House hunting in Ann Arbor or Saline and noticing how one block feels historic while the next looks new? You are not imagining it. This corner of Washtenaw County blends 19th‑century charm with mid‑century practicality and modern convenience. In this guide, you will learn the key home styles you will see, what to watch for during inspections, and how local rules can shape your plans. Let’s dive in.

How these markets were built

Ann Arbor grew from the late 1800s through the 1930s near downtown and the University of Michigan, then expanded again after World War II and into the 2000s. That is why you see Victorians and bungalows close to the core, with mid‑century and newer homes farther out. Saline started as a small mill town with historic homes near its center, plus suburban subdivisions and rural properties on the edges.

Across the area, basements are common. Plan to evaluate moisture management, sump pumps, and radon testing. Older homes often have wood framing with brick or clapboard siding; mid‑century houses add masonry veneer and early composites; and newer homes use modern systems like vinyl or fiber cement. Michigan winters make drainage, roof condition, insulation, and HVAC performance important checks for every style.

Home styles you will see

Victorian and Queen Anne

These late 1800s to early 1900s homes often feature asymmetrical facades, steep roofs, tall windows, and wraparound porches. Interiors can include formal parlors, separate dining rooms, and high ceilings.

Buyer considerations: Complex rooflines and ornate trim can increase maintenance costs. Confirm electrical service capacity and HVAC age, since many systems were updated over time. If the home sits in a local or national historic district, exterior changes may require approvals. Original sash windows and thin wall insulation may need comfort upgrades that respect historic character.

Craftsman and Bungalow

Built in the early 1900s through the 1930s, these homes offer low‑pitched gables, wide eaves, and deep porches with tapered columns. Inside, you will find efficient layouts and detailed millwork.

Buyer considerations: Many buyers love the character and front‑porch lifestyle, but square footage can be modest. If you plan a kitchen or bath update, consider how to preserve built‑ins and woodwork. As with other older homes, check mechanicals and insulation.

American Foursquare

This early 20th‑century style is boxy and efficient, often with four rooms per floor, dormers, and full‑width porches.

Buyer considerations: Foursquares tend to adapt well to modernization without heavy exterior changes. Attics and basements often provide expansion options.

Colonial Revival and Georgian Revival

Expect symmetrical facades, classical details, central entrances, and double‑hung windows, often in brick or clapboard. Interiors typically favor traditional room proportions and formal layouts.

Buyer considerations: In historic districts, exterior replacements should match the original style. Inside, these plans appeal to buyers who like defined rooms over fully open concepts.

Tudor Revival

Popular from the 1920s to 1940s, Tudors include steep roofs, half‑timbering, prominent chimneys, and arched doors with stone or brick accents.

Buyer considerations: Complex, steep roofs can cost more to replace. Masonry and stonework are durable, though tuckpointing or repointing may be needed.

Mid‑Century Modern, Ranch, and Split‑Level

Built from the 1940s through the 1970s, these homes favor single‑level or staggered floor plans, large picture windows, and informal living. Some modern examples use flat or low‑pitched roofs.

Buyer considerations: Ranches are great for single‑level living. Ceiling heights can be lower than newer homes. Original furnaces or boilers may be near end of life, insulation can be minimal, and large windows may need upgrades for energy efficiency.

Contemporary and New Construction

From the 1980s to today, you will see open‑concept layouts, larger kitchens, modern mechanicals, and attached two‑ or three‑car garages. Builders often offer customization during construction.

Buyer considerations: Newer homes generally meet current code and include better insulation and systems. Review subdivision covenants and HOA rules so your plans align with community standards.

Farmhouses and Rural Properties

Outside city or village limits, you may find farmhouses with larger lots, barns, and outbuildings. These properties support a blend of residential and light agricultural uses, depending on zoning.

Buyer considerations: Many rural homes rely on private wells and septic systems. Plan for well water testing and a certified septic inspection. Review township rules for accessory buildings, livestock, and hobby farming. Older barns and outbuildings can require significant repair, and drainage or field runoff can affect yards.

Inspections and tests that matter

Before you write an offer, build a plan for thorough due diligence:

• General home inspection to evaluate structure, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, and ventilation.
• Radon testing, since Michigan has known radon potential. Mitigation is common if levels are elevated.
• Basement and moisture checks, including sump pumps, grading, and signs of water intrusion.
• Sewer and waste line review. Municipal laterals can fail and may benefit from a sewer scope. For septic, arrange a certified inspection.
• Well water testing for private wells. Test for bacterial contamination, nitrates, lead, and other concerns.
• Hazard materials review in older homes, including potential lead‑based paint, asbestos, and mold. Plan for proper abatement.
• Historic property review, if applicable. Exterior changes in a local historic district typically require approval.

Systems and energy performance

Older homes may have lower‑capacity electrical panels. If you want to modernize a kitchen or add central air, upgrading to 100 or 200 amps is common. Heating systems vary by age and fuel type, with natural gas common in the area.

Central air is typical in newer or renovated homes. Some older houses rely on window units or do not include cooling, so budget accordingly. Insulation and window upgrades can improve comfort, and many historic windows can be repaired and weatherized rather than replaced.

Site and lot checks

Mature trees add beauty and shade, but large root systems can affect drains and foundations. Evaluate tree health and plan for maintenance.

Look for positive grading away from the foundation, working gutters and downspouts, and signs of proper drainage. Homes near the Huron River, Millers Creek, or other waterways may have floodplain restrictions or insurance requirements, so check current flood maps and ask about past flood history. Parking varies by era, with detached garages and on‑street parking in older neighborhoods and larger attached garages in newer subdivisions.

Rules that can affect your plans

Local historic districts can limit exterior alterations. You may need a Certificate of Appropriateness or similar approval before changing windows, siding, or porches.

Zoning controls setbacks, lot coverage, accessory buildings, and accessory dwelling units. Many Michigan cities have updated ADU rules in recent years, so confirm the latest local ordinances. Major structural or systems work must be permitted and inspected. Unpermitted work can complicate financing, closing, or resale. School district boundaries can influence buyer demand, and boundaries or open‑enrollment options can change, so verify the latest information.

Renovation priorities and resale

Buyers in this market commonly prioritize roofs at end of life, electrical service upgrades, high‑efficiency HVAC, kitchen and bath modernizations, and basement waterproofing. Preserving historic character can cost more per item, but sympathetic updates often support long‑term neighborhood value.

Resale drivers here include proximity to downtown Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan, convenient access to employment centers, lot size and outdoor space, updated kitchens and baths, off‑street parking, and energy efficiency. If you plan to renovate, focus on improvements that align with local expectations and the home’s era.

Ann Arbor vs. Saline: where styles cluster

In central Ann Arbor, you will see older housing stock with Victorians, bungalows, foursquares, and early revival styles. These neighborhoods are more walkable to downtown and campus. Ann Arbor’s outer areas include mid‑century and contemporary subdivisions with larger lots and attached garages.

Close to downtown Saline, you will find a mix of historic homes similar to early Ann Arbor neighborhoods. On the village edge and in nearby townships, expect newer subdivisions and rural properties, including farmhouses and homes on larger parcels.

Quick buyer checklists

Historic homes

• Confirm local historic district rules before exterior work.
• Source specialized contractors for masonry, decorative trim, and historic windows.
• Test for lead paint and asbestos when planning renovations.

Mid‑century homes

• Inspect heating systems, electrical panels, and insulation levels.
• Review window condition and roof age for near‑term replacement needs.

Rural and farmhouse properties

• Arrange well water testing and a certified septic inspection.
• Review surveys, easements, and township zoning for accessory uses and outbuildings.

Homes near waterways

• Check FEMA flood maps and local designations for floodplain status.
• Ask about past flood history and insurance requirements.

Your next step

Choosing between a Victorian in Ann Arbor, a mid‑century ranch, or a Saline farmhouse comes down to lifestyle, maintenance comfort, and your renovation plans. With the right inspections and local guidance, you can buy with confidence and protect your investment.

If you want a clear path from search to closing with one team coordinating the details, reach out to Christine Faeth, The Faeth Team. We will help you compare styles, budget for upgrades, and negotiate smart so you can move with confidence.

FAQs

What are the most common home styles in Ann Arbor and Saline?

• You will often see Victorians, bungalows, and foursquares near central Ann Arbor and Saline’s downtown, plus mid‑century ranches and newer construction in surrounding neighborhoods and townships.

What inspections should I prioritize for older Michigan homes?

• Plan for a full home inspection, radon test, basement moisture review, sewer scope or septic inspection, and testing for lead paint or asbestos when applicable.

How do historic‑district rules affect exterior changes?

• In local historic districts, exterior alterations usually need approval, so plan timelines and budgets with design review requirements in mind.

What should rural buyers know about wells and septic systems?

• Budget for well water testing and a certified septic inspection and verify township rules for accessory uses, livestock, and outbuildings.

Are mid‑century ranches and split‑levels energy efficient?

• Many need insulation upgrades, window improvements, and updated HVAC, which can significantly improve comfort and efficiency.

How does floodplain status affect buying near the Huron River?

• Floodplain properties may carry building restrictions and flood insurance requirements, so verify maps, ask about past flooding, and factor premiums into your budget.