Each week, for 12 weeks, we will feature one of our top 12 reasons to live in Ann Arbor.

1. Exceptional Public Schools
2. Vibrant Local Culture

#3. Great Commuting Options

There are several transportation options in Ann Arbor. The getDowntown program, a local non-profit, provides information and assistance to downtown businesses and employees on commuting options such as: walking, biking, riding the bus, carsharing and carpooling. The getDowntown program is a great local resource with complete information available on their website for everyone to access.

Walking: Ann Arbor was designated as a Gold-Level Walk Friendly Community by the Pedestrian and Bicycling Information Center for the City’s outstanding planning practices, excellent sidewalk network and walking volumes. Ann Arbor has focused on creating a walkable environment with amenities such as sidewalk furniture, planters, wayfinding signage, fountains and information kiosks.

Biking: Not only is biking a healthy commuting option, it is also an environmentally friendly form of transportation. Ann Arbor is a very bike-friendly community with several bike paths as well as bike parking and bike lockers.

Riding the Bus: Riding the bus is an easy, economical and convenient way to get where you are going. The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) operates the local public transit system for the greater Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti region. Through a partnership with the getDowntown program, downtown businesses can provide employees with a go!pass – an unlimited usage AATA bus pass. The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority is a huge asset to our region, providing environmentally sound transportation alternatives at a very reasonable price.

Carsharing: Zipcar uses cutting edge technology that allows you to reserve cars online, or from your mobile device, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. A low membership fee to participate with Zipcars is required. When using a Zipcar your low hourly or daily rate includes gas, insurance and 180 miles per day. There are nearly 30 cars parked around Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan campus.

> Click here to search for homes for sale in Ann Arbor

Reinhart’s 16th Annual Coat Drive ran through the end of December, collecting new and gently used winter coats at all of the Reinhart sales offices as well as all Sunday Open Houses. Together with the help of Reinhart agents, area dry cleaners, and the overwhelming support of the community, we were able to donate a record breaking 1,552 winter coats to more than 20 local agencies.

Capitol Cleaners, Chelsea Cleaners, Forbes Cleaners and Gold Bond Cleaners generously donated their services to professionally clean the coats before they were distributed to local agencies.

Captains of the 16th Annual Coat Drive included:

• Cathy Alfaro
• Nadie Alpern
• Kris Burgess
• Laurie Buys
• Todd Lands
• Susan Pollock
• Tracey Roy
• Susan Schmunk
• Martha Smith
• Rick Taylor
• Greg Uihlein
• Maria Wade

Reinhart has collected more than 15,500 winter coats throughout the 16 years of the Coat Drive, all of which have been donated to local agencies, right here in our community.

Reinhart Associates worked harder than ever under challenging economic conditions in 2011 to accomplish 2,267 successful transactions for our clients.

If you have any real estate needs in 2012, we have what it takes to do the job for you. Let us earn your business by helping you explore your options. We’ll explain pricing, financing, the new regulations and lay out the pathway for you to achieve your goals.

Start today by contacting a Reinhart Associate.

*Based on information from the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service for the period of 01/01/2011 – 12/31/2011.

The Charles Reinhart Company has added a feature to our website to make it easier for you to plan your Sunday Open Houses. You are now able to search Sunday Open Houses and select which ones they would like to attend. A Map with step-by-step directions to each Open House is then available to print.

Sunday, January 14th Open Houses:

Ann Arbor

• 2113 Devonshire Road
• 2109 Devonshire Road
• 2133 Brockman Boulevard
• 849 Brookside Road
• 1745 High Pointe Lane
• 1420 Brooklyn Avenue
• 1943 Ivywood Drive
• 2371 Delaware Drive
• 3210 Featherstone Court
• 1125 Olivia Avenue
• 2199 Maple Park Drive
• 765 Waterman Street
• 2199 Maple Park Drive
• 3138 Asher Road
• 2667 Hampshire Road
• 2716 Lookout Circle
• 2115 Nature Cove #204
• 909 Barton Drive
• 1866 Lindsay Lane
• 1120 Addington Lane
• 758 Watersedge Drive
• 2700 Bellwood Avenue

Brighton

• 908 Del-Sher Drive

Chelsea

• 13453 Riker Road

Manchester

• 10744 Koebbe Road

Pinckney

• 4342 Ridge Drive

Saline

• 5327 Village Road
• 10620 Macon Road
• 434 Heartwood Lane
• 540 Heartwood Lane

Ypsilanti

• 1143 Ellis Road
• 6049 Aspen Way

Situated on a private plateau with an elevated and panoramic view of Barton Pond is this stunning luxury Ann Arbor Listing – 530 Hillspur Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 – with more windows than you can count.

For more information about 530 Hillspur Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Nancy Bishop at (734) 761-3040 or nancy@nancybishop.com.

Launched in 2009 by the Main Street Area Association, Restaurant Week is back this Sunday, January 15th thru Friday, January 20th with more participating restaurants than last year.

During Restaurant Week, dinner is a fixed price of $25 for a three-course meal. Most restaurants are offering a choice of menu items for each course and a limited number of restaurants will be offering a two for the price of one dinner menu. Lunch is an open format in which restaurants offer a $12 menu of special items, some of which are one, two or even three courses. Several restaurants will be offering two for the price of one at lunch.

Participating Restaurants include:

• Arbor Brewing Company
• Argiero’s
• Bandito’s California Style
• Bar Louie
• Cafe Felix
• Cafe Japon
• Carlyle Grill
• Carson’s American Bistro
• Conor O’Neill’s
• Gandy Dancer
• Graham’s Restaurant
• Grange Kitchen & Bar
• Gratzi
• Grizzly Peak
• Jamaican Jerk Pit
• Jazzy Veggie
• Jolly Pumpkin Cafe & Brewery
• Logan
• Mahek
• Mani Osteria & Bar
• Marnee Thai Restaurant
• Mediterrano
• Melange Bistro
• Metzger’s
• Mercy’s
• Miki Japanese Restaurant
• Pacific Rim
• Palio
• Parthenon
• Passport Restaurant and Lounge
• Prickly Pear Cafe
• Real Seafood Company
• Sabor Latino
• Satchel’s BBQ
• Sava’s on State
• Seva
• Shalimar
• Silvio’s Organic Pizza
• The Arena
• The Black Pearl
• The Blue Nile
• The Chop House
• The Earle
• The Melting Pot
• The Original Cottage Inn
• The Quarter Bistro
• The Ravens Club
• Vinology Wine Bar & Restaurant
• Weber’s Restaurant

Most restaurants recommend making advanced reservations, so make yours today!

For more information about Ann Arbor Restaurant Week visit their website.

Each week, for 12 weeks, we will feature one of our top 12 reasons to live in Ann Arbor.

1. Exceptional Public Schools

#2. Vibrant Local Culture

Ann Arbor has a rich tradition of a vibrant local culture. Downtown Ann Arbor has a variety of places to enjoy music, dance, theater and the arts, including:

Ann Arbor Art Center: For over 100 years, the Ann Arbor Art Center has engaged the community in visual arts through classes, exhibitions, a gallery promoting regional artists and outreach programs for teens, education for children.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum: A non-profit organization, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum offers an interactive, engaging environment for children of all ages to learn and play.

Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (A2SO): Ann Arbor’s only professional orchestra, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra preforms in the historic Michigan Theater under the direction of Arie Lipsky. In addition to performances, the Ann Arbor Symphony provides youth concerts, KinderConcepts, ensemble performances, and “Petting Zoos” where children get to try out child-sized string instruments.

Kerrytown Concert House: Named a top jazz venue in the world, Kerrytown Concert House is an intimate 110 seat venue offering live music, theater, and rotating art exhibits.

Michigan Theater: Considered a “shrine to art,” the Michigan Theater offers two auditoriums: the Historic Theater, which seats 1,700 and the Screening Room, a more intimate setting, seating 200. In additional to showing movies, Michigan Theater, home of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra since 1984, is also a great venue for live events, concerts and special events.

Performance Network Theater: A professional theater, Performance Network Theater produces popular plays, creates imaginative sets and costumes, and performs in their intimate downtown theater. With a wide-range of musicals, comedies, dramas, Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winners, Performance Network Theater performs something for everyone to enjoy.

Selo/Shevel Gallery: Located in downtown Ann Arbor, the gallery features the finest in contemporary American crafts and folk arts from around the world.

The Ark: Ann Arbor’s home for acoustic music, The Ark is considered one of the top music clubs in the world with live performances of the wide-ranging genres of folk and grass roots music. With live music over 300 nights a year, The Ark is an Ann Arbor staple.

University Musical Society (UMS): Focused on music, dance and theater, UMS presents 60-75 performances and over 100 free educational activities each session. While proudly affiliated with the University of Michigan, UMS is a separate not-for-profit organization.

University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA): With a recent 53,000 square foot addition, the restoration of the historic Alumni Memorial Hall and extended hours, UMMA has transformed for the 21st century. UMMA features more than 18,000 artworks, special exhibit spaces, “open storage” galleries and a range of lively education and event spaces.

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History: Offering a wide array of educational programs and exhibits, the museum is known for its displays of dinosaur and mastodon skeletons, pterosaurs, whales and other fossils. In addition, the museum has a planetarium and features Michigan wildlife, anthropology, and geology exhibits.

WSG Gallery: Formerly Washington Street Gallery, WSG Gallery represents contemporary regional artists and features original fine art including paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, and art glass.

> Click here to search for homes for sale in Ann Arbor

Today we are featuring Elizabeth Brien’s luxurious Travis Pointe Country Club Listing – 5327 Village Road, Saline, MI 48176.

What distinctive features set this home apart?
This immaculate, freshly painted 4 bedroom contemporary home features soaring ceilings, walls of windows, and over 5,800 square feet of living space. This home’s kitchen is built for a gourmet chef, with vaulted ceilings, maple cabinets, granite counter tops and hi-end appliances. The lower level of this home is perfect for entertaining with a wet bar, recreation and game area, and a full bathroom.

What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
Located in the prestigious Travis Pointe County Club, this home is within the Saline School District and within minutes of downtown Ann Arbor.

What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
The front of this home features a picturesque waterfall, small stream and ponds spanned by a wide wood bridge leading up to the front patio, all surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants. The back of this home features wall of windows to enjoy beautiful views of the incredible lush landscaping and beyond is Travis Pointe Country Club Golf Course.

For more information about 5327 Village Road, Saline, MI 48176 or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Elizabeth Brien at (734) 669-5989 or brienteam@elizabethbrien.com.

We are pleased to announce the addition of Oraibe Breadiy to the Charles Reinhart Company.

A resident of the Ann Arbor area for over three decades, Oraibe is very familiar with the area. Prior to moving to Reinhart, Oraibe was a sales agent in the Plymouth-Canton area. A sales veteran, combined with her knowledge of the local market, Oraibe is well  prepared for a successful career in real estate.

Oraibe Breadiy is working out of the Ann Arbor East Office – – 2452 East Stadium Boulevard – and can be reached at (734) 669-5938 or obreadiy@reinhartrealtors.com.

What may seem like a large sum of money in some real estate markets is just enough to buy a 1-bedroom condominium in another market. Below is a look at what $250,000 will buy you in Portland, Oregon to Ann Arbor, Michigan and beyond.

Ann Arbor, MI

In Ann Arbor, Michigan $250,000 buys you a 2,200 square foot 4 bedroom home with 2.5 bathrooms on 0.28 acres of land.

> Listed by: Charles Reinhart Company

Toledo, OH

In Toledo, Ohio $249,900 buys you a 5 bedroom 4,205 square foot home on nearly an acre of land.

> Listed by: Danberry Realtors

Chicago, IL

In Chicago, Illinois $250,000 buys you a 1,055 square foot 1 bedroom condo.

> Listed by: Baird & Warner

Arlington, TX

In Arlington, Texas $249,900 buys you a 2,711 square foot 4 bedroom home with 3 bathrooms.

> Listed by: Ebby Halliday Realtors

Portland, OR

In Portland, Oregon $249,950 buys you a 1,344 square foot 3 bedroom home.

> Listed by: Hasson Company Realtors

Charlotte, NC

In Charlotte, North Carolina $249,900 buys you a 2,384 square foot home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

> Listed by: Helen Adams Realty

Washington, D.C.

In Washington, D.C. $249,900 buys you a 1-bedroom 545 square foot condo.

> Listed by: McEnearney Associates, Inc., Realtors

Dallas, TX

In Dallas, Texas $249,900 buys you a 1,667 square foot ranch with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

> Listed by: Ebby Halliday Realtors

Lexington, KY

In Lexington, Kentucky $249,608 buys you a 1,894 square foot home with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

> Listed by: Milestone Realty Consultants

Springfield, MO

In Springfield, Missouri $249,900 buys you a 4,022 square foot home with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

> Listed by: Murney Associates, Realtors

North Providence, RI

In North Providence, Rhode Island $239,900 buys you a 1,547 square foot 4 bedroom home.

> Listed by: Residential Properties, Ltd

Cedar Rapids, IA

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa $250,000 buys you a 5 bedroom 5,210 home on over 2 acres of land.

> Listed by: Skogman Realty

St. Petersburg, FL

In St. Petersburg, Florida $250,00 buys you a 2,366 square foot home with 2 bedrooms and a pool.

Listed by: Smith & Associates Real Estate

Fort Collins, CO

In Fort Collins, Colorado $249,900 buys you a 2,265 square foot 3 bedroom home.

> Listed by: The Group Inc.