Where Is the Best Place to Live in Ann Arbor?
If you're thinking about moving to Ann Arbor, one of the first questions you'll probably ask is:
Where is the best place to live in Ann Arbor?
The honest answer is that there isn't one perfect neighborhood for everyone.
The best place to live in Ann Arbor depends on your lifestyle, budget, commute, family needs, and what you want your day-to-day life to look like.
Some people want to walk to restaurants and coffee shops downtown. Others want larger lots, top-rated schools, quiet streets, or easy access to the University of Michigan.
The good news is that Ann Arbor offers a little bit of everything.
If you're just starting your search, our complete guide to the best places to live in Ann Arbor offers a broader look at the city's neighborhoods and can help you narrow down which area best fits your lifestyle.
Let's look at some of the most popular areas and what makes each one unique.
Why So Many People Want to Live in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Michigan.
People move here for a lot of reasons:
The University of Michigan
Strong job opportunities
Highly rated schools
Walkable neighborhoods
Parks and recreation
A vibrant downtown
A strong housing market
Access to Detroit and Metro Airport
What many people discover after moving here is that each neighborhood has its own personality.
That's why it's important to find the area that fits you rather than simply choosing the most popular zip code.
Downtown Ann Arbor
If you want to be in the middle of everything, Downtown Ann Arbor is hard to beat.
Living downtown means you can walk to:
Restaurants
Coffee shops
Entertainment venues
University of Michigan events
Farmers markets
Local festivals
Many residents love being able to leave the car parked and walk almost everywhere.
Housing options include:
Luxury condos
Historic homes
Townhomes
Apartment communities
If you're trying to decide whether an urban condo or a traditional home is a better fit, our guide to choosing between a condo and a house in Ann Arbor can help you compare the pros and cons before you buy.
The tradeoff is price.
Downtown properties are often among the most expensive in Ann Arbor, and parking can sometimes be a challenge.
Downtown is often a great fit for:
University faculty
Medical professionals
Young professionals
Empty nesters
People who enjoy an active lifestyle
Burns Park
Ask longtime Ann Arbor residents about desirable neighborhoods, and Burns Park often comes up quickly.
This neighborhood sits just southeast of downtown and offers a combination that's hard to find:
Tree-lined streets
Historic homes
Walkability
Strong community feel
Many homes were built in the early 1900s and feature unique architecture you simply don't see in newer developments.
Residents enjoy:
Burns Park itself
Nearby schools
Easy access to downtown
Neighborhood events throughout the year
Families often gravitate toward Burns Park because it feels established, welcoming, and connected.
Water Hill
Water Hill has developed a reputation as one of Ann Arbor's most charming neighborhoods.
Located just northwest of downtown, it's known for:
Historic homes
Artistic community
Walkability
Strong neighborhood pride
One of the area's best-known events is the annual Water Hill Music Festival, where residents perform music from their front porches.
It's one of those neighborhoods where people tend to know their neighbors.
For buyers looking for character and community, Water Hill is often high on the list.
Kerrytown
Kerrytown combines urban living with local character.
Many residents love the area's proximity to:
Kerrytown Market
Farmers Market
Downtown shops
Restaurants
University of Michigan campus
Housing options include condos, townhomes, and some historic properties.
For buyers who want a downtown lifestyle without being in the heart of the busiest areas, Kerrytown offers an attractive balance.
Northside Ann Arbor
Northside has become increasingly popular with families and professionals.
Some reasons buyers choose Northside include:
More green space
Quieter streets
Easy access to parks
Strong schools
Convenient commuting routes
The area offers a mix of older homes, newer developments, and neighborhoods with larger lots than many central Ann Arbor locations.
Many people moving from larger metropolitan areas appreciate the balance between convenience and space.
West Side Ann Arbor
The West Side continues to attract buyers who want access to downtown without necessarily living downtown.
Benefits include:
Established neighborhoods
Shopping and dining nearby
Easy highway access
Strong resale value
Family-friendly communities
The West Side often appeals to buyers looking for a suburban feel while still staying close to the city's amenities.
Pittsfield Township
Many homebuyers searching for Ann Arbor end up considering Pittsfield Township.
While technically outside the city limits in some areas, it offers several advantages:
Newer construction homes
Larger floor plans
Lower property taxes in some cases
Convenient commuting options
Buyers often find they can get more house for their budget compared to some central Ann Arbor neighborhoods.
If you're comparing different types of homes, it's worth learning whether buying a newly built home makes sense for your situation before making a final decision.
For growing families, Pittsfield Township can be an excellent option.
Ann Arbor Hills
Ann Arbor Hills is often associated with beautiful homes and mature landscaping.
This neighborhood is known for:
Larger lots
Upscale properties
Scenic streets
Proximity to the University of Michigan
Many homes feature custom architecture and distinctive designs.
If you're looking for prestige, privacy, and established neighborhoods, Ann Arbor Hills deserves a closer look.
What Families Often Look For
Families relocating to Ann Arbor frequently prioritize:
School districts
Parks
Community activities
Safe residential streets
Access to sports and recreation
Neighborhoods like Burns Park, Northside, and portions of the West Side often attract families because of these features.
That doesn't mean they're the right fit for everyone.
Some families prefer a more rural setting. Others want to be within walking distance of downtown.
The right answer depends on your goals.
What Young Professionals Often Look For
Young professionals often prioritize different factors:
Walkability
Dining options
Entertainment
Commute times
Access to campus and healthcare facilities
Downtown, Kerrytown, and Water Hill are frequently popular choices because they offer a more connected lifestyle.
What Retirees Often Look For
Many retirees moving to Ann Arbor want:
Low-maintenance living
Walkability
Healthcare access
Cultural activities
Condominium communities downtown and in nearby neighborhoods often become attractive options.
Being close to the University of Michigan's cultural events, healthcare system, and community resources can be a major benefit.
Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Neighborhood
One mistake is focusing only on the house.
A beautiful home can lose some of its appeal if the location doesn't fit your lifestyle. It's also helpful to understand where Ann Arbor home values may be headed so you can make a decision that supports your long-term goals.
Another mistake is visiting only once.
Whenever possible, visit at different times of the day.
Drive through during the morning commute.
Visit on a weekend.
Walk the neighborhood if you can.
You'll learn far more than you would from an online listing.
A third mistake is assuming everyone's "best neighborhood" is your best neighborhood.
The ideal location for a university professor may be completely different from the ideal location for a growing family or a retiree.
So, Where Is the Best Place to Live in Ann Arbor?
For walkability and city life, many people choose Downtown Ann Arbor or Kerrytown.
For historic charm and community, Burns Park and Water Hill are often favorites.
For families looking for more space, Northside, West Side, and Pittsfield Township frequently rise to the top.
For luxury homes and larger lots, Ann Arbor Hills remains one of the area's most sought-after neighborhoods.
The best place to live in Ann Arbor is the neighborhood that supports the way you want to live.
That's why taking time to understand the different areas can make a huge difference before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nicest neighborhood in Ann Arbor?
Many residents consider Burns Park, Ann Arbor Hills, and parts of the West Side among the city's most desirable neighborhoods. The right choice depends on your budget and lifestyle preferences.
Is downtown Ann Arbor a good place to live?
Yes. Downtown offers walkability, restaurants, entertainment, and easy access to the University of Michigan. It's a popular choice for professionals, faculty, and retirees.
What part of Ann Arbor is best for families?
Many families explore Burns Park, Northside, and West Side neighborhoods because of their community feel, parks, and access to highly regarded schools.
Is Ann Arbor expensive to live in?
Compared to many Michigan communities, Ann Arbor has a higher cost of living and higher home prices. Many buyers feel the schools, amenities, and quality of life justify the investment.
Should I live in Ann Arbor or Pittsfield Township?
Both can be excellent choices. Pittsfield Township often offers newer homes and larger floor plans, while Ann Arbor provides greater walkability and proximity to downtown attractions.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Ann Arbor is about more than choosing a house.
It's about choosing the neighborhood where you'll spend your weekends, meet neighbors, build routines, and create memories.
Every area has something different to offer.
Taking time to explore those differences can help you make a decision you'll feel good about for years to come.
About the Author
Nancy Arnold, Realtor®
The Charles Reinhart Company
2275 W. Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 48103
[email protected]
734-260-3505
