AB58745

I went with Orchard Downs because I knew some people who lived there and I had to accept something sight unseen. I also heard horror stories about renting from local landlords, so I decided it would be easier to deal with the university. Pros: - Extremely responsive to maintenance issues - Removed from the crazy campus environment - Very family friendly - Easy access to campus by bus; also easy access to grocery stores (50 Green runs to the nearby Meijer in the evenings and weekends, every half hour) - Flexible lease - this is why I kept coming back. Totally worth it since my life was in motion. - Meadowbrook Park is a 10 minute walk Cons: - Older buildings - when I first watched the video online I thought I could never live here (white brick interior walls, etc.). But I have adjusted. - Nothing within quick walking distance. Downtown Urbana is around a 25 minute walk; Meijer also; I can also get to central campus in half an hour at a quick pace. If my life had been more stable and I was going to stay in the same place for my whole PhD, I might have moved out. But since I kept coming and going OD has been perfect. You could always come here for the first 9 months (they let you terminate your lease early for the summer) and then look for a place for the following year.