$1,064,743Average Value$672Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Ann Arbor's oldest neighborhood
Old Fourth Ward is the oldest neighborhood in Ann Arbor, with a walkable layout that still feels reminiscent of the city’s first years as a quaint sawmill town. Most buildings date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the neighborhood was designated a Historic District in 1983, protecting the architecture from redevelopment. Today, the historic homes are mostly populated by students from the University of Michigan, as they rent duplexes in structures that predate the school itself. Homebuyers often write off Old Fourth Ward as exclusively a college area or lump it in with the busy retail of Kerrytown — but there are a few opportunities to own in this surprisingly quiet locale.
A lifestyle of walkability
The location of Old Fourth Ward is unbeatable for its proximity to downtown, the University of Michigan, and the University Hospital. That's what makes it so attractive to students. But those who linger a little longer notice that walkability becomes less of a convenience and more of a lifestyle. "My husband and I almost never use our car, and that's true of everyone who lives here," says Chris Crockett, the president of the Old Fourth Ward Association and longtime resident of over 40 years. "We shop at the nearby farmers market, and when we go out to dinner, we always pick some place we can walk to." And there are plenty of options, from the sandwiches at Ann Arbor legend Zingerman's to the upscale dishes at the Gandy Dancer, located in the old train station.
Quirky art can be found all over Ann Arbor.
A short walk from Old Fourth Ward is the weekly Ann Arbor Farmer's Market.
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Students heading to class at the University of Michigan.
Proximity to the University of Michigan
With the high student density, many people think Old Fourth Ward is a louder area, but that's a misconception, according to Crockett. The neighborhood is commonly filled with graduate and medical students looking for a quieter place to study, and student partying tends to happen more towards the south of the college. "I've never understood why more people don't want to live here," Crockett says. "It's a very quiet area." And living right next to the University has its benefits. Even for those who aren't students, the University regularly has free performances, guest lecturers and world-famous musicians. Crockett herself says that she learned modern Greek from auditing a college class. "The University attracts smart, interesting people — so it's a stimulating place to live," she adds.
Live in a piece of history
Old Fourth Ward has architectural styles that include Queen Anne to Italianate, with several examples of Greek, Gothic or Colonial influences. Currently, an overwhelming 95% percent of the neighborhood are renters, typically students. For those looking to own these one-of-a-kind properties, the price usually ranges between $800,000 and $1.3 million. But homes here are more than just buildings; they are pieces of history. Residents can live in Ann Arbor’s first Black church or a Quaker Meeting House from the 1800s. Crockett, who won an award for her preservation efforts on her own home, says: "I feel the history of the house all the time, and I feel the good spirit of the people who lived here."
You can find beautiful Victorian homes throughout Old Fourth Ward.
Colonial style homes stand out in Old Fourth Ward.
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Home to the arts magnet Community High
Old Fourth Ward is home to Community High School, one of the oldest magnet schools in the country. With a focus on student-led curriculum and block scheduling similar to that of a college, the school has developed an incredible community by promoting each student's individuality. But living in the neighborhood isn't enough to warrant admission. In the past, parents stood in line for two weeks in advance to try and snag their kids a spot. The current system is based on a lottery, but only about a third of those who apply get in. Otherwise, students here are zoned for Bach Elementary, can choose between Forsythe Middle or Slauson Middle, and end at Skyline High. Bach and Forsythe get A grades from the website Niche, and Slauson, Skyline and Community get A-plus grades.
Community High School on North Division Street serves the local teens of the region.
Bach Elementary School is a part of Ann Arbor Public Schools.
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Neighborhood Association events and local churches
Several events unite the Old Fourth Ward community. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market occurs just a block west, and downtown is known for its art fairs and holiday celebrations. But a bit closer to home, the Old Fourth Ward Association is always looking for ways to bring people together. Crockett explains that before COVID, there used to be an annual block party with a turnout in the hundreds. The OFWA is currently working to bring it back. And many residents find community at the local churches as well. St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and School is a prominent landmark of stone walls and stained-glass windows, and St. Andrews Episcopal has been giving out hot breakfast to those in need for over 40 years.
St. Thomas the Apostle Church was built in 1897 and is a historic Landmark.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, near Old Fourth Ward, is the oldest church building.
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Close to the Amtrak station and Huron River
Old Fourth Ward is connected to most of the city via bus lines, and designated bike lanes have been added in recent years. An Amtrak train station sits less than a mile away, and Main Street offers a quick connection to Routes 14 and 23. And for those who would rather travel as the city's first settlers did, the Huron River to the north is a popular place for kayaking.
The Amtrak station in Old Fourth Ward offers a convenient connection to Detroit and Chicago.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, near Old Fourth Ward, is the oldest church building.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Todd Waller,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Wheeler Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Gallup Park
Fishing
Lake
Events
Liberty Plaza
Multi-Purpose Field
North Main Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Broadway Park
Dog Park
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Sculpture Plaza
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
Riverside Park
Transit
Airport
Detroit Metro Wayne County
41 min drive
Bus
Fuller & Maiden
Bus
Division & Detroit
Bus
Huron & Ingalls
Bus
Division & Catherine
Bus
North Ingalls Building
Old Fourth Ward Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Fourth Ward, Ann Arbor sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Fourth Ward, Ann Arbor over the last 12 months is $870,000, down 28% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
As Michigan's first zero-energy condominiums, this brand new residence is the pinnacle of indoor comfort, healthy air quality and long-term durability. Truly custom finishes abound in this spacious walkup loft with high ceilings. Tons of natural light, great views, radiant floor heating and cooling, and state of the art construction and equipment make this a rare find in Ann Arbor. Just
As Michigan's first zero-energy condominiums, this brand new residence is the pinnacle of indoor comfort, healthy air quality and long-term durability. Truly custom finishes abound in this spacious walkup 2nd floor unit. Tons of natural light, river valley views, radiant floor heating and cooling, and state of the art construction and equipment make this a rare find in Ann Arbor. Just
As Michigan's first zero-energy condominium building, this new residence is the pinnacle of indoor comfort, healthy air quality and long-term durability. This spacious zero-barrier main-floor residence features abundant custom cabinetry, top-tier finishes and appliances, and a traditional front porch for outdoor enjoyment.Indoor spaces include a large kitchen, dining room, living room,
Welcome to your new home! An adorable 2 bedroom/2 bath large second floor unit with an abundance of natural light. This home has newer appliances, beautiful vintage style bathrooms that have been recently renovated (no pictures of those yet), large bedrooms, great and spacious living room. It is in a spectacular location, 3 blocks to downtown, 100 yards to the nursing school, 1/4 mile to the
Excellent townhome rental opportunity located just steps from Michigan Medicine. Walk to downtown Ann Arbor, Kerrytown, and much of the University of Michigan from your doorstep. Built in 2013, this home offers an updated open and spacious layout with abundant natural light, stylish finishes, and a private deck. This 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home provides plenty of space, with the two car tandem
Location!! New Renovation whole apartment!!! New Kitchen, Quartz countertop, new bedrooms and bathrooms on N State St. (Just steps away from University of Michigan's Central Campus, Famer's Market, Medical school.) Unfurnished. Great location!! Walking distance to campus and the downtown, restaurants. Appliances: Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Range, Oven, Washer & Dryer in the unit. Tenants pay all
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Todd Waller,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,308
Median Age
26
Population Density
21 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
2.2%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$33,653
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,958
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.8%
College Graduates
89.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
48.4%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
55.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
54''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
66/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
77/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
76/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
