Best Neighborhoods in Ann Arbor, Michigan – Overview
Finding the right neighborhood in Ann Arbor takes a little research — this is a city where two blocks can mean the difference between student-heavy street life and quiet residential calm. Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor draws students, researchers, healthcare professionals, and tech workers in equal measure.
The city is consistently ranked among the most livable in the Midwest — walkable, educated, and packed with culture. Housing is competitive, so knowing which neighborhood fits your lifestyle before you search makes the process significantly easier.
Best Areas in Ann Arbor at a Glance
- Best for families → Burns Park
- Best for young professionals → Kerrytown / Downtown
- Best affordable area → Ypsilanti border neighborhoods (east side)
- Best luxury area → Old West Side / Barton Hills adjacent
📺 Watch this video to explore different neighborhoods and areas in Ann Arbor before deciding where to live.
Top Neighborhoods in Ann Arbor
Kerrytown
Kerrytown sits just north of downtown and is one of Ann Arbor’s most beloved neighborhoods. It centers around the Kerrytown Market & Shops and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market on Detroit Street — a genuine community gathering point on weekends.
The area attracts professionals, academics, and long-term residents who want urban walkability without being in the thick of the student scene.
- Walking distance to downtown Ann Arbor and U of M’s medical campus
- Strong local dining scene along Fourth Avenue and Detroit Street
- Well-maintained older homes and quality rental stock
The downside: housing costs here are among the highest in the city, with home prices often exceeding $500,000 and one-bedroom rentals running $1,400–$2,000/month.
Best for: Professionals, academics, established renters
Price level: High
Burns Park
When families ask locals where to live in Ann Arbor, Burns Park comes up almost every time. This southeast-side neighborhood is centered around Burns Park itself — a well-loved green space with tennis courts, a playground, and seasonal community events.
The neighborhood feeds into Burns Park Elementary, one of the most sought-after schools in the Ann Arbor Public Schools district.
- Top-rated Burns Park Elementary within walking distance
- Tree-lined streets with well-preserved homes from the 1920s–1950s
- Short drive to U of M’s main campus and Stadium Boulevard shops
Home prices here have risen sharply — expect $450,000–$800,000+ for single-family homes. Inventory moves fast, so buyers need to be prepared to act quickly.
Best for: Families, long-term homebuyers
Price level: High
Old West Side
Old West Side is one of Ann Arbor’s most architecturally interesting neighborhoods, with a mix of Victorian cottages, craftsman bungalows, and larger historic homes along streets like Madison Street and West Liberty.
It sits just west of downtown, making it walkable to Main Street restaurants, Michigan Theater, and the Ann Arbor District Library.
- Genuine historic character — many homes on the National Historic Register
- Walkable to Main Street and Westside Farmers Market
- Strong neighborhood association with active community events
One honest drawback: the older housing stock means higher maintenance costs and, in some cases, limited parking on narrower streets.
Best for: History lovers, professionals, homebuyers wanting character
Price level: Moderate to high
North Main / Northside
North Main and the broader Northside area offer a quieter, more residential experience compared to the city’s denser southern neighborhoods. Situated along Huron River Drive and close to Bandemer Park, this area appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and those who want space without leaving the city.
Rents here are somewhat more accessible — one-bedrooms can be found in the $1,100–$1,500/month range — and the housing mix includes single-family homes, duplexes, and smaller apartment buildings.
- Direct access to Huron River trails and Bandemer Park
- Quieter streets, less student density
- Reasonable commute to U of M’s north campus via Fuller Road
The tradeoff: fewer walkable amenities compared to Kerrytown or Old West Side, and some errands require a car.
Best for: Outdoor-oriented residents, quiet lifestyle seekers, remote workers
Price level: Moderate
Lower Town / East Ann Arbor
If budget is your main concern in Ann Arbor, the Lower Town area and neighborhoods along the eastern edge near the Ypsilanti border offer the most accessible price points in the city.
Rents here can start around $850–$1,200/month, and home prices are considerably lower than the city’s west or south sides.
- Most affordable rents within Ann Arbor proper
- Close to Gallup Park and the Huron River greenway
- AATA bus routes connect to downtown and campus
The honest tradeoff: the area is more car-dependent, some retail options are limited, and it lacks the walkable street life of central neighborhoods. That said, it’s a genuine entry point into the city without breaking the budget.
Best for: Budget renters, students, first-time buyers
Price level: Affordable to moderate
Which Neighborhood is Right for You?
- Families → Burns Park for schools, green space, and community feel
- Young professionals → Kerrytown or Old West Side for walkability and culture
- Budget-focused → Lower Town / East Ann Arbor for the most accessible rents
- Outdoor enthusiasts → North Main for Huron River trail access and quieter streets
This area works best if you value education, walkability, and cultural density — Ann Arbor delivers all three better than almost any city its size in Michigan.
Safety & Livability Insights
Ann Arbor is one of Michigan’s safest cities overall, with consistently low crime rates across most neighborhoods.
- Burns Park, Kerrytown, and Old West Side are among the safest and most stable areas
- Lower Town and east-side neighborhoods are generally safe but worth researching block by block
- The area around South University Avenue can be rowdier on weekends due to the student population
Grocery access is excellent — Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Plum Market, and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market all serve different parts of the city. Public transit via AATA is solid for a city this size.
Tips for Choosing the Right Neighborhood
- Factor in U of M’s calendar. Game days and move-in weekends dramatically change parking and traffic across the entire city — location relative to the stadium matters.
- Act fast on rentals. The rental market moves quickly in late spring and early summer. If you’re targeting a fall move, start looking in March or April.
- Consider the east side if price is a barrier. Many newcomers choose Lower Town or areas near Ypsilanti first, then move west as they settle into the city and their budget allows.
Final Thoughts
Ann Arbor rewards people who take the time to explore its distinct neighborhoods on foot. Each area has its own character — from the farmers market energy of Kerrytown to the riverside calm of North Main. Define your priorities — schools, budget, walkability, or quiet — and the right neighborhood becomes much clearer.
FAQs
What is the best neighborhood in Ann Arbor for young professionals?
Kerrytown is the top choice — walkable, culturally rich, and close to both downtown and U of M’s medical campus.
What is the safest neighborhood in Ann Arbor?
Burns Park and Kerrytown are consistently among the safest, with strong neighborhood associations and well-maintained streets.
What is the most affordable neighborhood in Ann Arbor?
Lower Town and east-side neighborhoods near the Ypsilanti border offer the lowest rents — starting around $850–$1,200/month.
Is Ann Arbor a good place to live for families? Absolutely.
Burns Park is the standout choice, with top-rated schools, green space, and a strong community feel.
What neighborhoods are closest to the University of Michigan?
Kerrytown, Old West Side, and Burns Park are all within easy reach of U of M’s central and medical campuses.
Is downtown Ann Arbor worth living in?
Downtown suits professionals and students who want walkability to Main Street, restaurants, and venues like Michigan Theater. It’s more rental-focused and competitive on price.
How do I choose between Kerrytown and Old West Side?
If farmers market culture and proximity to Detroit Street dining matter most, choose Kerrytown. If you prefer historic architecture and Main Street walkability, Old West Side is the better fit.
What should newcomers know before moving to Ann Arbor?
The housing market moves fast — especially rentals. Budget for higher costs than most Michigan cities, and visit neighborhoods during a U of M game weekend to understand what peak activity looks like.
🔗 For a complete guide on cost, lifestyle, and relocation, explore our detailed post on Living in Ann Arbor, Michigan.