Ann Arborites absolutely love it here, for so many reasons. Although it is a relatively small city, with fewer than 130,000 residents, it is home to the illustrious University of Michigan, which brings it so many advantages. Ann Arbor is presented with an incredibly rich array of concerts, theatre, lectures, artworks, and more, enjoyed by few cities of its size. For example, for the past three years Ann Arbor has been one of just two U.S. cities to host residencies of the Royal Shakespeare Company. A successful college athletic program is another of the benefits provided by U of M. There’s nothing like a football Saturday in Ann Arbor and the ‘Big House,’ Michigan’s historic football stadium which claims the largest gathering of football fans in the country, every home Saturday. Following the game, fans enjoy Ann Arbor’s restaurants, where the cuisine of choice is certain to be found among the hundreds of establishments around town.

Recreation of all sorts is readily available in Ann Arbor. A Tree City USA designee for 25 years, Ann Arbor boasts more than 150 parks scattered throughout the city, as well as over 1,700 acres of parkland along the Huron River, all within 10 minutes of downtown. To this, the University adds the 123-acre Nichols Arboretum and the 350-acre Matthei Botanical Garden and greenhouse. You’ll find dozens of lakes within a half hour of Ann Arbor, and two major state recreation areas offering hiking, hunting and fishing throughout the year. Golfers will find six public or semi-private courses in Ann Arbor, as well as several private clubs; within a short drive, you’ll find nearly thirty courses. Skiing and snowmobiling are popular winter sports. For those who enjoy watching professional sports, the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons and Shock are just an hour away.

Ann Arbor is located 25 minutes from a major airport, and is within 4 hours of Chicago, 5 hours of Toronto, and the attractions of Detroit are just an hour away. Amtrak makes several stops a day in Ann Arbor, providing a rail link to major cities across the country and Canada.

Ann Arbor has found itself on list after list over the years, including Business Week Magazine, where in 2009 it was named the “Best Place to Raise Kids,” and AARP’s 2008 report ranking Ann Arbor as the “Nation’s Healthiest Hometown for Retirement.” The Ann Arbor housing market reflects upon this by maintaining a strong average single family home price of around $277,609 and condominium price of $156,095. Ann Arbor boasts everything under the sun when it comes to types of residences, including new construction, historic homes, condominiums, investment properties, vacant land and more. The Ann Arborites have known they have it good, and the word is getting out!