Ann Arbor has earned itself a spot among the nation's most prestigious cities to call home, according to Niche's latest ranking of "Best Cities to Live in America." The Michigan locale, often endearingly referred to as Tree Town, nabbed the ninth position on the list for 2024, making it one of the two Midwest cities to break the top 10 despite its fall from the top spot back in 2018.
In the rankings, which can be seen via Fox 2 Detroit, cities were assorted based on an amalgam of factors such as housing, diversity, and job opportunities. Ann Arbor, home to the storied University of Michigan, stands out with its college-town atmosphere, bustling football weekends, and a continuous array of year-round events. However, when the winter gloom descends, it's the spring and summer liveliness that residents claim to compensate for the colder months.
Not without its challenges, Ann Arbor's appeal is juxtaposed with concerns over affordability and accessibility. The city's intricate one-way streets and elusive parking options have drawn ire from some locals. "It's tricky. You gotta really plan it out," Westland resident Elise Bommarito shared with WXYZ. Whereas for others like Drew Wong, the city comes to life in the summer, "when the students are gone. Then you can actually do the things that Ann Arbor is great for."
However, beneath the vibrant city life, there's a conversation about socioeconomic accessibility. Alan Haber expresses to WXYZ a desire for change, particularly in the realm of affordable housing: "It would be affordable housing. I sense that this is actually a city for the people who live here." Ann Arbor's elevated prices also hit some visitors with sticker shock; Bommarito recounted a lunch outing that ran a group of six over $150.
Amidst the mixed reviews, Ann Arbor's profile, detailed by ClickOnDetroit, boasts high marks in public schools, family-friendliness, and nightlife, solidifying its status as a well-rounded city. Residents beam with gratitude and a touch of guilt for having the means to enjoy what the city offers, highlighting Ann Arbor's unique character, shaped by both its educational backdrop and the diversity of opinions it houses. Vittoria Curl, observing the local dynamics, told WXYZ, "The entire town is built on education and catering to people who are either teaching or studying. That's pretty unique as far as I can tell." Whether Ann Arbor's charm and educational prowess will continue to weather the critiques of its costliness remains a subject of local debate and national interest.
