<p>My freshman son asked me to post here for any information, advice, insight into off campus housing for next year. He is part of a group of 5 looking for somewhere reasonable, SAFE, and good landlords. </p>
<p>So far- They went to the First Year Experience seminar on off-campus housing. They have looked around on the internet. They did go see one house, but the girls living there signed for next year already.</p>
<p>Any upperclassman have suggestions for this group of freshman?</p>
<p>I’ve lived off campus for a year and a half now- and rent from Oxford Realty, with has their office on 16th and Pearl, just off campus. </p>
<p>I would recommend them- they’ve fixed everything that needed fixing, the apartment was clean when we moved in, and didn’t make a big deal when one of my roommates forgot to hand in rent for two extra weeks. Rent is pretty reasonable- which, in my experience is something like $325-425 for apartments, and $375-475 for a room in a house. </p>
<p>To find an apartment or house- go talk to some of the larger realty companies in the area, and ask them when they will know which places are available for next year. That date should be soon, and after the realty places know, they can take your son around to see the places available. It is harder to find a large house, and easier to find a smaller apartment, if that helps. I had initially planned to live with a larger group of people, but we split into two groups, and live in nearby apartments instead, which has been convenient and cheaper. </p>
<p>As far as what areas are safest to live in, the closer to high street and to campus, the safer, although rent is cheaper further away. I would not live further south than 12th or Chittenden, since that area tends to be low-income residential rather than students. There are a few streets which are louder at night- mostly where the big houses are, since people use them to throw house parties.</p>
<p>Another vote for Oxford. My daughter is in her third year of living in an apartment and she has rented from three different companies; this company has been the best for her to deal with. </p>
<p>Since OSU is going to semesters next year, things are moving on a different schedule. My daughter has already had people in looking at her apartment.</p>
<p>“I would not live further south than 12th or Chittenden, since that area tends to be low-income residential rather than students.”
^^^I agree.</p>
<p>Good luck, and get started ASAP in order to get what and where you want to live.</p>
<p>My D currently rents a 5-bedroom with Inn Town Homes. She and her roommates have been very satisfied with service when needed. They’re even getting a brand new stove.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses. My son and his four friends signed for a house yesterday. It was their first choice so they are happy. And I think they are in a safe area, near frat row. We’ll see how everything goes next year. </p>
<p>Actually, I truly wish that OSU required students to live on campus on in fraternities for their sophomore year. I just think this is too soon in their college career to make these kind of decisions. Thanks again to everyone who responded.</p>
<p>My D had to live in the sorority house for one year. She did that her second year. She really loves living in an apartment and having her own bedroom. I do know how you feel. Being 500 miles away and not being able to check out the apartments is tough, but this teaches the kids responsibility, etc. He’ll be fine and better off for it.</p>