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Narrow Gauge Woods

Narrow Gauge Woods

Neighborhood in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Washtenaw County 48105

$1,010,038 Average Value
$296 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

A northside neighborhood tucked among the trees

Narrow Gauge Woods is named for its largest park, a 13-acre grove of preserved woodland that once featured a one-third scale railroad. But the whole neighborhood feels like it’s tucked among the trees. In general, the northeast side of Ann Arbor is known for its quieter feel, and Narrow Gauge Woods offers larger-than-average yard sizes. Homes sit back from main roads, sometimes barely visible because of the green canopy. The community in the neighborhood often revolves around the centrally-located King Elementary, one of the district’s top schools. Streetlamps illuminate the sidewalks at night, and the neighborhood’s CAP Crime Index Score is 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4. Homes here are some of the most expensive on Ann Arbor’s north side, with many selling around $1 million.
The park sign at Narrow Gauge Way Nature Area marks the trailhead at the park.
The park sign at Narrow Gauge Way Nature Area marks the trailhead at the park.
Home prices throughout Narrow Gauge Woods tend to land well above $500,000.
Home prices throughout Narrow Gauge Woods tend to land well above $500,000.
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Large homes, big yards and high prices

The most affordable option in Narrow Gauge Woods is the Ridgemaar Square condos, which range from $500,000 to $600,000. Single-family homes typically cost around $650,000 for three bedrooms, $900,000 for four bedrooms and $1.2 million for five bedrooms. Home prices tend to be above average for Ann Arbor but cost per square foot can be below average. "You get a little more house and yard for your money on this side of the city," says Dawn Whitford with Real Estate One, who has eight years of experience in Ann Arbor. "And in Narrow Gauge Woods particularly, the houses are spaced farther apart." Yard sizes average around a half-acre.

Homes were built from the 1970s through the 1990s and often include mid-century modern architectural influences. There are also a few examples of colonial revival architecture and some angular contemporary construction. Many higher-end homes were custom-built and feature large windows. Streets are wooded, and homes tend to sit back from the main road on cul-de-sacs. Some properties border preserved nature areas.
Luxury condo communities line the east edge of Narrow Gauge Woods.
Luxury condo communities line the east edge of Narrow Gauge Woods.
Many of Narrow Gauge Woods larger homes feature modern angular designs.
Many of Narrow Gauge Woods larger homes feature modern angular designs.
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Backyards of protected natural land

The neighborhood is home to three city parks — Earhart Park, Earhart West Park and the 13-acre Narrow Gauge Way Nature Area. All three parks are made up of preserved woodland and offer virtually no amenities or trails. Homes that border the parks enjoy secluded forests in their backyards. The neighborhood is also 2 miles away from Gallup Park, a recreation hub that lines the banks of the Huron River. Gallup has miles of walking trails and kayak rentals in the summer.

Ann Arbor’s natural areas are protected against development, and the city plans to keep it that way, according to Tina Stevens, the volunteer and outreach coordinator with Natural Area Preservation. “The nature areas bring a lot to the city — watershed protection, physical beauty and even economic benefits. I don’t think they will be going anywhere,” she says. Portions of the neighborhood are part of the Millers Creek watershed, which brings a slight risk of flooding. Most of that watershed is within the Narrow Gauge Way Nature Area. However, some homes on Watershed Drive can also be affected.
Earhart Road runs past the Earhart Park on its west side in  in Glazier Way.
Earhart Road runs past the Earhart Park on its west side in in Glazier Way.
The Border to Border Trail runs through Gallup Park and connects Chelsea to Ypsilanti.
The Border to Border Trail runs through Gallup Park and connects Chelsea to Ypsilanti.
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Walkable to King Elementary

The neighborhood is arranged around Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. Paved sidewalks lead to the school, and a crossing guard directs traffic outside the building in the mornings and afternoons. King Elementary gets an A rating from the website Niche and is ranked as the third-best public elementary in Washtenaw County. It was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2014 and 2021, thanks to its academic scores and commitment to closing achievement gaps in the student body. King has an active Parent-Teacher Organization that plans events such as Bagel Fridays, an end-of-the-year ice cream social and International Night. The PTO also helps maintain the outdoor King Learning Garden. “I see a lot of people who are very interested in King Elementary,” Whitford says. “It’s a well-regarded school.”

King graduates can move on to Clague Middle, rated A, and Huron High School, rated A-plus. Huron is the only district high school to offer the International Baccalaureate program. Less than a mile away, Greenhills School is a private alternative for sixth to 12th grade. Niche ranks Greenhills as the second-best private high school in Michigan.
Martin Luther King Elementary serves just under 500 students in Glacier Way, MI.
Martin Luther King Elementary serves just under 500 students in Glacier Way, MI.
Greenhills School is set in the 'green hills' of north eastern Ann Arbor.
Greenhills School is set in the 'green hills' of north eastern Ann Arbor.
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Quick commutes to colleges and hospitals

The University of Michigan’s North Campus and Concordia University, a faith-based institution, are both about 2 miles away. U of M buses run along Glazier Way and connect with the North Campus and eventually downtown Ann Arbor. The buses are open to all and free to college students and staff. The neighborhood is also 1.5 miles from the Ann Arbor Veterans Hospital and 3 miles from Trinity Health Hospital.

Downtown Ann Arbor is 3 miles away and is home to the University of Michigan’s main campus and its hospital — two of the city’s largest employers. For longer trips, Narrow Gauge Woods is about 2 miles from U.S. Route 23, which connects to Interstate 94. The interstate goes out to Detroit Metropolitan Airport, 25 miles away. The neighborhood’s tree cover means that it is relatively shielded from highway noise, even though Route 23 is so close by.

Organic groceries are a mile away

About a mile north, Plymouth Road is lined with shopping and dining options. For groceries, there’s a Busch’s and a Plum Market, which specializes in organic foods and stocks local brands such as Zingerman’s. Plum Market also has an in-store dining area and one of the largest wine selections in Ann Arbor. Restaurants along Plymouth include Bandito’s, a family-owned business serving authentic Mexican cuisine. Carson’s American Bistro offers farm-to-table food and a happy hour.
Plum Market's selection of non-GMO foods is a health-centric option near Narrow Gauge Woods.
Plum Market's selection of non-GMO foods is a health-centric option near Narrow Gauge Woods.
Carson's American Bistro serves elevated American-fare just outside of Narrow Gauge Woods.
Carson's American Bistro serves elevated American-fare just outside of Narrow Gauge Woods.
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Catherine Lashley
Written By
Catherine Lashley
James Gordon
Photography Contributed By
James Gordon
Bill Jennings
Video By
Bill Jennings

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to David Anderson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Detroit Metro Wayne County

38 min drive

Bus

Glazier & Bardstown

Bus

Glazier Way & Earhart

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Narrow Gauge Woods US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Narrow Gauge Woods Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,069,900
Median Sale Price
$955,750
Median Single Family Sale Price
$955,750
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$538,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
16
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$296

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
153
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1984
Months of Supply
1.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,849
Significantly above the national average
1,933
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
17,859

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to David Anderson, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
574
Median Age
51
Population under 18
19.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
34.5%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$141,071
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$176,323

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.2%
College Graduates
87%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
66.7%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
51.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
44''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

31 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

5 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

38 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Narrow Gauge Woods