UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
Ann Arbor, MI is the #2 Best City to Live in the USA
| Ann Arbor, MI Quality of Life Liv Score 686 How We Calculate Our Data |
|---|
| Civics | 78 |
| Demographics | 46 |
| Economy | 67 |
| Education | 72 |
| Health | 72 |
| Housing | 57 |
| Infrastructure | 45 |
| Amenities | 71 |
Why Ann Arbor is one of the best cities to live in
Exciting things are happening in Ann Arbor, MI. The University of Michigan provides a robust and homegrown talent pipeline for healthcare and tech sectors, and the college’s presence keeps the city young at heart. Plus, A2 (feel free to call Ann Arbor by its nickname) is pioneering autonomous and connected vehicle technology. (Yes, that means a friendly robot can deliver your TikTok-worthy takeout order!)
Well-designed trail systems, a passion for the arts, worldly restaurants, plus friendly, smart residents who are civically engaged are also among the reasons Ann Arbor is one of the best cities to live in the U.S.
Education, healthcare, automotive research and development and manufacturing are just some of the thriving industries here. The city is also home to world-renowned tech startups like Google, Nokia and Duo Security, just to name a few.
University of Michigan
You’ll get all four seasons here, but there’s something especially romantic about autumn in college towns, with the leaves crunching under your boots.
The Border-to-Border Trail is a 35-mile long, ADA-accessible paved pathway with a half dozen trail corridors connecting residents to cities and parks throughout Washtenaw County.
Ann Arbor is Remote Ready
Working remotely can be isolating, but Ann Arbor’s residents have figured out how to combat this and create a collaborative community through Workantile, a 100% member-operated coworking community in the heart of downtown. The space offers three tiers of membership, and members have access to more than 3,000 square feet of working space equipped with high-speed internet, conference rooms and plenty of power outlets.
What Locals Love in Ann Arbor, MI
Literati Bookstore has a public typewriter, where guests can leave a note.
Go Blue! Cheer on the University of Michigan Wolverines in a variety of sports and definitely snag a pre-game sandwich from Zingerman’s Deli, a local institution.
University of Michigan Museum of Art is free and open to the public. With more than 20,000 objects from Western, Asian and African traditions and modern and contemporary art, you’ll want to make repeat visits to this treasure trove.
Snack on plantains with cilantro-lime salsa and sip on minty mojitos at Frita Batidos, which serves good vibes and Cuban street food.
Keep an eye out for fairies! Several Ann Arbor businesses and homes build miniature “fairy doors” to serve as whimsical portals for their mythical residents.
The presence of the University of Michigan, a robust economy and friendly, civically engaged residents all make Ann Arbor a best place to live in Michigan.
Thinking of Moving to Ann Arbor?
One of the nation’s most famous university cities, Ann Arbor, MI real estate is also one of the most sought after markets in Michigan. Homes for sale in Ann Arbor list nearly twice as high as the state average and outperform neighboring Detroit. Local real estate agents deal mainly with single family homes and townhomes which make up just over half of all properties. If you’re a first time home buyer, check out the Darlington neighborhood for affordable homes and access to top quality amenities.
Quick Facts About Ann Arbor, MI
- Average Commute
- 16.79
- Median Home Value
- $387,501
- Med. Household Income
- $72,508
- Total Population
- 122,915
- Walk Score
- 49
- Median Property Tax
- $2,551
