NC State Campus
You did it! Somehow you managed to make it through your first year of college and you survived the dorm life. After seeing countless friends posting pics of their new houses and writing statuses about how they just signed their first lease, it’s about time you make it official. But it’s your first time, how do you start? Look no further! To make it easier for you Rent College Pads did some digging to come up with a list of the top off-campus Raleigh landlords.
Want to see more properties near NC State? Check out the complete list of houses and apartments near NCSU for more off-campus housing options near campus.
Growing to be one of the top development and property management companies, in not only Raleigh, but the entire nation is the Preiss Company. Preiss is ranked as one of the top ten providers of off-campus housing nationwide and is the largest woman-owned company in student housing. With over 21,000 beds in 14 different states these guys know what students want when looking for off-campus housing! What’s not to like about convenient shuttles to school, furnished apartments, cyber lounges, and swimming pools? That list is barely the half of what their apartments have to offer. Preiss also has won several top industry awards, while also gaining recognition from national and local housing associations.
One parent said, “My daughter lived with the Preiss Company for her first three years of college and we had nothing but good experiences in dealing with the staff. They were always quick to respond to questions and kept us informed of any issues with the property, rent, etc. I would recommend them to anyone!” Another resident said they, “Would highly recommend anyone that is looking for a nice place to live at an affordable price to consider anyone of the Preiss Company properties throughout the Raleigh area.”
Trademark Residential/Friendly Apartments
Being in the biz for several decades now, Trademark Residential has risen to become one of the top property management companies in Raleigh. With countless properties all throughout Raleigh, anyone can find an apartment or house that fits their style and budget. Offering one, two, and four-bedroom units, The Friendly Apartments are Trademark’s newest student apartment complex located just steps away from NC State.
Students will also be just minutes away from from the Wolfline (NC State bus service) and CAT bus system giving you easy access to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The guys over at Trademark are dedicated to you, and resident Janice recounts that she, “Called and a tour was quickly arranged by the property manager. From that moment on, it has been easy going. The application process was online, readily accessible, and the final rental process was great, well organized and swift. The office personnel is welcoming and the property itself, perfect. I would definitely recommend Trademark Residential.”
How does a resort-style saltwater pool, outdoor grilling kitchen with fireplace, rec room, and a fitness center with a spin studio sound? All of this and more could be yours at the Berkshire Cameron Village Apartments! Berkshire offers studio, one, and two-bedroom luxury units equipped with all appliances and an in-unit wash/dryer.
As NC State students, Marcel and his girlfriend said, “We literally looked for apartments for over a month and after looking at over 20 apartments we found Berkshire! Our goal in mind was to find a place that we could both feel safe at no matter what time of the day it was and an apartment that had things to do nearby. Berkshire has been absolutely perfect since it is located in Cameron Village allowing us to walk to school, restaurants, shops and nightlife. The staff and the property manager Megan Glenister has been great and caring since the first day we moved in & to me a positive environment is crucial. Definitely, recommend this place to anyone of any age!”
Hit that snooze button one more time! University Towers are located so close to campus that you can literally roll right out of bed and walk across the street. “From spacious rooms to top facilities, University Towers has it all. The dining facility is on the 9th floor and has way better food than on campus. The pool is a nice commodity and the beach volleyball court it is a lot of fun. The tanning bed is a cool addition. There are washers and dryers just a couple floors away. All the workers and people involved have been very pleasant,” says one resident.
University Towers gives students the choice between two and four-bedroom suites that come fully furnished. Flexible lease terms run the length of the school year so students can head back home during the summer if they choose to do so. You’ll have individual leases, so you don’t have to worry about collecting money from that roommate of yours who spent way too much at the bars and is freaking out over rent. Making it easier on you, University Village ropes all utilities into your rent, including internet and HBO. Ready for Game of Thrones season 7?
Experience a new way of off-campus living at the trendy Vie at Raleigh apartments. Resident Cristian says, “The moment I walked into the facility, the employees made me feel like I was already home. A lot of smiling faces which was extremely warming, especially to people who were needing a place to feel comfortable,” while Toni boasts, “I love living at Vie at Raleigh! It is affordable and comfortable living. The clubhouse is brand new. The club house scenery seems like it will be very beneficial for studying/being productive. Extremely helpful staff that caters to your needs which is awesome! I had a couple of friends come to visit me and they feel in love with the Vie! I just renewed my lease because of the living conditions being A Plus!”
Students have the choice between 2, 3, and 4 bedroom units where you can cut the hassle of moving a bunch of furniture because you can get a furniture package. With tons of unbeatable amenities like a resort-style pool, zen garden/yoga studio, basketball court, and a dog park for your furbaby, having to go to class is going to be tough. What isn’t tough though is hopping on the private shuttle to campus!
Off-campus student housing hits a new level at The U Raleigh. Location is important when choosing a place to live, conveniently, the CAT bus line runs right next to the complex and the Wolfline is nearby too making getting to campus a breeze! Students have the choice of two, three, and four bedroom floor plans. Skip the dreaded moving process and select a furniture package or opt out on the package and deck out your pad.
Residents will be on individual leases, that include your utilities, so no worrying about splitting bills with roommates. Save money on expensive gym fees because The U has a fitness center that was recently updated! The computer lab and private study rooms make it convenient to study at home versus heading to campus. Some great amenities the community offers to residents are a game room, swimming pool, volleyball court, and basketball court. With that and so much more to offer we get why Lane says she would, “Recommend this building to anyone, especially for the price of the rent it’s a great place to live.”
Aiming to provide great off-campus living for students, Trinity Properties hits the mark. This locally owned, company began forty years ago at Duke University then branched off to service the NC State students. “The process for actually obtaining an apartment was very simple and the staff in the office was extremely helpful. This was great because as a student, the process of finding an apartment for the first time can be stressful and intimidating. I was very impressed with how quickly maintenance issues were addressed and fixed. While most of the apartments seemed to be rented by college students (both grad students and undergrad), the area itself was very quiet. I would highly recommend this apartment complex to a friend,” says Kevin.
Trinity Properties owns and manages two apartment complexes that are just minutes away from NC State and are next to three Wolfline bus routes that students can take for free. Each day, they strive to improve their services based on the tenant’s needs and their historic properties are continually revamped with modern day features. Maverick says he has, “Lived here for 3 years and couldn’t ask for a better place. The location is great, the rent is low, and the staff is helpful.”
Picture this, kayaking, swimming, and fishing while soaking up the sun and catching lake views. Live like you’re on a permanent vacation at the Lake Johnson Mews. Perfect for the outdoorsy person, residents can choose between one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes that are nestled in a wooded area. Chris says, “The staff and apartments here are excellent. The location makes me very happy. I’m able to walk down to the lake, which is worth the price alone. There’s a tennis court and a pool, which I love. The staff have always been super awesome, and do little events and gatherings which are nice to have. I’d recommend this area to anyone.”
The Mews are the only lakeside apartments and offer great community amenities like boat rentals, dog park, and a 6-mile nature trail for hiking. The Mews are conveniently located just a few miles from downtown and campus all while still providing residences with a secluded outdoor oasis.
Walk to State has climbed the ladder to become one of the top property management companies for off-campus student housing in Raleigh.  Their focus is on providing top-notch management to students throughout the city. Phillip reviewed, “Walk To State provides quick service to problems. They make sure to send reminders of rent payments and have sent reminders even for when trash pick up is. Walk To State keeps ongoing communication throughout the rent period,” while Tyler said, “They promptly respond to all emails and maintenance request. Monthly payments are easy through the online portal. I look forward to living in a Walk to State property again next year.” With more than 80 units, students will have tons of options to choose from and conveniently the majority of their locations are within walking distance to campus.
Ideally located downtown are the Raleigh Apartments, where nearly everything is walkable! “I haven’t found a better place to live. The location, price, and comfort here are all desirable. The office staff is friendly and easy to get in touch with, and the maintenance is always prompt. I have a coworker who lived here for ten years. She says it’s still her favorite place she ever lived, and that she only moved because she got married. Five stars all around,” resident April said. At the Raleigh Apartments, residents can choose between studio, one, and two-bedroom floor plans and your furbabies are welcome! You’ll be within walking distance to bus lines and the highway and campus are nearby bringing everything in Raleigh to your fingertips.
Started in 1984, Barker Realty has grown into one of the most popular rental and development firms in the triangle. According to the reviews online, it seems as though each of the agents at Barker truly cares about their customers, both tenants and owners, to make sure that all customers are fully satisfied every day. Our favorite review: “Excellent Property Management Company! The staff at Barker Realty is extremely professional and willing to help. Karen at the front desk is always friendly and Carolyn is very fair and does her best to help any way that she can. I highly recommend renting from this company. They are a very honest company which is not always easy to find. I have been extremely satisfied with them! I also have friends that have used WT Barker Construction and they do exceptional work! This is a wonderful company!” Check out Barker Realty, you’ll be glad you did.
The Stanhope Apartments are the newest student apartment community to touch down in Raleigh. Conveniently located next to the NC State campus, on both the city and campus bus lines, students are able to get to classes quickly without the need for a car. Stanhope offers fully furnished units to their residents and you’ll have the option of a studio unit up to a four-bedroom apartment. The community features great amenities like an art studio, cyber lounge with computers, study lounges, and two story game room. Get shopping done quickly with retail shops like CVS below the apartment complex. When you get the late night munchies hit up Pieology Pizza. With shops, restaurants, and services so close “you’ll live upstairs from everything you need.”
Interested in seeing more? Check out the complete list of apartments and houses near NC State.
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.