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Huron Tower Apartments

When it comes to housing, there is a great deal to choose from. In fact, there are more than 40,000 houses, condominiums and apartments in the city of Ann Arbor and thousands more in the surrounding areas.

Right now, Ann Arbor is a buyer’s market. If you are coming from out of town and want to purchase a home, it is a good time to buy the house of your dreams.

Many faculty enjoy living in the nearby townships and communities outside of Ann Arbor, including Plymouth, Chelsea, Saline, Ypsilanti, Barton Hills, Dexter, Dixboro, Lodi, Northfield, Pittsfield, Novi, Farmington Hills, Salem and others. Factor in whether – for you – a longer commute will be beneficial.

Cost of Living

Sources: Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Ann Arbor 

Note: Salaries in the education, health care and high-tech areas are typically higher than the national averages, offsetting the cost of living.

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New to the Area

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Spouses

The University of Michigan is sensitive to the needs of dual-career couples. The U-M Dual Career Program provides several resources for spouses and partners, and has two great online brochures that address the issue of relocation for two-career couples.

Make sure to visit the “Work” section of this site for an overview of employment, business development and entrepreneurship possibilities in Ann Arbor and the nearby surrounding areas.

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Education

From preschool through post-graduate work, the Ann Arbor area has an amazing array of educational resources – and jobs for educators.

Colleges and Universities

For those of you who are coming to Ann Arbor with a significant other or spouse, one option for her/him to consider is enrollment in the Evening MBA program offered by the Ross School of Business. This program consistently ranks in the top 10 in the nation and can be completed in 3 years (or less, depending on workload) on a part-time basis. Learn more.

Public Schools

Information regarding Washtenaw County Public Schools can be found here.

Private Schools

Information regarding private and religiously affiliated schools serving the Ann Arbor area can be found at ArborWeb.

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Eat

Ann Arbor cuisine is much broader than bar food, pizza and fast food restaurants. In fact, our restaurants have been heralded by the likes of Zagat’s, Gourmet magazine, Wine Spectator and even the Wall Street Journal. A restaurant guide can be found here.

In addition to award-winning restaurants that appeal to a wide variety of tastes, we also pride ourselves on having a nice variety of grocery stores that offer the staples, great meats, and healthful organic and locally grown food. And, at last count, we had six local farmers markets that offer a great selection of locally grown food, flowers and even gifts made by local craftspeople. A guide to local grocers can be found here.

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Community Life

Viva la difference! Whether you are looking for the latest in Native American crafts, want to help someone learn English as a second language, or want to hone a new interest, Ann Arbor’s the place to be. It is hard to imagine another town of this size with so many varied resources, projects or events. Take a look for yourself!

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Work

If your spouse or significant other is looking for employment, there are many places to choose from.

About 285,800 people are employed in the Ann Arbor area, over 24,000 of whom work for the University of Michigan, which is the largest employer in Washtenaw County. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, Ann Arbor’s unemployment rate (2.1 percent) is the 13th lowest in the nation.

The presence of the University has spawned many software companies, and there are more than 100 research and technology firms in Ann Arbor. According to Wikipedia, the number of tech jobs in Ann Arbor is 70 percent higher than the national average.

In 2003, the State of Michigan named the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti region of Washtenaw County a SmartZone – one of ten “high-technology centers with the potential to create jobs of the future.”

Items and goods produced in Ann Arbor

Books, software, computer technology, precision instruments, ball bearings, springs, baling presses, drill heads, tapping and reaming machinery, and awnings are among the items the area “manufactures.” (Information from: Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce)

Other Areas

In addition, Ann Arbor’s proximity to Dearborn, Lansing, Southfield and Detroit opens up another set of employment venues for those who don’t mind commuting.

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Resources

The following sites will give you a good idea of employment, business development and entrepreneurship possibilities in Ann Arbor.

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Shop

If you love to shop – or just need to furnish a new apartment or home – Ann Arbor and the A2 area has it all. Here’s a short list of the popular ones. For a more comprehensive list click here.

Note: The towns of Chelsea, Dexter, Dixboro, Milan, Plymouth, Saline and Tecumseh have their own fair share of little shops, nice restaurants and fun places for children. Take a short drive to any one of these towns and it feels like you’ve really gotten away.

Antiques/Collectibles

Home Goods

Popular Shopping Areas/Malls

Kerrytown Shops