[belleislerunner]

Wouldn't an environmentalist and an intellectual type realize that willingly commuting 60+ miles each way is not the best use of natural resources, gas, stress or time? Hell, I'm not an environmentalist nor an intellectual and I know that.

I think the deeper question is what perception of Ann Arbor is attracting you that a closer suburb of Detroit can't provide? Your husband seems willing to live anywhere. We can tell you if that perception is really reality.

[MaeM99]

It is 30 miles each way from Ann Arbor to his workplace, not 60+. I am working on a job possibility in A2 for myself. Sure, it would be nice if we could both live in walking distance from work, or to live in an area with awesome public transport, but good jobs aren't that easy to come by. Environmentalists can be pragmatic, too.

My husband is interested in A2; he just got worried about road conditions on the commute. We are nerdy people and enjoy socializing (not exclusively! but sometimes at least) with other nerdy people. I mean that in the best way. To me that means being interested in a million topics on a deep level, examining our assumptions and questioning them, and talking shop (science and techie stuff). I love being able to go to lectures, documentaries, cultural events. I miss working with people from all over the world. I am also a passionate musician and hope to find an ensemble to join.

We dislike "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality. Fussy, chemical-dependent lawns and leaf blowers are not for us.

My perception is that Ann Arbor is more progressive-liberal, has more musical ensembles, lectures, cultural events, and people from many countries. I'm happy to hear opinions on whether this perception is reality.