image link is broken
Reinhart Realtors

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
  4. Job Opportunities
  5. University of Michigan
  6. Location, Location, Location
  7. Eclectic Mix of Restaurants and Bars
  8. Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
  9. Healthy Community
  10. Fairs and Festivals
  11. Plenty of Parks

#12. Great Place to Raise a Family

Choosing a place to raise a family is an important decision. Many factors are considered to make such a significant decision.

Ann Arbor was recognized by Kiplinger.com as one of the “10 Great Cities for Raising Families.” According to Kiplinger.com, not only are good schools, safe neighborhood and parks to play in all important factors, but parents need to consider a location with a good economy with job opportunities. To those who live here, it isn’t a surprise that Ann Arbor made their list.

Great Schools
The Ann Arbor Public School District has a tradition of excellence, consistently ranked as one of the best in the country.

Healthy Community
Named one of the healthiest cities in the United States to live and retire by AARP Magazine, Ann Arbor has numerous options for exercise and physical activity as well as healthy restaurants and specialty grocery stores. In addition, Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan Health System, one of the top hospitals in the nation.

Plenty of Parks
With over 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland, there is no shortage of options for outdoor recreation in Ann Arbor. From ice skating, canoeing and fishing to playing disc golf, hiking or having a picnic, there are a variety of activities for families to enjoy.

Vibrant Local Culture
Ann Arbor has a rich tradition of culture, with a variety of places to enjoy music, dance, theater, and the arts. There are plenty of places for families to visit to spend time together, learn and broaden their horizons.

Job Opportunities
Ann Arbor was named one of the best cities for finding a job. According to a forecast conducted by University of Michigan economists, Washtenaw County is expected to add 11,038 jobs by 2014.

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




image link is broken
Reinhart Realtors

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
  4. Job Opportunities
  5. University of Michigan
  6. Location, Location, Location
  7. Eclectic Mix of Restaurants and Bars
  8. Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
  9. Healthy Community
  10. Fairs and Festivals

#11. Plenty of Parks

With more than 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland, there is no shortage of options for outdoor recreation in Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor is home to over 150 parks and multiple recreation facilities including Buhr Park outdoor Pool & Ice Arena, Veterans Memorial Park Indoor Ice Arena & Pool, Fuller Park Pool, and Huron Hills Park & Leslie Park Golf Courses. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the wide variety of parks, golf courses, disc golf courses and trails for running, biking and hiking.

Argo Park & Canoe Livery

A 22-acre riverside park in a quiet and natural setting, Argo Park has a new canoe livery with canoes, 1-person and 2-people kayaks available to rent. Argo Park also has several trails for runners, bikers and hikers alike to enjoy.

Gallup Park

Ann Arbor’s most popular recreation area, Gallup Park is a 69-acre park along the Huron River. With scenic walkways, Gallup Park is a popular destination for runners, walkers, and hikers. The park also contains 2 playgrounds, a canoe livery, picnic areas, 2 picnic shelters, several grills, and an open field for playing.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum

Matthaei Botanical Gardens bursts into life in the spring, with over 20,000 daffodils. The fragrance that fills the air from the beautiful lilacs and the breathtaking view of thousands of flowers is an experience like no other. Nichols Arboretum, known as the “Arb” to Ann Arborites, has several trails that wind through exotic trees and shrubs. The Arb, which connects to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a popular place to run, bike, and hike.

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




image link is broken
Reinhart Realtors

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
  4. Job Opportunities
  5. University of Michigan
  6. Location, Location, Location
  7. Eclectic Mix of Restaurants and Bars
  8. Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
  9. Healthy Community

#10. Fairs and Festivals

From nationally renowned fairs and festivals to grassroots events, Ann Arbor offers something for everyone all year long.

Ann Arbor Art Fairs
Arguably the most popular event with the most national exposure, the Ann Arbor Art Fairs are a group of four award-winning art fairs that take place annually. Over 500,000 visitors, from Ann Arbor and around the world, attend the fairs. The four fairs consist of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original; The State Street Art Fair, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, and Ann Arbor’s South University Art Fair. The 2012 art fairs are scheduled for Wednesday, July 18 through Saturday, July 21.

Ann Arbor Summer Festival
Held for just over three weeks in late June and early July, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival is an exhilarating celebration of preforming arts, indoor and outdoor entertainment, and community spirit. The Ann Arbor Summer Festival offers dozens of performances, activities, and exhibitions for people of all ages. The 2012 Ann Arbor Summer Festival kicks-off on Friday, June 15.

Ann Arbor Folk Festival
The Ann Arbor Folk Festival is a fundraiser for The Ark, a non-profit club for acoustic music. The two-night event showcases dynamic and different music.

FestiFools & FoolMoon
FestiFools, a non-profit production of the START program at the University of Michigan, bring together students and community volunteers to create unique papier-mâché puppets. On Sunday, April 1st, the enormous puppets (and their makers) will march down the streets of downtown Ann Arbor for everyone to enjoy.

The masterminds who created the beloved FestiFools parade, have expanded their foolishness to include FoolMoon. This sublime moonlit event, scheduled from dusk to midnight on Friday, March 30th, is a kick-off event for FestiFools. The evening will feature an enormous procession of hand-made illuminated sculptures carried through downtown Ann Arbor to Washington Street. This nighttime extravaganza is fun for the entire family.

Ann Arbor Film Festival
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is the longest-running independent and experimental film festival in North America. This six-day festival presents features more than 180 films from over 20 countries of all lengths and genres. The 50th Ann Arbor Film Festival kicks-off on Tuesday, March 27th at the Michigan Theater.

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




image link is broken
Reinhart Realtors

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
  4. Job Opportunities
  5. University of Michigan
  6. Location, Location, Location
  7. Eclectic Mix of Restaurants and Bars
  8. Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

#9. Healthy Community

Ann Arbor was named one of the Healthiest Cities in the United States to live and retire by AARP The Magazine

Healthy cities were defined by access to health care facilities as well as numerous options for exercise and physical activity. According to AARP, 86% of Ann Arbor residents exercise on a regular basis. Ann Arbor has several gyms and fitness facilities including the YMCA and the new Health and Fitness Center at Washtenaw Community College. Ann Arbor also has a large running community, and is in the process of organizing the first ever Ann Arbor Marathon.

Beyond exercising regularly, residents of Ann Arbor are known for their healthy eating habits. Ann Arbor provides several vegan, vegetarian and organic food options with specialty grocery stores including Whole Foods, Plum Market and the Produce Station.

With an estimated 580 physicians per 100,000 residents, Ann Arbor is well above the average of 223. Ann Arbor, the center of medical innovation, is home to the University of Michigan Health System, one of the top hospitals in the nation and largest university medical centers in the world.

According to Michigan Economic Development Corporation President and CEO James C. Epolito, “ There is a strong link between the health and vibrancy of a community and the health of its economy.”

With a continued focus on maintaining a high quality of life, Ann Arbor is the perfect place to call home.

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




image link is broken
Reinhart Realtors

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
  4. Job Opportunities
  5. University of Michigan
  6. Location, Location, Location
  7. Eclectic Mix of Restaurants and Bars

#8. Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Ann Arbor is a desirable location for entrepreneurs. With two major universities, Ann Arbor is one of the most highly skilled and highly educated work forces in the nation. In addition to a magnificent talent pool, Ann Arbor is home to several resources to help entrepreneurs succeed.

Ann Arbor SPARK: A non-profit organization, Ann Arbor SPARK’s mission is to establish the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion and retention. Ann Arbor SPARK offers programs, events, resources and proactive support to businesses at every stage, from start-ups to larger corporations.

CEED: The Center for Empowerment and Economic Development is committed to empowering women and minorities economically through business development training, supplier certification, business-to-business networking and accessible capital assistance programs.

MI-SBTDC: The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center at Washtenaw Community College provides counseling, training and research to small businesses.

NEF: The New Enterprise Forum links entrepreneurs to management expertise, potential joint venture partners, mentors, business services, capital, and other critical resources.

SCORE: A volunteer organization, SCORE matches volunteer business counselors with present or prospective business owners in need of business advice, providing free business consulting.

University of Michigan Business Engagement Center: The University of Michigan Business Engagement Center connects businesses to resources in research, technology, education and student talent. By building partnerships with the business community, the Business Engagement Center works to advance the university’s education, research, economic development and service missions.

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




image link is broken
Reinhart Realtors

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
  4. Job Opportunities
  5. University of Michigan
  6. Location, Location, Location

#7. Eclectic Mix of Restaurants and Bars

Dining out is one of Ann Arbor’s greatest pastimes, which is apparent from the eclectic mix of restaurants and bars Ann Arbor has to offer. With more than 250 eateries, Ann Arbor is home to nationally acclaimed restaurants such as Zingerman’s to unique and delicious finds like Afternoon Delight. From upscale restaurants, perfect for celebrating any occasion, to sports bars to catch a University of Michigan game with friends, Ann Arbor has something for everyone!

The list below is based on the voting by readers of AnnArbor.com in weekly BestOf categories.

Best Place for Breakfast

  1. The Broken Egg
  2. Uptown Coney Island
  3. Angelo’s

Best Place for Burgers

  1. Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
  2. Casey’s Tavern
  3. Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery

Best Place for Italian Food

  1. Paesano Restaurant & Wine Bar
  2. Bella Italia Pizza & Pasta
  3. Palio Restaurant

Best Place for Mexican Food

  1. Prickly Pear Southwest Café
  2. Sabor Latino
  3. Tios Mexican Café

Best Place for Seafood

  1. The Real Seafood Co.
  2. Monahan’s Seafood Market
  3. The Black Pearl

Best Place for Thai

  1. Tuptim Thai Cuisine
  2. Marnee Thai
  3. No Thai Restaurant

Best Sports Bar

  1. The Arena Sports Bar and Grill
  2. Fraser’s Pub Sports Bar & Eatery
  3. Banfield’s Westside Grill

Breweries in Ann Arbor

  1. Arbor Brewing Company
  2. Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery
  3. Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.
  4. Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery
  5. Wolverine State Brewing Company

Visit AnnArbor.com for complete information about all of the restaurants in the Ann Arbor area.

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




image link is broken
Reinhart Realtors

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
  4. Job Opportunities
  5. University of Michigan

#6 Location, Location, Location

In an ideal location, Ann Arbor is the hub of Washtenaw County. Less than an hour from Ann Arbor is all of the big city advantages Detroit has to offer. Detroit is home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, numerous museums, extraordinary shopping and several succulent restaurants. Detroit, voted one of the best cities for sports, is home to professional sports teams including the Detroit Lions, Red Wings, Tigers and Pistons.

Take a 25-minute drive to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) and the world is at your fingertips. One of the busiest airports in the United States, DTW is among the world’s largest transportation hubs. DTW is the primary Asian gateway for Delta, the world’s largest airline and a major base of operations for ultra low cost carrier Sprint Airlines. Detroit’s airlines and regional partners offer service to more than 160 non-stop destinations around the globe.

Within a four-hour drive of Ann Arbor are Chicago and Toronto. Travel faster to destinations across the country by train. Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, operates more than 300 trains each day connecting passengers to over 450 locations across the country, with a station in Ann Arbor. In addition to traveling, Ann Arbor is a perfect location for working professionals. Many people who live in Ann Arbor also work in the Ann Arbor region. Other residents commute less than an hour to the greater Detroit or greater Lansing area.

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




image link is broken
Reinhart Realtors

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
  4. Job Opportunities

#5. The University of Michigan

The University of Michigan, recently ranked the #4 public school/university in the country, provides Ann Arbor with a distinct college-town atmosphere. As the top employer in the Ann Arbor region, the University of Michigan is a pillar of strength for our local economy.

The University of Michigan Health System, the second highest employer in the Ann Arbor region, provides more than just jobs. A sought after medical institution, the University of Michigan Health System was recently named one of the top 100 most integrated health systems in the nation. C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan Health System recently opened a new state-of-the-art facility with 348 pediatric inpatient beds, 46 private NICU rooms, 16 operating rooms and 2 interventional radiology rooms. Recognized for excellence in clinical services, research and education, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital is one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States.

The University of Michigan sports teams provide entertainment for students and families alike. Saturdays in the fall can be spent watching the Wolverines, who have the most wins all-time in college football, play at the Big House, the largest college football stadium in the nation and one of the largest football-only stadiums in the world. Michigan Varsity sport teams include: Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Rowing, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo and Wrestling. The University of Michigan has produced countless Olympians and professional athletes including Tom Brady and Mario Manningham who will be playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday.

In addition to sports, the University of Michigan contributes to Ann Arbor’s vibrant local culture. Throughout the year, the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance hosts several concerts and performances. Click here for a complete schedule of performances and events for the 2011-2012 season.

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




image link is broken
Reinhart Realtors

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

#4. Job Opportunities

The U.S. News and World Report recently named Ann Arbor one of the 10 Best Cities for Finding a Job. According to the article, education is a significant factor in job stability. This refers not only to individuals’ education levels, but also to the presence of educational institutions, which can provide large, relatively stable job pools to a metro area.

Ann Arbor is very fortunate to be home to the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Health System are the top two highest employers in the Ann Arbor region.

Among U.S. metropolitan areas with 200,000 people or more, here are the 10 best cities for finding a job, according to the U.S. News and World Report:

*The percentage change in unemployment rate is from November 2010 to November 2011

> Click here to read the complete article from the U.S. News and World Report


Top Employers in the Ann Arbor region:

  • University of Michigan – 16,143
  • University of Michigan Medical Center – 12,000
  • Ann Arbor Public Schools – 3,578
  • ACH Saline – 2,300
  • Eastern Michigan University – 1,976
  • Thomson Reuters – 1,785
  • Washtenaw Community College – 1,559
  • Washtenaw County – 1,339
  • Veterans Administration Medical Center – 1,230
  • Toyota Technical Center – 1,100
  • United States Post Office – 923
  • CitiMortgage – 850
  • City of Ann Arbor – 710
  • Ypsilanti Public Schools – 640
  • Saline Public Schools – 613
  • US Post Office – 598
  • DTE – 588
  • Sheridan Books  - 580
  • Terumo – 550
  • Zingerman’s – 500
  • Domino’s Pizza, Inc. – 550
  • ProQuest – 475
  • Edwards Brothers – 420
  • Chelsea Milling – 315

Source: Ann Arbor SPARK from January 2011

Reinhart is hiring! It may be a surprise to you, but now is an excellent time to consider a career in real estate with the Charles Reinhart Company, Realtors. Reinhart agents enjoy being in control of their income, setting their own hours and enjoying flexible vacation schedules. Click here to learn more about a career at the Charles Reinhart Company, Realtors.

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




image link is broken
Reinhart Realtors

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




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