Ann Arbor is a “magnet” for retirees

Local writer Julie Halpert chats up Ann Arbor's appeal to retirees, the local battles over taxes, and the region's top price real estate. Excerpt: "The city's learning programs are a big attraction. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Michigan has 120 study groups that focus on topics such as philosophy, history, social science and the performing arts. Instructors are volunteers; many are retired or current professors at the university. About 700 people age 50-plus take classes each year, paying $20 for a membership and $40 for a 15-week class. A similar program, called Elderwise, has attracted about 300 students. The 50 classes this fall included "How the Supreme Court Changed America" and "Ancient Greek and Roman Theater." Membership is $30, and each course is $5." Read the rest here.