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The Top Five Ann Arbor Neighborhoods with the Best Walk Scores

The best neighborhoods to live in Ann Arbor walkable Walk Score
Ann Arbor is the hub of Washtenaw County and the sixth largest city in Michigan. While it’s one of the state’s bustling urban centers, the city maintains its charm and small town feel through communities of historic homes, tree-lined streets, park spaces, local businesses and so much more.
Because of that small town atmosphere, the heart of Ann Arbor is home to several neighborhoods with top-ranking walk scores. Using Walk Score, a website that can calculate walk scores, transit scores and bike scores for any address, we rounded up Ann Arbor’s most commuter-friendly neighborhoods and included a few of the must-visit attractions within walking distance!
 

1. Downtown

Walk score: 94 | Bike score: 98
Downtown Ann Arbor is the headquarters of culture, small business and local events in town, so it makes sense that it would snag the highest ranking Walk Score. And the Bike Score is even higher! Bordered by the University of Michigan campus, West Park and Kerrytown, this neighborhood isn’t just for foodies and event attendees. It’s also suited for families, shoppers, students, socialites and anyone who likes to spend time outside. There are countless destinations in the neighborhood, but we’ve rounded up a few of the must-visits below. Enjoy!

 

Eat + Drink

Grizzly Peak Brewing Company | Ann Arbor’s landmark brewpub, this downtown eatery offers craft beers made in-house alongside a seasonal menu.
Vinology | This neighborhood wine bar boasts a chic atmosphere, 150 wines and a New American menu.
Logan | Specializing in New American cuisine, Logan is an upscale dining option in Downtown with seasonally rotating menus and an exclusive wine list.
Fleetwood Diner | Open 24 hours a day, Fleetwood Diner is a retro-style venue dishing American classics including the signature hippie hash.
Comet Coffee | Located inside Nickel’s Arcade, this local favorite serves outstanding espresso beverages and locally made pastries.
Sava’s | This modern, bi-level restaurant serves eclectic, locally sourced fare and a large Sunday brunch buffet.
 

Attractions

University of Michigan | At the heart of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan is a top-ranked public university with a tradition of excellence in research, learning and teaching, sports and the arts.
Ann Arbor Hands On Museum | Interactive, hands-on exhibits help children and adults of all ages discover their inner scientist.
University of Michigan Museum of Art | UMMA holds collections representing 150 years of art collecting and hosts frequent community events.
Michigan Theater | This historic theater shows indie films, stage productions and live concerts.
Nickel’s Arcade | This covered shopping district in downtown Ann Arbor was built in 1918 and is home to several local shops, restaurants and cafes.
Kerrytown | Kerrytown is a historic district in Ann Arbor home to distinctive, one-of-a-kind stores, stunning courtyards and a few of A2’s essential eateries.
 

2. South Main

Walk score: 76 | Bike score: 86
South Main is a neighborhood centered around South Main Street which goes from the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor all the way down to Eisenhower Pkwy and Briarwood Mall. In the center of the neighborhood, you’ll be within walking distance of Pioneer High School to the west, Michigan Stadium to the north and University of Michigan Golf Course to the east.

 

Eat + Drink

Sushi Town | This no-frills sushi house is a local fave for its varied roll selection and authentic Japanese fare.
Craft Breww City | Home to the largest beer selection in town, Craft Breww City also offers delicious pub cuisine.
Grillcheezerie | As Ann Arbor’s headquarters of gourmet grilled cheese, this casual spot serves all-natural, handcrafted, made to order sandwiches.
Baba Dari Mediterranean Grill | This casual Middle Eastern restaurant has outdoor seating, authentic foods, catering and delivery.
Mr Spots | The champion of wings and cheesesteaks in town, Mr Spots suits students, townies and locals alike.  
 

Attractions

Michigan Stadium | The Big House is the football stadium for the University of Michigan; it’s the largest stadium in the United States, the second largest stadium in the world and the 34th largest sports venue.
University of Michigan Golf Course | Designed by one of golf’s all-time great architects, this seasonal course is gorgeous.
Crisler Center | This is the indoor home arena for the University of Michigan’s men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as the women’s gymnastics team.
Yost Ice Arena | This indoor arena has served as the home of Michigan hockey since 1973.
 

3. West Park

Walk score: 73 | Bike score: 84
Just northeast of Downtown Ann Arbor, this neighborhood is centered around West Park itself. The expansive community space offers acres of greenery, family fun and some of the most beautiful oak trees in town. The park also offers a historic archway entry and a bandshell for fair weather concerts which puts residents at the heart of the local, outdoor music scene! In nearby neighborhoods, you’ll find plenty of local businesses, restaurants and attractions within walking distance as well.

 

Eat + Drink

Tasty Bakery | Tasty offers high-quality, gluten-free artisan baked goods that are indiscernible from any glutinous treat.
Heidelberg Restaurant | The Heidelberg Restaurant has been serving fine German food since 1961 and offers three floors of fun.
Mighty Good | Mighty Good roasts their own coffee and serves it up in four different Ann Arbor locations.
Big City Small World Bakery | Espresso drinks, generous slices of pie and homemade baked goods — count us in!
Ann Arbor Distilling Company | At Ann Arbor Distilling, they manage the distillation process from grain and all the way to your glass.
 

Attractions

West Park | This neighborhood park offers a bandshell for concerts, a picnic shelter and restrooms, a playground, spray fountain, softball field, basketball court, tennis courts, volleyball posts and a walking path.
Ann Arbor School of Yoga | This Iyengar yoga studio and school provides a welcoming environment for yogis of every skill level.
Ann Arbor Civic Theatre | This neighborhood performance venue presents theatrical productions, educational programs and workshops.
 

4. Lower Burns Park

Walk score: 72 | Bike score: 96
Burns Park itself used to be the County Fair Grounds and now serves as a community destination for students, kids, parents and everyone who calls Ann Arbor home. With Burns Park Elementary right next door, both the park and the neighborhood are fantastic choices for families. Lower Burns Park is situated southwest of the park between Burns Park and the expansive University of Michigan Golf Course which also puts you within walking distance of all the attractions in South Main: Michigan Stadium, Yost Ice Arena, Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex and more!

 

Eat + Drink

Mi Compadre | Inside a bright, casual and welcoming atmosphere, you can get delicious homestyle Mexican dishes.
Black Diesel Coffee | This cozy coffee shop is a local go-to for good reason.
Toarminas Pizza | This Michigan chain is the home of the 24-inch pizza.
RoosRoast Coffee | This hyper-local Ann Arbor coffee roaster is home of the famous Lobster Butter Love.
Anthony’s Gourmet Pizza | Anthony’s Gourmet Pizza specializes in Chicago-style Deep Dish.
 

Attractions

Revel and Roll | Ann Arbor’s only bowling entertainment destination, this family-friendly spot offers 27 lanes, pool tables, video games and chef-inspired dining options.
Burns Park | This 15-acre neighborhood park is home to a shelter with restrooms, five tennis courts and a practice court, a basketball court, a sledding hill, a small parking lot and play equipment.
Frisinger Park | This small, 3.6-acre park is a favorite for families.
Rose and White Park | This unique, 1.12-acre park has a play area, swings, and landscaped islands.
 

5. Old West Side

Walk score: 71 | Bike score: 85
Most of the Old West Side is located in a historic district which serves to maintain the character and the architecture of the neighborhood. The north side of the neighborhood overlaps with Downtown Ann Arbor and the south end puts you within walking distance of Allmendinger Park and Michigan Stadium! But inside the borders of Old West Side, you’ll also find plenty of charm, gorgeous homes and tree-lined streets as well as local businesses and attractions for residents, families and children of all ages.

 

Eat + Drink

Washtenaw Dairy | This longtime favorite specializes in ice cream, homemade donuts and a family-friendly atmosphere we love.
Jefferson Market | The team behind Mighty Good opened this cafe as a food playground for chef Nic Sims.
Blank Slate Creamery | This hip, snug shop features clever flavors of gourmet ice cream served in homemade waffle cones.
Frita Batidos | Inside a bright space with picnic table seating, this eatery serves fast casual, colorful Cuban street food and tropical cocktails.
Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery | The Ann Arbor brewpub of this Michigan brewery is known for truffle fries, upscale pub fare and pints of rustic craft beer.
Black Pearl Ann Arbor | This sleek seafood restaurant offers a unique lounge atmosphere with cocktails, music and mouth-watering cuisine.
 

Attractions

Waterworks Park | This 1.48-acre park has picnic tables, a small play area, benches and an asphalt walking path.
Argus Museum | Located on the second floor of 525 West William, this museum features products manufactured by the Argus camera company.
Wurster Park | At over 5.5 acres, this park offers an asphalt path, play equipment, an open field, a sledding hill, horseshoes, a picnic grill and tables, benches and an oak tree that’s on the natural registry of historic trees!
Sweet Gem Confections | Starting with the best cacao, this local shop offers premium hand-crafted chocolates and confections.
 

Want to see where your neighborhood ranks?

Check out Walk Score here!

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