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Why Ann Arbor Feels Like Home—A Relocation Guide by Norfolk Homes

May 9, 2025

At Norfolk Homes, we know a thing or two about what makes a place truly feel like home—and for many, that place is Ann Arbor. Whether you're relocating for work, education, family or simply a fresh start, we're here to welcome you with open arms and help you feel confident every step of the way. As a trusted home builder in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas, we’ve guided countless families through their journey—and now, we’re here to guide you too.

If you’re considering moving to Ann Arbor, here’s what you need to know about the area, why people are flocking here and how Norfolk Homes can help you build your future.

Why Ann Arbor?

Consistently recognized as one of the best places to live in the U.S., Ann Arbor combines small-city charm with big-city amenities. In fact, U.S. News & World Report named Ann Arbor the #1 city for quality of life for 2024–2025—and it’s easy to see why. From top-tier schools and health systems to a thriving arts and tech scene, this is a city that offers something for everyone.

According to MLive, Ann Arbor earned high marks for education, health care and local amenities—thanks in large part to the presence of the University of Michigan and a range of innovation-driven businesses. It's a place where creativity, community and opportunity intersect every day—and it only gets even better with our new homes in Ann Arbor.

A snapshot of Ann Arbor Living

Ann Arbor has a vibe all its own—vibrant, eclectic, forward-thinking and deeply rooted in Midwestern warmth. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll find:

Education & Innovation: Home to the world-renowned University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a hub for higher education and research. This fuels an innovative local economy and ensures residents have access to some of the best educational resources in the country.
Healthcare: With Michigan Medicine and other top medical institutions in the area, residents benefit from outstanding health services and career opportunities in the healthcare field.
Arts & Culture: Enjoy a diverse range of cultural attractions—from indie music venues and art galleries to film festivals and farmer’s markets.
Outdoor Recreation: Love the outdoors? Ann Arbor boasts more than 160 parks, miles of trails and access to rivers and nature preserves. It’s perfect for biking, kayaking or simply enjoying a peaceful walk.
Dining & Entertainment: Foodies rejoice—Ann Arbor is home to an incredible mix of restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and farm-to-table options, with something new to try around every corner.

Where we build

At Norfolk Homes, we build where people want to live—and that includes some of the most desirable communities in and around Ann Arbor. Whether you’re looking for a modern townhome in the heart of the city or a quiet retreat with scenic views just outside of Ann Arbor, we have options that fit your lifestyle.

We’re proud to offer beautiful new homes in:

Each of our communities offers something special—from proximity to top-rated schools and major employers to access to charming downtowns and outdoor spaces. And with our thoughtful home designs, energy-efficient construction and unmatched attention to detail, you’ll feel right at home from day one.

Additionally, relocating can feel overwhelming, but when you partner with Norfolk Homes, you’re never doing it alone. We walk you through the process from start to finish—from choosing your homesite and floor plan to making design selections that bring your vision to life. With decades of experience and deep local roots, we’re not just building homes—we’re building trust and long-term relationships.

And if you already have a homesite in mind, we can build your Norfolk home offsite as well, bringing our craftsmanship and service to the location that works best for you.

Let’s get you home

Moving to Ann Arbor isn’t just a change of address—it’s a step toward a better quality of life. At Norfolk Homes, we’re here to help you make the most of it.

Whether you're relocating from across the country or just a few towns over, reach out to our team. We’ll show you our available homes and homesites, walk you through the building process and help you settle into a home that’s not only beautifully built—but built for your life.

Your next chapter starts here—with Norfolk Homes. Contact us today at (734) 336-1912 or fill out our online form to explore our new construction homes in Ann Arbor and start your journey toward a beautifully crafted home in the perfect location.