The maintenance people are slow to fix things, but other than that I haven't had any issues. They just remodeled with new carpet and flooring before I moved in, so that was nice!

Apartment location is nice for proximety to medical school, but not close to anything else (shops, restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, etc.).
Apartment size/included utilities is nice for the price (for Ann Arbor standards).
Kitchen is small.
Bathroom is nice.
New carpet is nice.
Apartment was not clean when I moved in. Spent two days deep cleaning windows, kitchen, cabinets, bathroom, floors, etc.
Not great administrative skills and organization from management. Poor communication skills. Not very responsive to concerns/correspondence, especially by email.
All people that work there are kind, including maintenance workers.
Storage is limited.
Curb appeal is lacking.
Heat in bedroom is subpar, especially in Michigan winters.
Windows not very good quality.

While not the flashiest of apartments or complexes, it is functional, safe, and located very close to the medical school. I like that a mixture of students, residents, and families all live there. This is not my dream apartment, but it is perfectly functional with new appliances and a means to an end. While I like its proximity to the medical center, it is a significant walk to cafes and restaurants. I do, however, appreciate easy access to secure running paths, and there is a gym on site. For those moving from big cities like New York and Chicago, this is bigger, cleaner, and more functional than anywhere you've lived before.

If you are looking to live in the White Coat Area in a 1 bedroom apt, Island Drive is the most affordable (however I still think it's overpriced - but - that's most of Ann Arbor). Parking is great, with spaces right in front of your building (HUGE plus for Ann Arbor), and I've never had a problem not finding a spot during any time of the day. The buildings are a bit older so you have to lower your expectations a bit if you are comparing these apartments to some of the newer built high-rises downtown. Everything works great for the most part, and maintenance has been very helpful if I submit a request. It's very close to the med school/hospital (10-15 minute walk), but walking downtown to central campus is a bit of a hike. Some downsides are the relatively thin walls and floors (I can hear neighbors talking, walking above me, etc however this isn't in an undergraduate area so there haven't been issues with loud parties or things like that). Overall I like living here and am staying for the next year.

**One tip I would like to share: for some odd reason, the management company for Island Drive does their application process differently than practically every other place I've lived in AA. When you apply, you give your PREFERENCE on apt layout (1 Bd/2bd, which floor you want) and location (front of complex, back, which building), and after you sign all the paperwork and pay your deposit, you then get ASSIGNED a unit on your move in day. This did not sit well with me because I wanted to view and sign for the specific apartment I would be living in (which practically every other management company usually does). After some back and forth with management (who were very nice and polite through the whole thing), they finally did allow me to sign the paperwork for the specific unit I would get. I don't know why they do it this way, so if this is something that bothers you, take that into consideration when deciding.

Island Drive Apartments offers just what you need within walking distance to the hospital and medical school campus. While the units are outdated and on the smaller side, with a little bit of elbow grease you can personalize it and make it comfortable/cute! My only complaints about the complex is we aren't allowed dogs (cats only- and for a monthly fee), there isn't a gym (although management has been working on one for the past six months), there's no covered parking (so get a shovel & ice scraper), and I never trust maintenance to do as thorough as a job as I think is necessary (although they're quick to respond & will come on the weekends if needed). I like that it's affordable, convenient, and comfortable enough. But after living here for three years, I am admittedly ready to move.

Nice management team. affordable rent. close to the hospital!! I am overall satisfied with this place.
The "gym" is not sufficient for my needs, though. it is a converted apartment, and it lacks ventilation.

No complaints. It's a perfectly adequate apartment -- nothing fancy, but also on the cheap side. The management is also fairly quick to respond, which is helpful.

No bells and whistles, but has been a comfortable place to live for the past 4 years within easy walking distance of the hospital.

Pro's: third floor ensures it is well-heated in the winter (you cannot control the heat), AC unit in the family room, good amount of space for 2 people, free parking, great location for a med student, very quiet neighborhood, great running trails nearby, grocery store is a 10 min drive, pretty responsive maintenance team.

Con's: older appliances, not a ton of counter-space, pay extra for pets, parking is not covered, no dishwasher and laundry is costs $3 per load for units in the basement that only accept quarters, snow removal service is mediocre, no ability to compost.

I live nearly as close to the hospital as you can from that direction. I love having my own place. It has nice new carpeting. Older kitchen supplies, and not the best water pressure, but a good fit nonetheless. The pool is nice in the summer time and as a medical student I will be around and get to enjoy it. Allows cats! There have been those stinkbugs (that are everywhere in ann arbor in the fall) and the management sprayed my windows. Very quiet!

Great Location!