An inner-city neighborhood with a large student-athlete population
Elbel gets its name from Elbel Field, a University of Michigan green space for outdoor recreation. Though the field was demolished in 2023 to make way for more student housing, the Elbel name is still apt for the neighborhood. Louis Elbel was a University of Michigan alum who wrote the words and music for the Wolverines' iconic fight song "The Victors." And with the proximity to the Big House and a whole suite of college sports facilities, this neighborhood has a sizeable student-athlete population — most of whom probably know the fight song by heart. There has been an influx of modern apartment buildings to accommodate the rising student population, but a few single-family homes remain, dating back to the early 1900s.
Walk to games at the Big House
The neighborhood sits directly north of the University of Michigan's sports campus. The Crisler Center hosts basketball games, and the Yost Ice Arena has hockey as well as public skating. When not used for golf tournaments, the University of Michigan Golf Course is one of the most popular spots to catch a football tailgate before heading to the Big House, the largest football stadium in the country. Elbel has a palpable sense of excitement on game days — but that also comes with noise and traffic. "You quickly learn how to adapt," says Nancy Leff, who has lived less than a mile from the Big House for over 30 years. "You do your errands during the hours that the football game is going on — or you just stay home that day!" But Leff says she also loves the energy of game day: "Living this close to the stadium is both a plus and a minus."
Get tickets to a UofM game and cheer on your hometown team.
The University of Michigan is at the forefront of the Elbel neighborhood.
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Colorful homes rented out as duplexes
Homes in Elbel tend to be minimalist Victorians dating back to the early 1900s. Due to the high student population, most are rented out as duplexes. In fact, more than 80% of the neighborhood residents rent. Although the homes come with character from their colorful trim and unique shapes — it takes more effort to maintain these older properties. Prices here range from $650,000 up to $1 million, depending on age and the recency of renovations. But due to high demand, it's rare to see homes hit the market.
Evidence of UofM students living in Elbel can be found throughout the local streetscapes.
Owners take great pride in maintaining their homes in Elbel.
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An influx of student housing developments
The namesake Elbel field used to be the home of marching band practice and other college recreation activities. But in 2023 it was demolished for construction of a 2,300-bed residence hall, a project expected to continue into 2025. That's not the only development in recent years. In 2021, the upscale Hoover + Greene apartments opened, and back in 2017, The Yard was the latest addition to cater to student residents. It's a trend of expansion that is likely to continue, especially as Ann Arbor's Capital Improvements Plan brings repaved roads, bike lanes and better sidewalks to all the main roads surrounding the neighborhood by 2029. Though some long-term residents worry about losing their historic homes, it's undeniable that the city has a demand for more housing. Justin Ham, an associate broker with Ham Realty Group who has experience in the city, feels optimistic about the change: "The breaking ground on the construction of a new dormitory at Elbel Field is going to lead to a revitalization of the whole area the in the coming years."
Newly-built Hoover+Greene apartments offer affordable options to students renting in Elbel.
Wide sidewalks lined with trees lead directly from Elbel to downtown Ann Arbor.
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Protected bike lanes and commuter buses
Running through the middle of the neighborhood, the bustling Packard Street and the nearby train tracks bring some noise to the area. But the neighborhood feels connected with bus lines and bike lanes running along major roads. As part of a project started in 2019, the city is increasing the number of bike lanes throughout the greater downtown area and working to include protective medians for increased safety. Right now, the bike lane along State Street is frequented by students on their way to class and healthcare workers heading to the University Hospital. Downtown Ann Arbor is home to commuter bus lines that go directly to locations like Ypsilanti, East Lansing, Detroit and Detroit Metro Airport.
Comfort food and locally grown produce
Dining options on the neighborhood's east side include student favorites like Mister Spots, known for its cheesesteaks. Over on the west side, Washtenaw Dairy is well-known for its ice cream and doughnuts. Right next door, Union Rec dishes out comfort food in large portions, from barbeque and burgers to mac and cheese and rice bowls, in a fun, campground-inspired setting. For picking up groceries, Argus Farm Stop is less than a mile away. It specializes in locally grown produce and also has a café and tavern. Trader Joe's is 2 miles away, with no direct bus line. Downtown Ann Arbor, one mile north, has a wide selection of restaurants.
Residents of Elbel looking to cool down can head to nearby Washtenaw Dairy for a cold treat.
Argus Farm Stop on Packard Street is another option for fresh foods and dairy in Elbel.
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Most students here are college-aged
As part of Ann Arbor Public Schools, students in Elbel are zoned to attend Bach Elementary School, which gets an A rating on Niche. Then it's on to Slauson Middle and Pioneer High, both rated A-plus. Pioneer High School is known for its sports programs and often holds its prom under the stadium lights of the Big House. But most students here are college-aged, usually student-athletes who enjoy walkability to both the main campus and the sports facilities. Elbel is particularly close to the U of M Law School and Business School.
Children are offered a great education at Bach Elementary School.
Slauson Middle School challenges students by offering an all-encompassing curriculum.
Kids can participate in a variety of competitive athletic programs at Pioneer High School.
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.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,968
Median Age
25
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
1.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$36,335
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$45,176
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.3%
College Graduates
85.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
37.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
54''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
93/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
66/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
58/ 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.
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.
