Ann Arbor

The Ann Arbor neighborhood of Barton Plateau & Huron River Heights is defined by its proximity to the Huron River and hundreds of acres of natural land. "It's a very quiet area, and there's not a lot of traffic," says Joe Schmidt, a Realtor with Keller Williams who has experience selling there. "People look at this neighborhood with its million-dollar homes and assume that mostly older residents live here, but that's not true — a lot of working professionals there are raising young families." With several schools within walking distance and all the activity of downtown minutes away, it's a popular choice for those looking for Ann Arbor living with more wooded seclusion. Many homes here are set back from the main road, and the average lot size is 1/2 of an acre, so there's plenty of space to spread out. "It's like being up north in the woods," Schmidt says. "I recently sold a home there with a back deck surrounded by so many trees that you couldn't even see any neighbors— it was an oasis." However, some contemporary subdivisions have homes sitting much closer together, offering modern amenities but less privacy. Classic midcentury styles like ranch, split-level and colonials range from $500,000 to $900,000, depending on renovations and lot size. And a few luxurious five-bedroom estates can range from $900,000 to $1.5 million. For more compact living, the condo community of Newport West has units from $300,000 to $530,000. The Barton Nature Area and Bird Hills Nature Area give the residential neighborhood scenic and recreational appeal, offering miles of trails, ecological and wildlife habitat areas and access to Barton Pond and the Huron River. Locals enjoy sailing on the windy pond or kayaking down the river's rapids. On dry land, the Nature Areas are ideal for long dog walks or a daily run amidst an ever-changing scenic backdrop. And land is protected, meaning residents aren't in danger of losing their natural views. However, those hiking or boating near the freeway can hear the nearby road noise created by Route 14. The neighborhood sits adjacent to the top-rated Skyline High School, walkable for some kids. Skyline earns an A-plus grade from the website Niche and prepares students for college with AP classes, magnet programs and dual enrollment opportunities. Younger kids are zoned to attend Wines Elementary School, rated A-plus, and Forsythe Middle, rated A. Neighborhood kids can also walk to the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor. This popular private option offers the experience-led Waldorf curriculum for pre-kindergarten up to 12th grade. As a result of its location north of Ann Arbor's downtown, the neighborhood residents have a roughly 3-mile drive to the area's major employers — like the University of Michigan and its associated Hospital. A convenient bus line runs down Newport Road for traveling into the city. And for longer commutes, Route 14 is minutes away. However, the proximity of major roads can cause noise for the nearby homes. Route 14 directly connects to Detroit and the Wayne County International Airport. A few miles north, Barton Hills Country Club offers luxury amenities to its members, including a pool, restaurant and 18-hole golf course. All of the restaurants and activities of Ann Arbor are 3 miles south, and football games at the Big House are 4 miles away. When picking up essentials, many residents skip the hassle of parking downtown and head 3 miles to Maple Road's collection of shopping centers.

Tucked along the curve of the Huron River, Broadway is filled with waterfront parks and students who attend the nearby University of Michigan. Single-family homes hold more permanent locals while students take up residence in apartment complexes and townhouses. Both groups enjoy the convenience of nearby Downtown Ann Arbor amenities just across the river. “The college definitely draws people here so there are lots of students around,” says a local employee at the Highlands Apartments. “And the students here are actually really quiet and really focused on their studies. I’ve managed properties closer to the football stadium and the difference is night and day.” Broadway housing is split between a collection of multifamily and single-family homes. Victorian houses and brick colonials line up next to colorful cottages and modern bungalows covered in flowers. Multifamily housing ranges from $1,500 rentals to $500,000 townhouses. The median single-family home price is about $290,500. There are around 630 total homes in the neighborhood. The average number of days on the market for homes in Broadway is slightly higher than the national average. The median year built is 1964 and the average single-family home size is about 940 feet. The median lot size is around 12,600 square feet and homes are often connected with sidewalks enjoyed by joggers and dog walkers. “Everybody here is so friendly,” the Highlands Apartment employee said. “We’re in the midwest and it shows. People are always out walking and chatting.” The University of Michigan plays a key role in Broadway, with students making up a significant portion of the population. Founded in 1817, the university is the oldest, as well as the largest, in the state. Students can choose from 19 different schools and colleges and over 250 degree programs. The nearby Leslie Park Golf Course is another popular local destination where visitors can enjoy the award-winning course while surrounded by towering trees and a small creek. The course was created in 1967 and designed by E. Lawrence Packard. Of the many green spaces in and around Broadway, many have access to the Huron River, a popular spot for local kayakers. Riverside Park’s 15 acres hug the water, with banks populated by picnickers and fly fishermen. Cedar Bend Nature Area is covered in steep, wooded terrain crisscrossed by trails and filled with wildlife and native plants. Plymouth Parkway​ is a six-acre park with a playground shaded by tall trees. The majority of local shopping, dining and grocery amenities are outside of the neighborhood, but there are a few places to stop for dinner in Broadway. Beirock Wraps is a popular taco truck that’s been serving everything from quesadillas and burritos to tortas and hot dogs since 2017. Marco’s Pizza is a counter-serve chain with an authentic Italian process and dough made fresh daily. The special three-cheese blend and secret sauce recipe they used to create custom pizzas has been the same since the restaurant was founded in 1978. Plate Sushi and Chicken is an industrial-chic Japanese restaurant with sushi rolls, wings and udon. Just across the river are dozens of additional restaurants. Grocery options include the nearby Kroger and ALDI. One popular location is the Ann Arbor Farmers Market which was founded in 1919 and has booths of fruits, soaps and hot food. Students in Broadway can attend Ann Arbor STEAM at Northside, which received an A-plus rating from Niche and has about 600 students in grades K-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 13-to-1. Students can participate in a variety of sports from cross country and field hockey to soccer and volleyball. Community High School received an A-plus rating from Niche and has about 500 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16-to-1. Student extracurriculars include activities like film club, math club, pickleball club and National Honor Society. Residents have convenient access to Interstate 94 and Route 23 Plymouth, a local bus route that travels between Broadway and Blake Transit Center across the river, near the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor.

Surrounded by vast open green spaces and well-maintained trails, Bryant is a small residential enclave on the cusp of rural landscapes and just 3 miles from the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. “Commuters love this region of Ann Arbor,” says Darryn Brundage-Forrest, a Realtor with More Group Michigan, LLC and Ann Arbor native. “It’s a 10-minute drive to downtown Ann Arbor or a 10-minute drive to get completely out of town and to the rural areas surrounding the city,” Brundage-Forrest says. Bryant blends cul-de-sac living, neighborhood parks and convenient commuter routes to deliver a memorable suburban experience. “This area has convenience galore thanks to easy access to Interstate 94, taking you to any store you could need,” Brundage-Forrest says. Houses along the cul-de-sac streets are among the most competitively priced in Ann Arbor. In Bryant, the landscape comprises mainly ranch-style houses, Split-Levels, and stylish brick three-story condominium communities. The median sales price in the region over the past 12 months as of early 2024 hovers around $242,000. Prospective homebuyers can expect prices to range from the mid $100,000s for an 864 square foot ranch that could use some TLC to as high as $300,000 for a 1,863 square foot condo with an updated kitchen. Townhouses and apartment buildings round out the neighborhood. Most homes tend to be on single lots, but local parks give residents plenty of room to roam. The Ann Arbor Public Schools District serves the neighborhood, scoring outstanding ratings on Niche. Bryant is named after Clifford E. Bryant Early Elementary School, a central pillar of the community with an A-minus rating, where students explore in a student-centered, project-based format until second grade, where they move on to nearby Pattengill Elementary School, scoring an A rating. Students then move on to Tappan Middle School and Pioneer High School, both boasting A-plus grades on Niche. Wide open spaces for a morning birdwatching walk or an evening jog surround the community. Arbor Oaks Park’s walking circle is at the heart of the neighborhood and connected to several residential cul-de-sacs, putting it right in the backyard of many residents. Southeast Area Park has ball fields and a spacious playground. Swift Run Dog Park is a 10-acre oasis for dogs to run leash-free. Next door, Lillie Park has pathways and piers along two calm ponds. At Scarlett-Mitchell Nature Area, a short walk in the woods leads to birdwatching opportunities and peaceful moments. Locals can also head to Mary Beth Doyle Park and explore the 85 acres of woodlands, wetlands, pondside paths and fields. It’s also a popular spot for disc golf and welcomes young visitors with a playground and basketball court. While most rave restaurants are closer to downtown, Ahmo’s Gyros and Deli is a family-owned establishment where locals can find excellent shawarma and delectable baklava for a quick lunch. It takes a couple of trips to decide whether the shawarma, falafel plate or gyro is the best since all are crowd favorites. Locals can fuel up at Biggby Coffee before heading out for a morning walk or grabbing lunch at the nearby Thai Spoon. Major retailers like Target, Lowe’s Home Improvement and Meijer are just 3 miles away in the Valley View Shopping Center, while Briarwood Mall is a short drive away. For a mid-sized city, there are many annual events throughout the year. Home of The University of Michigan, locals can either stay home and avoid the traffic or head to a spirit-filled football game downtown. The city also stands out with its annual Ann Arbor Film Festival, a six-day festival that showcases over 180 films with submissions from over 20 countries. It is also one of the few Academy Award-qualifying festivals in the nation. Just a 3 mile drive to downtown Ann Arbor and an even shorter drive to the rural outskirts of town, Bryant residents get the best of both worlds thanks to nearby roadways like Interstate 94. Stone School Road has a dedicated bicycle path that takes cyclists to Packard Street, past the University of Michigan campus, and right into the city’s heart. Those who rely on public transit can hop on the bus on either Stone School or East Ellsworth Road. The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is about 24 miles away, while the University of Michigan Hospital is 3 miles away.

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. 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 school 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." 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. 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. 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, 1 mile north, has a wide selection of restaurants. 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." 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.

East Packard sits directly south of the University of Michigan and is populated by tight rows of vintage houses usually rented to students. "It can best be described as right in the middle of transitioning from prominently student housing to the in-demand Burns Park area," says Justin Ham, a broker with Ham Realty Group. Maize and blue flags fly from porches on game days, and pairs of shoes hang over the powerlines. Throwing shoes over powerlines is rumored to have begun as a homage to Denard "Shoelace" Robinson, a former U of M quarterback, and is now a tradition for graduating seniors. Most people purchase homes here with the intent of renting them out to students, but towards the south, there are some permanent residents who enjoy proximity to Burns Park. The north part of East Packard has some notable local restaurants. Mister Spots, a favorite haunt of U of M alum and retired NFL quarterback Tom Brady makes its signature cheesesteak with ribeye instead of roast beef. The Moon Café dishes out authentic Korean cuisine and frozen yogurt. Argus Farm Stop and Cafe is known for its fresh, locally sourced produce and trivia nights. "Trivia is a real community mixer — we get a lot of students and professors who live over in the Burns Park area," says Meg Goldwyn, the cafe manager for Argus. "It's loud and vibrant, and we get to showcase Michigan beers while teaching everyone about the Argus mission to support the local food economy." For those looking for a wider grocery selection, Trader Joe's is 2 miles away, accessible via the bus line on Washtenaw or Packard. As a primarily student area, East Packard is walkable and bikeable to downtown and the college. Downtown is nearly a mile away, though, so for those looking to be seconds away from bars and nightlife, Kerrytown might be a better option. But with marked bike lanes and a bus that goes to downtown, North Campus and beyond, it's easy to live in East Packard without a car. The school provides a health center and a nearby hospital. For catching flights, a Michigan Flyer bus stop connects from downtown to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, 35 miles away. Less than a mile to the west, the Big House is home to Michigan's football games. The area is filled with parties and noise on game days, and locals enjoy being within walking distance of one of the city's biggest events. The closest green space is Burns Park, which sits a few blocks away. The park covers roughly 15 acres and offers multiple sports fields and courts, a playground, and shade trees. The neighborhood also borders The Eberbach Cultural Arts Building, which showcases local artists and hosts exhibits, classes and workshops. House architecture varies in East Packard, with Victorians and Queen Annes mixing with colonials and Craftsman homes. Each home has unique features like coved ceilings, crown moldings, and ornate front doors with original artwork and bright paint jobs. The population here is more than 90 percent student renters, and houses rarely hit the market. But for those looking to own, prices start at $800,000 and get up to $1 million for newly remodeled properties. Neighborhood kids are zoned for Burns Park Elementary School, which gets an A rating from Niche. After grade school, kids attend Tappan Middle and Pioneer High, both rated A-plus. Pioneer is known for its Grammy award-winning music program and theater curriculum. Of course, the school that draws the most residents here is the University of Michigan. The UM Law School is particularly close, so many law students will choose this spot. Student-athletes are also drawn here due to the nearby sports campus.

From 1829 to 1929, German immigrants were Ann Arbor's largest ethnic group, and that heritage is recognized in the name of one of the city's most historic neighborhoods. Germantown is home to the first German heritage church built in Michigan, and its homes date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. It's a prized area because it is located less than a mile from downtown and the University of Michigan. This proximity means the homes are usually rented, often to college-aged students. But, the neighborhood's single-family homes are dwindling as new development moves in to address the city's rising need for affordable housing. It's very possible to live a car-less life in Germantown. U of M is a huge employer within walking distance, and downtown activity is one block away. Downtown has amenities like a public library, a YMCA and small grocery stores. Argus Farm Stop specializes in local produce, and People's Food Co-op includes a lunch bar and café alongside its grocery selection. Bigger brand stores are a 20-minute bus ride away in most directions. Since 2019, the city has been adding more median-protected bike lanes. And the Michigan Flyer bus departs from downtown multiple times daily, heading out to the Detroit Airport. For those who do need to hop in the car, 5th Avenue and Division Street are both one-way, which causes some traffic, especially when there is a football game or event downtown. In 2010, there was a push to make Germantown a historic district. If it had gone through, the neighborhood would have joined Old Fourth Ward and Old West Side as an area protected from redevelopment. But the proposal never passed, and Germantown has seen an influx of apartment buildings. It's a change that many of the existing residents are unsure about. "We understand the need to increase the density," says Anne Eisen, a founding member of the Germantown Neighborhood Association, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years. "But the key here is striking a balance between providing affordable housing and maintaining the green spaces and historic homes that people very much enjoy." A proposed high-rise that would have replaced nearly a quarter of Germantown was shot down in early 2024. But Eisen thinks it might only be a matter of time before someone tries again: "I worry that in 50 years, this neighborhood will be gone." Bethlehem United Church of Christ, a castle-like Gothic structure built in the early 1800s, is a neighborhood centerpiece. It was the first German heritage church in Michigan and still acts as a community hub today. The church has an attached gym that can be rented out for events, and visitors can bring spare cans to donate to regular food drives. The building is shared with other religious groups, including a Buddhist group and a Pentecostal congregation. Out front, an art installation of doors decorated with the pride flag and different religious symbols reads, "God's doors are open to all." A few blocks over, an identical installation can be seen at The First Congregational Church (FCC). The FCC also participates in fundraisers that uplift the local community. They proudly proclaim their motto is: "Whatever your story, you're welcome here." The homes of Germantown range in age from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, with classic elements of Queen Anne and Colonial architecture. Elaborate porches often hang over two doors because most properties have been split into duplexes. With proximity to downtown and U of M, about 95% of residents are renters, and demand is high. The need for housing has led to an influx of apartment buildings, most notably the City Place complex. But for those who invest in a rental property or decide to call Germantown their permanent home, the older houses require some love. "If you own a 130-year-old house, maintenance is part of the deal," Eisen says. "I'm doing restoration work all the time." Prices here start at $800,000 and get up to $1.2 million, depending on size and previous renovations, but it's rare to see homes hit the market. Neighborhood kids are zoned to attend Bach Elementary School, which gets an A rating from Niche. Then it's on to Slauson Middle and Pioneer High, both rated A-plus. Among the A-plus-rated Ann Arbor public high schools, Pioneer is known particularly for its sports and theater programs. However, most students in the area are college-aged and attend the University of Michigan. With proximity to both downtown and the west side of the University's central campus, Germantown is one of the priciest spots to rent for students. Germantown is very urban, but Hanover Square Park is a small green space with benches shaded by mature trees. At the park's center is a sculpture called "Arbor Sapientiae," which translates to "Arbor Wisdom" and is a nod to the University of Michigan's influence on the area. Wurster Park, 1/2 mile away, has more space for students to spread out on the grass and study. The suite of University of Michigan sports facilities, including the iconic Big House, is 1/2 mile south. Student-athletes often choose this neighborhood to be close to the sports arenas, and residents who want to attend football games can walk over without worrying about fighting for a parking spot. Since Union Rec opened in 2022, it has quickly become a local favorite. It offers a fusion of flavors from all across the globe — from smokey American barbecue to a steaming bowl of ramen. Booths are draped with tent-like canopies, and an exposed industrial ceiling gives the restaurant a unique vibe. Over at 1923 Bustarant, unique vibes continue. A classic red English double-decker bus has been renovated to offer indoor and rooftop seating with some of the best tacos in the city. Right down the street, Washtenaw Dairy is a go-to spot for homemade ice cream. Downtown Ann Arbor's restaurants are also minutes away by foot — from the iconic sandwiches at Zimmerman's to the classy cocktails at HopCat.