South Ann Arbor - Ann Arbor, MI Area Guide

The city of Ann Arbor was founded by John Allen and Elisha Walker Rumsey, who named it after their wives, both called Ann, and the countless Bur oak trees that envelop the city. Home to the famed University of Michigan, which was moved from Detroit to Ann Arbor in 1873, the city gained national recognition during the 1960s and 1970s for its social and political activism during the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War, with residents holding rallies and protests to ensure domestic tranquility for all. Heralded as a liberal town, Ann Arbor holds fine arts and scientific research in the highest regard.

Annual events such as the African American Downtown Festival and the Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair solidify the city's commitment to the arts, while the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology houses more than 100,000 ancient and medieval objects from the Mediterranean and Near East.

Cultural diversity plays an important role in South Ann Arbor, where you can find almost any type of cuisine when looking for dining options.

The cozy atmosphere provided by Jerusalem Garden on South 5th Avenue has you feeling right at home, with the restaurant itself resembling a small house, complete with patio seating. Specializing in authentic Mediterranean food, this eatery relies on family recipes to create unique dishes, such as the grilled kafta kabob plate, the kibbeh ball plate and traditional falafel plate. Warm up with a cup of Turkish coffee made with cardamom as you enjoy the company of good friends and the welcoming, friendly staff.

Located in the heart of Ann Arbor's theater and museum district, Sava's provides an eclectic dining experience, whether eating with a party of two or 200. The spacious interior and soft lighting add to the warm atmosphere that makes Sava's a local favorite. Come for breakfast to enjoy a spinach and brie omelette, or stop in after taking in a show for some lamb ragu with pappardalle pasta and parmigiano reggiano. Pair your dish with one of the signature cocktails, such as the Sultan's daughter, made with bulleit bourbon, benedictine, ginger liqueur, fresh pineapple juice and frozen angostura blackberries.

Local tradition also plays a major role when it comes to nightlife in South Ann Arbor. To feel like a true blue Wolverine, visit The Brown Jug on South University. Built in 1936, the bar pays homage to the longstanding rivalry between the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota football teams, named after the oldest college football trophy: the brown jug. Come join the locals as they cheer for the right to keep the trophy in Ann Arbor. The relaxed vibe, terrific drink specials and undeniable energy of this landmark family friendly pub are sure to have you shouting "GO BLUE" in unison with Ann Arbor's most die-hard football fans.

For an exciting weekend full of great music, non-stop dancing and fun, interesting people, head over to LIVE on South 1st Street. This Ann Arbor hot spot has different theme nights during the weekend, with something to satisfy everyone. Come with a group of friends to enjoy spectacular drink specials and friendly service in this high-energy club. Enjoy two full-service bars, take in the imaginative lighting and listen to guest DJs spinning everything from classic rock to hip hop.

Serving as both a traditional Irish pub and live music venue, Conor O'Neill's on South Main Street brings out your inner Irish spirit, no matter your heritage. With countless spirits to choose from, including authentic Irish beer and whiskey, the fun here never ends. Challenge your friends to a game on trivia night for a chance to win some great prizes, or grab a table to listen to one of several live bands perform throughout the week.

Getting around Ann Arbor couldn't be easier, with most residents taking advantage of the bicycle-friendly roads and walking paths to enjoy the scenic views and lush greenery during their daily commute. If you prefer to travel by car, the city's close proximity to Interstates 94, 23 and M-14 make traveling easy, while the Uber app on your smartphone helps you locate a ride in minutes, whether you need a taxi, airport shuttle or private car for hire.

The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, known to locals as The Ride, runs numerous times throughout the day and night for a wallet-friendly fare. These hybrid buses provide eco-friendly travel and easy-to-navigate routes, taking the hassle out of getting around Washtenaw County. If you plan to venture out of town but don't want to fly, the city has a Greyhound bus line and Amtrak train station, where you can book your trip in advance for a nominal fee.

With so much to see and do in South Ann Arbor, you won't have any trouble finding a public parking garage. Most garages have central locations, giving residents of Ann Arbor the choice to safely park their vehicles before taking to the streets on foot. The parking structure on First and Huron has affordable rates during the week, with free parking all day on Sundays.

Residents of South Ann Arbor love to indulge in the great outdoors, no matter the season.

For year-round fun for the whole family, visit Buhr Park on Packard Street, where you can splash with the kids in the wading pool before zooming down the water slide during the summer months. Watch people learn to ice skate as you wait for a game of drop-in hockey at the outdoor ice rink during the winter. Three tennis courts, an impressive play structure and the Cobblestone Farm, featuring an outdoor petting zoo, make this park a must-visit any day of the week.

If you prefer a more exercise-centric area, head to County Farm Park on Medford Road, where you can walk the dog or go for a run on one of several trails, stopping at the designated exercise stations to add a little cardio to your outdoor workout. Free admission, a large pavilion near the renovated play structure and a community garden help capture the true essence of life in Ann Arbor.

The price of living in South Ann Arbor can be considered moderate to high, averaging 12 percent higher than Detroit, where you can expect to pay $900 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. A pint of beer at the local pub runs around $6, while a one-way trip on The Ride costs $1.50 and the price of gas hovers about 3 percent higher than the national average.

Pick up a pair of tailored jeans to match your favorite hooded fleece from Old Navy or peruse the bargains at Marshall's while shopping at the Arborland Center on Washtenaw Avenue. Grab a bundle of goodies from Five Below before heading to Toys 'R' Us to check out the latest items for kids of all ages. The outdoor setting makes it easy to navigate this convenient plaza, where a brand new pair of shoes awaits you at DSW.

If you prefer affordable, environmentally-friendly clothing and accessories, try Perpetua Boutique on South 4th Avenue. Keeping with Ann Arbor tradition, this earthy-chic boutique carries clothes and accessories made from organic fabrics, with the knowledgeable and friendly staff willing to educate you on the benefits of living green.

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market in Kerrytown remains a weekend tradition for locals during its open season, carrying everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to a variety of meats and farmhouse cheeses. Bring the kids for a fun-filled day of activities as you make your way to each local vendor.

You can find groceries at Kroger on Carpenter Road, or Trader Joe's on South Stadium Boulevard. Both stores remain fully stocked with everyday items, making it easy to plan your weekly meals.