Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor rejoins the top five best places to live after ranking No. 1 in 2022, and for good reason. The city is best known for the University of Michigan, one of the so-called Public Ivies and home to Michigan Stadium—the biggest in North America and beloved by local sports fans. The university and the Michigan Medicine system, esteemed for its patient care and research, provide ample career opportunities. There are also plenty of jobs available in the tech and auto industries.

But Ann Arbor is more than just a college town. It boasts a lively downtown for families, with plenty of events and places to explore. Every year, the city hosts the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, complete with concerts, film screenings, and a circus. It hosts the Ann Arbor Art Fair, a 30-block event made up of three different art fairs—the largest of its kind. The city is more diverse than its neighboring areas, and it has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and annual Pride weekend.

It also has a strong food game, with a big farm-to-table movement, thanks to the array of farms and farmers’ markets in the area. And with over 400 restaurants, there’s a robust international dining scene, especially on Main Street, the walkable and lively heartbeat of downtown Ann Arbor. 

Outside of downtown life, Ann Arbor has earned the nickname “Tree Town” for its bountiful green spaces. There are 162 parks across the city, like the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. There’s also the Huron River, perfect for canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, and the 20,000-acre Waterloo Recreation Area, known for its mountain-biking trails.