Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, combines academic spirit with small-city appeal. With approximately 120,000 residents, the city maintains over 50,000 trees along its streets and in parks, earning its "Tree Town" nickname. The downtown area preserves its historic architecture while accommodating modern growth. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Nichols Arboretum and the Border-to-Border Trail along the Huron River, perfect for kayaking, hiking, and cycling. The rental market reflects the city's desirability, with average rents ranging from $1,649 for studios to $3,733 for four-bedroom units, showing increases between 1.4% to 8.5% year-over-year across different unit sizes.
Each neighborhood offers its own character, from the preserved 19th-century homes in the Old West Side to the contemporary areas near Briarwood Mall.