Ann Arbor: Much More than "College Town"

Located in southeastern Michigan, Ann Arbor is a remarkably sophisticated city of 114,000 residents, home to world-class research facilities, high-tech and life sciences start-ups, and highly-regarded companies that range from Google to Borders Books, Toyota Research to Car and Driver Magazine, and Domino’s Pizza to Zingerman’s Deli. At its heart is the University of Michigan, which draws individuals from all over the world to teach, attend class, work, and make their homes here. This resulting range of perspective contributes to the city’s reputation as a major educational, cultural, social, and athletic center.

Clearly, Ann Arbor is a city of contrasts. It features a local farmer’s market and a major shopping mall; national restaurant and store chains alongside local boutiques and art galleries; historic homes along brick-paved boulevards and cutting-edge architecture; a safe and vibrant downtown and beautiful tree-lined streets. There are over 140 parks within city limits, bike paths along most major streets, and a variety of recreational facilities. Numerous national and international figures come to Ann Arbor for lectures, presentations, shows, and concerts — the city, in fact, has earned a national reputation for its excellence in the performing arts — so students can see Broadway touring companies or avant-garde drama, attend University Musical Society performances, and frequent local clubs and concert halls featuring jazz, hip-hop, techno, classical, indie, alternative, folk, zydeco, and other genres all the way to world-renowned symphony orchestras, ensembles, and choral societies. Two independent movie theaters are within easy walking distance of the Law Quad and they, along with nearby multiplexes, offer art films, national film festival winners, cult cinema and classics, and first-run traditional movie theater fare.

Unlike many other universities, U-M is completely absorbed into the city. The heart of downtown — with its bistros, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, shops, and clubs — is within a few blocks of the Law Quadrangle. University housing is readily accessible, either in the Lawyers Club (part of the Law Quadrangle) or in other graduate dormitories and apartment complexes for individuals or families. Private housing is available in apartments, cooperatives, condos, and houses near campus. Detroit Metro International Airport, a major hub, is 30 minutes away by car. Detroit is less than 50 miles to the east, while Chicago and Toronto are just a few hours away. Train and bus stations are conveniently located in downtown Ann Arbor.