If your parents have enough disposable income to put you up in a palace like Zaragon or Landmark, then this issue of The Statement probably isn’t for you. But for the rest of us — the ones without the high-rises and penthouse apartments — we must learn to discerningly navigate the world of off-campus real estate.

To begin that navigation, there’s a couple things to consider. That’s where this issue comes in handy.

First of all, give that lease you’re considering signing a good, thorough read. Pay special attention to extraneous fees. Is there a clause for a “non-refundable $1,000 move-in fee”? If so, time to start looking elsewhere.

Now, who are the people you’re thinking of signing with? Can you imagine using the same bathroom as them? Do you envision them doing the dishes more than just once per semester? If you assumed no on either account, don't sign on the dotted line.

And what if you think that houses or apartments just aren't right for you? What if you're looking for something a little more community-based, with cheaper rent and a self-governing system? Finding the right fit is equally important as fees or roommates.

These are some questions to ask yourself. There are more.

Needless to say, housing is pretty complex stuff. But when everything falls into place, it can be fantastic. That’s the experience we want you to have — the one where you walk into your house and enjoy it, unencumbered by rusty pipes, dirty dishes and dirtier slumlords.

And so we present our Housing Issue. It's got a little something for everyone. Live alone? Read Jesse Klein’s article about how despite living alone, you are not alone. Trying to get off North Campus and into a more centrally located residence hall? Read Leah Shepherd’s firsthand account of how that can actually happen. And finally, everyone should turn to our center spread to learn about what you’ll pay on a neighborhood-to-neighborhood basis.

And remember, make friends with your landlord.

The Michigan Daily’s Ann Arbor Housing Guide

Use this map and accompanying infographic to figure out which neighborhood best fits your budget and needs.

Students living solo: Weird or just different?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it's estimated that one in four households have a single occupant. Though this trend hasn’t necessarily translated into the hustle and bustle of University off-campus living, there are several students who’ve turned to domestic solitude as a way of life.

Ann Arbor’s nouveau riche

Ever wondered what it's like to live in a more upscale environment? Here, we’ve provided an overview of the five premium housing-options in the Ann Arbor area, breaking down everything you need to know about these housing-options by cost and convenience.