Ypsilanti profile

[ZachariahDaMan]

I thought I would show you guys a profile that the Detroit Free Press had in the More Real Estate section of the newspaper today. They have one on a different city every Sunday. I love reading them. There is a ton of interesting facts and information in it. I have never heard of Fallapalooza but I wouldn't mind checking it out this year. Anyone of you guys ever been to it?

YPSILANTI, WASHTENAW COUNTY

APPEAL:

Ypsilanti, a charming city on the Huron River in eastern Washtenaw County is full of restored 19th- and early 20th-Century houses and commercial buildings. History is well-preserved in this community; more than 700 properties are registered with the National Register of Historic Districts. There are a few blighted areas, but most of Ypsilanti has well-kept traditional neighborhoods.

Two distinct historic business districts lines with decorative lighting and brick paved walkways have charming shops and eateries. One is Depot Town on Cross Street, where there are several blocks of restored buildings. The other is downtown Ypsilanti along Michigan Avenue.

Ypsilanti is a college town. Eastern Michigan University is here and the University of Michigan is 10 minutes away.

Several community projects are under way, says Meghan L. Gibb, the Director of Planning and Development. Two housing projects were completed - the renovation of a historic block into loft apartments downtown and new upscale student housing adjacent to EMU's campus.

The city just finished a four-year street replacement project and is about to complete a downtown parking lot improvement and streetscape program.

The community is considered affordable compared to surrounding communities. Eighteen houses sold for less than $100,000 last year.

FACTS: This 4.2-square-mile community was incorporated as a village in 1832 and became a city in 1858. Ypsilanti was an overnight stop on the stagecoach trip between Detroit and Chicago and that made it a thriving community almost 150 years ago. It's the second largest city in Washtenaw County; the largest city is Ann Arbor. Ypsilanti is about 40 minutes from downtown Detroit and 10 minutes from Ann Arbor; I-94 is just south of the city. Visit www.cityofypsilanti.com for more information.

PREVALENT ARCHITECTURE: A large stock of Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Italian Villa and bungalow/Craftsman houses. There are some post-World War II ranches and bungalows. Many of the large old houses near campus were converted to multifamily units. Condominiums and apartments are in Ypsilanti as well. Last year, houses sold from less than $50,000 to $288,000, according to Leo Esch of Remerica Ann Arbor Realtors in Ann Arbor.

POPULATION: 22,362 in the 2000 U.S. Census; about 61% white, 31% black, 3% Asian, 3% Hispanic. The population decreased 10% between 1990 and 2000.

EDUCATION: Math and reading MEAP scored for the Ypsilanti School District run about 14% below state averages.

TAXES: $56.62 per $1,000 of a house's taxable value in the Ypsilanti district. A $164,308 (average price) house with a taxable value of $82,154 would have property taxes of $4,651.

MAJOR EVENT: Fallapalooza, Sep.30-Oct.1 on the streets of Depot Town. It's a fall harvest festival that coincides with EMU's Homcoming festivities. Merchants will keep shops open later than usual on Friday evening. Cross Street will be closed for a street fair with artists, vendors and musicians from 10 a.m.-dusk on Saturday. There will be children's activities, a scarecrow building contest and a pig roast. E-mail [email protected] for more information.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA), 734-996-0400; Neighborhood Senior Service for residents 60 and older, 734-712-7775.

PUBLIC SAFETY: Ypsilanti police reported 228 burglaries, 258 motor vehicle thefts, 28 cases of criminal sexual conduct, 66 robberies and five homicides in 2004.

SHOPPING, DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT: Shopping and dining are available in the city and in nearby Ann Arbor. Eleven parks have playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts, ball fields, a swimming pool, bike and walking paths and an amphitheater. Many cultural activities and events take place at Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan.

MAJOR EMPLOYER: Eastern Michigan University, Visteon, Forest Health Medical Center, Marsh Plating

[urban_izzy]

I went to Fallapullza this year. Not one of Ypsi's greater festivities. There was the World Record Breaking chutes and ladders game there however.