Ann Arbor, MI: ranked among the best and the brightest in the U.S.

Quality of Life, Leisure and Recreation

• (2007) "Sperling's Best Places" rates Ann Arbor fifth in the top places to live in the U.S., as reported by The New York Times. Judges analyzed economy, jobs, cost of living, climate, education, health and health care, crime, transportation, leisure, arts and culture, and overall quality of life to obtain the rankings.



• (2007) According to Bicycling Magazine, Ann Arbor is among the 21 best cities for cyclists.



• (2006) CNN Money Magazine ranks Ann Arbor one of the top 25 U.S. cities in which to live. The rankings, including medium-sized cities, judged towns based on factors such as health care, education, commute, and leisure and cultural activities.



• (2006) CNNMoney.com ranks Ann Arbor first in the category "Best Places to Live in Michigan."



• (2006) The Michigan Theater receives the League of Historic American Theatres Outstanding Historic Theatre Award, which is designed to recognize a theater project that demonstrates the highest standards of excellence in its vision, execution, and service.

Education

• (2007) Ann Arbor ranks third in the category "Smartest U.S. Cities" by Forbes Magazine. Rankings were based on the percentage of people 25 years and older who have at least a bachelor's degree.



• (2007) The Ann Arbor MSA ranks first in the country for knowledge-based work force, according to the trade publication Expansion Management. In their fifth annual Knowledge Worker Quotient, Ann Arbor tops the list for educated, talented labor.



• (2006) Ann Arbor's Pioneer High School receives 2006 GRAMMY Signature School designation, a highly prestigious award recognizing the top public high schools in the nation based on exemplary academic and music programs and outstanding commitment to music education.

Fun Facts

• Ann Arbor was founded in 1824 when John Allen and Elisha Rumsey left Detroit to establish a new community. Originally registered as Annarbour, it is believed that "Ann" honors the namesake of the founders' wives and "arbour" refers to the lush vegetation found in the local area. Eventually, the town became known as Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor began to flourish in 1837 when the University of Michigan was moved to Ann Arbor from Detroit.



• Ann Arbor is known as the "sizzle in Southeastern Michigan," proudly hosting numerous galleries, museums and venues supporting the performing arts and musical entertainment. The nationally renowned Ann Arbor Street Art Fair attracts thousands of people every July.



• Known for its plentiful and exceptional dining options, Ann Arbor's Main Street alone hosts more than 50 eating establishments featuring cuisines from around the world.



• Downtown Ann Arbor is home to a wide array of one-of-a-kind shops, bookstores, gift shops, and boutiques. In addition, Briarwood Mall and Arborland Shopping Center are conveniently located for access to more traditional retail stores.

For more information, please visit www.ci.ann-arbor.mi.us.