Categories Search

6 Great Neighborhoods in Ypsilanti, Michigan

Situated just southeast of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti contains some of Michigan’s best and most interesting attractions, including dining destinations, outdoor recreation, historic sites, craft breweries and more. Plus, Ypsi is home to Eastern Michigan University, creating a lively college-town atmosphere focused on education.

If you’re considering a move to Ypsilanti, first of all: we don’t blame you! Secondly, you may be wondering just where to live within this thriving town. That’s why we’re zeroing in on some of the most desirable neighborhoods within Ypsilanti, each offering its own appeal and set of attractions, while maintaining proximity to the city center.

 

Normal Park

Situated just west of Main Street and south of the Eastern Michigan University campus, Normal Park is known for its lovely collection of meticulously maintained historic homes. Plus, it is not far from I-94 and US-23, putting much of southeastern Michigan at your fingertips. Normal Park affords residents a wide variety of choice in size, style and value when it comes to accommodations. You’ll find many 1920s and 30s Colonial Revivals, classic bungalows, and English Tudor Revivals, situated along garden-capped boulevards and tree-lined streets. The neighborhood takes its name from what was part of Eastern Michigan University’s original name, the Michigan State Normal School. The enclave stays true to its history as the home of many faculty members and teachers at the university.

Just south of the neighborhood across Congress Street is Recreation Park, which has 17 acres of space to run and play, plus Rutherford Outdoor Pool, the Ypsilanti Senior Center, numerous sports courts, a community garden, and much more. Students in Normal Park attend Estabrook Elementary School, Ypsilanti Middle School, and Ypsilanti Community High School. A wide variety of retail stores and services (banks, grocery stores, etc.) are just a short drive away along Washtenaw Avenue. There are about 700 households in Normal Park, all of which are members of the very active neighborhood association, which organizes informational meetings, potlucks, and other events throughout the year.

 

Depot Town

Depot Town Ypsilanti, MI

Depot Town came to be after the Ypsilanti Train Depot was opened in 1838, evolving into a thriving commercial district, with businesses such as a flour mill, a farmers’ store, an iron foundry, a fire department, a clothing store, and more. Today, Depot Town is a bustling shopping district home to antique shops, specialty stores, restaurants, and most of the city’s museums. Situated on the north side of Depot Town, the Freighthouse offers a glimpse into the town’s railroad past, and today serves as an event space, hosting the Depot Town Farmers’ Market on Saturdays throughout the summer!

Many of the homes in Depot Town are within walking distance of the many shops, restaurants and other destinations in the district. There are a variety of homes to choose from, including classic bungalows, Cape Cods, ranches, and more, many of which are relatively affordable. The 9.5-acre Prospect Park is situated on the eastern edge of the neighborhood (but more on that later!).

 

College Heights

Situated just west of Eastern Michigan University’s campus, College Heights is a well-established neighborhood with homes primarily built in the 1950s along tree-lined streets. College Heights homes vary widely in style, from classic brick ranches to dignified English Tudor Revivals, with many affordable options available, as well as opulent homes with upgrades. There are approximately 700 households within the College Heights neighborhood, who can join the College Heights Neighborhood Association, a resident-run non-profit organization that hosts and funds various projects and activities, including an annual neighborhood garage sale, picnics in the park, public landscaping, and more.

The 7-acre Candy Cane Park is centrally located within the neighborhood, containing a baseball field, tennis courts, play equipment, picnic facilities and more. College Heights residents may easily access Main Street, Depot Town, and a number of riverside parks, which are just a quick 5-minute drive away. Students in College Heights attend Estabrook Elementary School, Ypsilanti Middle School, and Ypsilanti Community High.

 

Midtown

Nestled between downtown Ypsilanti and EMU’s campus is the popular Midtown neighborhood. Due to its proximity to campus, Midtown is an ideal place for students and faculty to call home — and thus makes for an excellent investment opportunity for long-term rentals! The neighborhood contains a mix of both multi-family and single-family properties, in a variety of architectural styles, including Victorian, French, and two-story colonials. You’ll also find many sorority and fraternity houses associated with the university, which makes this a lively area for college students and young professionals. Residents enjoy convenient access to the city’s best attractions, accessible with a walk or short drive.

 

Prospect Park

Situated directly east of Depot Town is the 9.5-acre Prospect Park, the oldest park in Ypsilanti. This popular park contains a multi-purpose field, play equipment, basketball and tennis courts, and picnic facilities, as well as mature trees, pathways and Luna Lake, a small pond with a fountain. The area surrounding the park — especially along its eastern edge — is referred to as the Prospect Park neighborhood. Residents may easily access the park, Depot Town, and all the conveniences they might need, including grocery stores, major retailers, gyms, and more. Prospect Park homes vary in style, size and price point, from affordable ranch homes to gorgeous historic homes, all canopied by lush, mature trees.

 

South Side Historic District

History buffs will be right at home in Ypsilanti, as the city is home to a number of historic sites and attractions, including entire districts that have been carefully preserved over the decades. One such district is the South Side Historic District, which encompasses a large area south of downtown and west of the Huron River. The district contains approximately 400 structures in two main areas, including the buildings along Michigan Avenue. You’ll find a mix of historic residential and commercial buildings, including multiple examples of Greek Revival, Queen Anne, brick Italianate, Tudor Revival, and other architectural styles. Most of the historic homes were built in the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, and have been updated over the years while maintaining their original charm. Plus, these homes are just a few blocks from downtown, providing easy access to the city’s best attractions.

 

Looking to Buy in Ypsilanti?

We can help with that! Our Realtors are knowledgeable about Ypsilanti real estate and can help you find a home there, no matter which neighborhood you’re interested in. Contact us to get connected with a real estate agent in Ypsilanti.

(Visited 864 times, 1 visits today)