Living a College Town Lifestyle in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan (population just over 115,000) is one of America's most well known college towns. It is home to the University of Michigan, whose 40,000 students permeate the town culturally, economically, and demographically. The city has strict zoning regulations which make life difficult for developers but result in an extremely pleasant small town environment.

The downtown is vital and varied. The downtown is widely used by surrounding communities as the center for dining out, entertainment, and artistic performances, There are music stores, sidewalk cafes, bars, bookstores, and shops. Sports fans can cheer the Big 10 sports events held in Ann Arbor. Its name supposedly comes from a combination of the wives of the city's founders (both named Ann), and for the many groves of trees throughout the city.

Photos of Liberty Street and the Nichols Arboretum courtesy of Wikipedia and photographers Traveler100 and Pentawing.

Where to Retire in Ann Arbor and Home Prices

The housing choices for retirees are quite varied. Its residential neighborhoods have a range of architectural styles, from classic 19th and early 20th-century designs in the older parts of town to ranch style homes further out. There is a university related retirement community, University Commons, plus many other developments and assisted living facilities that retirees would find desirable.

Real Estate Values
The median price of homes in Ann Arbor are about the highest of anywhere in Michigan. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median sale price of a home in Ann Arbor during the 2nd quarter of 2022 was $408,700.

What Is Special about Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is nicked named “Tree Town” and offers 147 municipal parks. It’s a Traditional college town with a variety of housing choices for retirees in multiple neighborhoods. The University of Michigan provides cultural events and Big 10 sports.

What Is Not Special about Ann Arbor

Traffic, gentrification, and overdevelopment are a problem. Property taxes are high. It gets cold in the winter.

Climate and Physical Environment

Ann Arbor is located in rolling hills on the Huron River. It is an agricultural and fruit growing region.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The University has created a very liberal community with a thriving artistic, literary, musical, and intellectual scene. Performing arts groups include the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, the Arbor Opera Theater, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, the Ann Arbor Ballet Theater, and the Ann Arbor Civic Ballet. The university offers museums. There are three theaters in town: the State Theatre, Hill Auditorium, and the Michigan Theatre (plays, films, and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra). Ann Arbor ranks first in the U.S. in terms of books sold per capita. There are a number of festivals.

Crime

The crime rate is well below the U.S. average.

Medical Facilities

St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. University of Michigan Health System

Transportation

Willow Run Airport is 16 miles away in Detroit, with Detroit Metropolitan Airport 28 miles from Ann Arbor. There is Amtrak service. Ann Arbor is a little above average for walkability when compared to other cities.

Valuable Links

Wikipedia on Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor City-Data
More community reviews at Topretirements
University of Michigan website
Ann Arbor visitors
Mini-guide to retirement in Michigan

Rate This Town