Old Fourth Ward
Suburban Neighborhood in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Washtenaw County 48104, 48105
A lifestyle of walkability
The location of Old Fourth Ward is unbeatable for its proximity to downtown, the University of Michigan, and the University Hospital. That's what makes it so attractive to students. But those who linger a little longer notice that walkability becomes less of a convenience and more of a lifestyle. "My husband and I almost never use our car, and that's true of everyone who lives here," says Chris Crockett, the president of the Old Fourth Ward Association and longtime resident of over 40 years. "We shop at the nearby farmers market, and when we go out to dinner, we always pick some place we can walk to." And there are plenty of options, from the sandwiches at Ann Arbor legend Zingerman's to the upscale dishes at the Gandy Dancer, located in the old train station.
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Proximity to the University of Michigan
With the high student density, many people think Old Fourth Ward is a louder area, but that's a misconception, according to Crockett. The neighborhood is commonly filled with graduate and medical students looking for a quieter place to study, and student partying tends to happen more towards the south of the college. "I've never understood why more people don't want to live here," Crockett says. "It's a very quiet area." And living right next to the University has its benefits. Even for those who aren't students, the University regularly has free performances, guest lecturers and world-famous musicians. Crockett herself says that she learned modern Greek from auditing a college class. "The University attracts smart, interesting people — so it's a stimulating place to live," she adds.Live in a piece of history
Old Fourth Ward has architectural styles that include Queen Anne to Italianate, with several examples of Greek, Gothic or Colonial influences. Currently, an overwhelming 95% percent of the neighborhood are renters, typically students. For those looking to own these one-of-a-kind properties, the price usually ranges between $800,000 and $1.3 million. But homes here are more than just buildings; they are pieces of history. Residents can live in Ann Arbor’s first Black church or a Quaker Meeting House from the 1800s. Crockett, who won an award for her preservation efforts on her own home, says: "I feel the history of the house all the time, and I feel the good spirit of the people who lived here."
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Home to the arts magnet Community High
Old Fourth Ward is home to Community High School, one of the oldest magnet schools in the country. With a focus on student-led curriculum and block scheduling similar to that of a college, the school has developed an incredible community by promoting each student's individuality. But living in the neighborhood isn't enough to warrant admission. In the past, parents stood in line for two weeks in advance to try and snag their kids a spot. The current system is based on a lottery, but only about a third of those who apply get in. Otherwise, students here are zoned for Bach Elementary, can choose between Forsythe Middle or Slauson Middle, and end at Skyline High. Bach and Forsythe get A grades from the website Niche, and Slauson, Skyline and Community get A-plus grades.
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Neighborhood Association events and local churches
Several events unite the Old Fourth Ward community. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market occurs just a block west, and downtown is known for its art fairs and holiday celebrations. But a bit closer to home, the Old Fourth Ward Association is always looking for ways to bring people together. Crockett explains that before COVID, there used to be an annual block party with a turnout in the hundreds. The OFWA is currently working to bring it back. And many residents find community at the local churches as well. St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and School is a prominent landmark of stone walls and stained-glass windows, and St. Andrews Episcopal has been giving out hot breakfast to those in need for over 40 years.
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Close to the Amtrak station and Huron River
Old Fourth Ward is connected to most of the city via bus lines, and designated bike lanes have been added in recent years. An Amtrak train station sits less than a mile away, and Main Street offers a quick connection to Routes 14 and 23. And for those who would rather travel as the city's first settlers did, the Huron River to the north is a popular place for kayaking.
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Written By
Catherine Lashley
Video By
Julian Banks
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Jean Wedemeyer
Jean Wedemeyer
Responds QuicklyThe Charles Reinhart Company
(734) 821-3401
355 Total Sales
1 in Old Fourth Ward
$771,000 Price
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Brent Flewelling
Brent Flewelling
Responds QuicklyCharles Reinhart Co-Ann Arbor
(734) 436-2193
526 Total Sales
1 in Old Fourth Ward
$591,500 Price
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Alex Milshteyn
Alex Milshteyn
Coldwell Banker Professionals-AA
(734) 821-2689
1,177 Total Sales
5 in Old Fourth Ward
$480K - $1.2M Price Range
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Julie Picknell
Julie Picknell
The Charles Reinhart Company
(734) 821-5596
159 Total Sales
3 in Old Fourth Ward
$269K - $305K Price Range
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Chris Vessels
Chris Vessels
Metro Property Services
(734) 802-1726
22 Total Sales
3 in Old Fourth Ward
$480K - $771K Price Range
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Richard Taylor
Richard Taylor
The Charles Reinhart Company
(734) 548-9686
193 Total Sales
2 in Old Fourth Ward
$800K - $925K Price Range
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- K to 8th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Wheeler Park
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Gallup Park
- Fishing
- Lake
- Events
Liberty Plaza
- Multi-Purpose Field
North Main Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Playground
Broadway Park
- Dog Park
- Trails
- Multi-Purpose Field
Sculpture Plaza
- Picnic Area
- Multi-Purpose Field
Riverside Park
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Old Fourth Ward | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 5 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 6 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
| Robbery | 6 | 4 |
| Burglary | 9 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 6 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old Fourth Ward Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Fourth Ward, Ann Arbor sell after 126 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Fourth Ward, Ann Arbor over the last 12 months is $304,500, down 67% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$975,000
Median Sale Price
$304,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,375,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
13%
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-67%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$591
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
45
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1962
Months of Supply
12.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,985
Significantly above the national average
1,937
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,657
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,144
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
40,075
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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$1,530 - $1,750 per month
- Fuller Apartments
- 2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 750+ Sq Ft
- 800-802 Fuller St
- Ann Arbor, MI
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$895 per month
- Condo for Rent
- 6 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2,060 Sq Ft
- 533 Elizabeth St
- Unit 533 Elizabeth
- Ann Arbor, MI
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,308
Median Age
26
Population Density
21 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
2.2%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$33,653
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,958
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.8%
College Graduates
89.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
48.4%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
55.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
54''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
66
/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
77
/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
76
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Broadway
Apartments and single-family homes on the Huron River near University of Michigan
Germantown
City convenience and rich historical ties converge in Germantown
Downtown Ann Arbor
Condos with unbeatable proximity to nightlife, restaurants, and college events
West Park
Residential neighborhood with proximity to a large city park and busy downtown
Kerrytown
Kerrytown offers an eclectic atmosphere with trendy restaurants and historic charm
East Packard
Halfway between University of Michigan and Burns Park
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