Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $435,100, which is pretty steep. Homes are going for about $435,100 on average. Median household income is $81,089, which feels pretty solid for the area. With a population of 121K, Ann Arbor is a mid-size city. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
James M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Joseph Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 27, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Uptown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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