University Commons

University Commons sits next to the University of Michigan's North Campus in Ann Arbor, on land the university provided, and has 92 independently owned condos for people at least 55 years old, which means you'll find faculty, staff, business folks, and all sorts of people from different backgrounds living there, and many keep busy working, volunteering, traveling, or going to classes and concerts because the community really focuses on lifelong learning and social camaraderie, so if someone likes walking or biking, there are trails winding through hardwood forest and wetlands, and for folks who like crafts or woodworking, there's a dedicated shop and an arts & crafts studio. The buildings have a choice of villas, townhouses, patio homes, condos, and other styles, with kitchens or kitchenettes, living rooms, washers and dryers, and safety features like sprinklers and handicap accessibility, along with covered or indoor parking, guest parking, and patios or outdoor spaces to enjoy. People here use shared areas like class and meeting rooms, the business center, the fitness center, a dining area for meals and social events, a library, and game and activity rooms, plus there's a lifestyle/activity director who schedules activities, club meetings, fitness classes, performances, and education programs, so it's easy to stay engaged, and for those who need a haircut or want to visit the salon, there's a space for that, too. Pets are welcome, and there's a picnic area, a place for BBQs, and various social and arts programs, with many chances for card games like bridge, so residents can remain active in the ways that suit them best. While University Commons doesn't offer medical services or assisted living, it does provide independent living and memory care services through other arrangements, and there are options for long-term care insurance but mostly things run on a private pay fee structure. Maintenance, housekeeping, laundry and dry cleaning, transportation, and meal programs are all available, and every condo has cable TV and Wi-Fi, so it's easy to keep in touch or entertained. Tours can be set up, but those who aren't residents have to wear masks, and there's an office that takes care of questions and the registration process, although it doesn't handle the buying or selling of the units, and with a long list of amenities, various floor plans, a focus on nature, and a friendly, intellectually curious group of neighbors, University Commons gives active adults a place to keep learning and enjoy a connected community well into their later years.