Ann Arbor · MI
Water Hill homes, near downtown and Kerrytown
Century-old homes, some with wildflower gardens, walkable to downtown Ann Arbor and Kerrytown.
Living in Water Hill
Water Hill is one of the Ann Arbor neighborhoods I know best. It sits northwest of downtown, roughly between Miller Avenue, Brooks Street, Sunset Road, and the Ann Arbor Railroad tracks. Its homes are about a century old, and downtown is within walking reach.
The neighborhood is a little closer to Kerrytown than to the center of downtown, so the Kerrytown shops and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market are part of everyday life here. Parks are close by too, so a walk to the park and a walk to dinner can start from the same front door.
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How Water Hill got its name
The name Water Hill is newer than the houses. Neighbor Paul Tinkerhess came up with it, inspired by the city's nearby water treatment plant and by the watery names of local streets: Fountain, Spring, and Brooks.
The hill had an older name, too. A history of Hunt Park published by the City of Ann Arbor records Buttercup Hill as an early name for the area around the park, which became part of the city in 1859.
Music on the front porches
Water Hill is best known around Ann Arbor for its music. In 2011, Paul Tinkerhess and his wife, Claire, started the Water Hill Music Fest, a free, volunteer-run day of about 70 concerts on front porches, lawns, and driveways. The only rule for performers was that they live in the neighborhood.
The original festival has ended, but the tradition hasn't. Each May, neighborhood musicians still play on porches, in yards, and in driveways, and the streets fill with music for an afternoon.
Water Hill homes
Many Water Hill homes keep their original character. Some stand out for the wildflower gardens in their yards, which give the streets a look all their own.
The neighborhood also includes some two-bedroom houses, so it's worth a look if you want a smaller home close to downtown.
With a century-old home, the inspection matters. Before it happens, I explain what to focus on: safety, structural issues, and foundation issues. Small items show up on every older home, and we pay attention to the big ones. Read more about buying a home in Water Hill.
Water Hill or the Old West Side?
If you like one of these neighborhoods, the other is worth a look. Both have century-old homes, and both are walkable to downtown. Water Hill is a little closer to Kerrytown and includes some two-bedroom houses. The Old West Side is made up mostly of two-story homes from the early 1900s.
I'll show you recent sales in both, so you can compare what your budget buys on each side. You can read about the Old West Side here.
Selling your Water Hill home
A Water Hill home sells on its character and its location. The photos and video show the details that make your house distinctive, and if your yard has a garden, it gets the attention it deserves. Drone footage shows how close you are to Kerrytown and downtown.
Your price comes from the homes that sold nearby, and we set it together. See selling your home in Water Hill or start with your Water Hill home value.
If you're buying or selling here, call me or send a note, or read my guide to Ann Arbor neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Water Hill in Ann Arbor?
Northwest of downtown, roughly between Miller Avenue, Brooks Street, Sunset Road, and the Ann Arbor Railroad tracks.
How did Water Hill get its name?
Neighbor Paul Tinkerhess named it for the nearby water treatment plant and the streets named Fountain, Spring, and Brooks.
Is there still music on the porches in Water Hill?
Yes. The original Water Hill Music Fest has ended, but neighborhood musicians still play on porches and in yards each May.
Are there smaller homes in Water Hill?
Yes. Water Hill includes some two-bedroom houses.
The method
How we do it in Water Hill
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