Overall, this is a good place to live if you need space or additional bedrooms. I lived in one of their few outdated units, so my rent was more reasonable than other options. However, they have begun upgrading each new unit to include fake wood floors, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, so naturally they now rent for $500+ more for the same-sized unit ($2,400+ for a 2 bedroom).

The units themselves are nice, though the buildings are over 50 years old, so their foundations are a bit flawed. The doors and windows are very gusty, and the basements flood with every rain. I recommend buying silicone caulk and absolutely coating your window gaps, which will only slightly remedy the problem. The kitchens are also hallway shaped, and quite small. However, these apartments are one of the few Ann Arbor options that include a washer and dryer (note: these aren't available in Mill Creek's studios), which was a bit of a deal breaker. The added bonus is that each unit has a small outdoor area/yard that is big enough for small furniture and a garden.

The apartment complex does have nice amenities: gym, pool, large dog park. It is also backed up to a nice park and woods. Parking is free.

Dog fee = $40/month + $200 deposit + cleaning fee when you move out (~$200). You must provide vet records and MI registration to have the dog. Weight limit = 75lbs (though they don't really check).

There is a convenient bus stop at the front of the neighborhood that takes you to the number 5. It is a 10 minute ride down Packard to the law school. It's a bit far away from all the action, which can be a plus or a minus depending on what you're looking for.

The area is safe and people keep to themselves. It's a decent price, my unit is old but spacious. They will respond to maintenance orders quickly but sometimes they don't actually fix it. I've tried to get my bathroom fan replaced multiple times and they just clean it, but I've also had the microwave break and they replaced it the next day. Collective dumpsters at the entrance to the parking lots, but they are always overfilled, probably by non-residents. Good for pets though I don't have any, they just put a dog park in. Apparently some of the basements flood a little, but that hasn't happened to me. They have a free event once a month with food. New clubhouse with pool, hot tub, gym, and pool table. Spiders are pretty frequent, the basement ceiling is totally unfinished so there are some wires, cables, insulation, and nails out. I never let my child be down there alone.

Mill Creek is a solid place to live. I am a 3 minute walk from a bus stop that gets me to campus in ~15 minutes. There is a huge park and nature area about 5 minutes down the road that I use to run, play frisbee golf, and hike through the woods.

Pros: Clean, decent maintenance, tons of green space, close to bus, pet friendly, inexpensive for AA, town house style, nice pool in summer

Cons: Older complex (circa 1970's) but you can get updated units, no gym, further from the MBA bubble (there are probably only 1-2 MBA families that live here each year vs. some complexes closer to campus with 100+ students each.

Pros:
1) Fairly spacious (includes unfinished basement).
2) Price is much lower than comparable options closer to campus.
3) Bus stop is right in front of property and bus is only ~15 minutes to Ross
4) Property is clean and functional
5) Quiet neighborhood

Cons:
1) Property management could be more responsive.
2) Unit is a bit dated, but clean and functional.
3) No covered parking (but plenty of spots of 2 vehicles)

Great place for family on a budget, next to Mary Beth Doyle Park (80 Acres). Apartments are a little run down though and maintenance is not as responsive as it should be.

Townhomes are located next to beautiful 80 acre park great for young families and pet owners. Public transit to Ross is convenient and timely during the week. Quiet at night but pool and outdoor community area for use during the summer and fall. Each townhome has a basement for storage. Older construction.

Our apartment is a 2-bedroom, 1-bath, 2 floor townhouse with a basement, washer, and dryer. It comes with 1 assigned parking spot, but parking is available for a second car and guests. The community has a great pool and there's a park that's right next to the community -- great for dog walking. Very pet friendly. Only downside is that we're about 3-ish miles/10 min drive from Ross, so it takes effort to get to class and events. There's a bus stop right outside the entrance to the community that runs on the route up Packard.