No matter where you go, transportation is key. I appreciate cities such as Boston, that are walkable, but understand that not every location can fit this bill. I am not particularly comfortable with or fond of Philadelphia's SEPTA, but I am able to navigate New York City and its subway with ease. Washington D.C.'s metro is pretty straightforward, and from what I remember, London's Underground is as well.
The transportation system in Ann Arbor seems convenient, although I didn't experience it to the point where I can be certain. The primary mode of public transportation is through the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA), which also serves the neighboring town of Ypsilanti.
AATA provides buses (commonly referred to as "The Ride") that run throughout the city, most of which are easily accessible and cost only $1.25 per ride - this fee is waived for college students who are able to show ID. Although some of the areas surrounding the University are suburban, driving can be a hassle, especially when there are so many highways involved. The bus system means that residents can forgo driving, particularly on game days, when the traffic is extremely heavy. The buses are able to take people to a stop that's within walking distance of most anything they might need in the city.
So I didn't take the bus, but got to see plenty of Ann Arbor (and most importantly, the campus) on foot and as a passenger of the car. It's a lot safer to snap pictures when you're not the driver. And even then, sometimes they turn out a little blurry. I apologize in advance.
Some notable/favorite/interesting parts of campus:
The University's hospital and medical school
All those trees...
Michigan Stadium, where preparations are underway for the first home game of the season.
A slightly blurred Nickels Arcade on South State Street at dusk, then more S. State Street by night.
I think I'll stick to Ann Arbor in the spring and summer time.
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