Ann Arbor: A Terrific Place to Raise Your Family

Starting a family is a big decision, as is choosing a place to call "home." Ann Arbor, according to a new Kiplinger.com report, is suggested as one of the Top Ten cities in the country for families. This won't come as a surprise to those already raising families in Washtenaw County; we already know the many benefits of living in Ann Arbor.

The report uses three criteria important for anyone (not just families) as a baseline: the state of the city's economy, the liveliness of the local culture, and the rate of job growth. Then, they factor in some important issues for families: an already-strong presence of families with kids, low crime rates (their figures were provided by the FBI), the quality of the public education system (using ratings from Great.Schools.org), and the availability of parks and recreational venues.

Consider these facts:

• If you like spending time outdoors, Ann Arbor is definitely the place to be. More than 2,000 acres of city parks means plenty of sledding, cross-country skiing, and "snow person" building in the winter, as well as picnicking and Frisbee-tossing during the more temperate months.

• Using a combination of their own ratings and data from the National Assessment for Educational Progress, GreatSchools.org selected Ann Arbor Public Schools with a score of eight (ten points is the highest rating) for school districts in mid-sized cities in the United States. This ranking group has noted that overall, the best school districts in the country (including Ann Arbor schools) have a passion for innovation, pushing teachers and students to excel beyond their comfort zone.

• According to the FBI, the Ann Arbor rate of violent crimes per 100,000 residents is 256; the national average is 455. Match this with a low rate of property-related crime (burglary, home/business theft, and motor vehicle theft), and Washtenaw County's overall safety weighs in attractively when you're planning to raise a family here.

Martin Bouma -your Ann Arbor neighborhood expert - can help you find the perfect piece of Ann Arbor real estate in which to raise your family. Whether you're buying or selling a home, the Bouma Group can answer any questions you have about real estate in Ann Arbor. Thinking of settling down in Washtenaw County, Saline, or a specific Ann Arbor neighborhood? Call the Bouma Group today! And don't forget to check out our Condo Hotline - we know the Ann Arbor condominium market better than anyone!