Saline

About Saline

Located in Washtenaw County, Saline is a small, family-oriented city 10 miles south of Ann Arbor. Around 9,000 residents enjoy Saline’s great schools, wonderful parks, tightknit community, and robust career opportunities. Saline actively promotes the arts while cherishing its history at the Depot Museum and Trail, Rentschler Farm Museum, the Blaess One-Room Schoolhouse, and the Bixby Marionette Exhibit at the Saline Library.

Saline History

The city is named for the salt springs that have long drawn animals to the area, where bones of ancient animals like mastodons have been found.

Native Americans followed six trails that converged at the salt marshes. French explorers came by canoe, then named the river after the French word for salt, a name that stuck. In the 19th century a surveyor called Orange Risdon decided to stay after his work was done, and along with other settlers kept the name Saline.

Living and Working in Saline

Saline residents celebrate the Fourth Friday of every month in their quaint downtown with food, beverages, and seasonal fun. The annual summer Celtic Festival includes a parade, food, craft demonstrations, live music, and draws people from afar. Shopping the farmers market is a great way for newcomers to get to know their neighbors.

Longtime residents love their clean, safe neighborhoods and enjoy abundant parks and nature preserves. Home prices in Saline run slightly higher than the national average, while rentals cost a bit less. Most residents own their own homes.

Large companies such as JAC Products, Liebherr Gear Technology, and Quantum Signal have relocated to Saline thanks to a strong workforce within the town and from surrounding communities. Residents pursue careers in education, health, automotive research and manufacturing, cyber security, energy, software, and more.

Things to do in Saline

Saline has 12 parks where annual events are held or locals play ball, cavort on playgrounds, paddle, sled, cross-country ski, hike, and picnic. Sixty miles of pathways allow residents and visitors to pedal, walk, or skate around town, with more on the way. Saline Rec Center is always buzzing with fitness workouts, classes, and children’s birthday parties.

Golfers play a round on the public fairways of Brookside Golf Course. Art Around Saline curates exhibitions of local artists, while the 109 Cultural Exchange hosts theater, music, and creative makers of all kinds.

Saline Transportation

U.S 12 runs through Saline, while I-94 is just to the north and U.S. 23 is a bit east of town. People’s Express offers residents public bus transport by appointment.

Saline Schools

Saline Area Schools provides excellent K-12 public education. Ann Arbor Saline Music Center offers lessons, band classes, and a camp. Graduates can attend top-notch higher education institutions close to home, including Washtenaw Community College or University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Resources for Moving to Saline

Saline provides water and sewer service as well as trash and recycling collection. Contact DTE Energy for both gas and electric utilities. Telephone companies include Frontier, Comcast, or Exede. Choices for cable providers include Comcast and DirectTV.

With high-quality schools, year-round recreation, vibrant cultural programs, and a strong business community, Saline is a great fit for young professionals, growing families, empty nesters, and retirees.