Ann arbor : Michigan

What Ann Arbor is like for active adults

One of America's most famous college towns is Ann Arbor, Michigan (population just over 115,000). It is home to the University of Michigan, whose 40,000 students dominate the town (in a nice way) culturally, economically, and demographically. The city has strict zoning regulations which make life difficult for developers but result in an extremely pleasant small town environment. Many alumni and midwesterners choose it to be their retirement community for these reasons.

The downtown is vital and varied. The downtown is widely used by surrounding communities as the center for dining out, entertainment, and artistic performances, There are music stores, sidewalk cafes, bars, bookstores, and shops. Sports fans can cheer the Big 10 sports events held in Ann Arbor. Its name supposedly comes from a combination of the wives of the city's founders (both named Ann), and for the many groves of trees throughout the city.

The housing choices for retirees are quite varied. Its residential neighborhoods have a range of architectural styles, from classic 19th and early 20th-century designs in the older parts of town to ranch style homes further out. There is a university related retirement community, University Commons, plus many other developments and assisted living facilities that retirees would find desirable.

The median price of homes in Ann Arbor are about the highest of anywhere in Michigan (where prices have been in a free fall). According to city-Data.com the average home price in Ann Arbor in mid 2009 was less than $180,000.

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What is special about this retirement community

• “Tree Town” and 147 municipal parks • Traditional college town integrating “gown and town” • A variety of housing choices for retirees • University of Michigan culture and Big 10 sports • Multiple neighborhoods to live in

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What is not special about this retirement community

Traffic and overdevelopment can be a problem. It gets cold in the winter

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Ann Arbor attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a university town with a thriving and livable downtown.

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Local economy is driven by

The economy is diverse, with the primary drivers being education, high-tech, health care, and biotechnology. The University employs about 30,000 people. Pfizer is the second largest employer, and many other nationally firms have their headquarters here.

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Climate and Physical Environment

Ann Arbor is located in rolling hills on the Huron River. It is an agricultural and fruit growing region

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Cultural environment

The University has created a very liberal community with a thriving artistic, literary, musical, and intellectual scene. Performing arts groups include the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre; the Arbor Opera Theater; the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra; the Ann Arbor Ballet Theater; and the Ann Arbor Civic Ballet. The university offers museums. There are three theaters in town: the State Theatre, Hill Auditorium, and the Michigan Theatre (plays, films, and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra). Ann Arbor ranks first in the U.S. in terms of books sold per capita. There are a number of festivals

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Medical facilities

St .Joseph Mercy Hospital. University of Michigan Health System

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Transportation

Willow Run Airport is 16 miles away in Detroit. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is 28 miles. Amtrak service

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Valuable Links

Wikipedia on Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor City-Data
More community reviews at Topretirements
University of Michigan website
Ann Arbor visitors
Mini-guide to retirement in Michigan

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Facts about ANN ARBOR

State: MI
Environment: College Town,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: NA
Total Crime Index: 81-90 (low)
Cost of Living Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: Boomer1

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