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UMich apartment comparison tips for renters
- Ong Ogaslert
- Dec 16
- 4 min read
In Ann Arbor, UMich students often face a common decision: choose an older building with charm and potentially lower rent, or choose a newer apartment with modern finishes, stronger amenities, and more predictable maintenance. Both options can be great—but they offer very different living experiences. The “best” choice depends on what you value most: budget, space, comfort, quiet, reliability, and daily convenience.
This guide provides practical UMich apartment comparison tips to help students evaluate older buildings vs newer apartments clearly. By comparing building quality, maintenance reliability, layout usability, utility costs, and lifestyle fit, you can avoid choosing a place that looks good online but doesn’t match your day-to-day needs.
Why building age changes the living experience
Building age influences more than appearance.
Key differences often include:
insulation and window quality
heating systems and utility efficiency
soundproofing
wiring and outlet availability
plumbing reliability
appliance age and performance
management systems and maintenance speed
Older doesn’t automatically mean worse, and newer doesn’t automatically mean better. The goal is to compare the right factors.
UMich apartment comparison tips: older buildings vs newer apartments
These UMich apartment comparison tips help you compare what matters most for student living.
1) Maintenance reliability and response time
Maintenance quality is often the biggest practical difference.
Older buildings may have:
more frequent repairs
slower fixes if owned by smaller landlords
unique quirks that require attention
Newer apartments often have:
on-site maintenance teams
quicker response systems
more standardized repairs
What matters most is not the building age—it’s how problems are handled.
Ask:
how to submit maintenance requests
typical response times
after-hours emergency policies
2) Heating, insulation, and winter comfort
Ann Arbor winters make heating and insulation major quality-of-life factors.
Older buildings:
may have drafty windows
may use radiator heat (sometimes included)
can have uneven room temperatures
Newer apartments:
often have better insulation
more consistent heating systems
better temperature control
Ask:
whether heat is included
typical winter utility costs
whether windows are double-pane
Heating quality affects both comfort and budget.
3) Layout and usable space
Older buildings sometimes offer more space per dollar, but layouts vary widely.
Older layouts may include:
larger rooms
more storage
separate dining areas
unusual room shapes
Newer layouts may include:
more efficient floor plans
open-concept living
smaller bedrooms but better flow
During tours, visualize:
bed + desk setup
storage needs
roommate privacy
shared space flow
A “newer” unit can feel cramped if the layout is tight.
4) Noise and sound transfer
Noise is one of the most common student housing complaints.
Older buildings:
can be either quiet (thick walls) or loud (thin floors) depending on construction
may have creaky floors and older windows
Newer buildings:
sometimes have modern materials but still poor soundproofing
may have more neighbors due to high density
Test during tours:
listen for footsteps above
hallway noise
street noise through windows
Never assume age predicts quietness.
5) Utilities and monthly cost predictability
Utility costs can differ dramatically.
Older buildings:
may have higher electricity costs
may have included heat, reducing winter expenses
can have older appliances that use more power
Newer buildings:
often have efficient appliances
may require you to pay all utilities
may include smart thermostats for control
Compare “all-in monthly cost,” not just rent.
6) Amenities vs affordability tradeoff
Newer buildings often include:
gyms
lounges
package lockers
elevators
secure entry systems
Older buildings may offer:
fewer amenities
lower rent
more space
simpler living
Decide whether amenities actually improve your routine or just look good in marketing.
7) Safety and access control differences
Safety depends on both building design and management.
Newer buildings may offer:
fob access
cameras
secure mail systems
gated parking
Older buildings may rely on:
traditional locks
fewer cameras
less controlled entryways
Ask:
how keys are managed
whether doors self-lock
how packages are handled
8) What to inspect during a tour (older vs newer)
In older buildings, check:
window condition and drafts
signs of moisture or mold
plumbing pressure and drainage
outlet placement and electrical readiness
In newer buildings, check:
quality of finishes (not just appearance)
noise from hallways
hidden monthly fees
parking convenience and cost
Both building types can hide problems—just in different ways.
Common mistakes UMich students make
Choosing “new” without checking fees and noise
Choosing “old” without checking insulation and maintenance
Comparing rent without comparing utilities
Ignoring layout usability
Not researching management quality
Avoiding these mistakes leads to better long-term satisfaction.
Final comparison checklist
Before signing, compare:
maintenance responsiveness
winter comfort and insulation
noise transfer
usable layout space
utility cost expectations
fees and amenities
security systems
management reputation
Choose the building type that supports your daily routine—not just your aesthetic preference.
Conclusion
Older buildings and newer apartments near UMich can both be great choices, but they deliver very different living experiences. By comparing maintenance, heating, layout, noise, utilities, and management quality, students can choose housing that truly matches their budget and lifestyle. These UMich apartment comparison tips help renters make a clear, confident choice that holds up through the semester—not just on move-in day.
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