Ann Arbor Information

Ann Arbor is an amazing place to call home!

Click here to see top national rankings
about Ann Arbor including:
--Best Small U.S. City for College Students -- 2012
-- Best Digital City -- 2012
-- America's Greatest Main Streets recognition -- 2012
-- Top Ten U.S. Cities for Well Being -- 2012
--Smartest Big Cities -- 2011
--Best Cities to find a job -- 2011
25 Best Cities for Active Retirement -- 2011
Walk-Friendly Community -- 2011
-- 10 Best Cities to Raise a Family, #2 -- 2010
 -- CNN's Best Places to Live, #46 -- 2010
-- Forbes' America's Most Livable Cities, #4 -- 2010
-- Top College Sports Towns -- #1 -- 2010
-- Best Cities for Families, #4 -- 2010
---Best Main Street -- 2009
-- Best Place to Raise Your Kids -- 2009
 -- #1 College Sports Town in America -- 2009
-- Healthiest Hometown -- 2008
-- One of America's Best Small Cities -- 2008
-- 4th Smartest City -- 2008
-- Best Place for Business and Careers -- 2008
--One of the 50 Greenest Cities...and more! 

Located in Southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor is just 45 miles west of Detroit and 35 miles north of the Ohio border.  Some very historic and fast-growing towns surround the city.  A pleasant drive along country roads in an any direction will lead to one inviting town after another.  Brighton, Bridgewater, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan and Saline and more are all within 30 minutes of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area.

Founded in 1824 by John Allen and Elisha Rumsey, tradition holds that Ann Arbor was named after John's wife, Ann, and for the local stands of trees found here. It's growth began through businesses such as tanneries, mills and a general store. Ann Arbor's growth took off in 1837 when it won the bid for the site of the University of Michigan. In 1839 the railroad came through. The 20th century saw a change from a manufacturing focus to one of service and technology, which continues today. Ann Arbor encompasses 28 square miles of beautiful land.




There are 147 city parks in Ann Arbor! The beautiful Huron River winds its way through the city, bolstering nature's prominent place in Ann Arbor's lifestyle.This city was green long before it was "in." We pride ourselves on the fact that there is natural beauty and outdoor recreation to be enjoyed everywhere in the city, not just in a few centrally located spots. The local government site has created dozens of pages describing many of the parks and outlining the abundant seasonal activities offered there. They've also created a great map with all the parks -- check it out here.

Though not part of Ann Arbor proper, there are many additional parks and nature preserves that are part of Washtenaw County. Washtenaw County online provides an exceptional map and information here.

Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, one of the country's top Universities.  It shapes the composition of the city's economy, population and cultural awareness. The expansive campus is centrally located, so many of our neighborhoods are within a short walk or drive. Known for its dedication to academic excellence, Ann Arbor also boasts Concordia University, Cleary University, Washtenaw Community College and nearby Eastern Michigan University. 


Ann Arbor's elementary and high school education programs are also excellent. We're known for the high standards of our curriculums and teachers as well as the academic achievement and well-rounded growth of our students. Arborweb offers a map of all school locations, brief descriptions of each school and links to their individual websites. Check out Ann Arbor's new Skyline High School!


A cosmopolitan downtown area is the perfect example of Ann Arbor's unified diversity, with resaurants and shops from a myriad of countries and backgrounds.  Rain or shine, the streets are bustling with energy and fun seasonal activities draw crowds. Check out these distinctive downtown neighborhoods:

Main Street

State Street

South University Area

Kerrytown

Eat, drink and be merry! This directive was never so easily followed as here in Ann Arbor, where the eclectic mix and culinary skills of dozens of cultural restaurants provide a delightful microcosm of the world's best cuisine. The Ann Arbor Area convention has a great tool for finding the type of cuisine and location you're looking for.

You'll never be bored in Ann Arbor. There are dozens of annual fairs, festivals and events that are as diverse as they are enjoyable. Click here for detailed information.

Ann Arbor is the art aficionado's dream. Home to the Ann Arbor Art Fair, hundreds of thousands of visitors spend four days each July combing downtown streets to take part in for separate, concurring fairs. The Original Art Fair -- started in 1960 -- is still going strong!

For year 'round appreciation, there are dozens of galleries across the city. Arborweb does it again, providing links to every gallery in Ann Arbor along with detailed information for each one.

AnnArbor.com: The Ann Arbor News online

Arborweb:  Everything you want to know, and more!

Ann Arbor Spark:  Plug into info on Ann Arbor and local businesses

Ann Arbor Chronicle:  Community-minded daily local news site

Concentrate: Ann Arbor's newest online magazine

Washtenaw Web:  Guide to Washtenaw County, MI

Check our local links page for more valuable sites to check out!


Details

Metro Area Major Private Sector Employers
Ford Motor Company
Borders Group, Inc.
NSK Corporation
Univ. Microfilms Int'l
Dominos Pizza
General Motors Corp.
Bell and Howell
American Int'l Pharmaceutical
Gelman Sciences, Inc.


Major Ann Arbor Employers
University of Michigan
Univ. of Michgan Hospitals and Health Centers
St. Joseph Mercy Health System
Ann Arbor Public Schools
Borders Group, Inc.
Washtenaw County
City of Ann Arbor
Bell and Howell Information and Learning
Domino's Pizza
Google


Local Newspapers
Ann Arbor News
Ann Arbor Observer


Colleges and Universities
University of Michigan
Eastern Michigan University
Cleary University
Concordia College

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