[leebinky]

In two months, I will graduate with my MSW from the University of Michigan and I am looking to move in the Washtenaw County area. As a new graduate, I will not be able to afford Ann Arbor rent so I was wondeirng if anyone knows anything about Canton or Belleville. If so are there any apartment complexes that anyone would suggest? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[mhogan10010]

I grew up in Western Wayne Co., but worked in Ann Arbor for 5 years (my Dad owned a business in Ann Arbor for 43 years).

Canton is a rapidly growing city on the far Eastern Edge of Wasthenaw Co. It is really more Metro-Detroit than Ann Arbor. The area used to be rural. I used to go Pheasant hunting there as a kid. Anyway, it is nice with lots of new big box stores (Ikea and the like), and plenty of chain restaurants.
Beleville is nice and has a lake. As far as I know the crime is not bad there.
You might also consider Plymouth. It is a quaint small town, with a village green type area. Chelsea the other side of Ann Arbor, is rural but with a thriving arts community.
If I moved back to MI, I would probably be settling somewhere near AA.

[leebinky]

Thank you mhogan10010 for the information.

[mhogan10010]

BTW-I would try and avoid Ypsilanti. In spite of the fact that I was born in a small hospital there, and it is the home of EMU. I have to tell you that most people call it YpsiTucky. One of the more red neck areas in Wasthenaw.

[Mi_Mom]

Originally Posted by mhogan10010

Chelsea the other side of Ann Arbor, is rural but with a thriving arts community.
If I moved back to MI, I would probably be settling somewhere near AA.

The housing market is pretty ...slow right now. But renting you should be able to find an abundance of places that suit your needs. I will admit I'm partial to Chelsea as we live there. I love the small town feel. We're between Jackson and Ann Arbor. Not too far from Detroit/Lansing commute/travel time.

[mhogan10010]

Originally Posted by Mi_Mom

The housing market is pretty ...slow right now. But renting you should be able to find an abundance of places that suit your needs. I will admit I'm partial to Chelsea as we live there. I love the small town feel. We're between Jackson and Ann Arbor. Not too far from Detroit/Lansing commute/travel time.

Hi Mi_Mom
I worked on the medical center there in Chelsea back in the late 70s early 80s. I found Chelsea quite lovely. I am sure that it has grown quite a bit since then.

[Mi_Mom]

Originally Posted by mhogan10010

Hi Mi_Mom
I worked on the medical center there in Chelsea back in the late 70s early 80s. I found Chelsea quite lovely. I am sure that it has grown quite a bit since then.

Hi Mhogan!

It has grown. It used to be a little 'village' LOL. They incorporated a couple years ago. But it still has that small town feel. And lots of vibrant downtown businesses. They actually have quite a bit of renovating etc in the clocktower for office space etc. And the hospital actually just was made bigger (well a new building actually!)

[Yeti]

Canton is EXPENSIVE
So is Whitmore Lake

[sreed418]

Ignore what people may say about Ypsilanti! I am from there and it really isn't that bad (though parts of it are...and Bellville the same). I would really reccommend the areas on the outskirts of Ypsilanti like Ypsilanti Township and Pittsfield Township. You can also look the other way into Dexter or Saline! Ypsilanti is cheaper though than the rest.

[Lauraferg]

I'm sorry, but the reason Ypsilanti is so cheap is because it's a bad place full of crime. You aways hear on the news about something bad happening in Ypsilanti. Try Saline, it is a great small town.