How Walkable Is Ann Arbor?

If you're thinking about moving to Ann Arbor, one question comes up pretty quickly:

Can you actually get around without being in your car all the time?

The short answer is yes, depending on where you live.

Some parts of Ann Arbor are incredibly walkable. Other areas are more suburban and car-dependent. One of the things many people love about Ann Arbor is that you can choose the lifestyle you want. Some residents walk to coffee shops, restaurants, and the farmers market every day. Others prefer larger lots and quieter neighborhoods where driving is simply part of life.

Here's what it's really like.

Is Ann Arbor a Walkable City?

Compared to many Midwest cities, Ann Arbor is considered highly walkable.

Downtown Ann Arbor, Kerrytown, and neighborhoods surrounding the University of Michigan make it easy to accomplish everyday tasks on foot. Grocery stores, restaurants, parks, entertainment, and local businesses are often just a few blocks away.

Many residents walk, bike, or use public transportation instead of driving every day.

That said, Ann Arbor isn't New York or Chicago. Distances become larger once you move farther from downtown, and many suburban neighborhoods rely more heavily on cars.

Downtown Ann Arbor Is the Most Walkable Area

If walkability is a priority, downtown is hard to beat.

Living downtown means you're close to:

• Main Street restaurants and cafes

• State Street shopping

• The University of Michigan campus

• The Ann Arbor Farmers Market

• Libraries and museums

• The Michigan Theater

• Grocery stores and specialty shops

• Local parks and trails

It's common to see people walking year-round, even during Michigan winters.

Many downtown residents can comfortably live with one car or no car at all.

Kerrytown Offers Walkability with Character

Kerrytown is one of Ann Arbor's most beloved neighborhoods.

Located just north of downtown, it combines historic charm with convenience.

People living here can walk to:

• Kerrytown Market & Shops

• Zingerman's Delicatessen

• The Ann Arbor Farmers Market

• Downtown restaurants

• Nichols Arboretum

• University of Michigan medical facilities

The neighborhood has a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of sidewalks, making it popular with professionals, retirees, and people who simply enjoy being close to everything.

Burns Park Is Another Favorite

Burns Park is often mentioned by people relocating to Ann Arbor.

The neighborhood offers:

• Tree-lined streets

• Sidewalks throughout the area

• Nearby schools

• Parks and playgrounds

• Easy access to downtown

• Coffee shops and local businesses

Many residents enjoy walking or biking to campus and downtown while still having a quieter residential feel.

Walkability Changes in the Outer Neighborhoods

As you move farther from downtown, walkability starts to decrease.

Neighborhoods on the west, south, and northeast sides of Ann Arbor often offer:

• Larger homes

• More yard space

• Newer subdivisions

• Less traffic

But daily errands usually require driving.

Areas near Scio Township, Pittsfield Township, and parts of northeast Ann Arbor are more suburban. Residents often prioritize space and privacy over being able to walk everywhere.

That isn't necessarily a bad thing. It simply comes down to lifestyle.

Ann Arbor Is Extremely Bike-Friendly

Even if you don't walk everywhere, biking is another story.

Ann Arbor consistently ranks among the most bike-friendly cities in the country.

The city has:

• Dedicated bike lanes

• Shared-use paths

• Protected cycling areas

• Easy access to parks

• Trail systems connecting different neighborhoods

Popular routes include:

• Border-to-Border Trail

• Gallup Park pathways

• Huron River trails

• Nichols Arboretum walking paths

Many University of Michigan students and local professionals use bikes as their primary transportation.

Public Transportation Helps

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) serves much of the city.

Bus routes connect:

• Downtown

• University of Michigan campuses

• Shopping centers

• Residential neighborhoods

• Park-and-ride locations

For many residents, combining walking, biking, and public transportation makes owning multiple vehicles unnecessary.

What About Families?

Families often ask whether they can live in Ann Arbor without spending all day in the car.

The answer depends on the neighborhood.

Areas like:

• Burns Park

• Water Hill

• Kerrytown

• Old West Side

• Lower Town

offer access to parks, schools, restaurants, and activities within walking distance.

Kids often walk or bike to school, and many families enjoy spending weekends exploring downtown, Gallup Park, Nichols Arboretum, or attending community events.

A Quick Example

I recently spoke with a couple relocating to Ann Arbor from a larger city.

They wanted to maintain a lifestyle where they could walk to restaurants and weekend activities without needing to drive constantly.

After exploring several neighborhoods, they settled on the Old West Side.

Now they regularly walk downtown for dinner, bike along the Border-to-Border Trail, and rarely use their second vehicle.

Another family I worked with wanted more space and a larger yard. They chose a neighborhood farther west and happily traded some walkability for extra room and privacy.

Neither choice was wrong. It really came down to priorities.

Things People Love About Walking in Ann Arbor

Residents often mention:

• A lively downtown atmosphere.

• Beautiful tree-lined streets.

• Sidewalks throughout many neighborhoods.

• Parks and trails everywhere.

• Easy access to coffee shops and restaurants.

• University events and cultural attractions.

• A strong biking culture.

• A sense of community.

Things to Consider

Walkability isn't perfect everywhere.

Some people find:

• Winter weather can make walking less appealing.

• Certain suburban areas require driving.

• Housing near downtown tends to be more expensive.

• Parking downtown can be challenging.

• Larger grocery runs are easier by car.

These tradeoffs are worth considering when choosing where to live.

So, How Walkable Is Ann Arbor?

Overall, Ann Arbor is one of the most walkable cities in Michigan.

If being able to walk to restaurants, parks, shops, and entertainment matters to you, neighborhoods near downtown, Kerrytown, Burns Park, Water Hill, and the Old West Side deserve a close look.

If your priorities are larger homes, more land, and quieter streets, you'll probably rely on your car more often, but you'll still enjoy everything Ann Arbor has to offer.

The nice thing about Ann Arbor is that there isn't one right way to live here.

You can build a lifestyle that fits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ann Arbor walkable without a car?

Yes. Many people living downtown, Kerrytown, Burns Park, and nearby neighborhoods can comfortably get around without driving every day.

What is the most walkable neighborhood in Ann Arbor?

Downtown Ann Arbor and Kerrytown are generally considered the most walkable areas because of their proximity to restaurants, shops, entertainment, and the University of Michigan.

Is Ann Arbor bike-friendly?

Absolutely. Ann Arbor has extensive bike lanes, trails, and pathways that make cycling a popular transportation option.

Can families enjoy a walkable lifestyle in Ann Arbor?

Yes. Neighborhoods such as Burns Park, Water Hill, Old West Side, and Lower Town offer parks, schools, and local amenities within walking or biking distance.

Is downtown Ann Arbor expensive?

Homes and condos near downtown typically command higher prices because of their convenience and walkability.

About the Author

Nancy Arnold, Realtor®
The Charles Reinhart Company
2275 W. Stadium
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 734-260-3505

Nancy Arnold is a Realtor® serving Ann A