Posted on Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 11:28 a.m.
Ann Arbor makes list of '10 Great Cities for Raising Families'
By Cindy Heflin
Citing a school system "consistently ranked one of the best in the country," a low crime rate, high family income and the benefits provided by the University of Michigan, Kiplinger put Ann Arbor on its list of "10 Great Cities for Raising Families."
Among Ann Arbor's pros, the article said, are more than 2,000 acres of city parks and several kid-friendly museums.
Cons included long winters, higher-than-average housing cost and urban sprawl.
The list also included Madison, Wis., and Rochester, Minn.
Comments
thomas h blaske
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 4:13 p.m.
I also believe there are LOTS of kid specific events, such as Ann Arbor Symphony kids & youth concerts, Wild Swan Theater etc. It's far from just all UM, in fact most of the great kid-receptive & nurturing comes from our community, not the University community.
NoBama
Thu, Sep 2, 2010 : 5:17 p.m.
I've been in the Ann Arbor area over 20 years, went to school here, and agree it is a good place to live. Lots of things to do and is very diversified. Taxes are high due to the fairly large government bureaucracy that's why I live in the surrounding area. People are very friendly and very liberal in their political leanings. The school system is good but has it's problems just like any other medium size city. Marijuana is looked at in a better light than smoking cigarettes and the high school kids like that they can't get in trouble for using it.
ogel1209
Thu, Sep 2, 2010 : 1:12 p.m.
I love Ann Arbor! It's definitely a great place to raise a family. Children have access to almost any activity they desire. It's great to live near the U of M. All the students bring such energy to the town. Wonderful restaurants and culture!
brianbsafe
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 10:51 p.m.
I agree with most of this,but housing,taxes can be really expensive we call affordable housing in ann arbor YPSI....
David Frye
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 8:01 p.m.
It is a great place to raise kids. Even better, Ann Arbor is a great place to be a kid. I grew up in Sprawl City (a pseudonym, but not by much), where it was impossible to do anything without a car and a long drive, often enough involving some time on the interstate. For a carless kid, that's like being in jail. In Ann Arbor, a kid (of any age) has a huge variety of intellectually and artistically stimulating things to do within a bus ride, bike ride, walk, or (yes) a short drive by Chauffeur Dad.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 4:53 p.m.
Correction: I think they spelled the word "taxes" incorrectly. It doesn't begin with an F.
townie54
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 4:12 p.m.
as long as you have money to pay high taxes,high housing prices and the highest gas prices in Michigan than your good
eom
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 4:03 p.m.
"The Ann Arbor Public School District is consistently ranked one of the best in the country, and its students score far above average on state and national standardized tests. Add that to the city's low crime rate and high family income, and you have a stable, progressive place to raise a family, 40 minutes from Detroit. Plus, it's the home of the top-ranked University of Michigan, with three museums and great NCAA sports programs." - Kiplinger For the past several months, we (AA teachers) have been being battered and beaten by many folks in our little town. I'd just like to say that I am proud to be a member of the Ann Arbor Public Schools and I applaud the hardworking and dedicated staff who made this ranking possible. For the record, this forum is the only place I feel battered and beaten...everyone else seems to understand and appreciate the importance of education and are generally happy with our school system. There just seems to be a few irate and angry folks who often have to comment on stories posted on AA.COM. Thank you for writing something positive Cindy!
Top Cat
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 3:49 p.m.
I loved taking my daughter to the Michigan Theatre to see screenings of old silent movies with full orchestral accompanyment. I can't imagine many other places where we would have seen something like that.
EcoRonE
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 3:07 p.m.
These were all affordable when I was raising a young family here: hands-on museum, exhibit museum, Buhr park (swimming and ice skating), rec-ed, etc. Kids could take the bus or ride their bike (as long as they didn't try to cross through downtown area - downtown is very bike unfriendly). My son went to UM. They loved the pool and waterpolo available in AA. However, they left AA and Michigan for southern CA where they can play waterpolo and surf and swim all year long.
michiganexpats.com
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 2:39 p.m.
Michigan is a great place to live... it's just needs more jobs!
LA
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 2:18 p.m.
This is a wonderful town for families!! Kids don't mind the winters, so having fun with your family makes it an enjoyable cold. With out a kidlet at home - I do feel colder!!! My husband and I had a blast raising our daughter here.
Olan Owen Barnes
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 2:12 p.m.
The Ann Arbor including surrounding area that is part of A2 schools has a lot going for it and I received treatment at the Mayo Clinic so cold weather in Minnesota did not hold them back - not to mention it is cold in Madison Wisconsin.
Kelly
Wed, Sep 1, 2010 : 12:24 p.m.
I personally don't think the long winters are a problem. There's lots to enjoy in winter as well.