Ypsilanti

About the Area

Ypsilanti is known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and top-notch university. Since it's founding in the early 1800's, Ypsilanti has been a city of imaginative people known for their independent spirit. Even the name, "Ypsilanti", celebrates independence. The city is named after the heroic Greek patriot, General Demetrios Ypsilanti, who triumphed against the Turks in the 1820's. Among the Ypsilantians who dared to be different are Preston Tucker, creator of the Tucker automobile; Tom Monaghan, found of the Domino's Pizza empire; and Elijah McCoy, inventor of the "real McCoy".

Ypsilanti boasts the second largest historic district in the state. Approximately 20 percent of the City's 4.4 square miles included in the historic district. The beauty and appeal of the city were honored when Ypsilanti was selected as one of five regional finalists in its population category in the Paint Quality Institute "Prettiest Painted Places In America" competition. Ypsilanti was the only city in Michigan to be selected for this finalist ranking.

Eastern Michigan University is located in Ypsilanti. Since 1849, EMU has been committed to the highest standards in the classroom, the community and the world. With 24,000 students of all ages and walks of life from around the globe, EMU combines a world-class university with a thriving, connected community environment.

Ypsilanti was also recently noted as a "Clean City." The Ann Arbor Area Clean Cities Coalition, of which Ypsilanti is a part, was recently designated the 69th member of the Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program. The Department of Energy recognized the coalition's commitment to increasing the use of alternative use vehicles (AFVs) in communities across Washtenaw County.