Ann Arbor, MI

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

#9. Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI is one of the most highly ranked cities for livability. This is not only because of it’s balance of small town traits and big city appeal, but because it is home to renowned education opportunities that help build a strong workforce.

Between the University of Michigan, Concordia University Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Community College and Cleary University, the schools act as a pipeline for students to get hands-on experience and jump right into work. Job opportunities are growing with strong industries like manufacturing, health care, automotive, information technology, and biomedical research, including major employers (besides UM) such as Trinity Health, General Motors Milford Proving Grounds and Thomson Reuters.

Additionally, high tech companies have started flocking to Ann Arbor, such as MCity, a testing facility for driverless cars. It’s this kind of innovation that regularly lands Ann Arbor on other top lists like Best Cities for Entrepreneurs and Top 100 Best Places to Live.


Read more about why Ann Arbor is great place to live.


What’s unique about Ann Arbor is that it offers charming neighborhoods and commercial districts, but they also reside near rural environments. With so much variety, visitors and residents alike can take advantage of the college town’s picturesque scenery, college sports games, vibrant literary and arts scene, outdoor activities, and bumping nightlife.

Ann Arbor’s annual festivals and events bring the community together by celebrating and supporting bookstores, art galleries, performance venues and local restaurants.

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