Ann Arbor offers many housing options, from renting to buying, in a variety of price ranges and locations.
General Housing Tips
Many housing options open up in late April and into May from graduating medical students and residents, so plenty of housing is available for those who make their decision to come to Michigan during that timeframe.
- Many of the rental communities offer leasing specials with reduced rent and/or security deposit. Be sure to inquire about specials even if they are not explicitly advertised.
- Utilities may be included in your rent. Be sure to ask which ones are covered and which ones are not — this can vary from place to place.
- Do not be pressured into signing a lease before you are ready. Housing options remain available throughout the summer and even into the school year.
- As with any lease or contract, be sure that you understand your University of Michigan or off-campus housing lease or contract before you sign it.
- Look into renter’s insurance and see what student legal services are available to you.
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a guide to buying a home. It includes tips on choosing a real estate agent, loan information, housing rights, and homeowners insurance.
Moving to Ann Arbor
Coming from Out-of-State or Abroad
Relocating to Ann Arbor from across this country or another country altogether can seem daunting. Here are resources to help make the transition smoother.
More on Moving Here
- Use tips from the International Center to settle into Ann Arbor.
- Tips on moving to Michigan.
- Share your moving expenses through Backlode.
- Learn how to recycle in Ann Arbor.
- Be aware of local laws in Ann Arbor.
- Know your rights under the Fair Housing Act.
- Browse this list of off-campus living resources.
- Find on-campus housing forms.
If you are moving to Ann Arbor for a residency or fellowship, please contact your GME Program Administrator for a verification of employment letter as needed.
Neighborhood Profiles
Ann Arbor's city core is compact, but many neighborhoods have their own flavor. Explore neighborhood profiles in the U-M Off-Campus Housing guide to get a sense of where you'd like to be.
An organization called VeryApt has independently developed a housing guide, which includes information, advice and reviews from fellow learners. Click here for more details.
More on Neighborhoods
The majority of Michigan Medicine learners live in one of the following Ann Arbor neighborhoods:
- Downtown
- Kerrytown
- White Coat Area
- Water Hill
- West Side
- Burns Park
- Northside / North Campus
Find short profiles of each neighborhood in Ann Arbor from the Observer.
Housing Options
Off-Campus Housing
- Find off-campus housing options throughout Ann Arbor.
- Understand how the early lease ordinance and mandatory lease clauses are designed to protect your rental agreements.
- Find a roommate.
- Many local realty companies also list rental properties — a great way to find a house or condo, if you're looking for something other than an apartment.
Housing Costs
- Find on-campus graduate housing rates.
- Get an idea of how much off-campus housing costs.
- Estimate your cost of living in Ann Arbor.
- Check out these Ann Arbor housing stats.
- Review the guideline budget for med students, and the stipend and benefits for PIBS students.
- Calculate costs for relocation to Ann Arbor.
Living Outside Ann Arbor
In addition to housing options in and around Ann Arbor, some people choose to live in nearby communities such as Ypsilanti, Dexter, Chelsea, Plymouth or Canton.
The Ann Arbor city buses, known as Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority or TheRide, connect Ann Arbor and its closest neighbor, Ypsilanti, though you'll want to budget extra time for getting back and forth. Their ExpressRide service also connects commuters to Chelsea and Canton, each about 30 minutes from Ann Arbor.
School Districts
School choice is an option in Ann Arbor, with public, charter and private schools available.
- See Ann Arbor Public Schools.
- View a list of Ann Arbor charter schools.
- Check out Ann Arbor private schools.
Learn more about other nearby school districts located within Washtenaw County, Wayne County and Livingston County.
