Is Ann Arbor the best town in Michigan to raise a family?

Submitted by diag squirrel on

Never thought I'd say this, but we're debating a move back to Michigan. As far as I can see, Ann Arbor area is the most stable, progressive and cosmopolitan region in the state. Or is Ann Arbor a peer to Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills, Birmingham, Northville, East Grand Rapids? Wife heard South Lyon is booming and could be a stable investment.

Unsalted

January 13th, 2015 at 2:31 PM ^

Well I'm partial to the shores of Lake Michigan. Grand Haven is great, easy access to 'bigger' city things in Grand Rapids. Could be more progressive, but perhaps if will be if you move there.

VintageBlue

January 13th, 2015 at 2:34 PM ^

Casting my vote for Northville.  20-25 minutes to Ann Arbor, Detroit and Royal Oak.  Excellent schools and an honest-to-goodness downtown.  A little heavy on McMansions but far better than many other areas in that respect. 

MGoCustom

January 13th, 2015 at 2:39 PM ^

Saline, Kalamazoo, Portage, Novi, Canton, Royal Oak...

 

Do you have kids? You could move to Kalamzoo and have your kids college tuition paid for if they stay in state for college.

Blau

January 13th, 2015 at 2:41 PM ^

I'm 27 and live in Denver after moving here from Michigan in 2007. While growing up with divorced parents, my mother in Rochester Hills and father in Forest Hills (Grand Rapids), I have to say I prefer the west side of state, mainly Grand Rapids. 

 

Everytime I go back, it gets harder and harder to leave. I graduated from CSU in Fort Collins here in Colorado and Grand Rapids reminds me so much of that area. Great jobs in the medical/tech/sustainable energy industries, great schools, endless recreational opportunities with Lake Michigan in the summer. Not to mention new brewries, restaurants, and great venues for concerts/festivals. 

 

 

Simps

January 13th, 2015 at 2:45 PM ^

I'm currently in Florida but we discuss moving back once in awhile and if I did the only places I'd want to live are GR and AA. Both have pros and cons but I really love both cities.

03 Blue 07

January 13th, 2015 at 5:28 PM ^

Serious question: what about the weather? For example, I live in Chicago, and used to live in Ann Arbor, and the thought of going about 200 miles father north to live in TC/Mackinac area (and the accompanying change in weather patterns, including decrease in average temperature) seems like it would be a deal-breaker. Whereas A2 is on a latitude line with Chicago, NYC (approximately), etc., Traverse City is on a latitude line with . . . Minneapolis? Buffalo? Toronto? 

Just curious, as no one's brought this up so far in the thread, but it would be something that (to me) would be important. I don't think I could do any colder than A2. 

RHammer - SNRE 98

January 13th, 2015 at 6:39 PM ^

I personally love the weather in TC, even and especially now

We are basically the same latitude as Green Bay, but since we are on the east side of the lake, we get more lake-effect snow and therefore, have tons of opportunities to ski/snowboard/XC/snow-shoe/ice-fish/fat-bike now that winter is here, and all of the trails/forests/lakes to do all those things are literally within a stone's throw of town;

I personally prefer lots of snow to a cold winter where there is no snow, or one where there's just enough to turn to muddy slush all over the roads/trails/sidewalks; southeast michigan always bummed me out that way, and even when we did have conditions there that are favorable (I've lived in AA, Saline, Huntington Woods, East Lansing, and Dearborn), it's usually a somewhat significant drive to get somewhere that isn't crowded (Stoney Creek, Kensington, etc.).

I will say, however, that the relative lack of diversity is real, especially compared with a big city with an internationally reknowned university.  Within the city limits, the population of TC is a shade under 20k so it's not a huge town to begin with, and even though the surrounding areas raise the overall population to ~75-80k, it has historically primarily been just a vacation community; that is slowly-but-surely changing now that we've got more of a year-round population growing in the area, and while we aren't "there" yet, I honestly think it is on the upswing towards being a more diverse community. many of us are working on, among other things, trying to get more affordable housing within the city, and some of those efforts are starting to come to fruition now: http://www.record-eagle.com/news/local_news/housing-project-recaptures-grant-money/article_9b4c0896-fdcd-5b87-9965-b51b9e910767.html?mode=print more and more jobs are coming to the area as well, but that is variable, of course, depending on your field.

I guess the bottom line is, yes, TC has actual winter, however, you can still get outside and enjoy lots of recreational options, or stay in town and enjoy amazing culinary delights, as well as tons of awesome local breweries; my family and I love all those options (we have two boys), and while it is a "small town", the community of people here is really great.  

**steps down off of local tourism board-ish soapbox**

distant gerbil…

January 13th, 2015 at 9:06 PM ^

I've lived in both Chicago and Traverse City and it's a little different but honestly not that much.

Winter starts a couple of weeks sooner and goes a little longer into the spring but it doesn't really seem much colder. If anything, it snows more in TC and there aren't as many occurances where the temp fluctuates above 32° so once the snow is on the ground, it stays. If there's an average temp difference, I'd say it's because the warmer winter days don't get as warm.

The biggest difference is in the summer where most days the temp is in the 70s, but unless you plan on getting a suntan I've come to regard that as a plus for TC.

Hail-Storm

January 13th, 2015 at 2:46 PM ^

I live in Plymouth (downtown area) and have been trying to decide if I should stay and redo the house or if I should move to another house.  The housing market in this area (Northville, plymouth) is insane.  Houses go up and off the market in a few days. So just know that housing market is crazy.  We also looked at building in South Lyon.  There is a lot of development there.  If you do go that route I'd recommend Healy.  Their sales people/ office folk suck, but their builder and lady who run it are very knowledgeable and willing to work with you to customize their stock homes how you want.  

If you are free to go wherever, I grew up in Holland and it is a great place to raise a family, especially if you live on the north side.  The schools are good, the taxes are low, the downtown is really great and there are tons of beaches to go to on the north side.  There is also some industry there and you are close to GR.  Good luck. I know my wife and I struggle with where to live all the time. 

FrankX

January 13th, 2015 at 2:50 PM ^

Grew up in TC.  Best place to raise a family I have lived.  Great community, enough opportunity, great schools, and an abundance of outdoor treasures that are just not available in south Michigan.

Traverse City is about 3-4 hours from Ann Arbor, so close enough for Game Days.

 

KyleMac

January 13th, 2015 at 2:53 PM ^

I moved to Ann Arbor last year and have a 3 month old.  I love it.  I live close enough to walk to downtown, the schools are great, daycare options are solid, lots of restaurants in town, lots of events and activities, easy access to sporting events/concerts, etc.  Taxes are certainly higher in Ann Arbor than the surrounding area, but that also depends on where in Ann Arbor you live - Burns Park and Ann Arbor Hills are some of the highest taxed areas... with most of the highest income families.

ak47

January 13th, 2015 at 2:56 PM ^

Who knew so many people loved suburbia so much and having to drive hours to even have a chance to get out of your bubble.  If you live on the west side of the state you have to be what, minimum 2 hours to the closest major airport?  That's a killer if you like to travel.  Not to mention no public transit, an inability to get to any stores/restaurants withouth having to drive at least 10 minutes.

I don't get people who can live not in a major city, really blows my mind.  I would pick Detroit over any of the places listed including Ann Arbor and I loved AA when I was there for school but I guess that is just me having grown up in a city. 

ak47

January 13th, 2015 at 4:13 PM ^

Dang man I'm not saying people who like suburbia are wrong (though if you live in a mcmansion neigbhberhood where every house looks the same and was built 15-20 years ago and every family looks the same and your only food options are chain restaurants I'd say you are doing it wrong) I'm saying I don't get it myself.  Can't wrap my head around the plusses. 

In terms of the airport I was thinking mostly about international travel and just range of opportunities but I guess I don't know much about the opportunities into and out of the grand rapids airport.

Hail-Storm

January 13th, 2015 at 3:32 PM ^

I grew up in holland and couldn't imagine growing up in a city when I was younger. I spent my summers at the beach which I could ride my bike to. Yes I couldnt have pizza delivered, but I also had tons of woods to explore and dunes to go sledding. Yes, driving anywhere was 10 minutes away roughly, but since there was little traffic you knew exactly how long it would take you know matter what time of day vs cities and rush hour that can double or quadruple a commute. Grand Rapids airport is close and easy to get to and is a lot of times cheaper to fly out of than detroit. My wife (girlfriend at the time) would fly in there because it was cheaper to fly from Boston to GR than to detroit.

Just a different lifestyle.

chunkums

January 13th, 2015 at 2:58 PM ^

I live in the GR area right now, and I'm going to miss it when I have to move next year. The city itself is nice, but there is also a large number of nice suburbs with good public schools and inexpensive housing costs. Also, when it comes to recreation, there is plenty to do in GR. The city really seems to be on the rise, and is pretty cloes to some awesome beaches as an added bonus.

 

PS: Founders

Puget Sound Blue

January 13th, 2015 at 2:59 PM ^

I live in Seattle, Washington right now (and have for the past 14 years or so) and I've been contemplating a move back to Michigan myself. No concrete plans, and I may never actually do it, but I'm more open to doing so than I was 10 years ago.

Seattle is a great place, and I know a lot of folks would say I'm crazy to even think about moving back to Michigan. If I did move back, though, Ann Arbor would be among my top choices. It's one of my favorite places ever.

Jack Hammer

January 13th, 2015 at 3:22 PM ^

Seattle here as well.  13 years.  And I would say you're crazy.  I've had the advantage of traveling back to Michigan for work fairly often for the past few years.  At first it was great to see the Detroit/Ann Arbor area and old friends again.  But after a year or so I couldn't wait to get back to Seattle every trip.  I love Detroit and Ann Arbor, but there really is no comparison.



That being said, I plan to send my kids to UM if they get in.

Jack Hammer

January 13th, 2015 at 5:32 PM ^

Strange.  I've lived in 6 different states (in arguably some of the best cities) from coast to coast and Seattle is by far my favorite.  But it took me 5 or 6 years until I felt that way.  But now I would never leave.  I work with quite a few UM alum who feel the same way.  But, as you said, it's not for everyone.

Puget Sound Blue

January 13th, 2015 at 6:07 PM ^

It would be no surprise to me at all if I lived here in Seattle for many more years. At this point, that is probably the mostly likely outcome and that would be just fine. I'm just more open to moving back to Michigan if the opportunity was right than I was several years ago. 

That opportunity may never come along, and if so, I'll be happy here too.

notYOURmom

January 13th, 2015 at 3:00 PM ^

I'd say the high schools are better here than in South Lyon, if you are ambitious (sends lots of kids to elite schools), although this is likely to change eventually.  I have a niece and nephew raising a family in South Lyon, they get more for their money in terms of real estate but less in terms of culture, walkable "town" vibe, etc.

Wolverine In Exile

January 13th, 2015 at 3:52 PM ^

I'm coming back to the U as a faculty member in the fall and with two kids (and a third on the way), housing is about 15% cheaper for the same sqft/yardage than in Ann Arbor, taxes are cheaper, and the schools are equal if not better. Saline for me. Plus I always dug the Celtic Festival and Mac's Acadian when I was at UM.

Rabbit21

January 13th, 2015 at 4:16 PM ^

Don't forget to check out Dan's Downtown Tavern across the street from Mac's Acadian.  Burgers are a little too greasy for me, but the beer selection is fantastic!  Oscars(over on State St. by the Walmart) is a fun little sports bar, with decent Mexican food and good pizza(Beer selection needs work).

Don

January 13th, 2015 at 3:49 PM ^

One of my uncles has lived in Midland for over 60 years, and I've been there dozens of times over the years visiting family. Nice place, if a bit bland. One of the flattest cities I've ever been in, topographically-speaking.

hailtothevictors08

January 13th, 2015 at 4:51 PM ^

I grew up in Midland, it is not for me now (single, post-grad) but it does have some huge benefits especially for families

 
Facts (Could be Pros or Cons Depending on your View)
- Very Republican
- Very Religious 
 
Pros
- Solid schools
- Community vibe
- Superior youth sports set up (awesome facilities for soccer, tennis, hockey)
- Always ranks highly on great place to raise a family
- Safe
- Highly Educated (one of the highest PHd rates in the word thanks to Dow)
- Biggest for me: You are two-ish hours from everything the state has to offer. AA, Detroit, Lake Michigan, our weak ski resorts, the bridge, etc. If you don't mid a short drive, everything is day-trippable 
- Tons of green space, forests, and parks 
 
Cons
- Lacks diversity
- Downtown is at best ok
- Nothing is just right there (see the 2 hrs to everything)
- No Post Grad Singe scene (I often hit up BWW when I am visiting my parents; not just for dinner, but as a place to go out because it is almost the only place open after 10. It is that sad)
- Lacks AA's cultural events

Libertine

January 13th, 2015 at 3:13 PM ^

grown up in Michigan (suburban Detroit) and to have went to school at U of M, but the only place in that state you wouldn't have to force me to live in (and raise my kids) would be Ann Arbor. Not Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, etc. Straight up Ann Arbor. Traverse City and some of those other small west side towns are adorable, but I'd go stir crazy.

Then again, at least Michigan ain't Ohio!