One of America's most popular college towns, Ann Arbor, Michigan continues to charm residents and visitors with its ability to provide big city culture and amenities with a small town's pace, say local Realtors.

"Ann Arbor is a cosmopolitan college town surrounded by rivers, farmland, interstate and smaller communities," says Realtor Nancy Bowerbank. "The Ann Arbor area is already experiencing a springlike market, with sales of new and existing homes beginning to take off! Strong sales of homes in almost all price ranges are being reported. Condominiums with association fees over $200 appear to be a little slow to wake up from their winter sleep, but should start moving as families become anxious to finalize their 2004 moving plans. The economy remains strong and buyers are optimistic with interest rates in all categories about 6 percent.

Says Realtor Susan Fecteau, "A small large city, Ann Arbor has all the culture and amenities of a large metropolitan area but minus the overcrowding and hectic lifestyle. 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."

Fecteau continues, "Ann Arbor was settled in 1824 along the Huron River and now boasts a wide-ranging collection of neighborhood and community parks, nature trails, recreational facilities. 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.

"Ann Arbor is still the town people are drawn to with its quaint downtown shopping district, eclectic population, and cultural diversity," says Fecteau, "With interest rates just starting to move, and the spring market in FULL swing - this proves to be a very good time to buy your first home, buy a home in that neighborhood you always wanted to live in, or move to that larger house!"

Advises Realtor Lorrie Douglas, "Condominiums and well-maintained homes near the popular downtown area remain in good demand. Walking distance to the myriad of restaurants and shops, or the delightful Kerrytown Farmer's market are premium priced. The spring market has taken off and a quick burst of sales has encouraged all comers. Homes under $300,000 are in active demand, as are those well-restored homes with great "curb appeal" and new high-quality builds with well-placed incentives. Recent interest in maintaining green space has focused interest on the remaining opportunities for development. Despite difficult economic situations in the state, Ann Arbor continues to enjoy the economic insulation provided by the largest employers...the University of Michigan and Pfizer and multiple midsize and smaller businesses in the area."

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Published: May 5, 2004

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