Firstly why Ann-Arbor, Michigan?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Ann-Arbor
• State: Michigan
• Population: 123,851 people
• Ann-Arbor’s quick summary would be Home to the University of Michigan and a renowned arts and music scene.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 10,000 annually
• Net Migration: 5000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 600
• Number of Homeless people: 250

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to the University of Michigan attracts students and academics

Perk #1: Ann-Arbor Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 36%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 45%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Asian
• The median income is (and growing)  $79,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Ann-Arbor is $79,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Ann-Arbor’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 130 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $6,654
• Property Tax %: 1.91%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,800
• Rent for an average house: $2,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Burns Park
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Ann-Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, and probably could include Milan
• Avg. Age of Homes in Ann-Arbor: 66 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.8%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Ann-Arbor’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Ann-Arbor are  Education, Healthcare, and Technology
• Ann-Arbor Job Scene: healthy job market centered on education and tech
• The General Tech Scene: home to the University of Michigan, strong focus on tech startups and innovation ,
• Ann-Arbor Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Ann-Arbor: 6%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 200 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 10

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Ann-Arbor

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-94 runs through Ann Arbor providing key access
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening delays on Washtenaw Avenue
• Transportation Score: 58 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Ann-Arbor: 46,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Ann-Arbor: michigan.gov/sos
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 70 of 100
• Local Airport: Ann Arbor Municipal

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Ann-Arbor’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Ann-Arbor is best described as has a humid continental climate with cold snowy winters warm humid summers and distinct seasonal changes showcasing beautiful landscapes
• Winter Weather in Ann-Arbor i’d describe as cold with snowy conditions
• Spring Weather in Ann-Arbor can be described as cool with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Ann-Arbor are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Ann-Arbor is usually cool with clear skies
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 58 days in summer
• Days in a row in Ann-Arbor below Freezing: 60
• Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally maintained through local efforts
• Ann-Arbor Winter Air generally good air quality with urban influences

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Ann-Arbor Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Ann-Arbor 7
• While the number of trade schools inside Ann-Arbors’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Ann Arbor District Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Ann-Arbor Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Ann-Arbor only Doctors is about 70
• Local Hospitals here is  7
• Full-time Ann-Arbor only Police Officers is about 154
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Ann-Arbor’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Ann-Arbor’s Monthly Gym Membership: $48
• Ann-Arbor’s Water Quality Score: 84

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Ann-Arbor

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: university town with a lively atmosphere and cultural events
• You might enjoy local theater productions at the Michigan Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Ann-Arbor  features an energetic nightlife with local bars clubs restaurants and live music catering to a diverse crowd

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Ann-Arbor

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a vibrant restaurant scene appealing to college students
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Ann-Arbor
• The Popular Sports Team is University of Michigan Wolverines
• Top Level Political Climate in Ann-Arbor can be described as liberal college town known for progressive activism and social justice
• Ann-Arbor’s Longer standing religious establishment is Ann Arbor Church of Christ

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Ann-Arbor Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Ann-Arbor has 45 Parks?
• Waterfront Park is Ann-Arbor’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Ann Arbor Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-3pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and cultural sites

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Ann-Arbor Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Ann-Arbor can be described as vibrant college town with a strong focus on arts and events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Ann-Arbor participating in sports community events exploring nature
• The Cities people commute to from Ann-Arbor are Ypsilanti 7 miles away Detroit 39 miles away Livonia 25 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Ann-Arbor or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening delays on Washtenaw Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Ann-Arbor’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Burns Park is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Ann-Arbor are Ypsilanti 7 miles away Detroit 39 miles away Livonia 25 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Ann-Arbor has 60 days in a row below freezing and 58 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Ann-Arbor people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   250 homeless people living in Ann-Arbor. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal college town known for progressive activism and social justice could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Ann-Arbor.

Retiree & Senior Life in Ann-Arbor

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might benefit from property tax reductions aimed at bolstering savings
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Memory Care Center
• Ann Arbor Senior Center offers educational classes recreational activities and social engagement opportunities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Ann-Arbor, Michigan?

If Ann-Arbor, Michigan ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Ann-Arbor, Michigan, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!