What's Ann Arbor like? (Detroit, Jackson: crime, homes, established neighborhood)

[violetvale]

Hi there,

We're looking to relocate (maybe) from the northeast US to somewhere in the midwest. There are some appropriate jobs for me at the Univ of Michigan and I was wondering what that area is like. Safe? Housing costs? Good schools? Things for kids to do? What areas should I look at on realtor.com that are safe with good schools for the $250K to 300K range? Would like an older home with character rather than a McMansion.

Thanks!!

[Ann_Arbor]

Ann Arbor is an anomaly in the state. For a city, AA doesn't have the problems that plague most other Michigan cities. In fact, most would say there are no bad abandoned or crime pockets within the city; that said, safety and crime should be little to no concern there.

Public schools I hear are great in Ann Arbor. The city has the two largest public high schools in Michigan, with a third opening soon. The two existing schools have strong ratings, creating symmetry in AA- i.e., there are 'well-to-do' families on both sides of the city. Some cities, for instance, have the token schools, rail road tracks or river that socially and economically separate the city.

Though the idea of Ann Arbor being a "College Town" is contested, I would argue that U of M, above anything else, has made the city a popular and desirable place to live. In my opinion, without the university, AA would either be another far-removed Detroit suburb searching for identity or a separate city with a distressed economy, e.g., near bye Bellville, Ypsilanti or Jackson. Furthermore, the university has made AA a 'collage' city, meaning, neighborhoods and business strips catered to college students and local residents weave together, creating interest and uniqueness.

Ann Arbor has many established neighborhoods on all sides of the city. If you look at a map of the city, established, architecturally unique neighborhoods are found within the island of highways, nearest to the city center. With your interests and price range, many would generally look just a mile or two out of central AA in the west or east-central parts of the city; though, virtually all sides have something to offer.

[MittenDweller82]

Originally Posted by violetvale

Hi there,

We're looking to relocate (maybe) from the northeast US to somewhere in the midwest. There are some appropriate jobs for me at the Univ of Michigan and I was wondering what that area is like. Safe? Housing costs? Good schools? Things for kids to do? What areas should I look at on realtor.com that are safe with good schools for the $250K to 300K range? Would like an older home with character rather than a McMansion.

Thanks!!

Ann Arbor is one of the safest cities in the US for its size, you'll find very little news of any crime. In your price range, there will be some homes on the west side of town, all established neighborhoods with great scenery, quite streets, all very walkable to downtown Ann Arbor. Areas east of UM near the Huron river have beautiful architectural homes, tucked away in hills that overlook the river, but prices there are closer to 500-700K. Lots of recreation for the kids, science museums, lots of family oriented venues that come to Michigan Theater downtown, there is always something to do. Other areas include the east corridor near US-23 which is comprised mostly of professionals, but the neighborhoods are not as "unique" and established as that of the west and north ends of town. Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Has some information on all neighborhoods. Good Luck!