Ann Arbor, Michigan
lewk...@binah.cc.brandeis.edu
My husband and I are considering moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan (he has
just been offered a wonderful job in Detroit). Any feedback on what it's
like to live in Ann Arbor, what the surrounding areas are like, and how
it is for raising a 5 month old would be very, very much appreciated.
Thanks!
Cory
Greg Sommerville
years afterwards. I don't know about how it is with a young child, but
overall the city has a very nice, laid-back attitude, plenty of good
restaurants and cultural events (especially in the summer), and a wealth
of intellectually stimulating things to do because of the university.
People often talk about A^2 (get used to it, that's what people call it)
being a very hippie town, but I really think that's not true any more.
Most of the students have a lot of money, so the city itself is quite
expensive. Not too many hippies could afford rent there.
The university is tightly integrated with the rest of the city, so during
the school year, be prepared for crowds of young people - everywhere. It's
a whole different city in the summer, however - much better, in my opinion.
That is, until the week of Art Fair. I don't know how many hundreds of
thousands of people swarm down on to the city, but it's A LOT.
As far as surrounding areas, Ypsilanti is a little sleazy, but much
cheaper, and really not too bad. The other cities around A^2 are very
small and pretty rustic. There's plenty of outdoor activities all over
the place - good golfing, canoeing, hiking, etc.
All in all, a very nice place.
Nathaniel Beck
>Ann Arbor's a great town. I went to school there, and lived for three
>thousands of people swarm down on to the city, but it's A LOT.
>
starts this year.
Thanks
Neal
--
Neal Beck
Dept of Politial Science, UCSD
be...@ucsd.edu
Dislaimer: Lost in the current budget cuts
Thomas M. Ivacko
the 24th (I think!). If the weather is as humid then as
it has been the past week you will be better elsewhere.
--
Tom Ivacko
t...@umich.edu
Clare Bates Congdon
> Speaking of the Art Fair, do any newsreaders know when the Fair
> starts this year.
The art fairs are next week; starting Wednesday the 21st of July and
ending on Saturday the 24th of July.
Point of trivia: Note that it's actually art fairs, plural. There are
three distinct art fairs that go on simulaneously. Yes, it is somewhat
silly, but apparently each fair has different judging criteria for
which artists/craftsfolk it allows to set up booths.
Cheers,
Clare
con...@eecs.umich.edu
linda green
Ann Arbor is expensive (not all students have money). The town is about
45
minutes by car from Detroit. Ann Arbor is a small town with a huge (and
very expensive) university in the middle. Housing is overpriced. Groceries
are more expensive here than I found in LA, for example. There are some
okay places to live in Ypsi, but the town is rather dumpy by comparison.
Still, Ann Arbor is distant from Detroit. There are closer (and for my
money, nicer) places to consider.
How about Mount Clemens? Mount Clemens is a quiet, middle-class town
within 17 miles of Detroit. Metropolitan Beach is in Mount Clemens (also
a yacht harbor). It is very clean, economical, and a lovely place for
children.
(My old hometown). Or St. Clair Shores (nearby Mount Clemens), is a little
more expensive, and right on the water. Port Huron (more rural) may be
a consideration. Macomb County has lovely homes, and apartments, and is
one of the fastest growing areas in Michigan. These are much closer, and
cheaper. If I were buying a home, my bet would be Macomb.
One of the respondents asks about Ann Arbor Arts Fair. It runs July
21-4.
Lauren Bricker
have not regretted the move. Both of our children loved the schools and all
of the facilities for children and teens in town. We loved the cultural stuff
right around the corner. To add to the pie, both daughters chose to attend the
University of Michigan and lived on campus but came home for holidays and
special events. If you want any further info email me at:
bri...@june.cs.washington.edu.
Audrey
Lauren Bricker
part of town away from the crowds. It starts next Wednesday at 9AM (July 21
) and runs through Saturday, July 23rd. There are three huge fairs, the
juried one on South University has the highest quality arts and crafts. All
of the stores have sales and the food is great. People watching, the free
music and entertainment, all make for a wonderful couple of days.
Come and enjoy!
Audrey Bricker
cathi odtohan
lewk...@binah.cc.brandeis.edu writes:
>My husband and I are considering moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan (he has
>just been offered a wonderful job in Detroit). Any feedback on what it's
>like to live in Ann Arbor, what the surrounding areas are like, and how
>it is for raising a 5 month old would be very, very much appreciated.
i!m currently a student at the university, and enjoying perhaps my last
great summer here in ann arbor. art fairs get underway tomorrow and we!re
attempting to brace ourselves for the onslaught of tourists and ugly
pottery. (just kidding. amid the bizarre ceramic constructions and wooden
ducks, one will find brilliant treasures and curious oddities).
i!m originally from Detroit, and my family currently lives in an outlying
suburb half an hour from the city. Both of my parents still work
downtown. I think you will find that Detroit suburbs operate a little
differently than other metropolitan centers; where as other cities might
be the *center* with surrounding areas gravitating toward it, suburbs
here tend to want to establish their independence from Detroit and
emphasize their distance from it. There!s no metro or subway save for the
*people mover* which runs in a circle for about three blocks - more of a
ride than public transportation.
Ann Arbor is a great place, especially for young people. There is a very
vibrant community within and surrounding the university, and refreshingly
- much pedestrian traffic - something you won!t find much of either in
Detroit or in the mall-culture of the suburbs. Yes, it is expensive, but
very beautiful. About an hour commute from Detroit.