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Why Ann Arbor? The Best Neighborhoods in Ann Arbor
The Best Neighborhoods in Ann Arbor and Why to Choose Them
Ann Arbor is a vibrant city with distinct neighborhoods and business districts. We love them all! Here’s a rundown of some areas to explore in our city.
Exploring Ann Arbor’s Neighborhoods
Ann Arbor is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse neighborhoods. From the historic homes of Burns Park to the modern apartments of downtown Ann Arbor, each neighborhood has its own unique character and charm. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or family, Ann Arbor has a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Ann Arbor’s neighborhoods are also known for their local businesses, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. Downtown Ann Arbor is a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, with a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and theaters. The city is also home to many parks and green spaces, including the Huron River and Nichols Arboretum, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Neighborhood Types
Ann Arbor’s neighborhoods can be broadly categorized into several types, each with its unique character and charm:
- Historic Neighborhoods: Areas like the Old West Side and Burns Park are rich in history, featuring beautiful historic homes and tree-lined streets. These neighborhoods offer a glimpse into Ann Arbor’s past, with charming architecture and a strong sense of community.
- University Neighborhoods: Proximity to the University of Michigan campus makes neighborhoods like the State Street District and the Main Street Area popular among students and faculty. These areas are bustling with activity and offer a variety of local businesses and cultural attractions.
- Suburban Neighborhoods: For those seeking a more suburban lifestyle, neighborhoods like Ann Arbor Hills and Barton Hills provide larger homes and yards while still being close to downtown Ann Arbor. These areas offer a peaceful retreat with luxurious amenities and stunning views.
- Downtown Neighborhoods: Kerrytown and the Old Fourth Ward offer an urban lifestyle with easy access to local businesses, cultural attractions, and entertainment options. These neighborhoods are perfect for those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life.
Main Street Area in Downtown Ann Arbor
We love strolling down Main Street on a beautiful evening, checking out the unique shops and interesting eateries. The most walkable part of this area is between William Street and North Main Park near Felch Street. Along Main Street and on a few blocks both to the east and west, you’ll find world-class eateries, internationally inspired restaurants, and shops that carry items found nowhere else in the world.
We’re particularly fond of Kanbu Sushi Downtown, and lots of folks agree – this new eatery has a 4.5/5 rating on Google. Afternoon Delight is an Ann Arbor institution for breakfast and lunch (our team’s favorites include the sparkling raspberry lemonade soda, the Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich, and the Bonanza Bagel – a raisin bagel smothered in peanut butter, banana, sunflower seeds, and honey). New to town is Pizza Cat Max! This new pizzeria has made a real splash in our community with its focus on embracing unique tastes and incredible customer service, along with a promise to keep pizza weird!
Those who enjoy Ann Arbor office space on Main Street have great proximity to these and other classic Main Street area hotspots like The Ark, Conor O’Neill’s, and Vault of Midnight. This makes the Main Street area a top choice for many restaurants and retail shops seeking space in the Ann Arbor neighborhood.
State Street District – Full of Local Businesses
A bit closer to the bustling and beautiful University of Michigan campus, the State Street District is full of artistic and cultural gems, as well as great dining and shopping.
Ashley’s has been a mainstay in Ann Arbor for years, with a hundred beers on tap and a great bar menu – and trivia nights! Bivouac is a beloved Ann Arbor institution, known regionally for their outerwear and fashion-forward apparel and gear. The historic and especially unique Nickels Arcade (one of the oldest retail buildings in the area) is home to businesses like Van Boven, that have been there for over a century, as well as new favorites like Bon Bon Bon and Comet Coffee. Just across State Street from the Arcade is U-M’s beautiful Diag, where you’ll often find students lounging in the grass or strumming guitars.
Nearby, other important landmarks include The Michigan Theater, the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, and the Michigan Union. There’s also great Ann Arbor office space for lease in this classic Ann Arbor neighborhood– in Nickels Arcade and on State Street proper – reach out to us for more info!
South University Area
In the heart of the student area of Ann Arbor, South University is a hotspot for all kinds of activity. Pinball Pete’s has been around for decades, along with Starbucks and some great Ann Arbor office space. Nearby, you’ll find Vertex Coffee Roasters near the iconic “rock”, as well as Pizza House, Insomnia Cookies, and more. These tree-lined streets on the east side of downtown are also home to beautiful historic homes and student neighborhoods that are always high-energy.
Ann Arbor’s historically Black neighborhood just north of the heart of downtown (and home to the Ann Arbor African American Downtown Festival) is now also the location for the famous Zingerman’s Deli, an Ann Arbor institution.
Newer additions to Kerrytown include a vegan favorite – Detroit Street Filling Station – and Korean comfort food restaurant Miss Kim, and TeaHaus (where you’ll find one of the only certified tea sommeliers in the country). This cobblestone, pleasantly landscaped area of town is a popular location for all kinds of community events and celebrations, and is within walking distance of the other neighborhoods.
Southside Ann Arbor
South of the downtown area, you’ll find one of our favorite areas of the city. Home to Oxford Companies’ office at the 777 Building, the Southside of Ann Arbor is bursting with hidden gems and Ann Arbor treasures. Mediterrano is one of our favorite restaurants in the city, and their patio seating, right outside of the Concord building, is perfect during these warmer months. While you’re in the area, stop by Contempo Salon Studios for a refresh of your hair or nails – and no trip to the Southside is complete without a visit to the Zingerman’s Southside area, where you can watch cheesemaking, sample pastries, and order over a dozen types of coffee from the Big Board.
We’re also partial to the outstanding variety and quality of Ann Arbor office space in the Southside. For individuals or smaller companies looking for an efficient workspace, Ann Arbor’s newest coworking space Brightworks Coworking has officially opened at 777 East Eisenhower Parkway, offering private offices and individual desks. You can also find Brightworks in Forest Cove, just northwest of the city.
Pet-Friendly Neighborhoods and Outdoor Spaces
Ann Arbor is a pet-friendly city, with many neighborhoods and outdoor spaces that welcome dogs and other animals. Some of the most pet-friendly neighborhoods in Ann Arbor include Burns Park, Kerrytown, and the Old West Side, which feature parks, walking trails, and green spaces where pets can run and play.
One of the most popular outdoor spaces in Ann Arbor is the Huron River, which runs through the city and offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The river is surrounded by parks and green spaces, including Nichols Arboretum and Gallup Park, which feature walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the river.
In addition to the Huron River, Ann Arbor has many other parks and green spaces that are perfect for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Some of the most popular parks in the city include Burns Park, which features a playground, sports fields, and a community center, and Nichols Arboretum, which features walking trails, gardens, and stunning views of the Huron River.
Overall, Ann Arbor is a great city for pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts, with many neighborhoods and outdoor spaces that welcome dogs and other animals. Whether you’re looking for a place to walk your dog, play with your kids, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the city, Ann Arbor has something for everyone.
The Best Ann Arbor Neighborhoods – Final Thoughts
Each Ann Arbor neighborhood offers its own unique blend of features that cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles, whether it’s the historic allure of Kerrytown, the vibrant downtown atmosphere, or the serene environment of Burns Park. Ann Arbor’s neighborhoods exemplify the city’s reputation for innovation, culture, and comfort, making it a remarkable place to call home.
Looking to learn more about Ann Arbor and its commercial real estate opportunities? Reach out to Oxford Companies or browse available space online today!