If being able to walk to your favorite coffee shop, grab dinner without getting in the car, or spend an afternoon browsing local bookstores sounds appealing, you're not alone. Walkability has become one of the biggest priorities for homebuyers in Ann Arbor. Whether you're relocating, buying your first home, or simply looking for a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, finding a walkable area can make everyday life more enjoyable.

Ann Arbor is known for its vibrant downtown, beautiful parks, and pedestrian-friendly streets. While every neighborhood offers something different, a few stand out for the ease of getting around on foot.

Here's a closer look at some of the most walkable neighborhoods in Ann Arbor and what makes each one unique.

Downtown Ann Arbor

If your goal is to live where everything is within walking distance, Downtown Ann Arbor is hard to beat.

You can step outside your front door and be minutes away from restaurants, coffee shops, boutique stores, theaters, farmers markets, and the University of Michigan campus. Whether you're heading to work, meeting friends for dinner, or attending a football game, you can often leave your car parked.

Downtown is especially popular with:

• University of Michigan faculty and staff

• Medical professionals

• Graduate students

• Young professionals

• Empty nesters looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle

Housing options include:

• Luxury condominiums

• Historic homes

• Loft-style apartments

• Townhomes

One thing to keep in mind is that convenience comes at a premium. Homes and condos downtown typically have higher price tags than many surrounding neighborhoods.

Kerrytown

Just north of downtown sits one of Ann Arbor's most beloved neighborhoods.

Kerrytown combines historic charm with an active, walkable lifestyle. Many people are drawn here because it feels like a small neighborhood while still being only a short walk from downtown.

Residents enjoy easy access to:

• Kerrytown Market & Shops

• Ann Arbor Farmers Market

• Zingerman's Delicatessen

• Local cafés

• Specialty grocery stores

• Nichols Arboretum nearby

The neighborhood features tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a strong sense of community.

Weekend mornings often start with coffee and a walk through the farmers market before spending the afternoon exploring local shops.

Old West Side

The Old West Side is one of Ann Arbor's most established neighborhoods.

Many buyers love its combination of historic architecture and convenient location. It's only about a 10 to 15-minute walk to downtown while offering a quieter residential atmosphere.

You'll find:

• Beautiful Victorian homes

• Craftsman-style houses

• Mature trees

• Sidewalk-lined streets

• Neighborhood parks

It's a favorite for buyers who want walkability without living directly in the center of downtown activity.

Burns Park

Burns Park has long been one of Ann Arbor's most desirable neighborhoods.

Located just southeast of downtown, it offers excellent walkability along with beautiful homes and green space.

Residents can walk to:

• Burns Park

• Schools

• Downtown restaurants

• University of Michigan's Central Campus

• Local coffee shops

The neighborhood is known for:

• Wide sidewalks

• Mature landscaping

• Classic architecture

• Strong community events

• Family-friendly atmosphere

Many people appreciate being close enough to downtown while still enjoying a traditional neighborhood feel.

For families who value outdoor space, the neighborhood's access to parks is another advantage. Buyers can also explore Ann Arbor's family-friendly parks and outdoor spaces when comparing the lifestyle offered by different parts of the city.

Water Hill

Water Hill has become increasingly popular among buyers looking for character and convenience.

Located just west of downtown, this neighborhood offers:

• Walkable access to downtown

• Local parks

• Independent coffee shops

• Community gardens

• Annual neighborhood events

Water Hill attracts artists, young professionals, and longtime Ann Arbor residents who appreciate its creative, welcoming atmosphere.

The annual Water Hill Music Fest is one of the neighborhood's most unique traditions.

Lower Burns Park

Lower Burns Park provides another excellent option for buyers seeking walkability.

Its location makes it easy to reach:

• Downtown

• The University of Michigan

• Local schools

• Restaurants

• Shopping

Housing ranges from charming older homes to updated properties with modern features.

Because of its central location, Lower Burns Park continues to be a popular choice for buyers who want convenience without sacrificing neighborhood character.

Eberwhite

If you're looking for a quieter setting but still want to walk or bike into town, Eberwhite deserves a look.

Residents enjoy:

• Tree-lined streets

• Neighborhood parks

• Walking trails

• Access to schools

• Nearby shopping

Many people appreciate the slower pace while still being only a short bike ride or longer walk from downtown Ann Arbor.

Northside

Ann Arbor's Northside offers a different kind of walkable lifestyle.

Instead of being centered around downtown, this area provides easy access to:

• Nature areas

• Riverside parks

• Local cafés

• Schools

• Neighborhood businesses

The nearby Border-to-Border Trail also makes walking and biking especially enjoyable.

It's a great fit for buyers who value outdoor recreation as much as restaurants and shopping.

What Makes a Neighborhood Walkable?

Walkability isn't just about sidewalks.

A truly walkable neighborhood usually offers several everyday destinations within a comfortable walking distance.

These might include:

• Grocery stores

• Coffee shops

• Restaurants

• Parks

• Schools

• Pharmacies

• Public transportation

• Entertainment

• Medical offices

Many buyers also consider street lighting, pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, and overall neighborhood safety when evaluating walkability.

For young professionals who want an active lifestyle without spending much time in the car, these features can be especially important.

Is a Walkable Neighborhood Worth the Investment?

For many buyers, the answer is yes.

Walkable neighborhoods often provide benefits beyond convenience.

Many homeowners enjoy:

• Less time spent driving

• Easier access to community events

• More opportunities for exercise

• Higher demand when it's time to sell

• A stronger sense of connection with neighbors

Of course, every buyer's priorities are different. Some people prefer larger lots or quieter suburban settings, while others enjoy having restaurants and entertainment just a few blocks away.

If you're considering resale value, it's also helpful to understand what can affect how quickly a home sells when evaluating different neighborhoods and property types.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make

When searching for a walkable neighborhood, it's easy to focus only on online walk scores.

Instead, consider how you actually live.

Ask yourself:

• Will you walk to work?

• Do you want to be near coffee shops?

• Is access to parks important?

• Would you rather have nightlife or a quieter street?

• How much traffic are you comfortable with?

Visiting neighborhoods at different times of the day can give you a much better feel for daily life than online maps alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most walkable neighborhood in Ann Arbor?

Downtown Ann Arbor is generally considered the city's most walkable area because of its concentration of restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and proximity to the University of Michigan.

Is Kerrytown walkable?

Yes. Kerrytown is one of Ann Arbor's most walkable neighborhoods, offering easy access to the farmers market, local shops, restaurants, and downtown.

Is Ann Arbor a walkable city?

Compared to many cities of its size, Ann Arbor is very walkable, especially in neighborhoods close to downtown and the University of Michigan campus.

Which Ann Arbor neighborhoods are best for families?

Burns Park, Old West Side, Eberwhite, and parts of the Northside are popular choices for families because they combine neighborhood amenities with parks, schools, and community activities.

Are walkable neighborhoods more expensive?

In many cases, yes. Homes located within walking distance of downtown Ann Arbor and major attractions often command higher prices because of strong demand and limited inventory.

Final Thoughts

The "best" walkable neighborhood depends on what you want your daily life to look like.

Some buyers love the energy of Downtown Ann Arbor. Others prefer the historic charm of Kerrytown, the quiet streets of Burns Park, or the character of the Old West Side.

The good news is that Ann Arbor offers several neighborhoods where you can enjoy a more connected, pedestrian-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing the amenities that make the city such a desirable place to call home.

If you're thinking about buying a home in Ann Arbor and want help finding a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle, working with a local Realtor who knows these communities can make the process much easier.

About the Author

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