Is this even possible? (Ann Arbor, Taylor: apartment complexes, rental, condos)

[dt1005]

Girlfriend and I are relocating to SE MI. Strongly considering Ann Arbor since we both lived in Madison, WI and we would like to get back to a college town. Here's what we're looking for in terms of housing:

1) Rental $1200/mo or less (preferably)
2) Preferably renting a home as opposed to an apartment
3) Pet friendly (3 cats)
4) Neighborhood that's relatively quiet, but still somewhat near stuff to do (restaurants, bars, etc.). Perhaps a neighborhood with grad students/young professionals (we're mid-20s).

Is this even possible? If so, can anyone recommend resources to check? It seems the craigslist postings are dominated by a handful of apartment complexes making repeated posts with varying titles ending in exclamation points, which is quite annoying. Also, any specific neighborhoods to check out?

[gameguy56]

I think people are going to tell you to look into Kerrytown, but I think you probably won't find anything in your price range in that neighborhood unless you're ok with a 1br for all 5 of you. You could live a bit further out in Ann Arbor for less, but the neighborhood may not be as hip as you desire.

Another option I think is worthy of consideration would be Ypsilanti, a few miles down the road. It's got a bit more grit but Eastern Michigan University being located there gives it its own unique college town feel.

[dt1005]

Thanks. In terms of neighborhoods, I'd settle for any place that seems like it has a good sense of community and is relatively safe and quiet. Any "hip"ness is a bonus.

[ChargerMatt]

As someone who has various college students on my staff in the AA/Ypsi area, they all have said that Ypsi isn't a college town at all. I've always asked places to go out around here and there have been no recommendations for Ypsi. One of my staff told me they were in AA one night, went to downtown Ypsi and it was dead.

Ypsi is more of a suburb of AA, but as gameguy said, it's got a bit more "grit" (which is a great way to describe it).

Sorry I really can't add much to where to look into, I work here and commute home (Taylor - soon to be Inkster).

[Digiwizard]

I consider Ann Arbor a suburb of Ypsilanti. Ypsilanti is 7 miles east of Ann Arbor with less expensive housing. Consider Pittsfield Township as well. Ann Arbor bashes the town of Ypsilanti for whatever reason, I don't know. But I have lived in Ypsilanti for 30 years with nary a problem. The historical aspect of Ypsilanti is a deep well to draw on and may be Ann Arbor's problem with Ypsilanti.

Ypsilanti has a wonderful mix of Greek's, Whites, Blacks, and Kentucky (from wwII and the town is affectionately know as Ypsi-tucky).

Another great town is Saline. it is located about 8 miles southwest of Ann Arbor. Saline has a real mid-west feel with a very friendly mix of citizens.

[Cliffie]

Originally Posted by Digiwizard

I consider Ann Arbor a suburb of Ypsilanti.

Huh? Ann Arbor is BIGGER than Ypsi.

[Albuquerque101]

There are some apartments and condos near the north campus area of U of M that are in your price range. Those places are often rented by grad students or young professionals. It still has a little bit of the college vibe but is much more quiet and has some (but much less) of the restaurants, etc., that you are looking for. "Quiet" and "near stuff to do" is subjective, so you do need to visit the areas yourself, but be aware that you probably have to prioritize one of the two because they don't really go hand in hand.

[Texamichiforniasota]

The thread is a little old. Did you look on the old west side of Ann Arbor. You might not get a whole house, but you could probably get a 2 BR. Still close to Main with restaurants and shopping in walking distance, a little further from campus so not as many undergrads.