Ann Arbor

Location: 36 Miles West of Detroit

Population: 114,024

Median Household Income: $53,516

Median Home Value: $211,000

Ann Arbor Neighborhoods and Subdivisions

"The first impression created by Ann Arbor is one of Midwestern charm. It seems to be almost entirely composed of trim, shady, residential streets, some rising steeply out of the winding river valley toward the range of rolling hills in which Ann Arbor is set."
-- WPA Guide to Michigan, 1941

Ann Arbor, Michigan is a culturally rich and diverse city situated in the southeastern part of the state. Area residents are known for their friendliness and "down to earth" manner. This community has a reputation for being a great place to raise a family. Throughout Ann Arbor's history, it has been a community dedicated to building a solid school system and providing an excellent educational opportunity for all students. With world class libraries, museums, restaurants and sports all within city limits, residents can enjoy a plethora of activities at anytime. The beautiful Huron River runs right through Ann Arbor and provides an abundant park system utilized by residents year round. Outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, cross-country skiing and hiking along the banks are many ways to enjoy the natural beauty. No matter what interests you may have, Ann Arbor is likely to have a good fit for you.

Chelsea

Location: 19 Miles West of Ann Arbor

Population: 4,398

Median Household Income: $51,132

Median Home Value: $160,000

Chelsea is a charming village located in Washtenaw County, just a few miles west of the greater Ann Arbor area. Downtown Chelsea has a unique quaintness about it that residents enjoy year round. It boasts an eclectic blend of culture with the enjoyment of big city night life including fine dining and theater. The Purple Rose, actor Jeff Daniels’ not-for-profit professional theatre company, is a local gem. Sip tasty coffees at the town's coffee houses, explore designer clothing boutiques, custom jewelry shops and exquisite galleries and antique and collectible shops. Area residents can also get in touch with the outdoors as minutes from Downtown Chelsea there are numerous in-land lakes and parks. Chelsea is a small but involved community with many resources and opportunities designed to fit any lifestyle.

Dexter

Location: 10 Miles West of Ann Arbor

Population: 2,338

Median Household Income: $50,510

Median Home Value: $160,300

Nestled along the banks of the Huron River, the Village of Dexter is a friendly town located just minutes from the City of Ann Arbor. In addition to the community parks located within the Village, there are several Huron-Clinton Metroparks within very easy driving distance. Dexter has eight churches located in or near the Village, a museum, and thriving festivals and family activities. Local residents describe downtown Dexter as picturesque and historic; the heart of the Village. Dexter's village is a thriving community with a strong mix of residential and commercial interests. It boasts excellent schools, good proximity to major highways and a way of life that has held true to the initial vision for the village.

Grass Lake

Location: 32 Miles West of Ann Arbor

Population: 1,082

Median Household Income: $45,078

Median Home Value: $116,100

Grass Lake is located in northeastern Jackson County. It is a small, rural community with a population of approximately 1000, supported mainly by local businesses and some small manufacturing. Grass Lake was first settled in 1829 and by 1842, the coming of the railroad helped make Grass Lake a permanent community. The station still stands, well-preserved, along the still active rail line to the east of town. Grass Lake was named for the shallow, marshy lake just to its north. The area is dotted with rolling farmlands, and residents enjoy numerous lakes, streams and marshes. The varying terrain makes for picturesque scenery, wildlife habitat and fertile growing conditions. It is definitely the right place to experience and interact with nature. Farm markets and U-picks are plentiful around the county. For a fun and interesting afternoon, residents can follow the wine trail to the vineyards and wineries in the area. For the outdoor sportsman there are game areas for hunting and over 188 lakes for fishing and boating activities within close distance. Today the greater Grass Lake area includes the Village of Grass Lake, Grass Lake Township, and parts of the Waterloo Recreational Area north of I-94.

Manchester

Location: 22 Miles Southwest of Ann Arbor

Population: 2,160

Median Household Income: $46,974

Median Home Value: $140,900

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Washtenaw County is a jewel of a community called Manchester. Manchester residents pride themselves on having a small but forward-thinking community very involved with their village. Progressive planning for the future, with an eye to preserving the precious heritage and scenic beauty, best describes Manchester today. Manchester area parks are widely utilized for public events, and are available to reserve for parties/weddings, or anyone is welcome to come and relax, play or take a stroll. Manchester offers a wide variety of housing options, from new condominiums to historic houses, there is something for everyone. Famous for its annual Chicken Broil every July, this village knows hard work, time, and effort are what keep a community going.

Milan

Location: 13 Miles South of Ann Arbor, 30 Miles North of Toledo

Population: 4,775

Median Household Income: $48,510

Median Home Value: $125,500

Milan is located in the northwest corner of Monroe County, right on the Washtenaw County border, with the city split in half between the two counties by the Saline River. A picturesque park lies along the river, overlooking the new city hall to the south and the downtown area to the north, which has retained much of its old turn-of-the-century architecture. This charming small town offers numerous recreational opportunities and tells a rich tale of automotive history. The Milan area offers numerous annual events, from performing arts to country fairs, there's something for every taste. Milan residents enjoy dining at one of the area's home-style restaurants and browsing a unique collection of shops. It is typical of many cities as can be seen from the tree lined streets and active downtown business district, but is also unique in that a real sense of community has developed over the years.

Pinckney

Location: 19 Miles Northwest of Ann Arbor

Population: 2,141

Median Household Income: $58,077

Median Home Value: $150,100

Pinckney is located in southern Livingston County about two miles north of the Washtenaw County line, along M-36. Its economy is supported primarily by small business and is an ideal location as a bedroom community to both the greater Ann Arbor and Lansing areas. During the 1970's, Livingston County was the fastest growing county in Michigan, but 20,000 acres of public land were kept from development to retain the area's natural beauty. The Brighton Island and Pinckney State Recreation areas make this a great county for recreation. Pinckney Recreation Area provides over 11,000 acres with a wide variety of activities for the park visitor including camping, boat rental, volley ball, trails, fishing, swimming, playgrounds, picnic areas, beaches, snowmobiling, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, and SO much more. The Village of Pinckney is home to the annual Art in the Park held in the Town Square during the Memorial Weekend holiday. Hundreds of booths are set up for local artists and craftsmen to display and see their art. The Pinckney residents enjoy their own school system and the Pinckney Community Schools received As and Bs on the State Report Card from the Michigan Department of Education. Rolling hills, dozens of lakes, hundreds of acres of state park land, top-rated school systems, easy access to regional shopping centers, fine restaurants and other urban amenities, and a simpler, more laid-back way of life make it an attractive place to live.

Saline

Location: 7 Miles Southwest of Ann Arbor

Population: 8,034

Median Household Income: $59,382

Median Home Value: $169,200

Saline is located in south-central Washtenaw County, and was named after the natural salt springs found in the area. The City of Saline was one of two Michigan cities ranked in the top 50 “Best Place to Live in the Country” by CNN/Money Magazine. Situated on the Saline River, its main street is part of US-12, the historic Chicago-to-Detroit route. Historically, it was the meeting point of 7 major Indian trails. It is supported by a wide variety of business and industry, a large automobile plant, and its adjunct location to greater Ann Arbor, just a few miles to the north. The area businesses, attractions, and events help to increase the community's economic progress. Home to the annual Saline Celtic Festival, Ann Arbor Antiques Market, the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic and many more, residents enjoy a community rich in culture with annual events for the entire family to enjoy. Residents enjoy an eclectic mix of shops with everything from interior decor to classic antiques and dining opportunities abound for every taste. Saline is a charming small town rich in history, thriving with a sense of pride and community.

Whitmore Lake

Location: 10 Miles North of Ann Arbor

Population: 6,574

Median Household Income: $51,504

Median Home Value: $161,200

Whitmore Lake is an unincorporated community spanning the boundary between Livingston County and Washtenaw County. It is situated around the shores of Whitmore Lake and also includes the area around the smaller Horseshoe Lake to the south, Lawton Lake to the east and Monahan Lake to the northeast. Easy access to regional shopping centers, fine restaurants and other urban amenities.

Ypsilanti

Location: 8 Miles Southeast of Ann Arbor

Population: 22,362

Median Household Income: $28,610

Median Home Value: $117,500

Ypsilanti is a diverse community with lots of activity, a rich cultural history, and an amazing sense of pride for their city. They offer more community events than any other city in Michigan which are largely attended and always a good time. Festivals include the annual Heritage Festival, the Frog Island Jazz Festival, the ElvisFest, the Orphan Car Show, the Michigan Brewers Festival, and Festival Latino just to name a few. Every week in the summer, people from all around the metro Detroit and Ann Arbor area bring out their hot rods and show off in Depot Town , the largest historic district of any city in the state.

Many of the neighborhoods in Ypsilanti offer playgrounds, trails, and parks for area residents. In addition to the many small parks, there are also seven larger recreational areas consisiting of 85 acres. There are always people enjoying the Huron River in Riverside Park, which flows through the east side of town, or picnicing on the grassy knolls of Frog Island. Ypsi is also the home of Eastern Michigan University, which houses over 20,000 students from all over the world. Huge housing booms and a job market on the rise have made Ypsilanti an affordable and desirable place to live. Stroll along through town, shop at any number of unique specialty stores, local cafes and bars & grills, buy fresh goods at the Farmers’ Market, visit the many museums, and in no time you will discover a wonderful to place to call home.