Ann Arbor isn’t just a good place to live. It’s a great place to live. Its unparalleled park system, walkable downtown, and vibrant culture are enticing enough to convince anyone that Ann Arbor is the place to be. However, the allure doesn’t stop there. Home to the University of Michigan, residents enjoy access to world-class education, cultural events, and sports. The city's downtown area offers a bustling scene with unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Living in Ann Arbor allows residents to choose from downtown Ann Arbor apartments to the safest neighborhoods or even the suburbs. With its strong sense of community and rich history, Ann Arbor is a welcoming and lively city that offers something for everyone.

Best Ann Arbor Neighborhoods

At Forward Design Build Remodel, clients often ask us questions about custom home building and the best neighborhoods. Everyone has opinions on Ann Arbor real estate and the best neighborhoods. We maintain that every neighborhood in Ann Arbor possesses a unique charm. We’ve compiled a list of the best and safest Ann Arbor neighborhoods with an eye out toward the best schools in Ann Arbor.

Burns Park 

Burns Park is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the University of Michigan campus. Burns Park Elementary is a favorite choice of parents in Ann Arbor. Children (and young adults) can attend excellent local schools from kindergarten to college!

Kerrytown 

This classic Ann Arbor neighborhood offers a mix of historic and modern homes and easy access to shops, restaurants, and the Ann Arbor Farmers' Market. Living in Kerrytown provides residents with the quintessential Ann Arbor experience. 

Barton Hills 

Barton Hills is for you if you want a more suburban neighborhood. The larger homes and spacious lots are surrounded by natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. The schools in Barton Hills are filled with other families focusing on a more secluded, suburban experience. 

Ann Arbor Hills

Ann Arbor Hills features a mix of architectural styles, wooded lots, and proximity to Gallup Park and the Huron River for a more woodsy vibe. You don’t have to live off the grid to enjoy a more woodsy life in this neighborhood. 

Pet-Friendly Neighborhoods in Ann Arbor

We understand how important it is to have safe neighborhoods, but pet-friendly neighborhoods also top the list of things that make Ann Arbor a great place to live. After all, if a dog is a man’s best friend, wouldn’t the best neighborhood also be pet-friendly?

West Park

This neighborhood features a large park with plenty of open space for pets to roam and play. We can’t promise that Fido will return with the Frisbee, but the open spaces give pups plenty of room to run. 

Gallup Park

Located along the Huron River, Gallup Park offers scenic walking trails and a designated area for dogs to swim. We can’t say enough about this creative opportunity for dogs and their owners alike!

The Old West Side

 This historic neighborhood features tree-lined streets and sidewalks, perfect for walking dogs. Meet your neighbors and their pups on scenic walks that showcase the best of Ann Arbor. 

The Arboretum

This area offers a peaceful setting with walking trails and open spaces, ideal for pets and their owners to enjoy nature together. If you love to roam and explore with your pups, this neighborhood is for you.

Ann Arbor Suburbs

For some, the charm of downtown and immediate amenities are not outweighed by the peace of suburban life and the Ann Arbor cost of living. Many fans of the city find themselves living in various suburbs of Ann Arbor, enjoying both city amenities and a slightly reduced cost of living. The price points, however, depend on the specific town near Ann Arbor and regional taxes. We’ve listed a few of the most popular suburbs below!

Ypsilanti

Located just east of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti offers a mix of historic homes, modern developments, and a vibrant downtown area. The area offers a range of options, making it a practical choice for many homeowners. 

Saline 

Situated southwest of Ann Arbor, Saline is known for its small-town charm, excellent schools, and community events. It is the ideal small town near Ann Arbor for those who want to enjoy city amenities on their own timeline. 

Dexter

Located northwest of Ann Arbor, Dexter features a quaint downtown area, parks, and recreational opportunities along the Huron River. Even Ann Arbor residents love visiting this adorable downtown. 

Chelsea

 Situated west of Ann Arbor, Chelsea is known for its arts scene, historic architecture, and outdoor recreational activities. You can capture much of the inherent culture in Ann Arbor on a smaller scale while living in Chelsea.

Living in Ann Arbor, Michigan

At Forward Design Build Remodel, we’re proud to call Ann Arbor home. From our excellent Ann Arbor schools to the legendary park system, there’s something different about our great city. As your local builder, we aim to continue Ann Arbor’s heritage of being an educated, vibrant place with intentional architecture and the best people.

Interested in seeing just what we can build for you? Contact Forward Design Build Remodel today!

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