Towns Just a Hop, Skip, and a Jump from Ann Arbor, Michigan Advantages of Living near Ann Arbor, Michigan Table 1: Distance to Ann Arbor from Nearby Towns Table 2: Population and Median Home Prices in Nearby Towns Table 3: Top Attractions in Nearby Towns Table 4: Educational Opportunities in Nearby Towns Strategies for Choosing the Best Town for You Common Mistakes to Avoid Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Discover the charming towns that lie within close proximity to the vibrant city of Ann Arbor, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Ypsilanti: A Historic Haven on the River
Distance from Ann Arbor: 5 miles
Nestled along the Huron River, Ypsilanti boasts a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Explore the historic Depot Town, where Victorian-style buildings house charming shops, cafés, and galleries. Visit the Michigan Firehouse Museum to learn about the city’s firefighting heritage. Immerse yourself in the arts at the Riverside Arts Center, featuring exhibitions and performances.
Saline: A Quaint Town with Small-town Charm
Distance from Ann Arbor: 8 miles
Just south of Ann Arbor, Saline exudes small-town charm with its tree-lined streets and historic architecture. Stroll through the downtown district, where you’ll find cozy cafés, unique boutiques, and a historic railroad depot. Relax at Mill Pond Park, where you can enjoy picnics, fishing, and paddle boating. Discover the local history at the Saline Historical Museum.
Dexter: A Picturesque Village on the Huron
Distance from Ann Arbor: 10 miles
Set along the banks of the Huron River, Dexter offers a picturesque setting for a day trip. Visit the historic Dexter Mill, where you can learn about the town’s milling heritage. Admire the stunning natural beauty of Dexter Park, featuring trails, a playground, and a picturesque waterfall. Embark on a kayak or canoe adventure down the Huron River.
Chelsea: A Hub of Arts and Culture
Distance from Ann Arbor: 15 miles
West of Ann Arbor, Chelsea is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Explore the Chelsea District Library, which hosts a wide variety of programs and exhibitions. Visit the Purple Rose Theatre Company for award-winning live performances. Discover contemporary art at the Chelsea Center for the Arts. Enjoy a stroll through Silver Maples of Chelsea, a scenic park with hiking trails and a lake.
Manchester: A Historic Gem in the Irish Hills
Distance from Ann Arbor: 18 miles
Explore the rolling hills and historic charm of Manchester, located in the Irish Hills region. Visit the Manchester District Library, a historic Carnegie library known for its impressive collection. Step back in time at the Manchester Historical Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits on local history. Enjoy outdoor recreation at Manchester Park, featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and a fishing pond.
Plymouth: A City on the Shores of Woodruff Creek
Distance from Ann Arbor: 20 miles
Plymouth blends historic charm with modern amenities on the shores of Woodruff Creek. Explore Kellogg Park, a waterfront park with a splash pad, playground, and band shell. Visit the Plymouth Historical Museum to learn about the city’s rich history. Enjoy water sports and fishing on Woodruff Creek. Experience Plymouth’s vibrant downtown, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Brighton: A Gateway to the Kensington Metropark
Distance from Ann Arbor: 22 miles
Discover the natural wonders of the Huron River watershed at Brighton. Visit the Kensington Metropark, spanning over 4,000 acres with hiking trails, fishing spots, and boating opportunities. Explore the Brighton Mill Pond, a picturesque setting for outdoor relaxation. Take advantage of the city’s proximity to Mount Brighton, a popular ski and snowboard destination during the winter months.
- Proximity to a Major Research University: Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, one of the world’s leading research universities, providing access to cutting-edge research, educational opportunities, and cultural events.
- Thriving Arts and Culture Scene: Ann Arbor boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene with numerous theaters, museums, and galleries.
- Natural Beauty: The towns surrounding Ann Arbor offer access to stunning natural landscapes, including the Huron River watershed, the Irish Hills, and the Kensington Metropark.
- Strong Economy: The Ann Arbor area has a thriving economy driven by a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
- Excellent Healthcare: Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan Health System, consistently ranked among the nation’s top hospitals.
| Town | Distance |
|---|---|
| Ypsilanti | 5 miles |
| Saline | 8 miles |
| Dexter | 10 miles |
| Chelsea | 15 miles |
| Manchester | 18 miles |
| Plymouth | 20 miles |
| Brighton | 22 miles |
| Town | Population | Median Home Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ypsilanti | 20,065 | $240,000 |
| Saline | 9,725 | $490,000 |
| Dexter | 4,401 | $650,000 |
| Chelsea | 5,191 | $380,000 |
| Manchester | 2,023 | $260,000 |
| Plymouth | 9,400 | $390,000 |
| Brighton | 7,172 | $420,000 |
| Town | Top Attractions |
|---|---|
| Ypsilanti | Depot Town |
| Saline | Mill Pond Park |
| Dexter | Dexter Mill |
| Chelsea | Purple Rose Theatre Company |
| Manchester | Manchester Historical Museum |
| Plymouth | Kellogg Park |
| Brighton | Kensington Metropark |
| Town | School District | Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Ypsilanti | Ypsilanti Community Schools | Eastern Michigan University |
| Saline | Saline Area Schools | University of Michigan |
| Dexter | Dexter Community Schools | Washtenaw Community College |
| Chelsea | Chelsea School District | Albion College |
| Manchester | Manchester Community Schools | Concordia University |
| Plymouth | Plymouth-Canton Community Schools | Wayne State University |
| Brighton | Brighton Area Schools | Eastern Michigan University |
- Consider your budget: Home prices and cost of living vary significantly among the towns near Ann Arbor. Determine your budget and research housing options in each town.
- Identify your priorities: What amenities and lifestyle factors are most important to you? Consider proximity to attractions, school quality, and recreational opportunities.
- Visit the towns in person: Explore each town to get a firsthand impression of the atmosphere, amenities, and local culture. Attend community events and talk to residents to gain a deeper understanding of each location.
- Consult with a real estate professional: A local real estate agent can provide valuable insights into the housing market, school districts, and local trends.
- Rushing your decision: Take your time to research and visit the towns before making a choice.
- Ignoring the commute: Consider the distance to Ann Arbor if you plan to work or study in the city.
- Overlooking hidden costs: In addition to the purchase price, consider property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.
- Neglecting the amenities: Ensure that the town you choose offers the amenities and activities that are important to you.
- Underestimating the importance of community: The local culture and community atmosphere can significantly impact your quality of life.
Q: What is the closest town to Ann Arbor?
A: Ypsilanti is the closest town to Ann Arbor, located just 5 miles away.
Q: What town is known for its arts and culture scene near Ann Arbor?
A: Chelsea is renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene, featuring the Purple Rose Theatre Company and the Chelsea Center for the Arts.
Q: Which town offers the best recreational opportunities near Ann Arbor?
A: Brighton offers exceptional recreational opportunities with the Kensington Metropark, which boasts over 4,000 acres of natural beauty, hiking trails, and fishing spots.
Q: Can I find affordable housing near Ann Arbor?
A: Manchester is a great choice for affordable housing, with a median home price of $260,000.
Q: Which school district is considered the best near Ann Arbor?
A: Saline Area Schools has consistently been ranked among the top school districts in Michigan.
Q: What is the best way to get to Ann Arbor from the surrounding towns?
A: Driving is the most convenient way to get to Ann Arbor from the surrounding towns. However, public transportation options are available via the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA).
Q: What are the advantages of living in a town near Ann Arbor?
A: Advantages include proximity to a major research university, a thriving arts and culture scene, natural beauty, a strong economy, and excellent healthcare.
Q: What is the best time to visit the towns near Ann Arbor?
A: Spring, summer, and fall are ideal times to visit the towns near Ann Arbor, as the weather is pleasant and there are numerous outdoor activities and events.
