CU-Boulder Campus (Flickr)
If you’re like most college students, there’s a good chance you spent your first year or two on campus sleeping on a lofted dorm room bed. Anyone who has ever spent time in a dorm knows that if you like your personal space (and the freedom to do as you please), the dorms can be a real buzz-kill. Tired of being told you can’t play music past 10 p.m.? Rent College Pads has a solution for that—corral your friends, find your perfect CU-Boulder off campus housing pad and revel in your newfound freedom.
To help you jumpstart the process, we took a look at the best off-campus housing options available for students at the University of Colorado-Boulder. We combed through hundreds of reviews and cherry-picked the top 10 places to live at CU-Boulder near campus.
The Lotus understands that college students have more than enough things to worry about, from what classes to take to what bar to go to on the weekends. It’s for this reason that they try and make the process as easy as possible. Cable and Internet? Included. Furniture? Included. A bunch of friends to hang out with in your new place? You’re on your own for that one, though they do offer a convenient roommate matching program. The location is as prime as the list of amenities, as it sits just across the street from campus. They even feature a bike rental program if you don’t feel like hoofing it.
Colorado Realty and Property Management
Colorado Realty and Property Management prides itself on delivering professional and progressive service to all of its customers. The Company boasts a Master Property Manager award, but let’s be honest, you probably don’t care about that. What you do care about is the fact that they offer a wide range of places across the campus area, so you’re sure to find one that fits your unique taste and budget. You’re not going to want to put this off like you did your first term English paper. Get in there, start looking for some houses and set up some showings.
University Village at Boulder Creek
Powered by American Campus Communities, University Village offers the kind of lifestyle you dream of living at CU-Boulder. True to its name, the community is designed to feel like a village of like-minded students looking to get the same thing out of their college experience. They offer fully furnished apartments, cable TV with HBO (you’ll never have to miss Game of Thrones again), and a list of other amenities focused on positive habits and socialization. After getting a workout in and hanging with your peers, feel free to take advantage of the 24-hour study lab and grind away those midterms. The complex is located only a short bike ride from campus and right on the HOP bus line, so you can pretty much roll out of bed and still be on time for class.
The Buffalo Canyon Apartments are a student living oasis just a few blocks from campus. Located in a park-like setting with lots of trees and creeks, you’ll be inspired to take your studies outdoors and get some fresh air (something that college students tend to miss out on). A quick look at their website reveals they throw beginning of their year parties by the pool, complete with a DJ and free food—if there are two things that make college students happy it’s parties and free food. With one or two bedroom options available, you better act quickly—they go fast.
Sterling University Peaks offers modern, stylish living just two blocks from campus. The complex was completely remodeled in 2016, so new residents are sure to be getting a new, fun, and fresh housing experience. The on-site fitness center and bicycle storage are huge plusses for those who like to stay active, and the complimentary Wi-Fi is great for those who don’t.
FourStar on the Hill manages over 1,200 student properties near the CU-Boulder campus. They truly have something for everyone. If you’re looking for a luxury abode, complete with high-end finishes and modern conveniences, the company operates a number of apartment buildings that are sure to dazzle you. If you’re looking for something a bit more modest, feel free to browse a list of houses or smaller apartments in the area. In addition to a great portfolio, past and current residents have said that the staff at FourStar go above and beyond to provide a great customer experience.
Family-owned and operated for over forty years, Fowler Property Management is a veteran when it comes to CU-Boulder off-campus housing. From single-family homes to multi-unit apartment buildings, Fowler’s portfolio has something for everyone. Reviewers made note that maintenance is a breeze, and the staff is always professional and courteous.
These gorgeous apartments offer mountain-style living in the heart of Boulder. With rugged names like Tahoe, Alpine, Cascade, and Sierra, the various floorplan options offer breathtaking views of the Rockies. They’re located just one block east of campus so you can hit snooze on your alarm and still make it in time for that pesky 8 a.m. class. If you want to do some shopping but can’t go far, don’t worry—the 29th street mall is just two blocks away! Residents can also take advantage of the complex’s on-site fitness center and seasonal heated pool.
My Boulder Rental specializes in CU off-campus housing and offers a list of options in Boulder as “luxurious as they are convenient.” The company prides itself on providing the best possible living experience for students. All of their properties are located just blocks from campus and include high-end finishes and conveniences. To make the housing search a little less stressful, My Boulder Rental even offers group tours of their properties every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Brookside Apartments is yet another newly renovated apartment complex offering a unique blend of luxury and convenience. If you’re trying to live a healthy lifestyle, you’ll be pleased to know the building sits within walking distance to Campus, Whole Foods, and Chautauqua Park. They offer several different floor plans, in-unit laundry, and a swimming pool. The complex also features an off-leash dog park for resident animal lovers.
Callie Kollenbroich
Callie Kollenbroich has been the Operations Coordinator and Content Writer/Editor at Rent College Pads since 2015. When she's not working, you can find her at home, eating peanut butter out of the jar and bingeing an unhealthy amount of Forensic Files. She's not as lame as she sounds.