Fortune: Ann Arbor is Best City for Families to Live in Michigan

Ann Arbor, the renowned city in the heart of Washtenaw County and home to the awesome Wolverine dream team, has achieved a new bragging right. According to Fortune Well, a subsidiary of globally acknowledged Fortune Magazine, Ann Arbor has ranked fourth in the third annual list of the 50 Best Places to Live for Families.

The Methodology Behind the Ranking

An exhaustive analysis was conducted by Fortune Well, which carefully evaluated over 2,000 cities across the United States. The mission behind this investigation was to identify the best city in each state for families, spanning multiple generations, to enjoy a wholesome, happy and healthy existence. To assert these rankings with a strong data-driven approach, five main categories were taken into consideration: general wellness, livability, education, financial health, and resources for older adults.

Economic Life in Ann Arbor

With a score of 62 out of 100 on Sharecare’s financial well-being index, which measures stress based on economic life and financial security, Ann Arbor emerged as an affordable city for family living. Moreover, in terms of median income, Ann Arbor households earn a whopping $95,884 with a median sale point of $485,792 for single-family residences (as of 2022).

Rich with job opportunities due to the presence of the University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine system, and various career tracks in the tech and auto industries, Ann Arbor offers a promising economic landscape for its residents.

Quality of Education in Ann Arbor

The educational system in Ann Arbor enjoys an equally impressive reputation. With more than 17,000 students spread across 21 elementary schools, seven middle schools, and six high schools, the district has (according to a U.S. News & World Report) over 70% of its students tested at or above the proficient level in reading and math. Fortune reported a high school graduation rate of staggering 91.54%.

Senior Care Services in Ann Arbor

For the elderly population, Ann Arbor provides 29 above-average nursing homes within a 50-mile radius and has 11 easily accessible hospitals that have a recommendation rate of over 50%. These resources prove that Ann Arbor is committed to taking care of its aging population, thoughtfully considering their health and wellbeing.

Recreational Opportunities in Ann Arbor

While offering a diversity of neighborhoods, Ann Arbor’s downtown is a vibrant hub of activities catering to all age groups. With an event-packed calendar featuring the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Ann Arbor Art Fair, and the annual LGBTQ+ Pride weekend, there is never a dull moment in the city. Over 400 diverse restaurants, more than 160 parks, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities serve to further enrich the community experience.

An overall score of 73 out of 100 on Sharecare’s community well-being index testifies to the residents’ love and pride in their city. The hailing of Ann Arbor as America’s 4th best city for families signifies not only its suitability for diverse residents but also its excellence in ensuring high standards of living.