$1,123,187Average Value$420Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Ann Arbor's oldest neighborhood
Old Fourth Ward is the oldest neighborhood in Ann Arbor, with a walkable layout that still feels reminiscent of the city’s first years as a quaint sawmill town. Most buildings date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the neighborhood was designated a Historic District in 1983, protecting the architecture from redevelopment. Today, the historic homes are mostly populated by students from the University of Michigan, as they rent duplexes in structures that predate the school itself. Homebuyers often write off Old Fourth Ward as exclusively a college area or lump it in with the busy retail of Kerrytown — but there are a few opportunities to own in this surprisingly quiet locale.
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.
Quirky art can be found all over Ann Arbor.
A short walk from Old Fourth Ward is the weekly Ann Arbor Farmer's Market.
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Students heading to class at the University of Michigan.
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."
You can find beautiful Victorian homes throughout Old Fourth Ward.
Colonial style homes stand out in Old Fourth Ward.
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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.
Community High School on North Division Street serves the local teens of the region.
Bach Elementary School is a part of Ann Arbor Public Schools.
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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.
St. Thomas the Apostle Church was built in 1897 and is a historic Landmark.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, near Old Fourth Ward, is the oldest church building.
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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.
The Amtrak station in Old Fourth Ward offers a convenient connection to Detroit and Chicago.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, near Old Fourth Ward, is the oldest church building.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
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.
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.
