[serzak]

Hi, my husband and I are looking at moving to the Ann Arbor area from California. We heard of Dexter, Chelsea, Canton which are close to Ann Arbor. We aren't sure which areas of Ann Arbor would be a good fit for us. Which part should we stay away from; which part is the safest to live in. We are looking at renting a place first so that we can get an idea of the surrounding areas before we purchase a house. any information you can provide is very much appreciated.

[M TYPE X]

East side of Ann Arbor is the least desirable. North and Northwest is the most expensive; southwest/Saline isn't bad. Chelsea and Dexter are small towns/villages, whereas Canton is a Detroit suburb. My uncle and aunt live in Canton. He lost his job in Ann Arbor and now works in Romulus (home of Detroit Metro airport). Canton to Ann Arbor is a workable commute.

[suydam]

The city of Ann Arbor is great too. If you're happy in close-knit neighborhoods walking distance from your job I think the city of Ann Arbor would be my favorite spot in the Ann Arbor metro area.

Dexter is great too if you like that quaint small-town thing. Their little downtown is great.

[zakian]

Originally Posted by serzak

Hi, my husband and I are looking at moving to the Ann Arbor area from California. We heard of Dexter, Chelsea, Canton which are close to Ann Arbor. We aren't sure which areas of Ann Arbor would be a good fit for us. Which part should we stay away from; which part is the safest to live in. We are looking at renting a place first so that we can get an idea of the surrounding areas before we purchase a house. any information you can provide is very much appreciated.

I would pick Chelsea first. Ann Arbor is WAY over priced. Canton too for that matter. I use to sell R E there and ended up living there. The traffic is HORRIBLE. Canton STILL doesn't have it's own school system if that is a concern for you. They're very arrogant people too.

[jonjj]

I would rent in A2 and then get to know the area to make a permanent move.

[KKRA]

Dexter is a great town for the money. RE prices & taxes are less expensive here; it has a nice, quaint downtown & AA is nearby for more shopping. Schools are all good. Dexter Twp. (outside the downtown area) has larger parcels of property and homes with more square footage. It's mostly well/septic out there, which means no city water bill, but you get more land & house for your $$$. Renting is a good option if you want to see what area you like best but, if you're in the same situation my family was, we didn't want to have to uproot our children again after relocating. Get a good realtor and have her/him show you all the nearby areas, then take a look at all the schools. Dexter has quite a few schools separating the different grade levels: K-2; 3-4; 5-6; 7-8; and 9-12.
I can't tell you what the other towns have or recommend the schools there but give Dexter a "thumbs up" for the amenities and charm, especially in the fall.