Old West Side vs. Burns Park: Which Historic Neighborhood is Right for You?

Amelia Stevenson Howard
Jun 18
3 min read

Ann Arbor is packed with personality, but two neighborhoods stand out when it comes to historic charm, walkability, and community: Old West Side and Burns Park. Both are beloved by locals and newcomers alike, but they offer different experiences. So—if you’re thinking about moving to Ann Arbor, which one is right for you?

Let’s break it down.

🏘️ Neighborhood Snapshot

Old West Side (OWS)

📍 Location: West of downtown, roughly bounded by Liberty, Seventh, Pauline, and Main.
🏠 Vibe: Quiet, leafy, and full of early 20th-century homes—mostly bungalows and Victorians.
🚶‍♀️ Walkability: A 10–15 minute stroll to Main Street, the Farmers Market, or Zingerman’s.
💬 Culture: Known for being low-key, neighborly, and fiercely proud of its preservation efforts.

Burns Park

📍 Location: Southeast of downtown and the UM central campus, roughly around Burns Park Elementary and Washtenaw Ave.
🏠 Vibe: Academic, family-friendly, with lots of 1920s–30s colonials, foursquares, and Tudors.
🚶‍♀️ Walkability: A quick bike or walk to the Diag, the Big House, and Packard restaurants.
💬 Culture: A favorite among professors, grad students, and families who value strong schools.

🏡 Housing Styles & Prices

Old West Side:
- Homes are often smaller, with lots of Craftsman and early Victorian details.
- You'll find many lovingly restored homes with original woodwork and porches.
- Median home price (2025): ~$525K–$750K depending on size and updates.
Burns Park:
- Larger homes, many with formal dining rooms, fireplaces, and expansive front yards.
- Great variety in architecture, but many are move-in ready and updated.
- Median home price (2025): ~$650K–$950K, with some well over $1M.

👉 Takeaway: OWS leans more modest and cozy; Burns Park offers more square footage (and cost).

🎓 Who Lives There?

Old West Side:
- Mix of young professionals, retirees, and longtime Ann Arborites.
- Fewer students; quieter streets.
- Great for people who want to be close to downtown but away from the party scene.
Burns Park:
- Heavily skewed toward families and university faculty.
- More students, especially grad and med students.
- Strong neighborhood association and block-by-block activity.

🌳 Community & Amenities

Old West Side:
- Home to small parks like Wurster and Allmendinger.
- Easy access to the weekly Farmers Market and Kerrytown.
- No commercial strip inside the neighborhood—peaceful but less walkable for errands.
Burns Park:
- Centered around Burns Park itself—tennis courts, sledding hill, and a beloved elementary school.
- Closer to a variety of campus events, cafés, and neighborhood gems like Black Diesel Coffee and Argus Farm Stop.

🚗 Commuting & Transportation

Old West Side:
- Better for walking to downtown or biking to the hospital.
- Parking is tight during events, but manageable otherwise.
Burns Park:
- Perfect for anyone working on campus or at the hospital.
- Buses run frequently up Washtenaw and Packard.

❤️ The Intangibles

Old West Side: You feel like you’re living in a storybook. Streets are quiet, neighbors chat on porches, and the whole place seems to hum with historical charm.
Burns Park: It feels academic and alive. The park is the social hub, and many homes are filled with books, laughter, and the bustle of family life.

🏁 So, Which One Is Right for You?

Preference	Best Fit
You want walkability + quiet charm	Old West Side
You want more space + school access	Burns Park
You love old homes and front porches	Old West Side
You're raising a family near UM	Burns Park
You crave proximity to Zingerman’s & Main Street	Old West Side
You need to walk to campus in 10 minutes	Burns Park

You really can’t go wrong with either—both are steeped in character and offer a uniquely “Ann Arbor” quality of life. The best advice? Spend a Saturday in each, walk the streets, visit the parks, and grab a coffee nearby. One of them will just feel right.

💬 Which neighborhood would you choose—Old West Side or Burns Park—and why?Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below! We'd love to hear which Ann Arbor spot feels more like home to you.