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Making the Move: Top 5 Tips for Relocating to Ann Arbor

June 27, 2024

Relocating to a new city is always an exciting adventure, and if Ann Arbor, MI is your destination—you’re in for one of the best moves of a lifetime. At Norfolk Homes, we have been building top-quality new homes in and around the Ann Arbor area for over 30 years, making us your trusted partner in finding the perfect home. With new home communities in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Marshall and Jackson—we understand the local market and the unique needs of our homeowners through and through. As you prepare for this significant move, we’ve compiled our top five tips to ensure a smooth transition to your new home in Ann Arbor. 

1.  Plan ahead—Aim to move before the school year starts

If you have school-aged children, one of the most critical aspects of your move is the timing, and moving before the school year starts can significantly ease the transition for your kids. Settling into a new home and neighborhood before classes begin gives them the chance to familiarize themselves with their new environment, make friends and start the school year on the right foot. This preparation helps reduce stress and ensures a smoother adjustment for the entire family. Plus, with our new homes in Ann Arbor placed throughout some of the best school districts, you can be confident that your children will receive a top-quality education in a supportive and enriching environment when you choose Norfolk Homes.

2. Start the process now and create a checklist

Moving is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. If you’re considering relocating to Ann Arbor—now is the time to start planning. Begin by researching neighborhoods, schools and local amenities. Create a checklist of tasks to be completed, such as securing a moving company, updating your address and enrolling your children in school. Early planning can help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure that all aspects of your move are covered—which ultimately makes for a more organized and enjoyable transition to your new home.

3. Find the right home and area for you 

When it comes to relocating, time and place are everything. At Norfolk Homes, we have several homes that will be completed by the fall, making them ideal for families looking to move before the new school year. Bristol Ridge has been one of our most anticipated developments and currently has a new building under construction with townhomes featuring 2-car garages and just one townhome remaining in Building D. This townhome community in Ann Arbor is perfect for families and students alike, especially with the University of Michigan nearby. With modern amenities, spacious layouts and a prime location—these homes are designed to meet your needs and enhance your living experience.

Our team at Norfolk Homes also has an array of available homes throughout the Ann Arbor area, offering a variety of home styles and sizes to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a family home or a student-friendly townhome, we have options available to meet your requirements. From our paired townhomes in Marshall at Emerald Hills to our beautiful, spacious model home for sale in Chelsea at Westchester Farms, you’ll have no problem finding the right home in the right location with Norfolk Homes. Here’s a look at some of our homes that are move-in ready before the fall months: 

4. Get to know the community

One of the best ways to ease into your new life in Ann Arbor is by getting to know the community. Take some time to explore local parks, shops, restaurants and community events. Ann Arbor is known for its vibrant culture, diverse dining options and active lifestyle—so there’s always something to do, see and explore. Join local social media groups or community organizations to meet your neighbors and get involved in community activities. Building a social network can make your transition smoother and more enjoyable, helping you feel more connected and at home in your new surroundings.

5. Utilize local resources

If one thing is for certain about moving to Ann Arbor, it’s that this city has a wealth of resources available to help new residents get settled. From city websites and local newspapers to real estate agents and community centers, there are plenty of tools at your disposal. Take advantage of relocation guides, school district information and transportation maps to get acquainted with your new surroundings. Norfolk Homes is also here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have during your move—especially with our team having extensive knowledge of the area, ready to provide valuable insights to make your relocation as seamless as possible. 

Make your move with Norfolk homes

Relocating to Ann Arbor can be a smooth and enjoyable process with the right planning and preparation—especially when you’re moving into a new Norfolk home. By following our tips above, you can ensure a seamless transition to your new home in no time. At Norfolk Homes, we are here to support you every step of the way, offering top-quality new construction homes in Ann Arbor, MI that seamlessly align with your lifestyle. Our team knows you won’t regret making the move to Ann Arbor, and we’re here to make your transition truly unforgettable. To learn more about our available homes in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Marshall and Jackson and to relocate before the fall, browse through our quick move-in homes and reach out today at (734) 336-1912 or contact us online.

We are so very grateful for everything you all have done to make this home possible. Every time we walk into our home we are struck with how beautiful it is. Going through the build process with you folks to guide us, we felt such a sense of caring that we were left feeling that we were part of an extended family. We will definitely be referring friends and family to Norfolk whenever the opportunity arises.

Randy and Sue