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Old West Side

Old West Side

Suburban Neighborhood in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Washtenaw County 48103

$679,909 Average Value
$458 Average Price per Sq Ft
7 Homes For Sale

Community in the Old West Side

The Old West Side neighborhood of Ann Arbor certainly reflects the name. Many homes in the neighborhood date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. However, the historic streets sit just west of the city center, so the modern vibrancy of downtown is just a walk away. "My favorite aspect of the neighborhood is the walkability," says Christine Brummer, a resident and member of the neighborhood association. The convenient location and charming atmosphere come with a higher price tag, though, and the Old West Side is one of the pricier Ann Arbor locales.

There is a wide array of architectural styles found in the Old West Side.
There is a wide array of architectural styles found in the Old West Side.
The Old West Side is a quiet, dog-friendly neighborhood.
The Old West Side is a quiet, dog-friendly neighborhood.
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Homes with historic character

Old West Side has a mix of early-1900s homes and new construction, but due to the neighborhood's historic designation, even the newer homes are built with vintage flair. Housing styles range considerably, from elaborate Queen Anne designs to boxy colonial-revival styles to smaller bungalows. Properties side along sidewalk-lined streets and often have steps leading up to small front porches. "People use their front porches three seasons out of the year," Brummer says. "And the homes are close together, so there's a very intimate feel." Prices here range from $450,000 for 1,000 sq. ft. Cape Cods to $900,000 for newly renovated homes.

Traditional minimal homes in the Old West Side are very charming and well-kept.
Traditional minimal homes in the Old West Side are very charming and well-kept.
Bungalow style homes give the Old West Side its warmth and charm.
Bungalow style homes give the Old West Side its warmth and charm.
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An active local park

Locals enjoy walking over to Wurster Park, a 6-acre green space with a sandbox, playground and volleyball court. A large hill makes it the go-to spot in the winter for sledding, and the Old West Side Neighborhood Association plans an annual Children's Festival there, complete with games and animals. The Neighborhood Association also plans garage sales and walking tours. "Plenty of events spread through word of mouth too, and local artists host events out of their homes," Brummer explains. "So there's always something going on here."

Wurster Park is a green oasis in an otherwise busy city.
Wurster Park is a green oasis in an otherwise busy city.
Relax and enjoy a quiet day in Wurster Park.
Relax and enjoy a quiet day in Wurster Park.
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Welcome to the Big House, the largest stadium in the western Hemisphere.
Welcome to the Big House, the largest stadium in the western Hemisphere.

Close to football games and art fairs

The Michigan Stadium, or "the Big House," is the site of university football games and sits adjacent to the Old West Side. There are only a few game days a year, but the accompanying traffic is challenging for the surrounding neighborhoods. Fortunately for Old West Side residents, if they plan on going to the game, it's just a walk away, and no driving is needed. For more events, residents can walk to everything downtown Ann Arbor offers — without any parking hassle. The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is a huge celebration, with three art-focused events in July. The Hill Auditorium has regular shows, and the warmer months bring a weekly farmers market.

Walk to downtown's commercial hubs

Old West Side is primarily residential but nestled within the homes, Jefferson Market is a small spot known for its brunch, and Washtenaw Dairy has been an Ann Arbor staple for ice cream for over 80 years. But for a wider selection of restaurants, shops and nightlife, locals head into town — just half a mile away. On the way into town, Argus Farm stop is a favorite for a quality cup of coffee or locally sourced groceries. And in the opposite direction, bigger stores and grocery selections are within a 2-mile drive.

Walking or biking is the preferred mode of transport in Ann Arbor.
Walking or biking is the preferred mode of transport in Ann Arbor.
Discover the shops in Nickels Arcade in downtown Ann Arbor.
Discover the shops in Nickels Arcade in downtown Ann Arbor.
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Walkable elementary school

The website Niche rates the Ann Arbor Public School among the top 5% of school districts in the state. Kids who live in the Old West Side are zoned to start at Bach Elementary, which is walkable from many neighborhood homes. The school gets an A rating from Niche. Then it's on to Slauson Middle School and Pioneer High School, which both get A-plus ratings. Pioneer High is known for its high-performing football team and award-winning theater and music departments.

Bach Elementary School challenges students by offering an all-encompassing curriculum.
Bach Elementary School challenges students by offering an all-encompassing curriculum.
The Slauson Middle School offers a variety of programs that challenge the students academically.
The Slauson Middle School offers a variety of programs that challenge the students academically.
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Getting around in the Old West Side

The Old West Side neighborhood is ideally suited for anyone working at or owning a business in downtown Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan sits about a mile away — easily accessible via bike. The Amtrak train station is a mile away, but the tracks run alongside the neighborhood, which can bring some noise. And for air travel, residents have to head out towards the Detroit airport.

TheRide bus service is available in and around Old West Side.
TheRide bus service is available in and around Old West Side.
Ann Arbor has an extensive network of bike paths throughout the city.
Ann Arbor has an extensive network of bike paths throughout the city.
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Catherine Lashley
Written By
Catherine Lashley
JC Knopf
Photography Contributed By
JC Knopf
James Segars
Video By
James Segars

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Todd Waller, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Detroit Metro Wayne County

40 min drive

Bus

Seventh & Madison

Bus

Pauline & Edgewood

Bus

Madison & Fourth

Bus

Seventh & Davis

Bus

Liberty & Fifth

Bus

Pauline & Main

Bus

Main & Mosley

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Old West Side US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$600,000
Median Single Family Price
$600,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$710,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$535,600
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$458
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Last 12 months Home Sales
68
Months of Supply
1.20
Median List Price
$600,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
-1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
483
Median Year Built
1924
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,789
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
869
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,138
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
962
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    553 S 1st St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

    $895,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,040 Sq Ft
    • 553 S 1st St
    • New 1 day ago

    Don't miss this historic home located in Ann Arbor's desirable Old West Side featuring recently refinished hardwood floors, high ceilings, natural woodwork, and original trim molding. With 3 finished floors, this home lives large. The living room features a wood-burning fireplace opening to the formal dining room with beautiful built-ins. The second floor includes three bedrooms, a full bathroom,

    Megan Mazurek The Charles Reinhart Company

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Todd Waller, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,603
Median Age
36
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$88,098
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$111,583

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.7%
College Graduates
86.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
52.1%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
79.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
54''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

76 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

74 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

60 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Old West Side