Ann Arbor Neighborhood Guide 2024: Best Places to Live in Ann Arbor, MI

Character: Ann Arbor's most charming historic neighborhood. Tree-canopied streets lined with meticulously maintained Victorian homes and craftsman bungalows create a storybook atmosphere.

Home Styles: Victorian, Craftsman bungalows, Colonial Revival, and Tudor homes from 1890s-1930s. Incredible architectural detail and pride of ownership evident on every block.

Price Range: $425,000 - $950,000 (premium for historic character and location)

Schools: Excellent - Ann Arbor Public Schools, Bach Elementary (highly rated), walkable to middle/high schools

Parks & Recreation: West Park, Argo Canoe Livery, Huron River trails, annual home tour

Shopping & Dining: Excellent - Walking distance to Main Street, downtown, Kerrytown Farmers Market

Walkability: High - One of Michigan's most walkable neighborhoods, bike to campus/downtown

Best For: Professionals, families prioritizing schools and walkability, architecture enthusiasts, academics

Old West Side's Victorian and Craftsman homes often feature complex rooflines with steep pitches and decorative details. Elite Roofing preserves these architectural elements while upgrading to modern, energy-efficient materials that protect your investment.

Character: Ann Arbor's quintessential family neighborhood. Safe, friendly, with exceptional schools and strong community bonds. Parents describe it as "the perfect place to raise kids."

Home Styles: Predominantly 1920s-1950s colonials, Cape Cods, Tudor revivals, and ranch homes. Classic architecture with modern updates.

Price Range: $450,000 - $850,000 (premium for Burns Park Elementary zone)

Schools: Excellent - Burns Park Elementary is one of Michigan's top-rated schools, feeding into exceptional middle/high schools

Parks & Recreation: Burns Park playground and pool, tennis courts, close to Nichols Arboretum ("The Arb")

Shopping & Dining: Good - Short walk to South University, drive to downtown and big box stores

Walkability: High - Sidewalks everywhere, kids walk to school, bike-friendly

Best For: Families with school-age children, academics, professionals wanting community feel

Burns Park's colonial and Cape Cod homes typically have straightforward rooflines that are cost-effective to replace. Elite Roofing often completes these projects in 1-2 days with architectural shingles that last 25-30 years.

Character: Ann Arbor's most exclusive neighborhood - wooded estates on rolling hills with stunning contemporary and traditional architecture. Privacy, nature, and luxury define this enclave.

Home Styles: Custom-built contemporary estates, mid-century modern masterpieces, traditional colonials on multi-acre lots. Many architect-designed homes.

Price Range: $650,000 - $3,500,000+ (Ann Arbor's luxury tier)

Schools: Excellent - Ann Arbor Public Schools, though many families choose private schools

Parks & Recreation: Private Barton Hills Country Club, surrounded by nature preserve, Huron River access

Shopping & Dining: Moderate - 10-15 minutes to downtown Ann Arbor and shopping

Walkability: Low - Wooded, hilly terrain with large lots, car necessary

Best For: Executives, physicians, successful entrepreneurs, those seeking privacy and luxury

Barton Hills estates feature premium roofing systems - often metal, slate, or high-end architectural shingles. Elite Roofing's master craftsmen provide the expertise these luxury homes demand, with specialized knowledge of complex rooflines and premium materials.

Character: Urban, artsy, and diverse - Ann Arbor's downtown neighborhood. Farmers market, galleries, condos, and vibrant street life create true city living.

Home Styles: Mix of renovated historic homes, modern condos, lofts, and townhomes. Varied architecture from different eras.

Price Range: $285,000 - $750,000 (condos start lower, historic homes command premium)

Schools: Excellent - Ann Arbor Public Schools, though many residents are young professionals/empty nesters

Parks & Recreation: Farmers market (year-round), galleries, theaters, festivals, walking distance to everything

Shopping & Dining: Excellent - Kerrytown shops, Zingerman's Deli, downtown restaurants all walkable

Walkability: High - Highly walkable, bike everywhere, minimal car dependency

Best For: Young professionals, empty nesters, foodies, anyone wanting urban lifestyle

Kerrytown's mixed housing stock requires versatile roofing expertise. Elite Roofing handles everything from flat roofs on modern condos to pitched roofs on historic homes, understanding each building type's unique requirements.

Character: Quiet, established neighborhood on Ann Arbor's northeast side. Family-friendly with good schools, mature trees, and community atmosphere.

Home Styles: Mostly 1960s-1980s ranch homes, split-levels, and colonials. Well-maintained properties with updated interiors.

Price Range: $320,000 - $580,000 (excellent value for Ann Arbor)

Schools: Excellent - Angell Elementary, Tappan Middle, Huron High - all highly rated

Parks & Recreation: Mary Beth Doyle Park, close to Leslie Science Center, neighborhood pool

Shopping & Dining: Good - Kroger plaza nearby, 10 minutes to downtown and Arborland

Walkability: Moderate - Safe streets for walking, car needed for errands

Best For: Families seeking value in Ann Arbor, first-time buyers, those wanting quiet suburban feel

Water Hill's ranch and split-level homes typically have moderate-pitch roofs that are straightforward to replace. Elite Roofing offers competitive pricing for these projects, with quality architectural shingles averaging $7,500-$11,000.

Character: Southwest Ann Arbor family neighborhood known for strong elementary school and tight-knit community. Block parties and neighborhood events create lasting friendships.

Home Styles: Mix of 1950s ranch homes, colonials, Cape Cods, and bungalows. Modest but well-maintained properties.

Price Range: $350,000 - $625,000 (accessible for Ann Arbor)

Schools: Excellent - Eberwhite Elementary is highly rated with active parent involvement

Parks & Recreation: Eberwhite Woods Nature Area, neighborhood parks, close to West Park

Shopping & Dining: Good - Maple Village nearby, West Stadium shopping, downtown 10 minutes

Walkability: Moderate - Kids walk to school, car helpful for shopping

Best For: Young families, first-time buyers in Ann Arbor, community-oriented residents

If you're buying in Eberwhite, have Elite Roofing inspect the roof before closing. Many 1950s homes need roof replacement or major repairs - knowing upfront helps with negotiating and budgeting.