Ann Arbor’s Northside Elementary Neighborhood may be one of Ann Arbor’s best-kept secrets. Enjoy both city and nature and a unique, eclectic feel. See why Northside Elementary Neighborhood might be your best Ann Arbor Neighborhood.
1. Location
The Northside Elementary neighborhood offers the best of both worlds in Ann Arbor: close to downtown, UM North Campus, and Medical Campus while within walking distance to the Huron River and Border to Border Trail. Located between the Huron River and Barton Road along Pontiac Trail, the Northside Ann Arbor neighborhood area is easily walkable to campus and offers highway access via Barton Road. Be a one-car household – save on car payments and help the environment. There are many bike paths and bike lanes. In fact, Northside is highly bikeable – it scores an 88 for bikeability at Walkscore.com – which is about as high as you can get.
2. Eclectic Feel
The Northside Neighborhood was built over time and offered many different types of homes. From older single-family homes, renovated historic homes going back to the 1800s, and luxury new construction to student-housing properties, there is a wide array of building types and landscaping. Interestingly, the Northside hosts some of the oldest homes in the city. There are historic homes moved out of Ann Arbor and preserved in the Northside. Some history: two homes on Pontiac Trail once belonged to abolitionist brothers Guy and Josiah Beckley, who provided shelter as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
3. Nature and Parks
There are plenty of views and recreation throughout the neighborhood. Olson Park nearby has wetlands, creeks, ponds, woods, and recreational areas, including a basketball court and a fenced-in dog park. Island Park has beautiful open space surrounding the Huron River with trees and shrubs throughout. Enjoy a play area, picnic tables, benches, a restroom facility, and paths. Argo Park, on the Huron River, contains a walking/jogging path, a canoe livery where you can rent kayaks and canoes, and tubing options in the summer. Bandemer Park features frisbee golf and a BMX track. Finally, Leslie Golf Course has many accolades and course awards, including “The best municipal golf course in the State of Michigan!” – Golf Digest. Outside of parks, there are tons of wooded areas, mature landscapes, and views of the Huron River throughout.
4. Affordability
Prices in the Northside Neighborhood tend to run lower than other top in-town neighborhoods such as Old West, Burns Park, and Eberwhite. An affordable option for first-time homebuyers, Northside offers many ranch, bungalow, and cape-cod style homes ranging from 800 to 1200 square feet.
5. Great Schools and Activities for Kids

This scenic 5.6-mile segment of the B2B Trail travels along the Huron River as it passes through the City of Ann Arbor adjacent to the Northside neighborhood.
According to Public School Review, Ann Arbor Steam At Northside placed in the top 5% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores for the 2018-19 school year. Children in middle and high school typically attend Clague and Skyline. Kids will attend highly rated Ann Arbor Steam at Northside (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), where students “engage, communicate, collaborate, create, and think critically.” Students learn in a project-based, student-centered environment with excellent resources right in the area. Get the kids outdoors with parks and recreation. There are practice fields for local youth sports teams or enjoy the Leslie Science Center, with trails, critters, and regular programming.
Is the Northside Elementary Neighborhood the best in Ann Arbor? It’s undoubtedly a gem, but the perfect neighborhood depends on your needs! Complete the contact form below, and we can help you find the perfect Ann Arbor home for you.
For immediate assistance, call us at 734-845-9700 or email Andy Piper at
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