Ypsilanti

While not exactly wooded, the tree-lined streets of Woods Road do offer ample shade for the quaint homes of this tight-knit Ypsilanti community. It’s connected by bicycle trails, sidewalks and bus stops along Michigan Avenue to the trendy heart of Ypsilanti, lined with restaurants and shops. “We’re a little hidden gem that not many people know about,” says Keri Middaugh, resident of the neighborhood since 2008 and agent with Real Estate One. “There are no through streets here, so it’s quiet yet close to a lot.” Woods Road has hosted an annual neighborhood picnic for going on 82 years straight, an event that Middaugh says the community takes great pride in. Longtime residents and newcomers alike gather for fellowship and to observe historic photos of the neighborhood, including previous gatherings dating back to the 1940s. “We’re a warm community, the type of place where people do yardwork while chatting to their neighbors on the sidewalk,” Middaugh says. “Ypsilanti is a very real, somewhat quirky town, and that’s why we like it.” Intricate brink style homes, craftsman-influenced colonial revivals and comfortable ranch-style houses sit next to each other along the 2 cul-de-sacs of Woods Road/Pleasant Drive and Linden Court. Thanks in part to its location near Eastern Michigan University, the neighborhood has a large percentage of rental houses and apartment complexes outside of these two streets at the nucleus. On these blocks towards the "point" of the neighborhood, at the meeting of Congress Street and Michigan Avenue, there is a lack of rental properties, but plenty of longtime residents who keep the tight community spirit alive. Prices in the area range from around $200,000 for smaller ranch-style builds to over $330,000 for larger colonial revival or Arts & Crafts houses with three or more bedrooms. The most impressive home on the block sold in 2021 for over $600,000. “There are only around 45 houses in the neighborhood, so only a few are ever for sale,” Middaugh says. “Most of the residences here are unique and pretty; I live in an Art Deco-style home built in 1937. Many of the houses were built in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.” Estabrook Elementary School receives a C-minus grade from Niche and offers after-school tutoring to promote student success. Local students then often attend Niche B-minus rated Washtenaw International Middle Academy, followed by Washtenaw International High School, earning an A-plus grade and a ranking as the number one public high school in the entire state of Michigan. Thanks to dedicated teachers and a strong commitment to academics, Washtenaw International High School can boast that 100% of students in recent years not only graduated but were also accepted to a college or university. If they want, students don’t have to leave home to start taking classes, thanks to nearby Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College and the University of Michigan. Ypsilanti’s Historic South Side is a short walk, cycle or drive down Michigan Avenue, where residents can stop in their favorite coffee shop, local bar or farmer’s market. The artsy commercial district is home to Community Café’s coffee, pastries and good conversation. Locals can enjoy a light lunch or dinner and drinks at Bellflower Restaurant’s fresh and airy space. Tap Room checks all the boxes for a classic neighborhood bar, complete with a pool table and live music. Beyond a few local convenience stores, Washtenaw Avenue has local supermarkets and grocery stores, along with easy access to the United Spanish War Veterans Memorial Highway. Shoppers will find a Fresh Thyme Market, Kroger and Whole Foods Market. With downtown Ypsilanti right next door, residents can also stroll the streets for window shopping opportunities along Michigan Avenue or along Cross Street in Depot Town. Recreation Park not only has the nearest playground and baseball fields, but the spacious park is circled by a walking path, where seeing fellow neighbors walking their furry friends is common. Summertime in Woods Road allows locals to spend weekends relaxing at Rutherford Pool. Residents can reach out to reserve a spot in the community garden to get to know other green thumbs in the area. North Bay Park is your gateway to Ford Lake, where you can fish, walk through the woods or find a stretch of boardwalk trail to stop and admire a sunset. Ford Lake is connected to the Huron River, both of which welcome kayakers. A dive into the pool, drinks in Ypsi’s Historic South Side and classes at Eastern Michigan University are just down the road in Woods Road. EMU is less than a half-mile walk to the north, and an even easier drive. The University of Michigan is only around seven miles up Washtenaw Avenue, making the neighborhood convenient to two major universities. Easy access to Interstate 94 allows drives of well under an hour to Downtown Detroit, just over 35 miles east.

A part of Ypsilanti's South Side, Heritage Park offers access to artsy downtown and nearby recreation. Parkridge Park is a local gathering space for basketball games, programs at the recreation center and an annual festival. The area is also close to Ford Lake, a premier spot for outdoor adventures. "Heritage Park is always booming. It's super close to Eastern Michigan University campus, close to shops and is one ramp closer to the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport," says Darryn Von Brundage-Forrest, a Realtor with More Group Michigan, LLC. The community is primarily residential, but several local churches provide supportive services like food programs to locals. Interstate 94, running along the southern edge, leads residents to Ann Arbor, Detroit and Southeast Michigan. The thoroughfare also brings travelers to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. The Ann Arbor Transit Authority, known to locals and university students as TheRide, has a handful of bus stops in the community to zip around the region. Those seeking healthcare can find a medical complex containing Trinity Health less than 5 miles north. Locals have to travel outside of the community for shopping and dining. But the neighborhood is only a mile south of downtown's small strip filled with diners, cafes and small businesses. "Downtown is a walkable and eclectic area with available bus transit that will take you to and from Ann Arbour," says Candye Hinton, a local Ypsi resident and broker of Hinton Real Estate Group. Tap Room is an easy-going gastropub to celebrate the weekend, or any day, with a few games of pool, live music and a generously sized burger. Early risers can grab coffee and vegan options at Café Liv. Encuentro Latino Restaurant and A Taste Of Soul By Biggie are more Ypsilanti staples not far from Heritage Park. Those looking to refill their kitchen cabinets can find a Kroger about 2 miles south on Whittaker Road. Parkridge Park is a traditional neighborhood space with a playground, tennis courts, and enough space for residents to walk their dogs or play frisbee. The Parkridge Community Center offers a gym and a walking track for residents for convenient exercise options in the winter months. It also hosts after-school activities, summer programs and classes through Michigan State University Extension and other organizations. In 2022, a Ypsi native brightened the basketball court with a colorful mural. As a south Ypsilanti neighborhood, Heritage Park puts residents within a few miles of North Bay Park. This local gateway to Ford Lake has 129 acres of woodland hiking trails, fishing, wetland birdwatching and lakeside views. Heritage Park contains sidewalks and varying lot sizes, some with fenced-in backyards. The streets are lined with modest homes built before the 1970s. Many properties are simple brick ranches, cottages and American Foursquares. Next to the neighborhood park are public housing units that received upgrades in 2016 by the Ypsilanti Housing Commission. Most of the home options in Heritage Park lean toward rentals and multifamily units. However, listings tend to range on average from $30,000 for a .15-acre plot of land to upwards of $225,000 for an upgraded midcentury home. The community has a CAP Index crime score of 10, compared to the national average of 4. In 2023, the local police department requested a collaboration with the Washtenaw County Sheriff to help assist in response times. The area is also supported by a network of community organizations, such as A Brighter Way, which aims to provide helpful services that reduce the chance of criminal offenses. Perry Early Learning Center enrolls local students from prekindergarten through first grade, and earns a B-minus from Niche. These students can explore music, art and science topics before moving on to Estabrook Elementary and Ypsilanti Community Middle; both schools have a C-minus from Niche. Teens take dual enrollment courses and participate in CTE pathways at AC Tech High School, which receives a C-plus grade. Some students will move on to Eastern Michigan University or Washtenaw Community College, both less than 5 miles away. Parkridge Summer Festival is an annual event held inside the community. Residents attending the one-day event have free entry to live performances, food vendors and a resource tent providing information on supportive community programs.

Depot Town is the historic heart of Ypsilanti, with buildings that date back to the 1800s and local museums that celebrate the city's origins as a railroad hub. The sound of the train rushing by still rings through Depot Town, but today, it's a bustling retail district, and the surrounding homes are some of the most desirable in the city. "I've owned three houses in Depot Town," says Realtor Eric Cicero with Howard Hanna Realty. "Because I loved being within walking distance of the bars and the restaurants and then heading down the hill to the parks and events — living there means you're a part of it all." The intersection of Cross and River marks the center of Depot Town's commercial hub. Colorful buildings with arched windows have apartments that sit over an array of shops, restaurants and museums. During the warmer months, the area comes alive with Saturday farmers markets and Thursday night vintage car shows. But all year round, locals can partake in some of the best happy hour deals in the city — like half-off margaritas at Maiz Mexican Cantina and discounted beers at the railroad-themed Sidetrack Bar & Grill. The Ann Arbor Brewing Company might be a bit further north, but it hosts popular trivia nights. Hyperion Coffee is buzzing with activity in the mornings, too. Bigger grocery stores are a few miles away, but the Ypsilanti Food Co-op is a local alternative. "The Co-op might be small, but they have a variety of everything," Cicero attests. Depot Town and its nearby parks are scenic spots for some of Ypsi's best events. One of the biggest celebrations is the Summer Beer Festival, which showcases a variety of Michigan beers to the tune of live local artists. There's Michigan ElvisFest, the largest Elvis celebration in North America, and in 2024, Depot Town will become the location for the Ypsi Pride parade. The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Collection also has an annual car show, and the old Ypsilanti Freighthouse is used as an event venue for everything from a monthly flea market to a Krampus festival in December. However, proximity to all the action means Depot Town locals sometimes face traffic, street closures, or packed parking from visiting event-goers. Apart from the historic charm and lively activities, one of the biggest draws of Depot Town is the access to the outdoors. The Huron River runs along the neighborhood's western edge and is surrounded by two of Ypsi's most popular parks — Frog Island and Riverside. Connected by a network of trails and a boardwalk crossing over the river, the two parks are a destination for picnics, dog walks and fishing. Frog Island Park also has a small community garden. Like the rest of Depot Town, the homes here have a vintage flair. With a range of Victorian and Colonial styles, the age of homes ranges from the mid-1800s up to the early 1900s, and each one looks different from the next. Their interesting exteriors are protected as part of the historic district, but the interiors have seen plenty of renovations since they were first built. It is somewhat rare to see homes on the market here, but prices usually range from $250,000 for a three-bedroom home to $350,000 for a five-bedroom home. "Depot Town is a hot commodity area because it's less expensive than Ann Arbor but has a similar feel," Cicero explains. "People are out with their dogs, kids are walking to the nearby elementary school — and it's such a small area that everybody knows everybody." Ypsilanti Community Schools registration is done by application, not automatic zoning. Ypsilanti International Elementary School (YIES) is the closest elementary option for the Depot Town neighborhood, but it can be challenging to get in. Though the school only gets a C rating on Niche, the demand is high because kids who attend YIES get priority enrollment for Washtenaw International Middle Academy (WIMA) and Washtenaw International High School (WIHI). WIMA picks up a B-minus rating, but with an A-plus rating, Niche ranks WIHI as the top public high school in all of Michigan. Although the train still runs through Depot Town, which brings some noise, the nearest stop is 10 miles away in Ann Arbor. To get to Ann Arbor, which also has major employers and entertainment options, Depot Town residents drive or take the bus, which can take up to 45 minutes with traffic. Commuters going 35 miles out to Detroit are looking at more like an hour-and-a-half drive. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is closer than the city itself, just 15 miles away. Depot Town isn't directly connected to any major interstates, so commutes take an extra few minutes compared to elsewhere in the city. But, downtown Ypsilanti and Eastern Michigan University are less than a mile away, within walking and biking distance.

Bordering Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti's Depot Town, Ypsi Riverside is an eclectic neighborhood layered with historic charm and a contemporary art scene. College students flock to Ypsi Riverside because of its proximity to campus, but families enjoy living in this fun-loving community as well. "I didn't know anything about Ypsilanti before moving here from New Mexico, but I've been here for twenty years now, and I will never be leaving – this place is just the best," says Steve Pierce, a long-time resident and co-owner of the new Ypsilanti Performance Space in Downtown Ypsi. Although nearby highways and public buses make it easy for locals to access Ann Arbor, the City of Ypsilanti has all the conveniences that residents need. <br>In the heart of Depot Town, the Ypsilanti Food Co-Op is a community-run market where residents find farm-fresh groceries and other Michigan-made products. 734 Brewing Company is a locally owned brewery that captures the true essence of Ypsilanti with authentic craft brews, affordable prices and regular live performances. Across the street, WaxBar is a new record-themed bar where customers can enjoy a cocktail while browsing the collection of records available for purchase. In Ypsi Riverside, Powell's Pub is a casual bar serving great burgers and beer. Cozy coffee shops are usually packed with students studying down the road on West Cross Street. The locally owned restaurants on this street offer a variety of international cuisines ranging from authentic Moroccan fare to spicy Mexican burritos. <br>From family-friendly events in the park to Ypsi Pride's wild burlesque shows, Ypsilanti hosts annual events for everyone. First Fridays Ypsilanti is a monthly community event showcasing local artists' work with live music performances and pop-up art exhibits across the city. Each summer at Riverside Park, children can tour a display of antique firetrucks and participate in family-friendly activities at the Fire Truck Muster. After Thanksgiving, the Depot Town Tree Lighting Celebration brings Ypsi Riverside families together to kick off the holiday season with a farmers market, unicorn rides and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. <br>Most houses in Ypsi Riverside were built during the late 19th century and reflect Victorian and Craftsmen-style architecture. Many of these older homes do not have garages or driveways, so residents usually park their cars on the street. Narrow sidewalks shaded by maple trees make it easy for students to walk to class. Because this neighborhood is next to campus, many EMU students rent apartments and historic homes in Ypsi Riverside. The University's Greek life organizations occupy several expansive Craftsmen homes in the neighborhood's southwest corner. Aside from student housing, single-family five-bedroom homes can be found throughout the community for around $300,000.<br>Connecting Depot Town and Downtown Ypsilanti, Riverside Park is a 15-acre property where residents can fly-fish on the Huron River or take a scenic walk down one of the nature trails. The park’s spacious playscape features a couple of slides, a merry-go-round and several climbing structures. Riverside Park hosts some of the community's most anticipated events of the year, including the annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival. Across the pedestrian bridge, Frog Island is home to a large community garden where residents can rent plots and grow fresh produce with their neighbors. <br>Washtenaw Avenue is a main road that connects to the M-17, which residents can take to easily access Downtown Ann Arbor and the nearest medical center, Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. Locals can take Huron Street to Interstate 94 and get to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport in less than 30 minutes. On Pearl Street, the Ypsilanti Transit Station provides locals with an affordable alternative way to access Ann Arbor.<br>Ypsi Riverside students can attend Ypsilanti Public Schools and Washtenaw Independent Schools. Receiving an overall C-minus on Niche, Erickson Elementary where children can start kindergarten. After fifth grade, students can transition to Washtenaw International Middle Academy, which Niche rated an overall B-minus. Recognized as Michigan's top public high school with an overall A-plus rating on Niche, Washtenaw International High is where teens can participate in Washtenaw Independent School District's rigorous international baccalaureate program. After high school, Eastern Michigan University is right down the street for students who want to stay closer to home.

Worden Gardens is a small, primarily residential neighborhood in the heart of Downtown Ypsilanti. The streets are lined with competitively priced starter homes tucked between Parkridge Park and West Michigan Avenue. “There are a lot of small businesses nearby and the community really works to support each other by shopping local,” says Jasmine Bryant, a recreation aid and student specialist at the Parkridge Community Center. “Lots of local business owners do a lot to give back to the community and their patrons. We just had a black history event in February where we highlighted local business owners and gave out awards to those who had a big impact on the community.” Worden Gardens home prices typically range from $70,000 to $150,000, significantly lower than the average housing cost in Ypsilanti, depending on the level of renovation and home size. “This area is a beacon for investors looking for affordable long-term rentals or properties to rehab and resell to the community,” says Darryn Brundage-Forrest, a Realtor with More Group Michigan, LLC. “I have worked with several investors in this area who have renovated homes and in turn, families have moved in and maintained the homes, bringing more and more life to this community every day.” Most homes sit on small lots with brick ranch-style homes and colonial options. There are about 200 total homes in the neighborhood and the average number of days on the market for Worden Gardens is slightly lower than the national average. “Homes are more affordable in this area but still offer convenient access to downtown and highways,” Brundage-Forrest says. Worden Gardens is located southeast of Downtown Ann Arbor, just 15 miles away. Interstate 94 is within easy reach and helps make for a quick commute. The neighborhood is also connected to the center of downtown by Michigan Avenue, which crosses over the Huron River and provides access to plenty of additional shopping, dining and entertainment options. The CAP Index overall crime score for the neighborhood is 9-out-of-10. Students in Worden Gardens can attend Erickson Elementary School, which received a C-minus rating from Niche and serves about 270 students in grades 1-6 with a student-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. Washtenaw International High School (WIHI) and Middle Academy (WIMA) are a public consortium that also offers an International Baccalaureate program. WIMA received a B-minus rating from Niche and WIHI received an A-plus. About 750 students total attend both schools. Just a few blocks north of the neighborhood is Eastern Michigan University, one of the oldest universities in the state, which offers more than 300 majors. The closest locally owned business is A Taste Of Soul By Biggie, a favorite among residents who can’t get enough of Biggie’s ribs, catfish and cornbread. Historic South Side’s highlights are just down the street, so locals aren’t far from drinks and a game of pool at Tap Room or a generous helping of fried chicken at Ma Lou’s. There are multiple small-scale grocery options nearby, like Fatou Caribbean Market and Dos Hermanos Market. Chain grocery options and small retail shopping centers are a bit further away. Locals can spend the afternoon shooting hoops at Parkridge Park, where the onsite community center is known for its summer camps, exercise classes and partnerships with local nonprofit organizations. The community center helps operate the Growing Hope Urban Farm which encourages community members to learn about and grow their own fresh produce. Residents also aren’t far from North Bay Park, which offers dirt trails and access to Ford Lake. The woodlands and wetlands are a prime location for wildlife spotting, with a few sought-after lookout points and a boat launch further down the boardwalk.

In Ypsilanti, Michigan, winding streets and a closed-loop road form the small suburb of Ainsworth Park. The area has a strong collection of housing styles near the city's active center. "Locals will recognize the Ainsworth name and area. Although it is a distinct neighborhood, it is still considered a part of the South Side," says Candye Hinton, a local Ypsi resident and broker of Hinton Real Estate Group. The community was named after Oliver Ainsworth, who owned a grain mill off Michigan Avenue, now the site of The Bank of Ann Arbor. Those who live in Ainsworth Park enjoy a convenient location near highways and can bike to Ypsi's trendy downtown. Ainsworth Park homes, built between the 1800s and late 1950s, are often smaller than the national average. These residences show a varied character, where a Cape Cod may sit next to an American Foursquare. The area includes a number of simple ranch styles, but the residential roadways also have minimal traditional homes and small brick Tudor Revivals. Housing options lean more towards rentals, but buyers can find homes ranging in price from $100,000 for simple ranches to just under $250,000 for well-maintained midcentury homes. The community has a CAP Index crime score of 8, compared to the national average of 4. In 2023, the local police department requested a collaboration with the County Sheriff to assist in response times. "You will often see officers out and about. The officers often know who you are, and locals know who they are," says Mary Decker of Ypsilanti Thrift Shop, who has worked and lived in the city for most of her life. Locals can head about a mile south of Ainsworth Park to hop on the Interstate 94 interchange, which leads residents to Ann Arbor, Detroit and Southeast Michigan. The Ann Arbor Transit Authority, known locally as TheRide, has bus stops down West Michigan Avenue and South Hamilton Street. There is also a medical complex with hospitals and an emergency room less than 5 miles away. The northern end of Ainsworth Park touches downtown, where local eateries and shops await. Salt City Antiques and The Rocket Gifts, Toys and Candy are downtown highlights for unique treasures or casual window shopping. Family's Fried Chicken is an established dining spot for no-frills comfort food. The local gastropub, Bobcat Bonnie's is crowd-favorite for a customized Bloody Mary with brunch bites. Shoppers can find small convenience stores such as Dos Hermanos Market, but a Kroger supermarket rests just 2 miles away. Planted between homes along Ainsworth Street and Middle Drive is Carrie Mattingly Tot Lot. This pocket park offers a small but meaningful space for children to play within the community. For the rest of the residents, the nearby Recreation Park is a great place to play ball or go swimming. Riverside Park is the local gateway to bicycle trails, fishing spots and Ypsi festivals that spill over from the park to downtown streets. Being close to downtown, Ainsworth Park residents can easily attend the Ypsilanti Jazz Festival or the Michigan Summer Beer Festival, often located at Riverside Park. The green space is also a hotspot for live music performances throughout the year. Perry Early Learning Center, which has a B-minus from Niche, enrolls local students from prekindergarten through first grade. Estabrook Elementary School accepts first to eighth graders and has a C-minus from Niche. Older students can take dual enrollment and CTE courses at AC Tech High School, which receives a C-plus grade.