Where Should I Live in Ann Arbor?
If you’re thinking about moving to Ann Arbor, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: Which part of town is right for me?
And honestly, that’s the right question to ask.
Ann Arbor isn’t huge, but every area feels a little different. Some neighborhoods are walkable and busy. Others are quiet and residential. Some are ideal for University of Michigan professionals and students, while others attract families looking for more space and top-rated schools.
The good news is there really isn’t a “bad” area to live in Ann Arbor. The challenge is figuring out which neighborhood actually fits your lifestyle, budget, and daily routine. Choosing the right neighborhood in Ann Arbor starts with understanding what each area has to offer and how it fits your day-to-day life.
In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the most popular areas in Ann Arbor, what they’re known for, and who they tend to work best for.
Downtown Ann Arbor
If you want energy, walkability, restaurants, coffee shops, and events right outside your door, Downtown Ann Arbor is usually the first place people look.
Living downtown means you can walk almost everywhere:
Restaurants
Bars
Shops
Farmers markets
University of Michigan campus
Parks and trails
This area is especially popular with:
Young professionals
University faculty
Medical professionals
Graduate students
People relocating from larger cities
The tradeoff is price and space.
Homes and condos downtown tend to cost more per square foot, and parking can be limited. But for many people, the convenience is worth it.
If you want an urban lifestyle without living in a massive city, downtown Ann Arbor is hard to beat.
Burns Park
Burns Park is one of the most recognizable neighborhoods in Ann Arbor.
People love it because it combines:
Tree-lined streets
Historic homes
Walkability
Strong community feel
Proximity to downtown
You’ll find a mix of classic homes, renovated properties, and beautiful older architecture here.
Burns Park is popular with:
Families
University professionals
Long-term residents
Buyers looking for charm and character
The neighborhood also has excellent access to parks, schools, and local events.
One thing to know: homes here are competitive. When good properties hit the market, they often move quickly.
Water Hill
Water Hill has become one of Ann Arbor’s trendier neighborhoods over the past several years.
It’s known for:
Artsy atmosphere
Strong community feel
Unique homes
Walkability to downtown
Annual neighborhood events
The neighborhood has a more relaxed and creative vibe compared to some of the more traditional areas of Ann Arbor.
Buyers who like character homes and a less "cookie-cutter" feel often gravitate toward Water Hill.
It’s especially attractive for:
Young professionals
Creatives
Remote workers
Buyers wanting downtown access without being directly downtown
Kerrytown
Kerrytown is one of the most desirable places to live if you want walkability and local culture.
This area is famous for:
Kerrytown Market & Shops
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
Local cafes and restaurants
Historic charm
Proximity to downtown and UM campus
Living here gives you a very connected feel to the city.
Many people who move to Kerrytown love being able to walk to:
Saturday markets
Coffee shops
Festivals
Music venues
Downtown offices
Housing inventory can be limited, though, and prices are often higher because demand stays strong.
Old West Side
The Old West Side is one of the most established and respected neighborhoods in Ann Arbor.
It’s known for:
Historic homes
Quiet residential streets
Mature trees
Strong resale value
Close proximity to downtown
This neighborhood tends to attract buyers who appreciate architecture and established neighborhoods with long-term appeal.
The Old West Side feels quieter than downtown while still giving you easy access to the center of the city.
For many buyers, it offers a nice balance between:
Convenience
Character
Privacy
Northeast Ann Arbor
If schools are a major priority, many buyers start looking in Northeast Ann Arbor.
This area is popular for:
Highly rated schools
Larger homes
Quiet subdivisions
Family-oriented neighborhoods
Access to parks and nature
You’ll typically find newer housing stock here compared to some of the older central neighborhoods.
Northeast Ann Arbor is especially attractive for:
Families
Buyers wanting more square footage
People relocating from suburbs
Buyers looking for quieter residential areas
Commutes into downtown are still manageable, but you won’t have the same walkability you’d get closer to the city center.
West Ann Arbor
West Ann Arbor offers a mix of convenience and space.
This area often appeals to buyers who want:
Easier highway access
Newer homes
More land
Quieter surroundings
Strong schools
You’ll find everything from established subdivisions to luxury homes on larger lots.
West Ann Arbor can be a good fit for:
Commuters
Families
Buyers wanting a suburban feel
People relocating from larger homes elsewhere
It’s also convenient for people commuting toward Detroit or other nearby employment centers.
South Ann Arbor
South Ann Arbor has grown in popularity because it often offers slightly more affordability compared to some central neighborhoods.
People like this area for:
Access to shopping and dining
Convenient commuting
Newer developments
Family-friendly neighborhoods
Parks and green space
South Ann Arbor gives buyers a practical option if they want good access to the city without necessarily paying downtown prices.
It’s especially common for:
First-time buyers
Growing families
Buyers relocating for work
People wanting newer construction options
So…Where Should You Live in Ann Arbor?
The answer really depends on your priorities.
If you want:
Walkability and nightlife → Downtown or Kerrytown
Historic charm → Burns Park or Old West Side
Artsy community feel → Water Hill
Family-focused neighborhoods → Northeast or West Ann Arbor
More affordability and convenience → South Ann Arbor
A lot of buyers moving to Ann Arbor initially think they’re choosing a house.
In reality, they’re choosing a lifestyle.
That’s why it helps to spend time in different neighborhoods before making a decision. Walk the streets. Visit local coffee shops. Drive the commute. Explore parks and restaurants.
The right neighborhood usually starts to feel obvious once you experience it in person, and finding the best neighborhood for your lifestyle is often about balancing your budget, commute, and personal preferences.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make When Moving to Ann Arbor
Choosing Based Only on Price
A cheaper home farther from your daily routine may not actually improve your quality of life.
Commute times, walkability, and lifestyle matter more than many buyers initially realize.
Underestimating Competition
Certain Ann Arbor neighborhoods move very quickly.
Well-priced homes in desirable areas can receive multiple offers fast, especially during peak seasons.
Being prepared financially before you start touring homes is important.
Focusing Too Much on One Neighborhood
Some buyers become locked into a single area too early.
In reality, there are often multiple neighborhoods that could fit your goals equally well.
Keeping an open mind can create more opportunities.
FAQs About Living in Ann Arbor
What is the best neighborhood in Ann Arbor?
There isn’t one "best" neighborhood for everyone. Downtown, Burns Park, Kerrytown, Water Hill, and the Old West Side are all highly desirable for different reasons.
Is Ann Arbor expensive?
Compared to many Midwest cities, Ann Arbor is considered relatively expensive, largely because of demand, the University of Michigan, and limited housing inventory in popular areas.
What area is best for families?
Many families look at Northeast Ann Arbor, West Ann Arbor, and parts of South Ann Arbor because of schools, parks, and quieter residential neighborhoods.
Is downtown Ann Arbor walkable?
Yes. Downtown Ann Arbor is one of the most walkable areas in Michigan, with easy access to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and the University of Michigan.
Are there good neighborhoods for first-time buyers?
Yes, although inventory and affordability can vary. South Ann Arbor and some outer neighborhoods may offer more opportunities for first-time buyers compared to central historic areas.
Final Thoughts
Ann Arbor attracts people for a lot of reasons:
Strong job market
University culture
Walkability
Schools
Healthcare
Parks and recreation
Community feel
But choosing the right neighborhood is what turns Ann Arbor from a place you work into a place that truly feels like home. These qualities help explain why so many people choose to call Ann Arbor home, whether they're relocating for work, school, or a better quality of life.
Nancy Arnold is a Realtor® in Ann Arbor, Michigan, helping buyers and sellers navigate the Ann Arbor real estate market and surrounding communities.
If you’re thinking about moving to Ann Arbor and want help narrowing down the best neighborhoods for your lifestyle, working with a local expert 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
