ann arbor is overrated.

The Old West Side News profiles Larry Goldstein, editor of the anthology Writing Ann Arbor (which, among other things, contains “several pieces…[that] illustrate how repressive the McCarthy era felt” in A2):

A University of Michigan English professor, editor of the Michigan Quarterly Review, and a poet, Larry is better known in the OWS as the husband of Nancy Goldstein, long-time board member and watchdog on neighborhood issues such as noise, street parking, and parking structures.”

What, nothing about tall buildings, indoor furniture on porches or kids walking on the lawn? Anything goes with these bohemian writer types.

If the early leasing pressure ban passes, landlords argue, students will get around it by just knocking on doors of places they’re interested in renting, which constitutes a “safety issue.” MSA rep Rese Fox linked to a few websites of local landlords that already encourage this practice. Campus Rentals: “You may visit any of the listed units. Don’t be embarrassed. Just go to the door and knock. Most students find their place this way every year, but we do ask that you be considerate of the tenants and their schedules.”

Or rather, that’s what it said yesterday. Today, it says, “You may visit any of the listed units. A Campus Rentals representative can show you through; feel free to contact us at the office. We’ll be glad to arrange for you to see it.”

A reader considering a move to A2 asks what it’s like as a place for a couple in their thirties (presumably of a snarky enough sensibility to appreciate relentlessly negative blogs) to raise young children. We can probably all agree, “Overrated,” but for those of you in this situation, are you reasonably happy here anyway?