Big cities on the coasts, take notice. You’re not where it’s at when it comes to the very best that American cities have to offer. In fact, more and more people are seeking small to mid-sized metro areas when considering where to live. Things like walkability, public transportation, safety, and access to cultural institutions and fine dining all factor into where people would rather be.
So where’s a city in Michigan that has all that, that could rival any place else in the country? For all that and more, we turn to Ann Arbor. Traditionally known as the college town home of U of M, this southeast Michigan city of about 115,000 has gained a national reputation for restaurants, film festivals, its literary community, and proximity to both natural spaces and the big city of Detroit about 40 miles east.
As well as a robust literary community…
Ian Freimuth/Flickr
It also means great arts museums…
arcticpenguin/Flickr Like the University of Michigan Museum of Art, pictured here.
Pictured here, the Nickels Arcade, a covered shopping area built in 1918, which houses dozens of independent bookstores.
Andypiper/Flickr
If high-quality cinema is what gets you excited, historic venues like MIchigan and State theaters offer a solid lineup of award-winning indie films.
Steven Depolo/Flickr
That university access gives the city great opportunities to participate in innovative technologies.
smoothgroover22/Flickr M City, a 32-acre closed environment test for self-driving cars, is one example. Here, Google cars and other autonomous vehicles can test four miles of roads loaded with unique traffic scenarios.
And let’s not forget the food scene.
Jason Crotty/Flickr Award-winning chefs from all over the country have found their home in Ann Arbor. Pictured here, the famous Zingerman’s Delicatessen, home to fine meats, cheeses, baked goods, and crazy good sandwiches. Among its fans, President Barack Obama, who tries to make it a point swing by when he’s in the state.
Ann Arborites are highly educated, thanks to the University of Michigan community, as well as its investment in schoolchildren.
Kindersteak/Flickr On average, Ann Arbor Public Schools spends $13,600 per student - above the national expenditure of $12,435 per pupil.
And you always thought of Ann Arbor as that quaint little college town, huh? On top of these great quality of life factors, residents here also tend to enjoy higher income, short commute times, and high property values – making the more practical argument to place the city in the best in America running.
Ian Freimuth/Flickr
arcticpenguin/Flickr
Like the University of Michigan Museum of Art, pictured here.
Andypiper/Flickr
Steven Depolo/Flickr
smoothgroover22/Flickr
M City, a 32-acre closed environment test for self-driving cars, is one example. Here, Google cars and other autonomous vehicles can test four miles of roads loaded with unique traffic scenarios.
Jason Crotty/Flickr
Award-winning chefs from all over the country have found their home in Ann Arbor. Pictured here, the famous Zingerman’s Delicatessen, home to fine meats, cheeses, baked goods, and crazy good sandwiches. Among its fans, President Barack Obama, who tries to make it a point swing by when he’s in the state.
Kindersteak/Flickr
On average, Ann Arbor Public Schools spends $13,600 per student - above the national expenditure of $12,435 per pupil.
What do you think, though? Where is a Michigan city that absolutely deserves to be in the national spotlight (for all the right reasons)? Tell us about it!
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