Need advice on where to live in Ann Arbor (real estate, apartment complex)

[KaliC714]

My husband and I recently moved to Ann Arbor, and we're currently living in a duplex. We have a lot of issues with the current place, and I'm hoping to get advice on where we should live next. Originally, we were thinking of moving into a townhouse (not interested in apartment complexes with shared hallways, as we've done that in the past), but virtually all of the townhouses we have been able to find seem to have a lot of issues with them. Predominately, not being stand alone buildings and having thin walls in which you can hear the neighbors, and perhaps more importantly to me, issues with bugs and mold. We had ideally hoped to rent a home but it seems difficult to find a full house in our price range around here (we can't afford more than 1,000 a month as we're both graduate students), and definitely can't afford to buy a home right now. I'm hoping that perhaps I can get advice on good townhouses, or at least private entry apartments? It would need to be on the bus line due to downtown parking near the school. Thank you!

[YAZ]

Have you considered married housing?

I understand that might be hard to get into.

The Hewitt/Packard area was kinda nice the last time I was there.

That was 1995 though.....

Plenty of apts. on Washtenaw Ave.

[ferro28]

Perhaps Windemere apartments (separate entry), or Geddes Lake condos off of Huron Pkwy?

[jspainter]

My husband and I did really well with rentals in the Kerrytown area. Mostly graduate students, very quiet, and extremely pleasant.

An apartment complex that might be worth looking into for you two is Hidden Valley apts off State St. near Eisenhower Parkway. A friend of mine lived there while she was in the School of Social Work, and it is build so incredibly solidly that you can not hear ANYTHING from surrounding apartments. It's also right on a bus line.

[missycaulk]

Hi, you could rent a 2 bedroom in Pittsfield Village, Ann Arbor mailing off Packard and on a bus route. You are correct, the rentals right now for homes not over 1000.00 are slim pickins.

[raaa]

Arrowwood hills co-op
$ 250-500 mo.

[the_muse]

It is really difficult to find something that you describe in that price range. A stand alone townhouse will cost way, way more. If you don't mind a commute, you might have more luck... but even I live in a condo with neighbors on each side & below in a 'burb, and I don't pay much less than $1000 and I'm 40 minutes outside of A2.

If I were you, I'd decide what you're willing to sacrifice for the next year or two (however long you'll be in school) and save as much money as you can. Once you're done with school, you'll likely have expenses such as loans to pay off, and you may or may not get jobs right away. So, decide what you're willing to compromise on for now - either the connected housing or some critters or go into more debt.

I feel your pain - I went from a house to a nice 2br rental apartment-style condo, and now am considering returning to college. It is difficult to step down to the idea of a 1br apartment that isn't the level of lifestyle I've been accustomed to. I am reminding myself that this will be a temporary sacrifice on my part, and in a few years, I'll be able to have a great career in my field and afford to live in a nice, quiet place of my own.

[MittenDweller82]

Originally Posted by KaliC714

My husband and I recently moved to Ann Arbor, and we're currently living in a duplex. We have a lot of issues with the current place, and I'm hoping to get advice on where we should live next. Originally, we were thinking of moving into a townhouse (not interested in apartment complexes with shared hallways, as we've done that in the past), but virtually all of the townhouses we have been able to find seem to have a lot of issues with them. Predominately, not being stand alone buildings and having thin walls in which you can hear the neighbors, and perhaps more importantly to me, issues with bugs and mold. We had ideally hoped to rent a home but it seems difficult to find a full house in our price range around here (we can't afford more than 1,000 a month as we're both graduate students), and definitely can't afford to buy a home right now. I'm hoping that perhaps I can get advice on good townhouses, or at least private entry apartments? It would need to be on the bus line due to downtown parking near the school. Thank you!

Hello, I've lived in A2 for quite a while, I would suggest looking at Apartment Finder & Commercial Real Estate | McKinley. Mckinley is a real estate company that practically owns Ann Arbor. I have lived in their apts in the past and most are reasonably priced and many are on the bus line. As far as where you want to be they have a good selection around A2 and some in Ypsi. Apt complexes are certainly the cheapest option here, as home owners are asking insane prices to cover for their reduced wages in this recession.

Having the limit of 1000/mo will keep you either in a duplex or an apartment complex, most if not all town homes in a decent area are higher. Good luck on your search.