The city of Ann Arbor, MI consistently ranks among the best places to live in America, and repeatedly shows up on various other lists (best food destination, best college town, most educated city, best cities for well-being, best places to retire). But what truly makes it such an amazing place to live? Here are the Top 9 Reasons to Move to Ann Arbor.
1. There’s Something for Everyone in Ann Arbor
Whether you’re looking for amazing nightlife or a quiet neighborhood, shops and restaurants or museums and art galleries, live music and entertainment, or high-quality education, Ann Arbor has it all. It’s a city for outdoor-lovers. For job-seekers. For singles, for new families, for retirees. It’s a place to find clubs and interest groups, rich literary culture, and deep-rooted history. It truly is a place for people of all walks of life.
2. The Arts & Culture Are Quite Robust
We Ann Arbor residents place strong values in the arts and celebration of culture, and it shows. The city is home to visual and performing arts, live music, art fairs, galleries, and so many more ways to enjoy. Catch a performance at the Arthur Miller Theatre. Enjoy a show by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra at the Michigan Theatre. Explore the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Watch your favorite national performers live at Hill Auditorium or the Power Center for the Performing Arts. Discover new local talent at a downtown bar or club. And don’t miss out on the tri-annual Ann Arbor Street Art Fair.
3. The Education is Top-Notch
Whether you’re looking to launch a great start for your little ones or seeking higher education yourself, Ann Arbor has plenty to offer. In fact, some of the top-rated school districts in Michigan are located here in Ann Arbor or its surrounding communities. There are lots of opportunities for students, like the Natural History Museum, the Hands-On Museum, and the Leslie Science and Nature Center. And of course, the University of Michigan offers outstanding opportunities for continuing education.
4. The Restaurants (and Stores) Are Just About Endless
Searching for something to eat? You’ve come to the right place—Ann Arbor boasts more restaurants per resident than any other US city, including New York or Chicago! So, no matter what you’re looking for (cheap, world-famous, ethnic and unique, hole-in-the-wall, mainstream), you’re sure to find a new flavor you’ll love. And the grocery store options are pretty great, too, from Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s to Kroger to ethnic and specialty stores.
5. There’s a Strong Emphasis on Healthy Living
Here in Ann Arbor, we care about healthy living. We thrive on local businesses that offer fresh and healthy eats. We love our Farmers Market, the Argus Farm Stop, and our local restaurants geared towards whole foods and healthy eating. Plus, Ann Arbor has some of the best health care systems in the country, as well as its highest doctor-to-patient ratio. And we boast top-rated healthcare systems like the University of Michigan Michigan Medicine and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
6. The Nightlife is Definitely Something to Write Home About
You don’t have to be a college kid or millennial to appreciate the hoppin’ downtown scene. If drinks and late-night entertainment are you’re thing, we’ve got a venue you’ll love, from cocktail bars to microbreweries, to wine shops. Ann Arbor is home to nine microbreweries, and is set to welcome a new distillery later in the year.
7. It’s a City That Loves the Great Outdoors
Living in a city doesn’t have to mean bidding farewell to the outdoors lifestyle. Nope—not when Ann Arbor is home to over 150 beautiful parks, including the Nichols Arboretum. Plus, the Huron River is a nationally-recognized waterway… running right through the middle of the city. Enjoy padding, fishing, picnicking, relaxing, or even sports along the river. Find a city or neighborhood park to enjoy sports, golf, gardens, public pools, miles of trails, events, and so much more. And for a true escape, the 20,000-acre Waterloo Recreation Area is just a short trip outside the city.
8. Sports & Events Mean Constant Entertainment
Whether you want to cheer on the Wolverines football or hockey team or take to the streets for a community-wide festival, Ann Arbor has plenty to love. We get pretty enthused about our college sports, but we also love our celebrations. Don’t miss out on some of the city’s best, like the Summer Festival, FestiFools, EdgeFest, or the Taste of Ann Arbor.
9. The Economy is Booming
If you’re seeking a top-notch job, or even looking to jump-start a career, Ann Arbor is the place to do it. Growing wages, increasing employment rates, new businesses and housing developments, and a growing metro area all show promising signs for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and business owners like.
Thinking of Relocating to the Fantastic City of Ann Arbor?
Are you convinced yet? If you’re considering a move to Ann Arbor, then it’s time to contact the Missy Caulk Team. As your Ann Arbor lifestyle and real estate experts, we’ve got all the answers, whether you want to know more about buying a home, living in Ann Arbor, or discovering surrounding communities. We’re you’re Ann Arbor relocation specialists!