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Ypsilanti is a small city (population 22,000) immediately to the east of Ann Arbor and just west of metropolitan Detroit. For decades a manufacturing town, Ypsilanti today is increasingly becoming a creative and cultural center, particularly as Ann Arbor has become more expensive, making Ypsilanti's lower cost of living very attractive. The presence of Eastern Michigan University helps keep Ypsilanti's average age at a low 24, and the city is generally considered politically progressive. Ypsilanti has the second-largest contiguous historic district in Michigan, behind only much-larger Grand Rapids.

The two central commercial districts of downtown and Depot Town are home to many regionally-known restaurants (Sidetrack, Dalat, Haab's, Cady's, Abe's Coney Island), coffee shops (Luwak Cafe, Bombadill's, Ugly Mug), and bars (Elbow Room, Tap Room, Pub 13), as well as grocery stores (Dos Hermanos, Ypsilanti Co-op), art galleries (What is That?), and microbreweries/brewpubs (Corner Brewery/Arbor Brewing Company, Frog Island Brewery). Depot Town is home to the last Hudson automobile dealership, now used to house the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum.

Two parks (Frog Island and Riverside) designed by Frederick Law Olmstead's sons lie on the banks of the Huron River between Depot Town and downtown. These parks host numerous large events throughout the summer, including the Michigan Brewer's Guild Summer Festival, Michigan's largest Elvis Fest, the Orphan Car Show, and Ypsilanti's Heritage Festival.

Sheridan Street is a short, two block residential street running East/West between Oakwood and Summit Streets, also residential. It is a continuous block on the north, but the south side is bisected by Elm Street, also residential. Sheridan lies in the northeast corner of Normal Park, a mostly residential neighborhood comprising 10% of the population of the City of Ypsilanti, located on the cities west side. The Normal Park Neighborhood Association was Ypsilanti's first neighborhood association and remains highly active, distributing a bimonthly newsletter, organizing a neighborhood-wide yard sale in the spring, holiday light displays in the winter, and various social activities throughout the year. Membership in the association is voluntary, and it places no restrictions on homeowners.

Mature oak, maple, elm, and walnut trees line the street, providing ample shade, while the famous Ypsilanti Water Tower stands on Summit, immediately around the end of Sheridan. House styles and ages vary, including late Victorian Queen Anne homes and 1920s and 1930s bungalows. About 3/4 of the homes are owner-occupied, while 1/4 are rented. Although it is home to some Eastern Michigan University students, retirees, and couples, the area is dominated by families with children.

It's a short walk to Estabrook Elementary School, West Middle School, Ypsilanti High School, and Eastern Michigan University. Several small parks with playgrounds are within a few blocks, and Ypsilanti's large Recreation Park, containing Rutherford Pool (swimming), baseball diamonds, and the city's Senior Center is just four short blocks away. Within an easy 3/4 mile walk are downtown Ypsilanti and the Depot Town commercial area, including grocery stores, bars, cafes, and restaurants. (Notable regionally are the Ugly Mug, Luwak Cafe, Bombadil's, Sidetrack, Abe's Coney Island, Cady's, the Corner Brewery, Dalat, Haab's, and the Elbow Room.)