Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti is a small city (population 22,000) immediately to the east of Ann Arbor and just west of metropolitan Detroit. For decades a manufacturing town, Ypsilanti today is increasingly becoming a creative and cultural center, particularly as Ann Arbor has become more expensive, making Ypsilanti's lower cost of living very attractive. The presence of Eastern Michigan University helps keep Ypsilanti's average age at a low 24, and the city is generally considered politically progressive. Ypsilanti has the second-largest contiguous historic district in Michigan, behind only much-larger Grand Rapids.

The two central commercial districts of downtown and Depot Town are home to many regionally-known restaurants (Sidetrack, Dalat, Haab's, Cady's, Abe's Coney Island), coffee shops (Luwak Cafe, Bombadill's, Ugly Mug), and bars (Elbow Room, Tap Room, Pub 13), as well as grocery stores (Dos Hermanos, Ypsilanti Co-op), art galleries (What is That?), and microbreweries/brewpubs (Corner Brewery/Arbor Brewing Company, Frog Island Brewery). Depot Town is home to the last Hudson automobile dealership, now used to house the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum.

Two parks (Frog Island and Riverside) designed by Frederick Law Olmstead's sons lie on the banks of the Huron River between Depot Town and downtown. These parks host numerous large events throughout the summer, including the Michigan Brewer's Guild Summer Festival, Michigan's largest Elvis Fest, the Orphan Car Show, and Ypsilanti's Heritage Festival.

We've lived here for three years and we love it! There's a good mix of people in the neighborhood, from young couples to families to retirees. It's generally very quiet, but nobody freaks out if once or twice during the summer there's a party that spills out into the backyard.
The Chick-Inn is right on the corner, and although I wouldn't recommend making a habit of it (not exactly the healthiest fare), it sure comes in handy in a pinch when, for example, a hoard of inlaws stop by ravenous. Not that that has ever happened to us, of course. :-) Excellent strawberry shakes, by the way.
One of the things I like best is that it's totally within walking distance to Depot Town. So whether you don't want to have to find a parking spot for Elvis Fest, or just want to take a jog down to Frog Island Park, there's no hassle.