Ann Arbor Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Ann Arbor.
Healthcare System
Ann Arbor operates under the U.S. private healthcare system, which provides world-class medical care but can be extremely expensive without insurance. Healthcare facilities require payment or proof of insurance before non-emergency treatment.
Hospitals
Michigan Medicine (1500 E Medical Center Dr) is the primary hospital, offering comprehensive emergency and specialty services. St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor (5301 McAuley Dr, Ypsilanti) is nearby. Both have 24/7 emergency departments. Several urgent care facilities handle non-life-threatening issues with shorter wait times and lower costs than emergency rooms.
Pharmacies
Major pharmacy chains include CVS, Walgreens, and Meijer, with many locations open until 9-10 PM and some 24-hour options. Prescriptions from foreign doctors may not be honored; visitors needing medications should consult a local physician. Most over-the-counter medications are widely available.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for international visitors and essential for those from countries without reciprocal healthcare agreements with the U.S. Medical costs can be extraordinarily high—a simple emergency room visit can cost $1,000-$3,000 or more without insurance.
Healthcare Tips
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medication names (generic names) in case you need refills
- Urgent care centers are more affordable than emergency rooms for non-critical issues
- Many pharmacies offer basic health services like flu shots and health screenings
- If uninsured, ask about self-pay discounts or payment plans before treatment
- Michigan Medicine has international patient services for visitors needing specialized care
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Ann Arbor is a bike-friendly city with heavy bicycle and pedestrian traffic, especially near campus. Accidents involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians occur regularly, particularly at busy intersections.
Opportunistic theft from vehicles is the most common property crime, especially in parking structures and lots near campus and downtown.
Bicycle theft is common in Ann Arbor due to the high volume of cyclists. Even locked bikes can be stolen if not properly secured.
Theft of delivered packages from porches and doorsteps, particularly in residential neighborhoods and student housing areas.
As a college town, Ann Arbor experiences alcohol-related incidents, particularly during football weekends and university events, including public intoxication and occasional fights.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Scammers place fake parking tickets on vehicles or pose as towing companies demanding immediate payment. Legitimate tickets direct you to official city websites or offices.
Individuals claiming to represent student organizations or charities ask for donations on the street, particularly near campus and downtown.
Fraudulent listings for apartments or rooms, particularly targeting visitors looking for temporary housing. Scammers request deposits for properties they don't own.
Unlicensed drivers pose as Uber or Lyft drivers to pick up passengers, particularly near bars and events.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Use the free TheRide bus system which is safe and reliable; download the app for real-time tracking
- Ann Arbor is very walkable, but sidewalks can be uneven; watch your step, especially at night
- Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are widely available and generally safe; always verify driver identity
- If driving, be extremely cautious of pedestrians and cyclists who have right-of-way in many areas
- Parking enforcement is strict; read all signs carefully to avoid tickets or towing
- Winter driving requires experience; consider rideshare instead if unfamiliar with snow/ice conditions
Personal Safety
- Downtown and campus areas are well-lit and regularly patrolled, even late at night
- The University of Michigan offers SafeWalk and SafeRide services; visitors can sometimes access these during events
- Trust your instincts; Ann Arbor residents are generally friendly and helpful if you need assistance
- Keep valuables secured; while violent crime is rare, opportunistic theft can occur
- Emergency call boxes are located throughout campus and some downtown areas
Event Safety
- Football game days (fall Saturdays) bring 100,000+ visitors; expect crowds, traffic, and higher prices
- During major events, book accommodations well in advance and expect surge pricing for rideshares
- Art Fair (mid-July) brings massive crowds downtown; keep belongings secure and stay hydrated
- Be patient with traffic and parking during events; consider walking or using public transit
- Local bars and restaurants are busier during events; make reservations when possible
Health and Wellness
- Tap water is safe to drink and of high quality
- Pollen levels can be high in spring; those with allergies should bring appropriate medications
- Tick-borne illnesses (Lyme disease) exist in Michigan; use insect repellent if hiking and check for ticks
- COVID-19 protocols may vary; check current local guidelines before visiting
- Mental health resources are readily available; the community is supportive and stigma-free
Money and Documents
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry minimal cash
- ATMs are widely available and generally safe to use during daylight hours
- Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs; use machines inside banks when possible
- Tipping is expected (15-20% in restaurants); factor this into your budget
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Ann Arbor is very safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. The city has a progressive culture, strong gender equality norms, and low rates of harassment or assault compared to national averages. Women regularly walk alone, dine alone, and travel independently without issues. The university community and educated population contribute to a respectful environment. Standard urban precautions apply, but women should feel comfortable exploring the city.
- Solo dining and activities are completely normal; you won't feel out of place
- Downtown and campus areas are well-populated even in evenings during the academic year
- Trust your instincts; locals are generally respectful and helpful
- SafeWalk and SafeRide services are available on campus for evening travel
- Rideshare services are reliable and safe; share your trip details with friends
- The community is supportive; don't hesitate to ask for help if needed
- Street harassment is relatively rare but can occur; most bystanders will intervene if needed
- Many hotels and accommodations have good security; request rooms on higher floors if preferred
- The University of Michigan has strong resources for women's safety that sometimes extend to visitors during events
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex marriage is legal throughout the United States. Michigan has legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Ann Arbor has additional local non-discrimination ordinances providing strong protections.
- Ann Arbor is very safe and welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers; you can be yourself openly
- The Spectrum Center at University of Michigan provides resources and community connections
- Jim Toy Community Center (319 Braun Ct) offers LGBTQ+ resources and events
- Many businesses display Pride flags and safe space indicators
- The annual Ann Arbor Pride festival (typically June) celebrates the LGBTQ+ community
- Downtown and campus areas are particularly accepting and diverse
- Gender-neutral restrooms are increasingly common in public buildings and businesses
- While the city is very progressive, some surrounding rural areas of Michigan may be less accepting
- Healthcare providers, including Michigan Medicine, are LGBTQ+-competent and non-discriminatory
- Dating apps are actively used and generally safe; take standard online dating precautions
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Ann Arbor, particularly international travelers. The primary concern is medical coverage, as U.S. healthcare costs are among the world's highest and can be financially devastating without insurance. Even minor medical issues can result in bills of thousands of dollars. Trip cancellation coverage is also valuable given Michigan's unpredictable weather, which can cause flight delays and cancellations, especially in winter.
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