I lived in Milan and commuted to Ann Arbor for 13 years. The commute took me 13 minutes. There are several ways to come including the expresssway. Let me know if I can be of help.

I am a real estate professional and have lived in Milan in the past. It is a good small community close to Ann Arbor. There are many ways in addition to the highway to get from Milan to Ann Arbor. The commute can be a short as 13 minutes, from experience.

One thing you may not realize is that you can have a Milan address with Saline schools, if you are in York Township. So you might miss some homes if you are searching in the Milan school area only. Keep that in mind and expand your search a little. I live 7 minutes from Milan and do my grocery shopping there, use the library there, have bbqs in the park etc. It is easy to jump onto US23 if you're in town, but Milan has reach into the country and from those areas it's a long drive to A2 -- but a beautiful one!

It's an easy commute, and Milan has some advantages (it's right on U.S. 23.) For one thing, it's cheaper! It also has gotten more built up over the last few years, because people have moved out from Ann Arbor. But as someone who grew up here, Milan has a little bit of a scruffy reputation, partly because it is an industrial area and has a state prison. Saline, Ann Arbor, even parts of Ypsilanti are all more desirable (keeping resale in mind) and schools in Saline and Ann Arbor are particularly good.

Sorry, I am so late to chime in today. I did three open houses (and more).
I would start your answer with, Very Reasonable! I would love to speak with you on the phone ASAP. You may feel free to call me tonight up to 11 PM or as early as 6AM tomorrow at: 734/ 645-2637 (734/ Mi-LANDS).
My co-workers are quick to point out that the commute is about 20 minutes, but I would first like to ask which campus? Are you going to need a parking pass(Blue/Orange/Gold?)? My Father worker as a professor at the U of M for 25+years (at Med Sci 1), my Mother retired from the U of M hospital in risk management, and my wife has been there in the ITD dept for 25+years. In each area there are different parking issues and tricks to drive there missing the traffic(as much as possible). Have you already picked out your new home?
Many people drive much futher than Milan, like Dundee, Tecumseh, Clinton (some come from Flint). Where are you coming from? You also asked what locals think and being born and raised in Ann Arbor I can tell you sometimes Locals think too much (and sometimes the students do not think at all). Well, if you do not reply directly, happy trails!

It is about a 20 minute drive by car as inidcated in answer below straight North from Milan on US 23 wihch is a major highway in Michigan. There is no subway around U of M; the only public transportation is busses, so you would need to drive.
Therre are some sweet new construction homes for sale there now.
Positively Yours,

Kathy Toth and Team
734-216-7845
Real Estate One
It's our purpose and privilege to help you.
http://www.kathytoth.com/custompages_reports.php?key=g81161

I live in Saline and have several homes listed in Milan. It is about 15-20 minutes. It is a warm,cute community. Good schools and lots of community involvement.

Milan is a great community, 17.9 Miles south of Ann Arbor (according to Google Map). There are several young couples and young families who live in Milan. It is a straight shot up US 23 to Ann Arbor. During non-rush hour times, it is a 15 - 20 minute drive. During rush hours, the only slow downs would be in the city, en route to or from the highway.
I've linked the Google map, which you've probably checked already.
Hope that answers your question, and best of luck to you.
Brian Bundesen
Real Estate One