Moving to Ann Arbor (Canton, Novi: 2015, big house, school districts)

[katiep14]

Hello all, I'm hoping you can help us. We are looking to relocate to the Ann Arbor area. We are looking for a family friendly area with good schools, preferably with a high school that has 1000 kids or less. We will be working at the U of M hospital and hope to keep commute to 40 or less. Is there anywhere around Ann Arbor that would fit this with a top budget of $275,000?

Thank you!

[craig11152]

How important is the 1000 kids or less high school?
If you top budget is $275,000 for housing should I assume a private school with tuition near $10,000 is off the table?

Chelsea has good school and the high school is below 900 I believe. But a house at $275,000 won't be easy. They are around but either need work or get snapped up quickly.

I live on the southeast side of Ann Arbor and you can find a modest 900-1400 square foot 3 bedroom ranch for less than 275. But you will be in either Pioneer High School or Huron High at 1500-1700 students in each. I can get to the hospital from my house in about 8-12 minutes, not including parking.

[craig11152]

As far as school districts go IMO you are safe in Ann Arbor, Saline, Chelsea. Dexter schools are OK
You want to stay away from Ypsilanti schools, and probably Lincoln schools.
Saline Dexter and Ann Arbor high schools are all over 1000 enrollment. Chelsea is under 1000.

I have lived in Ann Arbor since 1984. When these discussions come up I tend to think of options south and west of Ann Arbor. Others will make suggestions east of town. Areas east put you in Wayne County. Ann Arbor and the other places I mentioned are in Washtenaw County.

[Coldjensens]

Also Plymouth, South Lyon/Lyon Township, Brighton, Canton (Plymouth Canton School District only avoid Wayne/Western). Northville Northville twp, Novi,

However I would just live in Ann Arbor if I were you unless you want something more rural or on the water. What does nto make much sense in any of these places is to live in a city'town but too far away to enjoy it without driving. If you have to drive anyway, you may as well live in a cheaper neighboring place with good schools and drive in. Whether you drive 3 miles from the outskirts of ANN Arbor or 4 miles from Ann Arbor township, really makes no difference, but the price difference can be substantial. If you are going to pay the premium to live IN Ann arbor, Plymouth, Chelsea, Northville, then live right in town, or step out to the townships.

[MaryleeII]

I vote Saline

[scorpio516]

Originally Posted by craig11152

But you will be in either Pioneer High School or Huron High at 1500-1700 students in each.

Last time I looked, Pioneer was the biggest HS in the state, but that was before Skyline opened (Skyline is the 5th or 6th HS in Ann Arbor - Pioneer and Huron were the main ones from 69-08, then there is Community, Stone School, and Roberto Clemente. The last three aren't geographic...)

In 2015, Saline was the 25th biggest HS in the state. They have about 700 students more than Dexter and 1000 more than Chelsea.

Aside: for the longest time, Dexter was a village and smaller school than Chelsea. In 1990, there were 1400 people living in Dexter. 2000? 2300. 2010? 4000!

[craig11152]

Originally Posted by scorpio516

Last time I looked, Pioneer was the biggest HS in the state, but that was before Skyline opened (Skyline is the 5th or 6th HS in Ann Arbor - Pioneer and Huron were the main ones from 69-08, then there is Community, Stone School, and Roberto Clemente. The last three aren't geographic...)

There size has come down considerably since Skyline opened. Back when they were the biggest I think Pioneer was close to 2,300 and Huron was over 2,100.

Roberto Clemente is no more. They combined with the old "Stone School" in to what they call "Pathways To Success Academic Campus" at the Stone School building. The name is sadly ironic because success ain't wants happening there for the most part I don't believe.
Of course Community High has a very limited enrollment with a yearly lottery system to see who gets in. Ones statistical odds are not good to get in to Community.
So if you are new in town you are looking at the big 3 of...
Pioneer on the southwest/central side of town across the street from The Big House. approx 1670 students
Huron on the east side across from Gallup Park approx 1500 students
Skyline on the Northwest side with the newest/nicest building. approx 1450

[katiep14]

The smaller school is not negotiable. It's part of the reason we are getting away from Vegas.

Does anyone know anything about Milan schools? What about Grass Lake? Chelsea is already on the list and we are watching for something to pop up.

Thank you for all your help and suggestions so far.

[craig11152]

Milan schools are not bad. A close to "middle of the road" I would say. They do rank above average in standardized scores. Its a bit more of a rural/blue collar area.

Grass Lake is far enough away that you are pushing the 40 or less commute limit if you are talking minutes. If someone makes that commute they can clarify. But on a snowy day or a heavy traffic day your not getting to UM hospital in 40 minutes from Grass Lake. Grass Lake High School is very small and they are, like Milan a bit above above average on standardized scores. But if you are coming from Las Vegas, if you live in the city then Grass Lake might be a serious culture shock for a high school kid.

[brodie734]

I'd look into Dexter for good schools, but am unsure on the enrollment numbers.