Meet the Ann Arbor Region: Family-Friendly College Town with an Entrepreneurial Spirit
June 25, 2025
Home to a dynamic tech sector, cutting-edge startups and one of the world’s leading research universities, the Ann Arbor region is full of bold ideas and big opportunities. Built around a dense, thriving downtown, you’ll find tree-lined neighborhoods, riverfront parks, global cuisine and a thriving arts scene. Whether you’re launching a company, building your career or starting a family, Ann Arbor is the place to be.
Leading the Way
- #1 Place to Live for Quality of Life in U.S. in 2024 and 2023 (U.S. News & World Report)
- #1 Most Educated City in America in 2024 (WalletHub)
- A+ Rating for Ann Arbor Public Schools (Niche)
- #11 Best City to Live in America in 2025 (Niche)
- #4 Best Places to Live for Families in 2024 (Fortune)
Who’s Hiring?
Off the Clock
- Take a stroll through the University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum, aka The Arb, filled with gardens, scenic trails and access to the Huron River.
- Visit Depot Town, a historic and walkable district in next-door Ypsilanti, that features shopping, restaurants, museums and a park along the Huron River.
- Take in the scenery at the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens, featuring eleven outdoor gardens (including a bonsai garden), a conservatory, trails and more.
- Get your grub and drink on in the Ann Arbor region’s stellar food scene. Whether you’re visiting Miss Kim, home to James Beard semifinalist chef Ji Hye Kim, or eating one of GQ’s “20 Hamburgers You Must Eat Before You Die” at Sidetrack’s, there’s great food in nearly every type of cuisine.
What’s New
- Arbor South, a mixed-use development project, will bring 1,000 residential units, 14 new buildings over 23.5 acres and 93,500 square feet for commercial use.
- Torc Robotics, an autonomous vehicle technology company, will bring 500 new engineering and technical jobs, a $5.5 million investment and a new software development hub to Ann Arbor.
Partners (with Additional Resources for Job Seekers)
- Shine and Rise is an organization with a mission of elevating women in tech. The group hosts monthly meetings and an annual development summit.
- Jackson Young Professionals is a network dedicated to making nearby Jackson, Michigan a great place to live, work and play.