Ann Arbor & Washtenaw County
Ann Arbor, Michigan
City
University town on the Huron River, west of Detroit
Ann Arbor is built around the University of Michigan, with a walkable downtown, a dense restaurant scene and a technology and health care economy.
History & Local Character
Founded in 1824 and named for the wives of two founders, Ann Arbor grew with the university and became a center for research and manufacturing, including the early auto industry.
Housing & Real Estate
Housing ranges from downtown high-rises and student rentals to historic homes in the Old West Side and mid-century subdivisions on the city's edges.
Restaurants & Shopping
Main, Liberty and State streets hold one of Michigan's densest restaurant and cafe scenes.
Schools & Education
Ann Arbor Public Schools serves the city, with several private options and the university's schools nearby.
Parks & Recreation
Gallup Park, Nichols Arboretum, the Huron River and the Border-to-Border Trail anchor recreation.
Transportation & Accessibility
I-94, US-23 and M-14 serve the city, with Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority buses throughout.
Local Businesses
Kerrytown market vendorsMain Street restaurantsIndependent bookstoresTech startups
No businesses are listed in Ann Arbor yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- University of Michigan
- Michigan Theater
- Nichols Arboretum
- Kerrytown
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Walkable downtown and strong food and arts scene
- Research and health care job base
- Excellent parks and river trails
Considerations
- High housing costs and tight rental market
- Traffic and parking pressure downtown
- Winter parking restrictions complicate street parking
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County?
Yes. Ann Arbor is the Washtenaw County seat and home of the University of Michigan.
How far is Ann Arbor from Detroit?
Ann Arbor is about 40 miles west of Detroit, roughly 45 minutes by car on I-94.