What does Ann Arbor look like from an outside point of view? To many citizens of Ann Arbor, the city seems like a small safe bubble where everyone knows each other. But what do outsiders think?

Sarina Tasman is a freshman at Rufus King International High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She thinks that Ann Arbor is kind of the same as Wisconsin, not wildly different.

“I’ve only ever been to Ann Arbor in the summer. Based on that, it seems kind of hippie. Like you’d imagine a bunch of pottery stores,” Tasman said.

Evelyn Newman, on the other hand, loves Ann Arbor. Being a freshman at New Trier High School in Wilmette, Illinois, she thinks that it’s more comfortable than other big cities she’s been to.

“It also feels more safe than, say, Chicago,” Newman said. “It also has the fun college city vibe without the bad smells and stuff that other college cities have.”

Newman also goes into detail about how the environment is nicer.

“The people there are always very friendly and welcoming. The food is also amazing; Zingermans is my favorite expensive restaurant,” Newman said.

Even though Ann Arbor does have pottery stores scattered throughout and delicious restaurants downtown, it is also a college town. Walking through the city, you will find University of Michigan (UofM) buildings on every corner. UofM is a popular choice for many seniors in-state and so many more from out of state.

In Maryland, Izzy Butte is a freshman at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology. She describes Ann Arbor as really chill.

“Everyone seems friendly and a little quirky,” Butte said. “From my point of view it looks like a really nice and loving place to live.”

In 2024, Ann Arbor was rated as #19 for Best Places to Live In by US News. Ann Arbor is truly a safe, non-threatening place to live and grow up in.