Considering Ann Arbor

117,082

Population

Sunny Days: 178

90100 Affordability

100100 Schools

70100 Diversity

95100 Safety

See all the facts!

LookyLOO Review of Ann Arbor

The Wolverines

Ann Arbor consistently, and rightfully, winds up near the top of the rankings for best college towns in the U.S. While a big reason for that is the University, what lifts Ann Arbor above the rest is an incredibly healthy job market, a phenomenal restaurant and bar scene, several great markets and festivals, and being one of the most walkable cities in the country with miles of parks and trails to keep you healthy and happy.

One of the downsides of living in an area that’s a lot more than just a college town is that it costs more than just a small college town. The thriving economy and incredible amenities have driven housing and general cost of living well above state and national averages. It’s still cheaper than mega-cities like nearby-ish Chicago, but, as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for,” and in getting much more here, be prepared for prices that reflect that.

Lifestyle

Ann Arbor provides more kinds of living options than you might expect. Downtown has fewer homes, but its proximity not only to all of the businesses but the University, the lively neighborhood of Kerrytown, and massive West Park provides several additional social opportunities as well. Neighborhoods like Hailsey are extremely family-oriented, and neighborhoods like Burns Park are known for their great restaurants and parks. Angell, which is home to a lot of student housing, also has large, high-end homes if that’s more your price range, with great proximity to the school and “The Big House” (The largest football stadium in the country).

If you're interested in seeing what's happening in Ann Arbor check out the calendar of events.

We highly recommend visiting Ann Arbor and staying in the community in a VRBO rather than a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our partnership with Expedia as well.

Why You Should Move Here Now?

More than just the Wolverines

Cities like this, with big homes, tons of social and cultural options, and plenty of outdoor spaces, are perfect for a world in which more and more people work in front of their computers all day.

Reviews of Ann Arbor from Locals

ghosteagle
5mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉🦉

I go to U of M, and absolutely love it there. I've mentioned a few times that I'm looking for places that are "Ann Arbor, but warmer" to move to when I graduate. Things of note for me:
-The State Theater is incredible if you like watch older/more obscure movies on the big screen. The sometimes play "The Room" for instance, and will have Greg Sestero give talks afterward.
-The bars are going to be filled with students for the most part, so if you don't like that…
-There's a lot of places to take walks/mountain bike. I live in Livonia though, so I do my hiking elsewhere. I'm not really an expert on the trails there.
-It's very walkable, as a consequence of being a Uni town.
-Lots of dispensaries everywhere.
-Even with the students, IME as long as you stay away from the campus on the weekends, the parties aren't too nuts.
-Michigan Football is HUGE. People go nuts on gameday, which again I like, but it's not for everyone. Last year when we won the championship, people were blasting music and throwing shit all night all over the place.

For more reviews of what living in Ann Arbor is like from locals, check out The Reviews.