6 Reasons Why You’ll Love Ann Arbor, Michigan
Often referred to as “the land of splendor,” Michigan is home to many loyal residents. With so many beautiful cities, gorgeous waterfronts, and friendly people, it’s clear to see why!
One of the most popular cities in Michigan is the college town of Ann Arbor. In fact, it’s labeled as one of the best places to live in the entire country. Wondering what makes it so special? Here are the top six reasons why we think you’ll love life in Tree Town.
Quick Facts About Ann Arbor:
How Far is Ann Arbor from Detroit?
Ann Arbor is a little over 42 miles away from Detroit. Depending on the traffic, you could drive there within an hour!
What County is Ann Arbor In?
Ann Arbor is the largest city in Washtenaw county.
What is the Time Zone in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor runs on Eastern Standard Time.
1. It’s Easy to Get Around
Ann Arbor is a relatively small city (only 29 square miles). That means that you can get across town in about 20 minutes. On top of this, there are over 500 miles of sidewalk within the city, making it a great place for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Beware of Game Day Traffic
Ann Arbor is a college town, and if you’re unfamiliar with the culture around the University of Michigan, Wolverine football is a huge deal. On game days, anticipate a lack of street parking, more congestion downtown, and a delay when trying to get anywhere, especially during the notorious Saturday game days in the fall.
This also applies to the various Ann Arbor art fairs that take place throughout the year. Basically, Ann Arbor is a lively place, so expect some traffic when special events roll through town.
2. The Best Public Schools in the State
If you’re raising a family, the education of your children is an important thing to consider. Luckily, Ann Arbor public schools are recognized as the best in the state. It’s also known to be a diverse school system with smaller class sizes. This means your children will get a strong education and plenty of opportunities to excel. The Ann Arbor public library system is also an amazing resource for young scholars!
3. There’s Amazing Healthcare
Ann Arbor is home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the country. For example, the University of Michigan Health—Ann Arbor is one of the top ranked hospitals in America and the best hospital in the state of Michigan. The Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare center in Ann Arbor also sets the standard for treating our nation’s veterans. Needless to say, when you’re living in Ann Arbor, you’ll have plenty of resources when it comes to health and wellness.
4. The Economy is Resilient
Between the University of Michigan, the VA Healthcare System, and the Ann Arbor Public School system, there are many strong industries feeding into Ann Arbor’s economy. They are also some of the biggest employers!
The longstanding automotive industry also employs thousands of residents, like General Motors and Toyota. Not only that, but the tech industry is on the rise in Ann Arbor, making this a great place for STEM workers to settle down and grow their careers.
Did you know that Ann Arbor’s unemployment rate sits at 2.6%, that’s lower than the national average!
5. There are Plenty of Parks
Hey, Ann Arbor isn’t called Tree Town for nothing! There are over 162 parks in Ann Arbor, many of which hold various amenities for outdoor fun. There is even a border-to-border trail where you can walk across Ann Arbor and see all the best parks the city has to offer.
How is Ann Arbor in the Winter?
It’s still the Midwest, so you can expect some chilly winters to roll through Ann Arbor. But that’s what also makes Ann Arbor a great destination for winter fun. You can do all the classic winter activities, like ice skating, sledding, and staying warm in some cozy cafes and restaurants.
Midwest weather is no joke! The weather in Ann Arbor can dip as low as 19°, while only going as high as 46°. But the temperature can fluctuate, so remember to wear layers.
6. Get Immersed in Arts and Culture
Ann Arbor art festivals are some of the biggest in the country. In fact, over half a million people come to Ann Arbor in July to participate in the Ann Arbor Art Fair. And all year round there are art galleries to visit and even an art center where you can explore your creative side.
If you’re more of a music lover, you’ll be glad to hear that the music and arts culture runs deep in Ann Arbor. The longstanding venue known as The Blind Pig has been host to iconic bands like Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins. Plus, there’s also a popular venue called The Ark, which features over 300 nights of live music a year.
What's the Food Scene Like in Ann Arbor?
Restaurants in Ann Arbor are a vibrant mix of different cultural influences. There are your usual college town haunts, like pubs, pizza places, and other fast food. You can get a variety of cuisines, from Korean, to Spanish, or even good old-fashioned Southern comfort food.
Overall, you’ll never run out of things to do in Ann Arbor! It’s undoubtably a great place for young professionals and families alike. Between the strong economy, lively social scene, and impressive educational and health systems; it’s no wonder why it’s consistently labeled as one of the happiest cities in the United States.
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