Ann Arbor

About Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a thriving mid-size city in southeastern Michigan. The closest major cities are Detroit, which is about 40 miles away, and Lansing, about 45 miles away. The University of Michigan, based in Ann Arbor, has largely shaped the city's economy and culture. Ann Arbor was founded In 1824 by John Allen and Elisha Rumsey. They named the city after their wives, both of whom were named Ann.

The Scenery of Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is nicknamed "Tree Town," a moniker that's tied to the heavy forests in its parks and residential areas. Everywhere you turn, trees can be seen towering above the city, with tens of thousands lining the streets and in the local parks. During the fall season, the changing leaves create a vibrant backdrop of red, yellow and orange.

Over 150 parks can be found within Ann Arbor's borders, several of which border the scenic Huron River. The Nichols Arboretum, managed by the University of Michigan, spans more than 120 acres and contains several hundred plant and tree species. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens is another popular destination in the city. There, you can explore a tropical conservatory and 300 acres of gardens.

The Ann Arbor Economy

Ann Arbor hosts a diverse economy that's largely supported by education, research, technology and health care. The city's largest employer by far is the University of Michigan, which, between the university campus and its medical center, provides tens of thousands of jobs. Several major companies are headquartered in Ann Arbor, including Domino's Pizza, Zingerman's Delicatessen, Avfuel and Aastrom Biosciences.

The university attracts a number of businesses to the area that are looking to utilize the highly-educated workforce that Ann Arbor has to offer. There are also a number of research firms and engineering centers in the city, ranging from vehicle testing to sanitation research.

Ann Arbor Schools

Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) manages the city's elementary, middle and high schools. Among its campuses are alternative high schools, STEM-based schools and an early childhood education center. There are also many private and charter schools in Ann Arbor, serving grades K through 12.

You'll find many opportunities for higher education in Ann Arbor, including the prestigious University of Michigan.

Resources for Moving to Ann Arbor

Here's some helpful information for organizing your move to Ann Arbor:

• Utilities: DTE Energy is Ann Arbor's primary energy provider, while the city manages its own water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: Weekly trash and recyclables collection is provided for every single-family home in Ann Arbor. Recycling is a free service.
• Transportation: There are several public bus routes providing easy access to all major areas of Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor Housing

Ann Arbor is a popular place to live, with a variety of attractive homes and apartments throughout the city. Homes are on the expensive side, with a median price that's well above the national average. However, because it's a relatively large city, the housing market provides a variety of options.