For the 80% of Florida State University (FSU) students who reside off-campus, researching and choosing off-campus housing can be hectic and stressful. There are varying experiences among the more than 36 off-campus complexes to choose from, which makes the process of finding the perfect place to live difficult.
The decision on where to live often relies heavily on ratings and reviews from the community. While off-campus residences can become a home away from home to many students, they still face challenges, primarily in finding affordable housing.
Tallahassee apartments featured on renttally.com start around $540 per bedroom and can get as expensive as $950 per bedroom. Not all off-campus housing falls in this range. Shared houses and duplexes can provide cheaper alternatives, though location and included utilities often determine the final price.
On average, rent by room for a one-bedroom apartment in Tallahassee costs about $1,025 per month. A two-bedroom averages $824 per room, while three-bedrooms average $822 per room and four-bedrooms drop to around $522 per room. Furnished units often add an extra furniture package fee of $25–$40 per month. These figures show how affordability can vary widely depending on the type of housing students choose.
David Laffo, who lives on West Virginia Street, said that while he enjoys living off-campus, his apartment complex doesn’t provide enough services for its price.
“I like almost everything about it, but I think the price is too high in comparison to what it offers,” Laffo said to the FSView. “Even though it is comfortable, I believe it could have better value for the cost.”
Safety concerns have also added pressure to finding off-campus housing. One popular student housing complex, Redpoint Tallahassee, has seen multiple incidents of gun violence. Most recently, a Labor Day shooting at a pool party at the complex left three people seriously injured.
“The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors is of the utmost importance to us. Firearms and other weapons are prohibited at Redpoint Tallahassee, as well as any violent conduct,” Roland Boudrias, regional manager at The Scion Group, which owns Redpoint Tallahassee, said in an email following the Labor Day shooting.
Apartment complexes surrounding Chapel Drive and West Virginia Street have reviews that highlight comfort, affordability and community, while at student safety concerns dominate other complexes like Redpont Tallahassee, which shows a lack of consistency in the safety of the community.
“When a place gains the reputation for violence, it stays with you, even if nothing happens for a year,” Laffo said.
Students find benefits to living off-campus
For many in Tallahassee, the most important factor in finding off-campus housing is whether an apartment feels like a safe and welcoming home. Despite pricing and safety challenges, students still have positive leasing experiences and credit living off-campus as a way to gain more independence and find their footing as young adults.
“I have really enjoyed living off-campus, it feels nice to have your own private room and bathroom and just space for you to do your homework and create your own schedule,” FSU student and off-campus resident Patricia Götz Vidal said to the FSView. “It is really nice to have all of those accommodations and still be a walkable distance to class and the campus. I love having access to the amenities my apartament offers like the pool, business center and gym.”
“When living off campus, you are not bound by the rules of the university, which gives you an added sense of freedom and independence,” Cristian Buendia, who lives off of Chapel Drive, said to the FSView. “Another huge benefit is having your own bedroom along with your own bathroom, which makes daily life much more comfortable and private.”
Some students say that living off-campus has ultimately encouraged a healthier lifestyle and allowed them to expand their horizons.
“Living off campus has been a great experience for me because I have made friends from many different countries,” Laffo said to the FSView. “It has also allowed me to be in a different environment outside the university and learn how to be more independent. Another benefit is that I have been able to explore the city more and discover useful shortcuts.”
Email our staff at contact@fsview.com.
This article originally appeared on FSU News: Off-campus housing rates remain high despite safety concerns
Reporting by Staff Report / FSU News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
