Fortune ranks Ann Arbor as the fourth best place to live in the United States, highlighting its strong job market, cultural vibrancy and community resources.
According to Fortune’s latest analysis, Ann Arbor, Michigan, has once again proven itself to be a top-rated city, ranking as the fourth-best place to live in the United States. This distinction comes as no surprise to those familiar with the city, as Ann Arbor combines the charm of a college town with the amenities and opportunities that appeal to families of all generations.
A city for the future
Living in a city that not only supports families in the present but also prepares them for the future is becoming increasingly important. More and more Americans are juggling the responsibilities of caring for children and aging parents, so finding a community that meets those needs is critical. Ann Arbor excels in this regard, offering a robust job market, quality healthcare and a sense of community that nurtures young and old alike.
Why Ann Arbor stands out
Ann Arbor is best known as the home of the University of Michigan, a prestigious institution that shapes the city’s economy and cultural life. The university and its affiliated Michigan Medicine system are major employers and offer numerous career opportunities in education, healthcare, and research. Outside of academia, Ann Arbor has a strong presence in the technology and automotive industries, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking long-term career opportunities.
But Ann Arbor has more to offer than just its economic backbone. The city is a vibrant, diverse community that celebrates culture and creativity. Each year, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival and Ann Arbor Art Fair draw thousands of visitors with their eclectic mix of music, art and entertainment. The city’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its thriving LGBTQ+ community and its annual Pride weekend, which has become a landmark event for the region.
An outdoor culinary oasis
Ann Arbor’s culinary scene is another major attraction. The city has embraced the farm-to-table movement, and numerous farms and farmers markets contribute to a dynamic food culture. With over 400 restaurants, the city offers a wide variety of international dining options, especially along Main Street, the bustling heart of downtown Ann Arbor.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Ann Arbor lives up to its nickname of “Tree Town.” The city has 162 parks, including the scenic Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. The Huron River offers canoeing and paddling, while the nearby 20,000-acre Waterloo Recreation Area is popular with mountain bike enthusiasts.
A community for all ages
Fortune’s ranking highlights cities that are not only great for raising children, but also offer resources for older adults. Ann Arbor scored well in areas such as education, healthcare and overall quality of life. The city’s healthcare system is particularly strong, with 11 hospitals within a 25-mile radius receiving top recommendations from patients. In addition, 29 above-average nursing homes within a 50-mile radius ensure seniors have access to quality care.
Ann Arbor’s commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive community is reflected in its demographic makeup, which is more diverse than many neighboring cities. Fortune cited this diversity, along with a high school graduation rate of over 91%, as a sign of the city’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for all residents.
A balanced and affordable lifestyle
Fortune also found that while Ann Arbor offers a high quality of life, it remains relatively affordable compared to other top-ranked cities. The median sales price for a single-family home was $485,792 in 2022 and the median household income was $95,884. These numbers, coupled with the city’s strong financial well-being index score, make Ann Arbor an attractive place for families looking to settle down without compromising their lifestyle.
methodology
For its Best Places to Live for Families ranking, Fortune used a careful methodology that evaluated over 2,000 cities, towns and suburbs across the United States. The analysis was based on nearly 200 categories of data covering five key themes: education, resources for older adults, overall well-being, financial health and quality of life. Fortune worked with several data providers, including Caring.com, CVS Health and Healthgrades, to gather comprehensive information. The rating also included socioeconomic, racial, ethnic and religious diversity metrics to ensure a holistic assessment of each community’s inclusivity and accessibility. By focusing on both the current and future needs of multigenerational families, Fortune’s methodology ensures that the cities highlighted are truly supportive environments for long-term living.
