bluff Nature Area, and Argo Park. Such communities significantly meet people’s needs for entertainment and leisure venues. WaterHill’s unique feature is its annual Music Fest, where residents can play music together on porches and yards. This would be one of the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor.
4. Old West Side
Must-visit Attractions: Big House, Washtenaw Dairy, Jefferson Market, Blank Slate Creamery
Ann Arbor’s Old West Side is a charming neighborhood with a long history and diverse architectural styles. It contains many architecture and streetscapes, especially characteristic of 19th-century midwestern America. The area offers the perfect balance of tranquil residential life and vibrant city life. The neighborhood is excellent for biking, and the dense woods add beauty to the streets. The sidewalks seamlessly lead to downtown Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. This neighborhood has not only history but also a variety of shops. Residents often shop at Washtenaw Dairy, Jefferson Market and Blank Slate Creamery. The Old West Side is perfect for those who prefer a quiet life and need easy access.
The Old West Side exudes a timeless charm, reflecting a rich tapestry of history and community spirit. Stroll along tree-lined streets adorned with historic homes and embrace a sense of nostalgia amidst modern-day living. It explores the allure of the Old West Side and uncover its enduring legacy. This would be one of the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor.
5. Barton Hills
Must-visit Attractions: Barton Hills Country Club
Barton Hills is a village in Michigan that contains small, old ranches and golf courses. Although surrounded by luxury homes, most of which cost more than $1 million, the mountain village is very low-key and private. The community has a country club as old as it is, complete with golf courses, swimming pools, fitness centres, and other venues. The hotel also has poolside barbecue facilities, and the grand ballroom often hosts upscale dining and weddings. There are also excellent cultural venues, school music theatres, sporting events and more.
While the community is quiet and low-key, it also focuses on residents’ recreational lives. It would be one of the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor.
6. Eberwhite
Must-visit Attractions: Eberwhite Wood, Fritz Park and Allmendinger Park
Ann Arbor’s Eberwhite community has excellent educational resources, including the respected Eberwhite Elementary School. It is known for its strong academic focus and is sought after by many families.
Eberwhite has a variety of architectural styles, ranging from the Middle Ages to modern times. Each building has a spacious plot of land to guarantee the privacy of each resident.
The community has a large green area, and several communities have been established. The locals love Eberwhite Wood. It is a natural recreation destination with walking trails and wildlife. Fritz Park and Allmendinger Park are also well known for providing playgrounds, sports facilities and community meeting places, greatly enhancing interaction and solidarity among residents. Eberwhite is one of the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor.
7. Lower Burns Park
Must-visit Attractions: Graydon Park, Frisinger Park
The Lower Bourne Park community is vibrant and has many amenities. More housing is available here, and many graduate students are renting. Many amenities are nearby to meet residents’ daily needs. The neighborhood has a railroad track and a pharmacy near the track.
Graydon Park provides a place of leisure and recreation for most residents, equipped with recreational facilities. Frisinger Park also has a stadium and ball courts. During the week, matches are also held here, so the community has a soccer parking lot. Residents here host large and small dinners and queues yearly, and students who like the buzz can consider this community.
8. Georgetown
Must-visit Attractions: Georgetown Country Club
Georgetown is picturesque. Its tree-lined streets and cosy cafes exude a welcoming atmosphere. Georgetown is mainly made up of charming traditional-style homes. Georgetown is located near Ellsworth and Stone Schools in south-central Ann Arbor. Briarwood Mall, I-94, restaurants and local businesses are all minutes away. The semi-private Georgetown Country Club is located within the subdivision and offers a 9-hole executive golf course, clubhouse, swimming pool and tennis court. Bryant Elementary and Pattengill Elementary have been the only paired schools in the Ann Arbor School District. The school provides students with high-quality teaching services to lay a good foundation for their further studies. At Esch Park, locals can join together for a basketball game or spend a leisurely afternoon on the paved walking and biking trails.
9. Angell
Must-visit Attractions: Nichols Arboretum, The Gallup Park Pathway
Angel’s quiet tree-lined paths and lush scenery offer a heavenly refuge from Ann Arbor’s busy downtown streets. The community is adjacent to the University of Michigan’s main campus and has a series of student housing. Expansive ranch-style homes and colonial revival styles sit on carpeted green lawns surrounded by tall oak trees. While most homes were built between the 1950s and 1960, many have been upgraded with modern appliances and interiors. Nichols Arboretum offers an immersive multicultural experience with gravel paths winding through native landscapes and exotic botanical gardens. Every spring, bright pink peonies and fragrant lilacs attract hundreds of visitors. The Gallup Park Pathway wraps around the block’s west side and offers up-close views of the Huron River. So, it is one of the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor.
10. Arbor Hills
Must-visit Attractions: Barnes & Noble and the new Arbor Hills shopping Center.
Arbor Hills Located in the heart of Ann Arbor, it’s secluded but easily accessible. Just minutes from your favourite restaurants, US-23 and UM North Campus, across the street from Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble and the new Arbor Hills shopping Center.
Arbor Hills stands as a beacon of sophistication and community allure. Residents and visitors alike are welcome to embrace a lifestyle of refinement and serenity in this picturesque locale. Exploring the harmonious blend of luxury and comfort in Arbor Hills is an invitation to savour the beauty of upscale living in the heart of Ann Arbor.
Guide to Living in Ann Arbor
Accommodation
Student Apartments: Most schools offer student apartments near the school. The flats have complete security facilities, you can ask them for help with any problem. Therefore, the security of student apartments is very high. Because they are very close to the school, students can participate in social activities conveniently, and transportation is very convenient.
Homestays: International students can also choose to live with a local family. This way, I can integrate into the local culture more quickly and practice your oral English simultaneously. Host families provide three meals a day and accommodation, so the cost of living for international students is relatively low.
Renting: Renting a house suits those who prefer independent living or other needs. A wide variety of room types can fully meet the needs of students. The right home can bring students a comfortable living experience.
Commute
Ann Arbor’s commute offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, with tree-lined streets framing the daily journey. These areas are close to the city centre and the university and can be accessed by bike. Residents enjoy a picturesque drive or bike ride, often accompanied by glimpses of vibrant local life.
Entertainment
Country Club and Park: Each community has country clubs (Barton Hills Country Club, Georgetown Country Club) that provide residents with recreational facilities and sports fields. The parks offer a wide area for residents to hold parties and enjoy the scenery. The parks include Gallup Park Pathway, Graydon Park, Frisinger Park, Fritz Park, Allmendinger Park, etc. These clubs and parks fully meet people’s leisure and entertainment needs.
Music and Arts: The community has regular music festivals that residents can attend. The Burns Park Players and the Kerrytown Concert House are excellent choices. The music enhances residents’ emotions. Most of the community’s buildings have a historical flavour, and residents can appreciate the architectural aesthetics of the community.
Foods Festivals: Each community has a wealth of shops and a variety of food to satisfy residents’ taste buds. These include York Food and Drink, Branches of Argus Farm Stop, Kerrytown Market & Shops, Jefferson Market, Blank Slate Creamery, etc. These communities are also close to farmers’ markets and the city centre, providing residents ample access to their daily needs.
Conclusion
Ann Arbor has many good communities in which to live. This article introduces the 10 best neighborhoods, including their location, amenities, and activities. I hope that international students can understand the details of the community through our introduction and find the ideal community.
FAQ
What Salary do You Need to Live in Ann Arbor?
To comfortably live in Ann Arbor, a salary that factors in the city’s cost of living is crucial. Considering housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other expenses, an estimated annual income of around $60,000 to $70,000 or more may provide a solid foundation for a decent standard of living in this vibrant Michigan city.
Is it Safe to Walk in Ann Arbor at Night?
While Ann Arbor generally enjoys a reputation for safety, exercising caution when walking at night is advisable. Stick to well-lit areas, be aware of your surroundings, and consider walking in groups or using public transportation for added security. You can navigate the city safely after dark by staying vigilant and taking necessary precautions.
Does Ann Arbor have nightlife?
Ann Arbor offers a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to various tastes and interests. From cosy pubs and live music venues to trendy bars and cultural events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy after dark. Explore the city’s eclectic nightlife offerings and immerse yourself in the dynamic energy that Ann Arbor has to offer.
