Third-floor light, fireplace, balcony in Ann Arbor.

This third-floor condo sits in a well-established building on the southwest side of Ann Arbor — the kind of place where fresh paint and new flooring make it feel like it has been waiting for someone to move in. The living room gets good natural light, and the wood-burning fireplace gives it a warmth that most condos don't bother with. The private balcony is just large enough for a chair and a cup of coffee in the morning.

In-unit laundry and a covered carport take the friction out of daily life. The building's amenities go further than expected — an indoor pool, sauna, racquetball court, and fitness center are all part of the community.