$675,318Average Value$526Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes 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.
Downtown Ann Arbor has many large street art murals on its buildings.
Cozy lofts and exquisite penthouses are connected to the pulse of Downtown Ann Arbor.
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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.
Pacific Rim’s pan-Asian cuisine reflects the chef’s Asian-American roots in Downtown Ann Arbor.
The Fleetwood Diner has been a staple in Downtown Ann Arbor since 1949.
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"The Big House" is the largest stadium in America and the third-largest in the world.
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.
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."
Downtown Ann Arbor is home to the very popular Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is a six-day event showcasing over 180 independent films.
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The Ride bus service is available in and around Downtown Ann Arbor.
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.
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 in Downtown Ann Arbor start at $150k for a studio and over a million for a penthouse.
Whether looking for a high-rise home or a stylish mixed-use building, Downtown Ann Arbor has it.
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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.
Welcome to Bach Elementary School in the Old Westside neighborhood.
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
On average, homes in Downtown Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor over the last 12 months is $340,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Sloan Plaza is the premier, luxury condo building in Ann Arbor located adjacent to UM Central Campus and a short walk to all Michigan Hospital locations. The secure building with full staffed front desk provides an unmatched combination of location and convenience. This One Bedroom, One Bath unit has a panoramic view of the Huron River Valley that is simply incredible. The condo features an
Tower Plaza Condo available in this 26-story high-rise in downtown Ann Arbor 1 block from campus. Magnificent views of downtown Ann Arbor can be seen here. Mostly hardwood floors throughout. Updated granite countertops with oak inlay kitchen cabinets and stainless-steel appliances. Great room encompasses the living and dining area with a wall of windows bringing in lots of natural light.
Experience elevated downtown living in this fully renovated residence at Ashley Terrace. Meticulously updated with high end finishes including; custom Kraft Maid cabinetry, Shaw Farmhouse sink, Chrome faucet, Gold colored fixtures, Bosch appliances, marble flooring & more, this sophisticated condo offers timeless design and modern convenience. Large door-wall in living room fills the open layout
SHORT TERM AND SEMESTER LEASES AVAILABLEMajestically overlooking downtown Ann Arbor, Corner House Apartments has been the go-to for residents looking for affordable downtown apartment living. Corner House features spacious and contemporary, fully furnished, two and three-bedroom floor plans for up to 6 residents. Award-winning leasing and maintenance staff, unbeatable location, incredible
3 year lease desired - Sloan Plaza ranch, one of Ann Arbor's most sought-after downtown condo communities. 7th floor unit with spectacular NE views overlooking the Old 4th Ward historic area. 2500 sq ft of living on one floor plus a large terrace & dedicated parking space. Open floor plan offers a foyer, spacious living room w 9' ceilings & indirect lighting, dining room area & sunroom. Galley
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
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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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