Ann Arbor: Michigan's Premier Place to Live
Ann Arbor consistently ranks among America's best places to live, combining small-town charm with big-city amenities. Home to the University of Michigan, this vibrant college town of 123,000 offers exceptional schools, thriving job market, rich cultural scene, and progressive values. Whether you're drawn by career opportunities, family-friendly neighborhoods, or intellectual atmosphere, Ann Arbor delivers an extraordinary quality of life.
🏆 Ann Arbor Accolades & Rankings (2024-2025)
- ⭐ #2 Best Place to Live in Michigan (Niche.com)
- ⭐ #8 Best Place to Live in America (Livability)
- ⭐ #1 Most Educated City in America (WalletHub)
- ⭐ #3 Best College Town (WalletHub)
- ⭐ #5 Healthiest City in America (Mindbody)
- ⭐ #4 Best City for Young Professionals (SmartAsset)
- ⭐ Top 10 Best Cities for Startups (Inc. Magazine)
📚 #1: World-Class Education at Every Level
Ann Arbor Public Schools - Michigan's Best
Ann Arbor schools consistently rank among Michigan's highest-performing districts with exceptional test scores, innovative programs, and 93% graduation rate. All three comprehensive high schools (Pioneer, Skyline, Huron) offer International Baccalaureate programs and 30+ AP courses.
- 97%+ college acceptance rates at all high schools
- SAT scores average 150+ points above national average
- Award-winning arts, music, and theater programs
- Strong STEM programs with U-M partnerships
- Spanish immersion, special education excellence
- $18,500 per-student spending (above state average)
University of Michigan - A World-Class Resource
Living in Ann Arbor means access to one of America's top universities (#3 public university, US News). U-M enriches the entire community with:
- Cultural Resources: Museums, concerts, lectures, sporting events
- Research Opportunities: Access to cutting-edge facilities and programs
- Healthcare Excellence: Michigan Medicine ranked #1 hospital in Michigan
- Continuing Education: Adult learning, professional development
- Employment: U-M employs 49,000+ (Michigan's largest employer)
- Libraries: Residents can access university libraries
See our Best Schools in Ann Arbor guide for detailed information.
💼 #2: Thriving Job Market & Economy
Major Employers
| University of Michigan | 49,000+ employees (healthcare, research, education) |
| Trinity Health | 5,000+ employees |
| Ann Arbor Public Schools | 2,800+ employees |
| Toyota Technical Center | 1,000+ engineering/R&D jobs |
| Google Ann Arbor | 800+ tech employees |
| Domino's Pizza HQ | 900+ corporate employees |
| Thomson Reuters | 600+ employees |
Growing Tech & Innovation Sector
Ann Arbor is Michigan's tech hub with strength in automotive technology, healthcare IT, artificial intelligence, and mobility:
- May Mobility (autonomous vehicles)
- Duo Security (sold to Cisco for $2.35B)
- Censys (cybersecurity unicorn)
- ProQuest (information technology)
- Barracuda Networks
- 200+ tech startups and scaleups
Average Salaries by Field (2025):
| Software Engineer | $95,000 - $145,000 |
| Data Scientist | $105,000 - $155,000 |
| Physician | $200,000 - $350,000 |
| University Professor | $85,000 - $180,000 |
| Engineer (Automotive/Aerospace) | $80,000 - $125,000 |
| Product Manager | $100,000 - $150,000 |
Low Unemployment
Ann Arbor maintains unemployment rates consistently 1-2% below national average thanks to diverse economy anchored by education, healthcare, tech, and research sectors.
🎭 #3: Vibrant Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Cultural Institutions
- University Musical Society: World-class performances at Hill Auditorium
- Michigan Theater: Historic venue for film, concerts, comedy
- University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA): 20,000+ artworks, free admission
- Ann Arbor Summer Festival: 3 weeks of music, dance, film, family events
- Ann Arbor Art Fair: One of nation's top art fairs (500,000+ visitors)
- Kerrytown Concert House: Intimate classical and jazz performances
- Purple Rose Theatre: Professional theater company
Dining Scene
Ann Arbor punches above its weight with 300+ restaurants including James Beard nominees, innovative farm-to-table dining, international cuisine, and iconic establishments like Zingerman's Delicatessen (nationally renowned).
Sports & Recreation
- Michigan Football: 107,000-seat Big House, electric game day atmosphere
- Basketball & Hockey: Competitive Division I programs
- 160+ Parks: 2,700+ acres of parkland and natural areas
- Border-to-Border Trail: 35 miles of paved trail
- Huron River: Kayaking, canoeing, fishing
🌳 #4: Exceptional Parks & Natural Beauty
Ann Arbor's commitment to green space sets it apart. The city maintains 160+ parks and nature preserves totaling 2,700+ acres:
- Nichols Arboretum: 123 acres with famous peony garden
- Gallup Park: Kayaking, trails, playgrounds along Huron River
- Barton Nature Area: 194 acres of hiking and mountain biking
- County Farm Park: 142 acres with dog park, disc golf, trails
- Multiple Nature Preserves: Bird Hills, Marshall, Furstenberg, and more
See our Best Parks in Ann Arbor guide.
👨👩👧👦 #5: Family-Friendly Community
Safe, Walkable Neighborhoods
Ann Arbor's historic neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets, sidewalks, parks, and strong community connections. Crime rates are significantly below national averages.
Activities for Kids
- Leslie Science & Nature Center (wildlife, hands-on science)
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- Outdoor recreation programs
- Youth sports leagues
- University museums and events
- Summer camps and enrichment programs
Top Neighborhoods for Families:
- Burns Park - Near top elementary, walkable, strong community
- Eberwhite - Excellent schools, parks, family-friendly
- Barton Hills - Natural setting, large lots, top schools
- North Ann Arbor - Newer homes, good schools, family amenities
🏥 #6: World-Class Healthcare
Michigan Medicine (U-M Health): Consistently ranked #1 hospital in Michigan and among nation's top hospitals.
- Advanced cancer treatment and research
- Transplant center excellence
- Pediatric specialty care (Mott Children's Hospital)
- Women's health (Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital)
- Cutting-edge research and clinical trials
- Comprehensive specialty services
St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor: Part of Trinity Health, offering comprehensive services and excellent cardiac care.
🚶 #7: Walkability & Livability
Walk Score: 64 (Somewhat Walkable)
Downtown and campus areas are highly walkable with bike-friendly infrastructure. Ann Arbor has invested heavily in non-car transportation:
- 145+ miles of bike lanes and paths
- Border-to-Border Trail system
- TheRide (AAATA) comprehensive bus service
- Free bus passes for U-M community
- Bike-friendly streets and protected lanes
- Walkable downtown and neighborhood commercial districts
🌍 #8: Progressive Values & Diversity
Ann Arbor embraces progressive values, environmental sustainability, and inclusive community. The city is welcoming to all backgrounds, orientations, and beliefs.
- Strong LGBTQ+ community and protections
- Commitment to sustainability and climate action
- Diverse, international population (thanks to U-M)
- Active civic engagement
- Support for arts, culture, and social programs
📊 Ann Arbor Quick Facts
💡 Who Thrives in Ann Arbor?
✓ Families Seeking Excellent Schools
If education is a top priority, Ann Arbor delivers from preschool through university.
✓ Professionals in Tech, Healthcare, Education, Research
Strong job market with above-average salaries in knowledge economy sectors.
✓ Culture & Arts Enthusiasts
World-class performances, museums, festivals, and dining rivals much larger cities.
✓ Outdoor Recreation Lovers
Abundant parks, trails, river access, and four-season activities.
✓ Progressive-Minded Residents
Values-driven community committed to education, environment, and inclusion.
Ready to Make Ann Arbor Home?
Moving to Ann Arbor means investing in a community that values quality of life, education, and innovation. When you find your Ann Arbor home, Elite Roofing is here to protect your investment with expert roofing services.
Why Ann Arbor Homeowners Choose Elite Roofing:
- ✅ 25+ years serving Ann Arbor community
- ✅ Historic home specialists (HDC experience)
- ✅ Free roof inspections for new homeowners
- ✅ University of Michigan preferred contractor
- ✅ Lifetime craftsmanship warranty
- ✅ 24/7 emergency service