[pjmiami]

Hi All: My daughter is seriously considering EMU for college in the Fall; I've seen quite a few posts that the Ypsi area 1) has a high crime rate and 2) is in the poster's words "redneck."

I am not familiar with Ypsi at all so I'd appreciate hearing a bit more, especially regarding the campus proper and the area of Ypsi that surrounds the campus. I'm most concerned about the crime comments as I think the "redneck" part of the equation probably doesn't affect the campus all that much, but please let me know if I'm wrong there too. Thanks much

[debbys_trip]

EMU is a typical college area. Borders Ann Arbor which offers UofM. So as far as crime goes its about the same as any college town full of young people. Several of my friends went to Eastern in my time and have made good livings from their degrees. Rent is variable, depending on what you are used to and can get into. There is a diversity of people there due to it being a college area. You will find all races and all types of people that you find in any race. As in any city its be aware and be safe. I still would feel safe enough walking in that area. Do take a trip out there and check out the area with your daughter. Check out housing and the campus together maybe it will ease your mind some.

[mhogan10010]

I was Born in Ypsi, but raised about 10 miles toward Detroit in Wayne.
Yes we always called it YpsiTucky. Lots of Southern Transplants from Appalachia settled there after WWII. I am sure many of them retired back South. I mean, it isn't going to be Paris, but neither is most of Metro Detroit. As far as EMU, it is like most college campuses. Not really bothered by the local culture. In addition, Ann Arbor is just a hop skip and jump away.
I'd say, go for it.
PS-I work in a University in Manhattan now.

[lavendersunrise]

The college and LOCAL surrounding area is not bad. Once you start to fan towards the outter edges of Ypsi, be careful of drugs and crime.

[AnneSeelbach]

I am a student at Albion College and my boyfriend attends Eastern Michigan. I would tell your daughter to be very careful walking around the campus alone. My boyfriend lives in a apartment just off the campus and has homeless people knocking on his door. There are a few places that are safe but many others are not.

[mike jones]

EMU is a great school.
Do not let anyone would persude you otherwise.
I graduated with a masters in 2005

Eastern always has had a problem marketing itself.
That is the schools fault.
People around here look at it as the place to go when you cannot get into Michigan.

The school has great programs and dedicated professors committed to academic excellence. Unlike the fly by night colleges like the University of Phoenix or Baker, your daughter will be required to study hard for her grades.

Crime is no different than if she lived in Ann Arbor.
I suggest she get her degree at EMU and leave the state to find employment.
Go Hurons!

[M TYPE X]

Ypsi is redneck and it is completely different than Ann Arbor. The area around the EMU campus is not as nice as NMU or WMU.

[Angel Bear]

She should be okay on campus, especially if she stays in the dorms. She could always live in Ann Arbor and commute if she has a car--just an idea.

[cksh]

I can't believe some of the differences between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti that I am reading here and in other posts. Apparently Ypsilanti is redneck with lots of crime. But! I can get in my car and drive for 5 minutes and be in Ann Arbor. Too Funny! I guess no one from Ypsilanti ever mosey's past the city limits

[M TYPE X]

In any other state, Ypsi would be gentrified as Ann Arbor gets expensive and people need nearby options. But with Michigan's economic weaknesses, it just isn't happening.