this is a great thread and thanks to all contributing info! 
 
I'll be a grad student at AU starting in August.  
 
I will be looking for a room or apt for between 600 and 700 a month. My one concern is finding a very quiet area. I am sensitive to noise so need to stay away from college student areas, which tend to be noisy (stereos, booming cars, parties). I can always drive or take the train if I want to hang out on the weekends. 
 
Sounds crazy but a neighborhood with the low noise level of an old folks home would be ideal!   Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating (slightly) but does anyone have any suggestions? 
 
Thanks! 
tadjani