$671,798Average Value$520Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
College-town charm, big-city activity
In 2024, U.S. News and World Report ranked Ann Arbor as the city with the best quality of life in the United States. One of its biggest appeals is a unique blend of college-town charm and big-city activity, which is most apparent in the vibrant downtown district. "I mean, where to start—the nightlife, the restaurants, the walkability to the University of Michigan are all draws," says Dawn Whitford, a Coldwell Banker Realty agent specializing in Ann Arbor. "People who live downtown thrive on the energy there." Demand for housing is so high that homeowners across the city can generally measure their property's worth by its proximity to downtown. For those who do manage to snag a centrally located condo, prices are higher per square foot than anywhere else in Ann Arbor. But nowhere else has such unlimited access to the heartbeat of one of the most desirable communities in the country.
Argus Farm Stop offers local produce a short walk from Downtown Ann Arbor.
Families don costumes for Downtown Ann Arbor’s annual Trick-or-Treat Parade.
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Upscale restaurants, late-night clubs and locally sourced groceries
Downtown Ann Arbor must cater to a large crowd — from sophisticated retirees to thrill-seeking college kids. So, an upscale place like Spencer, which serves a pre-set menu based on seasonal ingredients, sits right down the street from a high-energy dance club like Necto. Some of the best-known attractions along this buzzy commercial corridor include the homemade ice cream at Blank Slate Creamery, the beer selection at HopCat and the Cuban cuisine at Frita Batidos. Sava's locally sourced food is a popular choice before catching a movie at the Michigan Theater right next door. And Fleetwood's Diner is open 24-7, making it a popular destination for college kids craving for their iconic Hippie Hash. There are artisan shops, little gift stores, and the beloved Literati Bookstore. There are also more practical amenities, like a post office, a public library, and a YMCA. And between the People's Food Co-op, Argus Farm Stop, and the weekly Ann Arbor Farmers Market, locally-grown groceries are just a walk away.
The Last Word serves handcrafted cocktails during Ann Arbor Restaurant Week.
Pacific Rim serves refined pan-Asian dishes in Downtown Ann Arbor.
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An epicenter for creative city events
Main Street is often closed to traffic in the summer to create a pedestrian-only mall for events. Nearly half a million visitors flood into town for the Ann Arbor Art Fair, a three-day extravaganza in July that includes a race, a block party and plenty of artisan booths. A2SF is a summer festival of outdoor music and movies, and on Thursdays, there's a live music lunch series at Liberty Plaza. There is always something going on, from film festivals to restaurant weeks to pride parades. And, of course, the city gets decked out in maize and blue in the fall to celebrate the University of Michigan's football team. The Big House stadium — the largest arena in the country — is just over a mile away from downtown. On big event days, locals know not to try to drive anywhere, as the city center will be packed with visitors.
A2ZERO Green Fair brings sustainability activities to Downtown Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor Film Festival screens 180+ independent films over six days downtown.
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Community of all ages around the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan has over 50,000 students, bringing a youthful and transient population that frequents college-focused bars and throws the occasional rowdy party. But non-students who choose to live here often embrace that college-town lifestyle. "I go to University programs, museums and lectures, all for free," says Ann Arbor local Chris Crocket, who has lived about a 10-minute walk from the University for over 40 years. She says that proximity to the college is one of her favorite aspects of living in the heart of the city. "It draws in world-famous orchestras, all sorts of performers and political figures, too — so it's not uncommon to run into famous people." Whitford agrees that downtown isn't solely for students: "I recently closed on a condo there for a couple that was moving from San Antonio to be closer to their kids and grandkids. I think it's an area that is appealing to all ages."
Michigan Stadium, "The Big House," is near Downtown Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan.
Downtown Ann Arbor condo prices vary from compact studios to luxury penthouses.
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No cars are needed to get around the city and beyond
More than anywhere else in the city, living without a car is very doable in downtown Ann Arbor. Almost all of the city's main attractions are within walking distance — including the University and the University Hospital, which are significant employers. Downtown is also a major hub for bus lines that connect to shopping malls and nearby cities. A high-speed commuter bus going out to Ypsilanti was added in 2024, and the Michigan Flyer departs from downtown multiple times a day, going north to East Lansing or east to Detroit Metro Airport. There's an Amtrak train station, and the D2A2 bus offers one-hour trips to Detroit for only a few dollars. As part of an ongoing project, many of downtown's streets now include bike lanes protected from the main road by a median. So, by foot, bus or bike, downtown residents can get around without a car. And it's a good thing, too — because the parking downtown is quite limited.
Sonic Lunch packs Downtown Ann Arbor’s Liberty Plaza with colorful concertgoers.
Downtown Ann Arbor residents visit the YMCA for workouts and wellness.
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Condo living in an incredibly competitive market
It's mostly condo living in downtown Ann Arbor, and there's a massive demand for housing. Historic buildings feature wrought iron balconies, and modern glass towers get so tall that the Big House scoreboard is visible from the living room. It's rare to see a condo in the city's heart go on the market, and the price per square foot will usually be higher than anywhere else in the greater Ann Arbor area. A condo with 400 square feet can start at around $200,000 and get up to $1 million for 2,000 square feet. Though the initial price could seem like a good deal for such a central location, units come with monthly condo fees that could be anywhere from $300 to over $1,000. Parking varies based on the building, but most offer reserved underground spots. Nearly 90% of the neighborhood rents apartments, and there are plans for new complexes to address the rising demand for housing.
Condos span the Downtown Ann Arbor cityscape.
Walkable Downtown Ann Arbor condos sit steps from the Ann Arbor Art Fair and summer festivals.
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Public school zoning and popular alternative options
The zoning for public schools can vary based on home location, but most kids start at Bach Elementary, which gets an A rating from Niche. The most likely next step is Slauson Middle and then Pioneer High. Both schools get top grades of A-plus. The magnet school Community High is located just north of downtown and has a highly competitive lottery system to get in. The school promotes independent learning with college-like block scheduling and the chance for students to design their own courses. For preschool through kindergarten, the Doughty Montessori school provides a student-led intro to schooling, but it also has a high demand and limited spaces.
Bach Elementary serves many Downtown Ann Arbor families in Old West Side.
Community High School, just north of Downtown Ann Arbor, uses a competitive lottery.
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
Are you familiar with the Downtown Ann Arbor neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Ann Arbor
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Ann Arbor Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor over the last 12 months is $345,000, up 24% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This Downtown Ann Arbor penthouse stands among the finest residences ever offered, commanding breathtaking panoramic views of the southern Ann Arbor skyline and Michigan Stadium. Envisioned by world-renowned designer Robert Denning, the residence is a tribute to historic Parisian living—where timeless architecture is artfully paired with modern luxury. Every detail reflects uncompromising
South side Grand Studio floorplan with magnificent view of UM Campus and the Big House through full panoramic windows. Prime downtown location just one block from UM Campus in the quiet State Street neighborhood. Quiet, secure building has 24 hour lobby security, soundproof walls, on site laundry, storage,, maintenace staff. This is a perfect home for student, downtown based professional, senior,
Bright, south-facing studio with stylish updates, including modern flooring, a white kitchen with granite counters, and a spacious bathroom vanity. Nestled in the quiet State Street neighborhood, just a block from UM Campus, this secure building offers soundproof walls, on-site laundry, storage, and attentive maintenance. Perfect for students, professionals, seniors, or anyone seeking a downtown
UNIVERSITY TOWERS – NOW LEASING FOR FALL 2025Live Where You Belong – Steps from Campus, Miles from OrdinarySecure Your Spot EarlySign your lease now to reserve your preferred apartment style—no compromises, no hassle.Skip the DormsSay goodbye to cramped, shared spaces. Enjoy the independence and comfort of your own apartment, just minutes from class.Unbeatable
Quiet, secure building has 24-hour lobby security, soundproof walls, and on-site laundry. Conveniently located one block from the University of Michigan campus. Enjoy the magnificent, panoramic views from this 25th floor studio. One of the best views in the city! Surrounded by a wealth of shops, restaurants and entertainment. This freshly painted North side unit has an updated kitchen with
Discover The Yard, your ideal off-campus apartment located minutes from the University of Michigan. Our fully furnished studio, one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom apartments feature stainless steel appliances, hardwood-style flooring, and impressive views of Michigan Stadium, Elbel Field, and Downtown Ann Arbor. Elevate your college experience with our on-site amenities, including a
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
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