With an extensive, music and nightlife scene in the heart of a college town, Ann Arbor Michigan offers up diverse culture and offbeat experiences that draw in young professionals, college students and families alike. Whether you choose to jam out at music venues like The Ark, partake in "Hash Bash" or have a drink at the Ann Arbor Brewing Company, the city has something for you.
If you are interested in learning more about Ann Arbor because you're contemplating a move to A2, you've come to the right place. Take a look at this helpful guide for tips and information about Ann Arbor, before you decide to relocate to the city. Movers.com can help get you started with your move – simply fill out a free quote form once you're ready to give Ann Arbor a try.
Ann Arbor Climate
The weather in Ann Arbor is heavily affected by the Great Lakes, and is categorized as a Midwestern humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are short-lived and mild, with temperatures ranging from 45 to 75 degrees. During winter, you will find that temperatures drop significantly, and can average between 15 and 35 degrees with moderate to heavy snowfall.
Summers in the city are humid and warm. Temperatures average in the 70s and 80s but can reach into the 90s, especially during July and August.
Ann Arbor Neighborhoods
Ann Arbor isn't dubbed "Tree Town" for nothing. Over 50,000 trees line the streets of the city from its commercial districts downtown to its residential areas scattered all through the city. Downtown contains the Kerrytown Shops, the State Street Business District and the South University Business District. You will find shopping areas, like the high-rise Briarwood Mall, blended with 19th and 20th century modern architecture, along with a farmer's market.
Many residential areas are in the heart of Ann Arbor, home to University of Michigan. Apartments and townhouses in this area a generally occupied by students or young professionals, and the Town Plaza condominium building is the tallest in the city. The Old West Side neighborhood was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and contains contemporary architectural structures.
Registering Your Car
Upon your relocation to Ann Arbor, you'll need to head over to the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles for a new license, registration and tags. To transfer your registration to, you will need proof of auto insurance in Michigan, proof of identification and the original vehicle title. To transfer your driver's license, you will need proof of identity and residence, your Social Security card, valid Michigan auto insurance, and you will have to pass a vision test and knowledge test.
The average fee for a license is $25 and the cost of registration and plates can run $20 and up depending on whether or not you choose special tags.
Ann Arbor Schools
Ann Arbor Public Schools serves the area's public schooling needs. The district has over 16,000 students enrolled and emphasizes its superior music program. The district has a preschool, 21 elementary schools, six middle schools, three high schools and three alternative high schools/development centers. Ann Arbor also has almost two dozen private schools, like Greenhills School and a number of different charter schools.
There are many notable higher education facilities in the area, like Concordia University Ann Arbor, a University of Phoenix campus and Clearly University. These institutions often get overlooked by the popular and economy-boosting University of Michigan (often called "UMich") that has its presence all over Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor Employment
If you have a career in education, Ann Arbor may have a place for you. Since the University of Michigan employs over 30,000 people, and over 12,000 additional workers in its medical center, it is a major asset to the workforce and economy in the area. Ann Arbor's economy also puts emphasis on high tech companies, like Arbortext, JSTOR and MediaSpan.
With the vast amount of opportunities here, Ann Arbor's unemployment rate is well below the national average, sitting at 5.1 percent as of April 2013. In recent years, the city has been expanding its workforce in industries like hospitality (golf courses and country clubs), manufacturing and transportation and warehousing. Average salaries range from $42,000 to $70,000 per year depending on the job. Teacher salaries are, on average, higher here than other parts of the country.
Living Costs in the City
Based on the cost of living index, Ann Arbor is approximately 2 percent higher overall than the rest of the country, whereas the State of Michigan is below the average by 5 percent. In general, you can expect to pay slightly less for some staple food items like milk, potatoes and coffee, while you might pay more for utilities and gasoline.
Single family homes in the area start at approximately $170,000, increasing to upwards of $800,000. The median sales price in the area is approximately $180,000, whereas the average listing price is $375,000. Average salaries in the area are generally high in comparison with the rest of the country; so higher home price tags are a little less daunting here.
Many one-bedroom apartments begin at $800 per month and increase based on unit size and complex location, but it is possible to find a few rentals in the $600 range.
Ann Arbor Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Ann Arbor, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Michigan. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Ann Arbor Transportation
If you depend on public transportation, you will rely on Ann Arbor Transportation Authority's bus service for routes throughout the city and Ypsilanti. This service is also known as "The Ride." If you are a University of Michigan student, you will have the option of a zero-fare bus that will shuttle you between the school's campuses.
For transportation out of town, Greyhound Lines also has a bus service depot in the city's downtown area. In addition, Amtrak services the Ann Arbor Train Station, which has transportation between Chicago and Pontiac.
Personal vehicle users will typically make use of the three freeways in the area: Interstate 94, US 23 and M-14. US 12, M-17 and M-153 are also frequently used highways in the area.
Culture & Contemporary Life
In addition to the goings on at UMich, the city has plenty to see and do to keep a new resident like you occupied. Head out to the Ann Arbor Film Festival during the spring, and experience over 100 films over the span of a week at the Michigan Theatre. If that doesn't spark your interest, there are plenty of restaurants downtown complete with a beer breweries like the Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales pub.
Various art fairs are held within the city, as well as musical events and even a Shopping Cart Race in the summer. The city is home to the University Musical Society, responsible for many musical events throughout the year, and the city also claims many notable musicians like Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, Bob Seger and George Clinton. The Blind Pig, a small concert venue, held performances by Dave Matthews Band and Nirvana early in their careers.
For the sports fanatic, visit Michigan Stadium, otherwise known as the "Big House" to see the Wolverines play in one of the biggest stadiums in the world.
Ann Arbor Relocation Tips
- If you're looking for a place with a high education standard, Ann Arbor may be a good place for you, as much of the population is college educated, and locals boast a good public school system.
- The housing market in the city can get a little pricey depending on where you are originally moving from, so be sure to do careful research on neighborhoods prior to making any financial commitments. Speak to realtors often and make sure you negotiate a salary commensurate with your living expenses.
- If you're moving from an area with warmer weather, you will need to spend some time revamping your wardrobe to fit the changing seasons. Loose fitting and light clothing in the summer, and heavy jackets and snow boots in the winter. Don't forget about scarves, hats and gloves, either!