Quality of Life

Ann Arbor Region
Whether it’s the kid-friendly atmosphere, the “walk-ability” of the downtown and campus area, the vast selection of coffee shops and restaurants, the natural beauty of an urban setting coupled with parks and trees, or the diverse population drawn by the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is the best place to live.

Ann Arbor celebrities are a clue to understanding the atmosphere of the area. Both 60’s radical John Sinclair and Polio vaccine inventor Jonas Salk called Ann Arbor home. Rock stars are a major Ann Arbor export: Bob Seger and Iggy Pop - just to name a few! Ann Arbor has been called the “Athens on the Huron,” with world-class theater productions, symphony orchestras and all manner of performing arts.

If you’re a sports fan – you’ll love Ann Arbor! Big Ten hockey, basketball, and of course football all await you at the University of Michigan. Football Saturdays on a sunny afternoon in September, seated in the largest college stadium among the 107,501 fans watching the Wolverines push the opposition around the field, is what Ann Arbor life is all about.

The variety of restaurants in Ann Arbor makes it more than difficult to choose. For starters, choices range from Indian, Korean, Ethiopian, Greek and Japanese. If you crave the all-American burger at the bar, it is easily found and pub dining at local brewhouses is popular in Ann Arbor as well. A number of upscale restaurants offer menus ranging from gourmet pastas to elegant desserts.

Four days each July, the streets of Ann Arbor become crowded with artists of all description. People come from all around the state (and country) to the annual Ann Arbor Art Fairs. Half a million patrons, rain or shine, come out to see fine art pieces they can haggle for, buy or just admire. The art is not the only attraction at the Art Fairs: local merchants and restaurants display their wares streetside for passersby while clowns, magicians, dancers, musicians and more are there to entertain.

Chelsea Area
Chelsea is one of the “biggest” small towns in Michigan. The options for residents are endless. Whether you enjoy hiking, fine dining, or the theater, Chelsea has world-class facilities in a small town Main Street setting.

The Purple Rose Theater Company, founded by hometown actor Jeff Daniels, provides first-rate original theatrical productions in a theater in the round setting. Many theatergoers can be found dining before curtain call at downtown restaurants.

Outdoor recreation is a big part of life in Chelsea. The famous Waterloo Recreation Area is at the edge of Chelsea. The recreation area encompasses 20,000 acres of rolling wooded land perfect for camping, hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing, picnicking and many other activities. Also, there are more than 50 lakes near Chelsea, some within five miles distance. The lakes provide opportunities for swimming, ice-skating, and the popular Michigan activity of boating.

Chelsea residents have access to the latest in health care. Chelsea Community Hospital is located within the city of Chelsea and offers convenient 24-hour emergency service, as well as non-emergency care. Chelsea Hospital has access to all the latest in medical technology in partnership with University of Michigan Hospital and Saint Joseph Mercy Health Systems in Ann Arbor.

Dexter Area
Heading west out of Ann Arbor, the scenery starts to change. Trees, parks, lakes and softball fields replace the trendy restaurants and new buildings. The shopping mall is replaced by a delightful Mainstreet, complete with bait shop and drive-in A&W restaurant. Neighbors stop and talk outside of the fire station and children ride bikes until dark. Welcome to the Village of Dexter.

Dexter has some very unique features. There are three spacious Metroparks ready year-round for boating, canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking and picnicking. An abundance of public and private lakes in the area make Dexter a popular spot for water enthusiasts of all kinds – fishermen to jet skiers. Dexter is just minutes from all the conveniences and culture of Ann Arbor, providing many options for entertainment.

Manchester Area
“Manchester welcomes you... Whether you come to visit or to settle down with your family... To open a small business or build a manufacturing facility... Manchester extends its greetings to you. We hope to share with you the best of what our Village has to offer: a smaller community, in which government is still accessible to all the people; a historic community, with a commitment to preserving the architecture of our 19th-century past; and a progressive community, where change can be a part of a controlled plan of development.” - Manchester promotional information

Manchester is famous for its annual Chicken Broil. Each July, 14,000 people turn out to enjoy broiled chicken prepared by the men and boys of Manchester. The chicken is prepared in four specially constructed fire pits that are each 100 feet long. Attendees can park on the perimeter and ride in horse-drawn carriages to the Broil. The event has occurred annually since 1954.

In August, the Manchester Community Fair takes place. The fair offers a variety of craft, livestock, produce and food exhibits under tents – a real “country fair” within the village limits. Highlights include steer and lamb auctions, traditional horse and tractor-pulling contests, featured entertainers and a lively midway full of amusements for all ages.
On Christmas Eve, the streets of Manchester are lit for the holidays. Streets, sidewalks, driveways and doors are all decorated with candle and paper luminaries in this annual celebration.

Senior citizens are a vital part of the community. An active seniors’ organization is located in the senior center on Macomb Street and it provides a variety of opportunities for seniors to remain an integral part of the community.

Milan Area
Milan, in Hindi, means “to meet.” And that sentiment sums up what living in Milan is all about. Milan citizens are a closely-knit, friendly group – neighbors know each other and stop on the street to say “hello.” If you’re new in town, you can count on a warm, small town reception.

When people in Washtenaw County think of Milan, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the Milan Dragway. Located to the west of the city, the Dragway attracts car enthusiasts from all over the Midwest. Whether you race cars or just like to admire them, some of the fastest and most impressive dragsters around can be found at the Dragway almost any night of the week, April through October.

Milan residents enjoy 200 acres of parks year round. Driving ranges, softball fields and basketball courts are all included in the vast land encompassed by the parks. Acres of strawberries, tomatoes, corn, wheat, oats and beans form the landscape surrounding downtown Milan. In October, a trip out to Jorgensen’s pumpkin patch in search of the perfect Jack-o’Lantern and a cup of freshly made apple cider is a must for children of all ages.
Local Milan merchants supply a large selection of groceries and other wares. In Milan, long-time shop owners provide friendly small town service and reasonable prices, which is part of the small town charm of this city.

Saline Area
Saline’s motto, “Yesterday’s Charm, Today’s Appeal,” describes Saline’s every detail. From the small town atmosphere to the friendly neighbors, residents live by their motto.

The City of Saline is situated along Michigan Avenue ten miles southwest of Ann Arbor. The location provides access to all the conveniences of a larger city, while offering its residents a country setting.

Saline Community Hospital offers health care, senior housing and a convalescence home. Health care is available 24-hours through emergency services. The Saline Community Hospital is also associated with Saint Joseph Mercy Health System in Ann Arbor.

Saline is host to many events and festivals throughout the seasons. One such festival is the Saline Celtic Fest, at which you will find traditional Celtic music, merchants selling Scottish and Celtic wares, and witness lord and ladies in Celtic garb and armor taking part in field activities.
The Ann Arbor Antiques market is held April through November. Over 350 dealers bring their wares to the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds where buyers from all over the United States and Canada come to buy antiques. Saline also has many antique shops along its mainstreet. Each of the shops has an array of merchandise ranging from 19th century glassware to out-of-print books and custom decorating services.

In the fall, the Saline Community Fair and Parade are held at the fairgrounds and give area youths an opportunity to show their livestock and produce in the 4-H judgings. Saline students are given half-days of school in order to take part in the festivities and catch one last blast of summertime fun.

When the weather turns colder and December rolls around, the annual Christmas Parade & Santa’s Village is a delight for eager children awaiting the holiday season. The whole town turns out to shop late on Mainstreet and kickoff the holiday season.

Ypsilanti Area
“The surprising diversity of today’s Ypsilanti has its roots in a history that goes back to the very beginnings of the State of Michigan. Today’s Michigan Avenue - Ypsilanti’s “Main Street” - was once the Sauk Indian Trail that brought Indians to the French trading post at Fort Detroit.” - Ypsilanti Visitor’s Guide

Ypsilanti has become a jazz lovers’ paradise. Festivals occur year-round including the Frog Island Jazz Festival in June, featuring nationally know jazz, blues, gospel and Zydeco music.

Ypsilanti is host to festivals and special events all year long. One of the most attended and well-known festivals occurs in the third week of August. The Heritage Festival turns Riverside Park into a living history experience. A historic encampment reenactment, jazz concerts, parade, and historic home tours all are part of the event that draws 300,000 visitors to the Depot Town and downtown areas.

Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University, Michigan’s fifth largest university, are located near downtown Ypsilanti and offer quality education for a broad range of students as well as a full calendar of sports and cultural events ranging from basketball to musicals and art shows.

Area restaurants, bars, and unique retail shops line historic Depot Town and downtown, providing live entertainment and nightlife.