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Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, one of the oldest and most respected universities in the nation. It is a bustling town and a place full of many amazing and engaging activities. Students interested in this college have many different neighborhoods from which they can pick. The following five are among the most popular and sought-after places to live in the city.

5 Great Neighborhoods for University of Michigan College Students are

• Elbel
• Tappan
• Old Fourth Ward
• Germantown
• Oxbridge

Off Campus Living in Elbel

If you want to live off of campus and yet close enough to get to football games, Elbel is your best bet. Located less than a mile from Ann Arbor, you could walk to and from the Athletic campus to watch games whenever you want. You also get access to Elbel Field, which is just on the corner of Division and Hill. This athletic complex includes a football field, volleyball courts, softball fields, sports for soccer, cricket, rugby, and ultimate Frisbee, and a place where you can picnic.

As a result, Elbel is probably the most popular destination for athletic students. The rent here is going to be a little higher than you might like, though. On average, rent is a little over $1,000 for one-person apartments. Find three or more roommates, though, and you might be able to rent a whole house for around $3,000 to $5,000 total each month. Split among many people that should be a very doable rent rate for everyone.

Greek Life in Tappan

Anybody interested in Greek living while attending the U of M should consider Tappan. Located about 2.5 miles from campus, it is the epicenter of off-campus living. Many Greek houses are in this area. You are also not too far from the Diag, which makes student life a little easier. Those attending the Law Quad or Ross School of Business often live in this area, as these schools are in this neighborhood.

Tappan rent ranges from around $1,500 for a one-person apartment to several thousand for a multi-person house. However, its proximity to bars like CJs Bar and Grill, Hillgers Bar, and the Conner Street Pub make this an excellent destination for those who want to have fun during their college experience.

Thankfully, you should also have access to the Fine Arts Library during those days when you need to cram for an exam. And the crime rate is among the safest in the area: expect a rate of just 4.5 per 1,000 residents every year.

The Historic Old Fourth Ward

Old Fourth Ward comes by its name naturally: it was one of the first residential areas in the city. As a result, it is home to some of the oldest and most historic districts in the state. However, it also has several fun bars, such as Aventura and Sava's, that make it a fun place to live. If you enjoy home-grown food, you can check out the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market in this area on Wednesday and Saturday during the summer and fall.

For rent, Old Fourth Ward is typical for the area. You can find one-bedroom apartments for around 1,000 or so. However, two-bedroom apartments have been as low as $1,200 in the area, which often makes it a popular destination for couples.

Seven-bedroom apartments may go for as low as $5,500 per month, which is a pretty good rate if you fill the house correctly. Best of all: you're less than half a mile from campus.

Enjoy Tasty Food in Germantown

Germantown is another old neighborhood in Ann Arbor. Anticipate some very gorgeous architecture here, such as stone-built churches and turn-of-the-century homes. There's a sense of history here that you may not find elsewhere in the city. There are also many fun places to check out, such as The Cube and the Michigan Union. Lots of permanent residents are in this area, though, which may make finding a home somewhat harder for students.

Those who take their studying seriously may enjoy Germantown. It is near the Washtenaw Library for the Blind, the Law Library for the University of Michigan Law School, and the Fine Arts Library. Rent is reasonable in this area, with a price of around $1,050 to $1,500 for one-person apartments. Expect rates of approximately $4,830 for six-person homes in the area. With an average distance of 0.3 from downtown Ann Arbor, you are not far from campus here.

Life Close to Campus in Oxbridge

Those who want to stay close to Ann Arbor often prefer this neighborhood to others in Ann Arbor. While the rent is typical of the area ($1,000 to $5,000 for apartments and homes), its proximity to campus and many Greek houses make it an excellent living choice.

As you're close to the Oxford Housing hall, you can hop on the Oxford Shuttle to get to and from campus every day. This bus access helps to make your transportation a little easier to handle.

Oxbridge is also the right neighborhood choice for those who love outdoor living and coffee shops. You'll find destinations such as George Washington Park, Nichols Arboretum, and South University Park here. Common Cup Coffee and Mighty Good Coffee are also nearby and very student-friendly.

Many come to these shops to study, meet friends, or even enjoy good music. Those with a spiritual side may like Oxbridge, as well, because New Life Church, First Church of Christ, and Ann Arbor Assembly of God are all in this neighborhood.

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