U of M students are ethnically very diverse with a very large Asian populous. Like many big cities, this is greatly paralleled with the types restaurants downtown. In one week, you could attend the Michigan State Theatre to see the latest and greatest film, catch a ballet, attend a political rally in the streets, go to The Ark to see your favorite band play, see a film crew making a feature film, partake in A Day Without Shoes, shovel your driveway, and even find yourself turning on the AC. The Arb is a great place to relax by the river and walk your dog, or go snowshoeing in the winter. If you're in town, you can take a taxi, or catch the bus. Ann Arbor has both "big banks" and credit unions. Both luxury jewelers, and second-hand vintage shops. Young and old, new and used. This town is very dynamic, but you have to find this out for yourself!

Ann Arbor is one of my favorite places to live in the entire world, and I've lived a lot of places! However-the town fits my lifestyle. I'm a concert-goer, a nature-walker, a film critic, a foodie, a gardener, an elementary art teacher, a traveller, and a co-op starter. Yes, U of M is IN Ann Arbor, but I don't think it "rules the town". I lived in Ann Arbor four years, did not attend the University, but had a lot of friends that did - and they hadn't ever heard of the places I went - Like The Blind Pig, Crazy Wisdom Tea Room/Bookstore, Lab Cafe, Luther Co-Op (known for it's DIY Festivals) or People's Co-Op, or the Kerrytown shopping district. The town DOES have two sides of it. Students, and non-students. Likewise, there are places were students hang out, and where non-students hang out, but everyone can find their niche!
There are several small, local, retail businesses, but on E. Liberty and State St. there is American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, Starbucks, (used to be) Borders, and just recently was added a CVS. If you're walking downtown Ann Arbor, the general populous is between 20 and 35 years old, mostly eco-friendly people, lots of hipsters, a handful of business people, and 10% other (homeless, seniors, tourists, etc.).

I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, and I've lived other places, and Ann Arbor's downtown is more lively than any other city of the same size. There are TONS of great restaurants, shops and there is even a great grocery store downtown (People's Food Co-Op), not to mention the incredible year round farmer's market. And Sylvia - Ann Arbor isn't great "just compared to the rest of Michigan", because Michigan is full of incredible places to live. Brittany - check out housing in Ypsilanti, it's easy to get to the air port from there and rent is a lot cheaper.

I am currently taken a job that makes me move into Ann Arbor and I am interested in any reccomendations of good places to live near the city but still close to the detroit airport? Thanks!

Ann Arbor is a great mid size city. Not for everybody though. We have four glorious seasons-each one unique and beautiful. If you live here, plan on a sunny getaway in February - it is pretty bleak that month.

Ann Arbor's economy is vibrant primarily due to the University of Michigan and the U of M Hospital system. There are definitely several top notch restaurants and some good shops. But this is not Chicago, there are only 114000 people here. The downtown is always super busy and I have a lot of fun just walking downtown.

I agree with drew, if you don't like it take off! its a free country. I have lived in many, many places and I like Ann Arbor the best - we have been here 12 years, have three kids and I feel it is a very safe and vibrant place to raise a family.

Ann Arbor is a great town. Move if you don't like it.Really, we won't be offended and we will welcome you back should you decide to return. There has no been a grocery store(Whites not withstanding) downtown since about nineteen sixty something. Kroger has been at westgate since about '63. Ann Arbor is good for retirees. There are great services and great affordable public transportation is available.

Don't believe the hype. Ann Arbor is a college town and nothing more. I agree with BecomingJaded's comments on there being a lot of "Space Available" signs. I also like the fact that you can find three stores with scented candles within five blocks downtown but you need to drive a couple miles to get to a grocery store. I'll take Oakland, SLO, or Portland any day...but not Willmington or Gainesville. ps. Yes, I did leave. The 8-ball is great though.

Ann Arbor is seriously over-rated. I'm sure it's great compared to the rest of MI, which isn't saying much. But if you've lived elsewhere, you should know that there are far better places than Ann Arbor. Maybe the city employs an individual to lobby for Ann Arbor's appearance on lists.

Someone's using some very old data. Every other retail space in most of downtown has nothing but a "Space Available" sign. In Downtown you now have about 4 good restaurants and 5 shops still operating (or in relocation), all of which sell pretty much the same thing (and 50% of it you can get cheaper at chain stores outside of downtown). It's fantastic if you're a collector of real estate For Sale or For Lease signs; plenty of those to peruse. Oh yeah, and get ready to pay more property tax alone than total rent wherever you are now. To offset the insulting ridiculous millage, though, you get nice color newsletters sent to you that show pictures of new libraries, expanding libraries, new courthouses, expanding city hall, and expensive Mac laptops being given to every third grader attending school here. They're good pictures, too, and they photoshop out all the Foreclosure and Home For Sale By Owner signs in the background (and foreground, and sideground...)

Pat Brier- The unemployment rate in Ann Arbor is much lower than in the rest of Michigan, and in fact is below the national average. As of Feb 2008 (the latest statistics I found with a quick search), the unemployment rate in Michigan is 7.8%; in the US overall, 5.2%; in Ann Arbor, 5.0%. Lucille Adler- I agree the winters are too long, but you exaggerate by a month. Right outside my office window, a week after your post, it's 70 degrees and sunny with a forecast for more of the same.

Agree with all the above, except the winters are absolutely miserable! If there isn't snow it is grey and damp from Nov. 1 until some time in late May!

I agree, the cultural events in Ann Arbor are phenomenal. With the huge medical complexes of U of M and St.Joes, it is outstanding. You can find wonderful food at all the restaurants with cuisine from around the world. The Summer Art Fairs and Festivals are fun too. Thanks !

But how can you say this is ideal place to move to when the unemployment rate is so HIGH and the house foreclosesure rate is so HIGH and taxes continue to be raised to pay for the every increasing welfare system.