Tucked between Ann Arbor and Detroit, the small city of Ypsilanti is quintessentially under-the-radar when it comes to tourism.
Because of many awesome new dining establishments and funky retail popping up throughout the town, along with long-standing popular attractions and neighborhoods, Ypsilanti is starting to see some long-overdue attention from both homebuyers and visitors alike.
Ann Arbor’s diverse community is known for a range of attractions, including over 200 restaurants; a multitude of shopping areas, including the year-round Ann Arbor Farmers Market; galleries, world-class museums, clubs and theaters with live music.
Annual social events include the very popular Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Ann Arbor Art Fair, and Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival which draws millions of visitors from across the world to the downtown area every year in summer.
As the next closest neighborhood to Ann Arbor, the Ypsilanti real estate market is vibrant and active, known for value and for the occasional deals that can be found for any size budget.
Overall, it’s unique in that it’s both a very popular and affordable place to live. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include Depot Town, Yarrow, College Heights, East Prospect Park, Ainsworth Park, Britannia Heights, and Heritage Park.
AAATA buses can take you practically anywhere you want to go in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area, including Meijer, Kroger, and Amtrak. AAATA has limited park-and-ride passes available in the Ypsilanti area. The city has an ongoing commitment to developing safe infrastructure for bicyclists. The Border-to-Border Trail (B2B) is an excellent resource for commuters, consisting largely of an off-street shared-use path, and the City has established bike lanes in many areas.
The City has worked with various agencies to pursue both commuter rail and intercity rail in Ypsilanti, while Michigan Rideshare is a free and easy way for commuters working in Southeast Michigan to find a carpool, vanpool, and bike partners quickly and securely.
Ypsilanti, Michigan is a hidden gem of the state,offering a range of qualities that include beautiful parks and gardens, localculture, shopping opportunities, a funky vibe, affordability, and more.
No list of the best things to do in Ypsilanti would be complete without talking about food. Ypsi (as it’s called by locals) has a few delicious period-style diners that are straight out of the 1950s. Popular menu items include delicious shakes, iconic curly fries, juicy and mouthwatering burgers, and much more. If you’re looking for a dining experience you won’t soon forget, Ypsilanti’s Chick Inn Drive-In is a must-visit.
With plenty of parks and trails to explore, Ypsilanti is a four-season destination for nature lovers. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors for residents. Stop by a local park, hike on seasonally groomed trails, or fish along the Huron River flowing through town. Dig deep into aviation history and automotive heritage, which Ypsilanti is known for. Discover quirky souvenirs, renowned antique shops, and trendy vintage clothing stores dispersed throughout the city. No matter where you wander, there is no shortage of entertainment and sights to see in Ypsilanti.
Visitors and locals gather in Depot Town every Thursday night during the summer months to enjoy the famous classic car shows and interact with fellow automotive aficionados over a local beverage.
