Settled by pioneers in 1823 for its beautiful location just 45 miles west of Detroit on the Ohio border, Ann Arbor began to grow quickly and was designated the new location for the University of Michigan in 1837.
Residents fondly call Ann Arbor "A2", and say it is a vibrant college town (Eastern Michigan is also nearby) with a healthy economy and new construction in all local communities.
"It has been said that when the rest of the country catches a cold, the Ann Arbor area sneezes," says Realtor Missy Caulk. "The economy is strong here with an upward trend over the last 10 years. The luxury home market has come down about 10 percent and those homes are taking longer to sell in the range of 450K and up. All starter homes are moving great as well as the move-up buyer homes."
Says Realtor Jackie Wright, "Certain parts of A2 are always "hot" and this year is no exception. Our Old West Side Historic District is a favorite, as is Burns Park and the Eberwhite area. The market frequently establishes the price and often it's over list price. There are some lovely 1960's subdivisions where the trees are now 30' tall, homes have been updated, there are sidewalks for roller skating (does anyone do that anymore?) and easy walks to elementary school. These areas have experienced a price increase during the past year.
Wright suggests Ann Arbor's attractions. "The public school system enjoys an excellent reputation," she says. "If you're fond of a great variety of ethnic cuisines A2 is definitely the place for you! The river that flows through town offers excellent canoeing and kayaking - you can watch the U. of M. rowing club practice. We have museums, fabulous shopping - it's all within a very short drive."
"Ann Arbor has all the culture and amenities of a large metropolitan area but minus the overcrowding and hectic lifestyle," adds Realtor Susan Fecteau. "It's not just a college town but a multifaceted community that is hard to resist once you've been here, full of recreational, cultural, and employment opportunities. The cultural opportunities range from world-class productions to neighborhood theater, from major symphonies to talented local musicians. Mix this with the area's restaurant/bar boom and you never have to ask yourself what to do next. Sports fans can enjoy the varsity offerings of two major universities: EMU and the University of Michigan boasting the largest college football stadium in the country. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the various street fairs and winter art fairs of Ann Arbor which attract artists and shoppers from around the world. This being so, the area has become the home of many art galleries and shops for year-round original art-hunting."
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Published: July 22, 2002
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