UMich student housing areas students choose

Introduction

Finding the right place to live near the University of Michigan is one of the biggest decisions students make when planning their off-campus experience. Ann Arbor’s rental market is competitive, diverse, and sometimes pricey—but it also offers an impressive range of neighborhoods with different vibes, price points, and conveniences. Whether you’re looking for an energetic student hub, a peaceful residential block, or affordable housing with strong transportation links, there are plenty of UMich student housing areas to explore. By understanding what each neighborhood offers, students can choose a living environment that supports their academic goals, social preferences, and financial comfort. This guide highlights the most popular neighborhoods UMich students choose every year, giving you a clear roadmap to find the best off-campus housing options in Ann Arbor.

1) Central Campus: The Heart of UMich Student Life

Central Campus is the epicenter of academic and social life at UMich, making it the top choice for many students who want to live as close to the action as possible. This area is packed with student-friendly apartments, older homes converted to rentals, shared houses, co-ops, and unique housing options that accommodate students at all budgets.

Living on Central Campus means being steps away from libraries, classrooms, cafés, bookstores, and dining halls. This convenience makes the area especially popular with freshmen transitioning into off-campus living and students heavily involved in clubs, organizations, or on-campus jobs.

Why students choose Central Campus:

• Unmatched walkability to academic buildings

• Strong student community and social atmosphere

• Tons of shops, eateries, and study spots

• Easy access to public transit

For students wanting maximum convenience and a lively environment, Central Campus remains a top contender.

2) South University Area: Energetic, Social, and Filled with Student Housing

Known for its vibrant nightlife, busy streets, and heavy student presence, the South University area is a favorite for students who enjoy active social lives and want easy access to entertainment. Housing here varies from budget-friendly apartments to modern mid-rise buildings.

The South U area offers incredible walkability to Central Campus and a unique atmosphere full of restaurants, bars, cafés, and late-night food options—making it particularly popular among undergraduates.

Why students like South University:

• Strong nightlife and social scene

• Many student-oriented rentals

• Very close to Central Campus

• Dining options everywhere

Students who want to live in a fun, lively environment often gravitate toward this neighborhood.

3) Best sections in South U for UMich student housing areas

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Several micro-neighborhoods within the South University area stand out as top choices for students seeking prime UMich student housing areas. Streets branching off South University Avenue—such as Church Street, Willard Street, and East University Avenue—offer dense clusters of student-friendly rentals at a range of prices. These streets feature older apartment buildings, shared homes, and subdivided houses that often provide more affordable rents than newer complexes.

These areas are especially popular because they offer a blend of affordability and convenience while maintaining the lively atmosphere that South U is known for. Students can easily walk to class, grab late-night food, attend events, or study at cafés without needing a car.

What makes these South U sections great:

• Affordable older apartments

• Ultra-walkable to campus and amenities

• Strong student community

• Lots of fast food and coffee shops

For students wanting to stay in the heart of student life while keeping rent manageable, these pockets of South U are among the best options.

4) Kerrytown: Charming, Historic, and Community-Oriented

Kerrytown is known for its artistic vibe, historic buildings, and charming streets lined with shops, markets, and cafés. Though not as hectic as South U or Central Campus, Kerrytown offers a unique community atmosphere that appeals to students who enjoy culture, walkability, and quieter surroundings.

The famous Ann Arbor Farmers Market, boutique shops, and local restaurants create a distinctive environment that feels both cozy and stimulating. Housing options include renovated apartment buildings, shared houses, and smaller complexes hidden among tree-lined streets.

Why Kerrytown stands out:

• Beautiful, historic architecture

• Walkable, peaceful streets

• Great food and local shops

• Very close to Central Campus

Students who want balance, character, and a strong sense of community often choose Kerrytown.

5) North Campus: Affordable, Spacious, and Tech-Focused

North Campus is home to engineering, art, music, and architecture programs—making it a natural housing hub for students in those fields. While the atmosphere is quieter than Central Campus, North Campus offers more green space, newer buildings, and typically more affordable rent.

Housing options range from large apartment complexes with student amenities to shared homes and smaller buildings. The free university bus system makes commuting between campuses simple and reliable.

Why students choose North Campus:

• Lower rent compared to Central Campus

• Large apartments and student amenities

• Close to engineering and arts facilities

• Calm atmosphere perfect for studying

North Campus provides an excellent balance of affordability and convenience for students in specialized programs.

6) Old Fourth Ward: Calm, Residential, and Close to Downtown

Old Fourth Ward is a popular choice for upperclassmen and graduate students who want quieter living environments without sacrificing easy access to campus. This neighborhood offers a mix of older, well-preserved homes and modest apartment buildings.

Students appreciate its proximity to downtown Ann Arbor while enjoying less noise and traffic compared to student-dense areas. Tree-lined streets, parks, and historic homes make Old Fourth Ward visually appealing and comfortable.

Why students pick Old Fourth Ward:

• Residential and quiet

• Close to downtown and Central Campus

• Good selection of older, more spacious homes

• Great for graduate and focused students

Old Fourth Ward offers peaceful living while keeping everything conveniently nearby.

7) Burns Park: Scenic, Family-Friendly, and Very Walkable

Burns Park is one of Ann Arbor’s most scenic neighborhoods and is popular with students who prefer serene surroundings and beautiful outdoor spaces. With its iconic park, walking trails, and large historic homes, Burns Park provides a more residential feel.

Many students living here choose house shares, which can be affordable when dividing rent among roommates. Burns Park has excellent walkability and safe streets, making it ideal for those who value comfort and quiet.

Highlights of Burns Park:

• Gorgeous residential streets

• Safe and walkable

• Spacious rental homes

• Easy access to Central Campus

Burns Park attracts students wanting a balance between beauty, peace, and convenience.

8) Ann Arbor Downtown: Energetic and Perfect for Students Who Love City Life

Downtown Ann Arbor is lively, walkable, and filled with shops, cafés, bookstores, bars, and entertainment options. Students who want to be immersed in city life often choose this neighborhood for its energy and convenience.

While some units downtown are more expensive, the area contains numerous older buildings that provide unexpectedly affordable housing options—especially when shared with roommates.

Why downtown appeals to UMich students:

• Endless food, shopping, and entertainment

• Extremely walkable

• Great nightlife and events

• Good selection of older, affordable units

Students who enjoy activity and convenience often thrive in downtown Ann Arbor.

9) Lower Burns Park: Affordable, Student-Friendly, and Near Campus

Often overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Lower Burns Park offers some of the most student-friendly housing options near UMich. This neighborhood includes numerous small apartment buildings and shared houses that tend to be significantly more affordable than areas closer to campus.

Students enjoy the calm, residential vibe paired with the neighborhood’s strong student presence. Its proximity to campus and downtown makes it ideal for students seeking affordability without sacrificing walkability.

Why Lower Burns Park works well:

• Budget-friendly units

• Safe and comfortable

• Close to both campus and downtown

• Many shared housing setups

Lower Burns Park is an excellent option for affordability and location.

Conclusion

Finding the ideal housing near the University of Michigan depends on knowing which neighborhoods offer the best mix of affordability, convenience, and atmosphere. Fortunately, students exploring UMich student housing areas have no shortage of strong options—from lively Central Campus to peaceful Burns Park, trendy Kerrytown, and budget-friendly North Campus. Each neighborhood offers its own advantages that cater to different student lifestyles and priorities. By exploring these areas early and weighing your preferences, you can secure an off-campus home that supports your academic focus, social life, financial needs, and overall well-being throughout your Michigan journey.

Visit UMich Universe Housing as a great resource to meet roommates and find off-campus housing at:👉 https://www.offcampus-universe.com/university/umich/property-listings