So you’re making the move to Ann Arbor! We may be a bit biased, but we think you’ve made a great choice. This artsy, lively, outdoorsy college town is an excellent place to live — and it’s only getting better. Trust us! We have lived and worked in the community for years — sometimes even decades, so we can vouch for the desirability of Ann Arbor living.

Once you’re here, you’ll spend your first several months getting acquainted with the city, including how to get around town, the roster of local events, the best eateries and coffee shops, and your neighbors living next door. To speed up the initiation process, we’re sharing some tips for quickly acclimating to Ann Arbor. This includes getting a Michigan ID and license plates, frequenting the farmers’ market, joining a meetup group, and much more.

Welcome to Ann Arbor!

 

Get a Michigan ID + License Plates

If you’re moving from out of state, make sure you get your Michigan ID and license plates shortly after your move. This page has everything you need to know as a new Michigan resident, including the documents needed to convert your out-of-state license, how to schedule an office visit, where to re-apply, and more. Plus, there’s information about registering as a voter (more on that later!) and steps for getting new license plates for your vehicles. While we all dread going to the DMV, getting it over with early on is the way to go. Plus, once you have your new ID and license plates, you’ll immediately pass as a local in the parking lot and at the bar!

 

Explore Our Parks

Getting immersed in nature is one of the best ways to experience an area — and get a lay of the land. And thankfully, Ann Arbor has plenty of beautiful parks to explore. Use our complete guide to the city’s parks, which includes an interactive map so you know where to go! The City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation department maintains a whopping 159 parks and 15 park facilities. Their list includes neighborhood pocket parks, larger community parks, golf courses and huge, undeveloped nature areas that are open to explore.

 

Learn How to Pronounce Michigan Words

Visitors often stumble over the pronunciation of several Michigan landmarks and city names, like Dowagiac, Hamtramck and Kitch-iti-kipi, which is a sure sign that they don’t live here. There are a number of words only Michiganders can pronounce, including some common words, such as Charlotte, Milan and Orion, which we say a bit…differently. Take some time to memorize and practice the pronunciation of these uniquely Michigan words so you sound like a true Michigander!

 

Get a Library Card

It’s easy to forget about the incredible resource that is the library system — which is completely free to access! And here in Ann Arbor, a city immersed in all things education, we sure have an excellent library system. The Ann Arbor District Library has a downtown location as well as four branch locations, including Malletts Creek, Traverwood, Pittsfield and Westgate. All locations have a myriad of resources, whether you prefer fiction or nonfiction, physical copies or audiobooks. Simply get a library card at any location — all you need is your current photo ID, proof of your current address, and an application (which you can fill out ahead of time).

 

Eat at Local Restaurants

No matter what town you lived in, you’ve probably seen lines of tourists pouring out of the same handful of busy hotspots, while your favorite local spots remained untouched by visitors. Follow @bestfoodannarbor on Instagram to get a curated visual “list” of places to eat in Ann Arbor — but be careful: these pictures are sure to make your mouth water! And of course, we regularly highlight some of the best local-approved restaurants on our blog — so follow along.

 

Get Some U-M Gear

Step one foot in Ann Arbor and it’s immediately clear: you’re in U-M country! And one sure way to signify your alliance to our beloved university is by sporting some Michigan gear, whether it’s a t-shirt, sweatshirt, hat, or even a flag for your front porch if you’re feeling extra invested. And once football season hits in the fall, you’ll be glad you became a Michigan fan as we can get a little competitive against fans of other teams…

 

Attend Community Events

One of the most “local” things you can do is regularly attend some of the many events happening throughout the community — whether it’s in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor or just steps away in your neighborhood. Each month, we release an event guide for the following month on our blog, covering the can’t-miss events happening throughout the Ann Arbor area, including 5Ks, beer festivals, concerts, art fairs, and much more. Subscribe to the Reinhart blog so you don’t miss a thing!

 

Join a Local Meetup Group

Whether you like running, drinking beer, hiking, painting, playing kickball, or learning Spanish, there’s a meetup group for you! No matter your hobbies or interests, there are plenty of Ann Arborites who enjoy the same things you do. Join a local meetup group to meet new friends and have a blast doing what you love or trying something new!

 

Shop at a Farmers’ Market

When it comes to sourcing produce and other pantry provisions, there is no better resource than our local farmers and makers. Make it a habit to shop at your neighborhood farmers’ market on a weekly or biweekly basis to keep a selection of fresh, locally grown produce on hand. Not to  mention, you’re supporting the local economy! There are many farmers’ markets popping up throughout the Ann Arbor area during the spring, summer and fall — including the year-round Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market in Kerrytown.

 

Volunteer With a Local Non-Profit

We are firm believers in the power of giving back to the community, whether it’s through the donation of our time, resources or money. There are a number of non-profit organizations in the Ann Arbor area assisting those in need, from providing shelter and food to healthcare services and education. Find out how you can get involved with these incredible charities by volunteering, donating resources, or simply making a monetary donation on a one-time or recurring basis.

 

Register to Vote

When we think about voting, we often think of the larger national elections, but our local elections are just as (if not more) important! Register as a Michigan voter to make your voice heard in the next election. This page has everything you need to know about voting in Washtenaw County, including the calendar of election dates and deadlines, the official list of candidates, polling locations, and more.

 

Shop Local

Skip the big-box stores and Amazon by shopping at local shops and boutiques instead. There are so many talented makers and small business owners in Ann Arbor, and one way to make sure they stick around is by supporting them with your purchases! Check out some of our favorite places to shop for locally made gifts and other goodies in Ann Arbor.

 

Buy a House

The age-old debate of renting vs. buying has become even more pronounced in recent years, as we’ve experienced an ultra-competitive market driven by low interest rates and rising housing prices. And yet, decades of evidence have proven one thing: those who own their home are more likely to get involved with their community, hence creating a sense of belonging and stability.

So if you are ready to buy a house and can see yourself living in Ann Arbor for at least three years, you should consider buying! Of course, if you need help with that, our agents are extremely knowledgeable about the area, including the real estate market and details about living here, including school districts, access to local attractions, and more. Contact us to start the process!

 

Welcome to Ann Arbor

Make sure you’re following the Reinhart blog to stay in the know about Ann Arbor area living, including the real estate market, community events, and other local happenings.