MI
Ann Arbor
Living in Ann Arbor, Michigan: A Relocation Guide for Families Moving from Out of State
Ann Arbor, Michigan, often referred to simply as A2, is a dynamic and culturally rich city nestled in the heart of Michigan. Known for its vibrant community, world-class educational institutions, and a thriving arts scene, Ann Arbor is a hub of innovation and creativity.
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Ann Arbor, MI FAQ's
Is Ann Arbor, Michigan a good place to live?
Yes — and it's not just a local opinion. U.S. News & World Report named Ann Arbor the No. 1 city in the United States for quality of life in 2024, and Fortune ranked it the No. 1 best place to live for families in the country. What makes it work isn't just one thing — it's the combination of highly rated public schools, a thriving restaurant and coffee shop scene, walkable neighborhoods, and a job market anchored by the University of Michigan. For families relocating from California or the Pacific Northwest, Ann Arbor checks almost every box: strong schools, an educated community, great outdoor access, and a downtown that actually has something going on. The honest tradeoff is cost — Ann Arbor is one of the pricier cities in Michigan — and the winters are real. But most people who move here don't leave.
What is the cost of living in Ann Arbor, Michigan?
The cost of living in Ann Arbor is about 5.3% higher than the national average, with housing running roughly 16.6% above the national benchmark. For families coming from California, Texas, or the Pacific Northwest, Ann Arbor is still a significant cost-of-living improvement. The median home price in Ann Arbor is approximately $450,000 as of 2025, with homes near downtown and the University of Michigan often selling above $700,000. More affordable options in the $300,000–$400,000 range exist in areas like Pittsfield Township. Day-to-day costs are close to national averages — groceries run about 9% above the national average and healthcare costs more, but transportation and utilities both come in roughly 6% below national averages. Bottom line: Ann Arbor is not cheap by Michigan standards, but compared to where most of our relocation clients are coming from, it feels like a very different world.
What are the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor for families?
It depends on what your family prioritizes, but here are the ones that consistently come up. Burns Park is known for historic homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the University of Michigan campus — Burns Park Elementary is one of the most sought-after schools in the city. Kerrytown offers cobblestone streets, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, walkability, and a strong sense of community identity. Barton Hills gives you larger homes, spacious lots, and a more suburban feel with natural surroundings, while Ann Arbor Hills features wooded lots and easy access to Gallup Park and the Huron River. For families prioritizing space and slightly lower price points without leaving the Ann Arbor school district, the areas along the south and west sides of the city offer solid value. If you're relocating and want a guided neighborhood comparison based on your specific priorities, that's exactly what we do in our strategy sessions — no pressure, just information.
How are the schools in Ann Arbor, Michigan?
Strong — and that reputation is well-earned. Ann Arbor Public Schools consistently earns top ratings statewide, and the University of Michigan's presence creates an academically driven community culture that flows through the entire school system. Niche rates Ann Arbor's public schools as highly rated, reflecting high test scores, graduation rates, and teacher quality. For families who want even higher-ranked schools, the surrounding communities are worth considering — Saline Area Schools ranks in the top 20 statewide for public schools and is only about 15 minutes from downtown Ann Arbor. If school district is your top priority in your home search, tell us upfront — it changes which neighborhoods and which neighboring communities we focus on for you.
What is the job market like in Ann Arbor?
Diverse and relatively stable — which is one of the reasons Ann Arbor attracts so many relocating professionals. The city's economy is anchored by the University of Michigan, which creates steady demand across education, healthcare, technology, and research sectors. Ann Arbor also benefits from a mix of local businesses and larger corporations. Michigan Medicine, one of the top academic medical centers in the country, is a major employer. The tech sector has grown significantly over the past decade, and Ann Arbor has become a legitimate secondary market for remote workers and tech professionals priced out of coastal cities. Ann Arbor's unemployment rate sits around 3.5%, meaningfully below the national average. For remote workers — which describes a large percentage of our relocation clients — Ann Arbor gives you big-city culture and career infrastructure at a fraction of the cost.
What are winters like in Ann Arbor, Michigan?
Real. That's the honest answer, and it's the thing people from California and the South ask about most. Ann Arbor gets cold — temperatures regularly drop into the single digits in January and February, and snowfall is consistent from December through March. You will need a winter coat, snow tires are a good idea, and you'll want to budget for some utility bills that are higher than you're used to. Here's what people don't tell you before they move though: Michigan winters are manageable in a way that surprises most transplants. Utilities in Ann Arbor actually come in below the national average, the roads get plowed reliably, and the community genuinely leans into the season — there's ice skating, sledding, winter farmers markets, and a culture that doesn't shut down just because there's snow. Most of our California clients say the first winter is an adjustment and the second one is fine. The summers, by the way, are genuinely spectacular — low humidity, warm without being brutal, and surrounded by some of the best lakes in the country.
How far is Ann Arbor from Detroit, and what is the commute like?
Ann Arbor sits about 45 miles west of Detroit, which translates to roughly 45–60 minutes by car under normal conditions on I-94. If you're commuting into Detroit daily, plan for that reality — though most of our relocation clients are either remote workers, employed within Ann Arbor itself, or working in the Ann Arbor–Ypsilanti corridor. Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is actually closer than many people expect — about 20–25 minutes from most parts of Ann Arbor — which is a genuine perk for frequent travelers and professionals who fly regularly. Ann Arbor also has an Amtrak station with service to Chicago, which makes it surprisingly connected for a city of its size. For families considering the broader Southeast Michigan area, Ann Arbor also sits within easy range of Brighton (30 min), Saline (15 min), Dexter (15 min), and Chelsea (25 min) — all communities worth considering if you want Ann Arbor access at a slightly lower price point or more land.
NEARBY SCHOOL & BUSINESS
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Thurston Elementary School
Public | PK - 5
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Martin Luther King Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
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Bach Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
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Angell Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
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Wines Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
- 8
Honey Creek Community School
Public | KG - 8
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Ann Arbor Open at Mack School
Public | KG - 8
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Northside Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
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Eberwhite Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
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Uriah H. Lawton Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
- 8
Burns Park Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
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Carpenter Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
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Abbot Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
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John Allen Elementary School
Public | PK - 5
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Haisley Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
- 7
Pattengill Elementary School
Public | 3 - 5
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Logan Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
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Central Academy
Public | PK - 12
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Lakewood Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
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Dicken Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
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Pittsfield Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
- 5
Ann Arbor Learning Community
Public | KG - 8
- 4
Mary D. Mitchell Elementary School
Public | KG - 5
- 2
Multicultural Academy
Public | PK - 12
- 0
Oak Trails School
Private | PK - KG
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Tutor Time Learning Center
Private | PK - KG
- 0
Emerson School
Private | KG - 8
- 0
Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor
Private | PK - 12
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Spiritus Sanctus Academy
Private | PK - 8
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Ann Arbor Christian School
Private | PK - 8
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Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor
Private | PK - 1
- 0
Go Like the Wind Montessori School
Private | PK - 8
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Washtenaw Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
Public | PK - 12
- 0
High Point School
Public | KG - 12
- 0
St Thomas Elementary School
Private | PK - 8
- 0
St Paul Lutheran School
Private | PK - 8
- 0
Clonlara School
Private | KG - 12
- 0
Ann Arbor Academy
Private | 4 - 12
- 0
Peach Tree Montessori International
Private | PK - KG
- 0
The Discovery Center
Private | PK - KG
- 0
Allen Creek School
Private | PK - TKG
- 0
Michigan Islamic Academy
Private | PK - 12
- 0
Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor
Private | KG - 5
- 0
Green House Montessori School
Private | PK - T1
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Ann Arbor Hills Child Development Center
Private | PK - 2
- 0
Ann Arbor Adventist Elementary School
Private | KG - 8
- 0
Summers-Knoll School
Private | KG - 8
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Clifford E. Bryant Elementary School
Public | KG - 2
- 0
St Francis of Assisi School
Private | PK - 8
- 0
Doughty Montessori School
Private | PK - KG
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Community High School
Public | 8 - 12
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Clague Middle School
Public | 6 - 8
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Honey Creek Community School
Public | KG - 8
- 8
Ann Arbor Open at Mack School
Public | KG - 8
- 8
Forsythe Middle School
Public | 6 - 8
- 8
Tappan Middle School
Public | 6 - 8
- 8
Slauson Middle School
Public | 6 - 8
- 6
Central Academy
Public | PK - 12
- 5
Ann Arbor Learning Community
Public | KG - 8
- 5
Scarlett Middle School
Public | 6 - 8
- 2
Multicultural Academy
Public | PK - 12
- 0
Emerson School
Private | KG - 8
- 0
Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor
Private | PK - 12
- 0
Spiritus Sanctus Academy
Private | PK - 8
- 0
Ann Arbor Christian School
Private | PK - 8
- 0
Go Like the Wind Montessori School
Private | PK - 8
- 0
Washtenaw Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
Public | PK - 12
- 0
High Point School
Public | KG - 12
- 0
Washtenaw County Youth Center - Educational Program
Public | 6 - 12
- 0
St Thomas Elementary School
Private | PK - 8
- 0
St Paul Lutheran School
Private | PK - 8
- 0
Clonlara School
Private | KG - 12
- 0
Ann Arbor Academy
Private | 4 - 12
- 0
Michigan Islamic Academy
Private | PK - 12
- 0
Ann Arbor Adventist Elementary School
Private | KG - 8
- 0
Summers-Knoll School
Private | KG - 8
- 0
Greenhills School
Private | 6 - 12
- 0
St Francis of Assisi School
Private | PK - 8
- 10
Saline High School
Public | 9 - 12
- 10
Pioneer High School
Public | 9 - 12
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Community High School
Public | 8 - 12
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Huron High School
Public | 9 - 12
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Skyline High School
Public | 9 - 12
- 6
Central Academy
Public | PK - 12
- 2
Multicultural Academy
Public | PK - 12
- 0
Fr Gabriel Richard High School
Private | 9 - 12
- 0
Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor
Private | PK - 12
- 0
Washtenaw Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
Public | PK - 12
- 0
High Point School
Public | KG - 12
- 0
Washtenaw County Youth Center - Educational Program
Public | 6 - 12
- 0
Veritas Christi Catholic High School
Private | 10 - 12
- 0
Clonlara School
Private | KG - 12
- 0
Ann Arbor Academy
Private | 4 - 12
- 0
Michigan Islamic Academy
Private | PK - 12
- 0
Ann Arbor Technological High School
Public | 9 - 12
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Greenhills School
Private | 6 - 12
Bearclaw Coffee
734-369-9660 Cafes
Yotsuba Japanese Restaurant
734-971-5168 Japanese
Chicken House
734-677-2442 Chicken Wings
Marketplace Dining Hall
Internet Cafes
Wendy’s
734-662-7377 Fast Food
The Original Cottage
734-663-3379 Burgers
Asian Legend
734-622-0750 Taiwanese
Angelo’s Restaurant
734-761-8996 American (New)
Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery
734-222-4095 Barbeque
Aventura
734-369-3153 Tapas Bars
Domino’s Pizza
734-528-1111 Pizza
Marcos Pizza
734-973-1750 Pizza
Paula’s Cleaning Service
734-717-2763 Home Cleaning
Arbor Insulation
734-786-1664 Insulation Installation
Cousino Construction
734-996-2327 Contractors
Men On The Move
734-887-6904 Movers
Dean’s Lawn Care & Landscaping
734-944-0332 Landscaping
Professional Landscape Services
734-449-7322 Landscaping
Paul Davis Restoration
734-930-0303 Home Cleaning
Designs In Iron
877-237-5333 Building Supplies
Higgins Douglas N
734-996-9500 Contractors
Ann Arbor Carpet & Rug Cleaning
734-994-9044 Carpet Cleaning
Atd Building
734-677-0836 Contractors
Greenview Data
734-426-7500 Internet Service Providers
Music Host Network
915-407-1781 Internet Service Providers
Hansons Ann Arbor
734-221-0591 Gutter Services
Imperial Building & Roofing
734-995-9955 Gutter Services
Satisfaction Painting
734-239-6251 Painters
Shaw Electric
734-477-6800 Electricians
Pope C A & Son
734-662-3361 Painters
Ann Arbor Remodeling
734-368-1221 Contractors
Home Service Systems
734-930-9934 Contractors
Current Electrical Systems
734-340-9258 Electricians
Kofahl Dan Plumbing
734-665-0088 Plumbing
Payeur Foundation Co
734-971-5110 Contractors
Tree City Painting Company
734-998-5555 Drywall Installation & Repair
Premium Lawn Solutions
734-680-9331 Landscaping
Concourse Office Center
734-971-3323 Contractors
Robertson Morrison Inc
734-662-3141 Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC
Stanford Enterprises
734-995-2541 Contractors
A2 Green Clean
734-255-1583 Home Organization
O’neal Construction
734-769-0770 Contractors
Digital Realm
734-213-2990 Internet Service Providers
Johnson Brothers Construction
734-665-8455 Contractors
Clean Connections
734-971-1009 Dry Cleaning & Laundry
Ann Arbor Center for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
734-997-9088 Doctors
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Associates
734-764-2582 Cosmetic Surgeons
Naturopathic School of the Healing Arts
734-769-7794 Specialty Schools
Daniel J. DeZura
Counseling & Mental Health
Smith Jeffrey MD
734-936-5582 Orthodontists
NextServices
Ryan Patricia E MD
734-677-5900 Doctors
Wesorick David MD
734-936-5582 Doctors
Spencer T J DC
734-426-0902 Chiropractors
Levendosky Alytia PhD
734-332-9056 Counseling & Mental Health
James Olsen DDS
734-996-0200 Cosmetic Dentists
RHC Physical Therapy & Wellness Center
734-971-9790 Physical Therapy
Turner Sherrie
734-332-0968 Retirement Homes
Shan Kong Acupuncture
734-276-3432 Acupuncture
Siemans Medical Solutions
734-995-5010 Medical Centers
Dr Raymond Kong - Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Ann Arbor
734-358-3379 Acupuncture
Acupuncture & Chinese Medical Center
734-996-0888 Acupuncture
Qingchun Kong, L.Ac.
734-276-7796 Acupuncture
Pearlman Ann Dcsw Lmft
734-662-9276 Counseling & Mental Health
Upton L George DDS
734-936-5955 General Dentistry
Fink John K MD
734-936-3087 Doctors
The Structured House
734-849-0966 Rehabilitation Center
Betts Norman J DDS
734-936-5950 Oral Surgeons
Reliable Home Care
734-395-7887 Home Health Care
Michigan Transplant House
734-930-0754 Hospitals
Emily Miller ACSW, BCD
734-761-5347 Counseling & Mental Health
Zwetchkenbaum Samuel DDS
734-936-5950 Hospitals
Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates
734-763-6295 Midwives
Breast Care Center
734-936-6000 Hospitals
Molecular Medicine & Genetics
734-763-2532 Hospitals
Children’s Emergency Service
734-936-4230 Hospitals
Montie James E MD
734-764-0251 Doctors
Chopra Vineet MD
734-936-5582 Orthodontists
Dahms Marilyn A
734-971-6400 General Dentistry
Visiting Angels
734-929-9201 Home Health Care
Relationship Institute
734-953-4123 Counseling & Mental Health
Meghnot Parviz PC
734-434-5600 Obstetricians & Gynecologists
Young Linda PHD
734-665-9692 Doctors
Fishman Marci PHD
734-332-9922 Doctors
China Herbs
734-302-3278 Nutritionists
Materials Technology Corporation
734-424-9662 IT Services & Computer Repair
Ann Arbor Carpet & Rug Cleaning
734-994-9044 Carpet Cleaning
Chem-Dry
866-395-2436 Carpet Cleaning
Limno-Tech
734-821-3100 IT Services & Computer Repair
Mikan Corporation
800-400-6653 IT Services & Computer Repair
First Class Services
734-327-1150 Carpet Cleaning
Premium Lawn Solutions
734-680-9331 Landscaping
CreateMyTee
888-392-9631 Screen Printing/T-Shirt Printing
FedEx Ship Center
800-463-3339 Couriers & Delivery Services
Konica Minolta Business Solutions
800-510-4800 Printing Services
Accu-Copy
734-769-8338 Printing Services
First Presbyterian Church
734-662-4466 Community Service/Non-Profit
Dahaig Contracting
734-995-1215 IT Services & Computer Repair
Rightaway Delivery & Inventory Managment
734-680-8444 Couriers & Delivery Services
The Dispute Resolution Center
Maria’s Alterations and Tailoring
734-662-6005 Sewing & Alterations
Clean Connections
734-971-1009 Dry Cleaning & Laundry
Spider Climbing
734-994-0646 Sporting Goods
Cliff Keen Athletic
734-975-8800 Sporting Goods
Rocky Gonet Photography
734-649-6345 Photographers
Ann Arbor Technologies
734-995-1360 Computers
Mikan Corporation
800-400-6653 IT Services & Computer Repair
Walgreens
734-477-9800 Drugstores
Personalized Gift Baskets
734-222-4697 Customized Merchandise
Architectural Media Systems
734-662-6295 Electronics
Michigan Union Bookstore
734-995-8877 Sports Wear
Heavenly Metal
734-663-4247 Gift Shops
Artsearch-T Marra Gallery
734-769-3223 Art Galleries
Gro Blue Indoor Gardening Supplies
734-913-2750 Nurseries & Gardening
First Page
734-327-5500 Mobile Phones
County Farm Park
Parks
All Out Fitness
734-249-6778 Yoga
Erin Cantrell Fitness
734-945-1900 Gyms
Dance Tonight Ann Arbor
734-926-0107 Dance Studios
iD Tech Camps
888-709-8324 Summer Camps
Och Fitness Center
734-763-5717 Gyms
Scio Woods Preserve
Parks
Rocky Gonet Photography
734-649-6345 Photographers
Music Host Network
915-407-1781 Internet Service Providers
DeAngelis Cantina Del Vino Winery
248-854-5420 Wineries
AACTMAD -Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
734-260-9027 Cultural Center
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
734-764-9304 Museums
Artsearch-T Marra Gallery
734-769-3223 Art Galleries
Wetzel’s Pretzels
734-222-8277 Pretzels
DeAngelis Cantina Del Vino Winery
248-854-5420 Wineries
Walgreens
734-477-9800 Drugstores
Jamba Juice
419-725-2750 Juice Bars & Smoothies
Marketplace Dining Hall
Internet Cafes
TeaHaus
734-622-0460 Coffee & Tea
Mrs Fields
734-222-5280 Bakeries
Mighty Good Coffee
734-222-4514 Coffee & Tea
Washtenaw Dairy
734-662-3244 Donuts
Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery
734-222-4095 Barbeque
Golfside Market
734-434-4433 Convenience Stores
Bebe’s Nail & Spa
734-975-8870 Nail Salons
Hair By Aysha
734-635-3687 Hair Stylists
Walgreens
734-477-9800 Drugstores
Third Street Massage & Bodywork
734-717-6777 Massage
Salon XL Color & Design Group
734-997-7030 Nail Salons
Dessange Salon and Spa
734-996-5585 Hair Salons
Melissa and Nicole Hair Studio
734-340-6503 Hair Salons
Music Host Network
915-407-1781 Internet Service Providers
DeAngelis Cantina Del Vino Winery
248-854-5420 Wineries
Aventura
734-369-3153 Tapas Bars
Rocky Gonet Photography
734-649-6345 Photographers
Glass House Catering
734-272-6489 Caterers
Hiral Henna
734-417-0202 Henna Artists
First Street Garden Inn
734-741-9786 Hotels
Chelsea Brown Photography
734-224-2002 Session Photography
Red’s Place Elite Auto Detail
734-424-9277 Car Wash
Ann Arbor Auto Glow
734-668-6363 Auto Detailing
Ann Arbor Auto Body
734-994-0777 Body Shops
Heritage Collision
734-327-7500 Body Shops
Rennstatt
734-477-8074 Auto Repair
Automotive Testing
734-677-4690 Car Dealers
Washtenaw Marathon
734-528-3897 Gas & Service Stations
Sunoco Washtenaw Gas & Car Wash
734-975-9878 Car Wash
Peace Lutheran Church
734-424-0899 Churches
New Life Church
734-623-6313 Churches
NextServices
Kyle B O’Keefe - Edward Jones
734-222-8125 Financial Advising
Sloan Insurance Agency
734-275-0100 Insurance
AAA
734-275-0100 Insurance
Chisholm & Darden
734-995-0829 Investing
Farm Bureau Insurance
734-971-2114 Insurance
Bultman Charles Architect
734-214-0810 Architects
Greenview Data
734-426-7500 Internet Service Providers
Music Host Network
915-407-1781 Internet Service Providers
Erdevig John D Atty
734-973-2652 Lawyers
Froelich Michael CPA
734-668-8444 Accountants
RNA Janitorial
855-247-6756 Office Cleaning
Pierce & Hahn PC
734-769-9191 Lawyers
Laporte Adele P PC
734-996-0955 Lawyers
Decan Richard L CPA
734-997-0999 Accountants
AIAG Personal Injury Attorneys
734-239-7851 Personal Injury Law
Faac Incorporated
734-761-5836 Video/Film Production
Ann Arbor Injury Lawyer
734-890-5200 Personal Injury Law
Rueter Associates Architects
734-769-0070 Architects
Munzel Scott E PC
734-994-6610 Real Estate Law
Gonzalez Gonzalo Jr
734-213-4200 Lawyers
Ogilvie Alison M Atty
734-930-9200 Lawyers
Miller & Associates PC Cpa’s
734-483-3308 Accountants
Washtenaw Legal Center PC
734-434-3800 Lawyers
Digital Realm
734-213-2990 Internet Service Providers
Sloan & Associates
734-761-8700 Accountants
Law Firm of Erane C Washington-Kendrick
734-769-7677 Business Law
The Law Offices of Weir & McKenzie
734-662-3160 Business Law
Easy Ride
734-975-6898 Limos
Aamuse
734-239-4068 Limos
Jafferson Travel
734-477-7786 Travel Services
Airport Taxi
734-975-6898 Limos
First Street Garden Inn
734-741-9786 Hotels
Zauel Nathan DVM
734-994-7899 Veterinarians
Animal Kingdom
734-913-0003 Veterinarians
Brookedale Grooming & Boarding
734-794-3169 Pet Services
Bird and Small Animal Hospital
734-913-0003 Veterinarians
Brookeside Veterinary Hospital
734-794-3518 Pet Services
Ann Arbor Paws & Claws Pet Care
734-475-0500 Dog Walkers
Naturopathic School of the Healing Arts
734-769-7794 Specialty Schools
Multicultural Academy
734-677-0732 Preschools
Peach Tree Montessori International
Montessori Schools
iD Tech Camps
888-709-8324 Summer Camps
Champion Driving School
734-665-3810 Driving Schools
Wing Farms
Alley Art #2
Ann Arbor Street Art Fair
W U O M Michigan Radio-91 7 Fm
734-764-9210 Radio Stations
Michigan Daily
734-764-0554 Print Media
Wvgr-Wuom University of Michigan Radio
616-956-7711 Radio Stations
Published Daily
734-929-0088 Print Media
City of Ann Arbor Police Department
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