<p>Ann Arbor is not that much colder than Boston or NY. Michigan can be cold, particularly in UP.
I moved from Dallas to Ann Arbor many years ago. It is not such a problem for me after the first winter. You just need to have the right coat and shoes.</p>
<p>I was thinking more of NYC than Boston…which is almost a couple hundred miles south in lattitude. But as I said that couple hundred miles only amounts to about a ten degree average temp difference. </p>
<p>There are plenty of people in MI transplanted from tropical climates. The largest growing immigrant group to the state is East Asians. (my kid’s high school has 80% Indian-Pakistani-Bangladeshi population). You’ll adjust – or at least you’ll be in good company. MI is a huge state and you’ll probably enjoy exploring – even some of the winter sports activities (skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile, etc.) College is to expand your horizons – even in this aspect! Congrats on attending UoM. Welcome!</p>
<p>I lived in Michigan my whole life, and you never really get used to the harsh winters. The winters make you tough! But the University of Michigan is that more diverse because of the winter weather. This was probably the worst winter we’ve had in a long time. Last night at 2am, I looked out my window and there was snow covering the ground. But, it was gone during the morning, so take it for what it is. </p>
<p>Last night? That was hail, not snow. It didn’t get cold enough to snow last night but there were some major thunderstorms.</p>
<p>Hi guys, just wondering is Ann Arbor a nice town to live? Is it boring or like “isolated from the rest of the world”? I am from a big city (city busy like NY) and just wondered would I bored there?</p>
<p>@2016BarnardMom I don’t live in Ann Arbor right now… And where I live right now, yes it was snow on the ground.</p>
<p>Why do people ask questions about the weather when information is available online?</p>
<p>AVERAGE HIGH-LOW and (PRECIPITATION) - NOVEMBER
Boston 52-38 (4.0)
Ann Arbor 47-32 (3.0)</p>
<p>AVERAGE HIGH-LOW and PRECIPITATION - DECEMBER
Boston 40-25 (3.7)
Ann Arbor 35-20 (2.8)</p>
<p>AVERAGE HIGH-LOW and PRECIPITATION - JANUARY
Boston 35-22 (4.0)
Ann Arbor 30-17 (2.3)</p>
<p>AVERAGE HIGH-LOW and PRECIPITATION - FEBRUARY
Boston 39-24 (3.3)
Ann Arbor 34-19 (2.1)</p>
<p>So, on average, Ann Arbor is 5 degrees F cooler than Boston, but Boston is snowier than Ann Arbor.</p>
<p>I don’t know if there is a “wind” statistic available but the only thing my boy complains abour regarding the winter conditions in Ann Arbor is how windy it always is. He is convinced the wind is always blowing in his face no matter whether he is going to or coming from classes</p>
<p>Ann Arbor is in a kind of valley where wind would not be too strong. There are occasionally storms with gusty wind though. It really depends on where you are and which direction you face. It is not particularly windy. At least in the 15 years I lived in here.</p>
<p>“He is convinced the wind is always blowing in his face no matter whether he is going to or coming from classes”</p>
<p>Sounds like the anhedonic illusion…could be time for a study break.</p>
<p>^ Perhaps he is inside one of the wind tunnels at North Campus. ;)</p>
<p>When it comes to wind, cities with a lot of skyscrapers or major bodies of water will typically be windier. Ann Arbor does not stand out on either count (very few tall buildings and no major bodies water). I found cities like Chicago and Boston windier than Ann Arbor.</p>
<p>To be honest, the weather sucks. I’ve lived here my whole life and you never really get used to the bitter cold and wind that literally feels like it’s slapping you across the face. HOWEVER, I can say after my freshman year at Michigan that you should not let the weather stop you from coming here. Some of my best friends are from California and while they didn’t love the winter, they LOVE the school and the cold really didn’t bother them that much or make them love the school any less. I had the time of my life here and honestly forgot about the cold a lot of the time because I just had such a great experience.</p>
<p>Just one thing, the Michigan winters are comparable to that of Boston, Chicago or even NYC right?</p>
<p>@ashleymartin Yes, they are all about the same. </p>
<p>NYC winters are warmer. Boston, Chicago and Ann Arbor are about the same.</p>
<p>Coastal cities are generally warmer. The ocean provides a moderating effect. The secret to surviving winter is dressing appropriately. Get a good coat, down is good. Jackets these days tend to be short but try hard to get one that will cover your butt. Hats or hoods, boots that will keep your feet warm and dry. Your best bet will be to wait until you get to school and either shop locally or order online from someplace like LL Bean or Lands End.</p>
<p>@ashleymartin Does this mean you chose UMich?</p>
<p>A good jacket is important, however, it would be better to have multiple layers that you can adjust to different temperature easily.</p>
<p>I cannot tell if some of your suggestions of down coats (for example) are for females or males. What kind of coat/jacket would a guy typically wear. My S grew up in Arizona and doesn’t seem too worried about the winter since he loves the school (and believe me, everyone keeps warning him). Frankly I think learning about what winter is like is part of his overall education.</p>