Best Apartments for University of Alabama Students
alabama off-campus housing

The Alabama band showing some school spirit before a game.

Breaking free from the rules and restrictions in place during your stay in the dorms is an exciting time in a student’s life at the University of Alabama. But finding the right place is a rude awakening. Moving is fun, but figuring out where you’re doing to move has always involved months of research, working to gather up friends for showings and ultimately an unsatisfying process for finding a new apartment in Tuscaloosa. We’re trying to make the process for finding UA off-campus housing easier.

We’ve simplified the Alabama off-campus housing research process and combed through hundreds of Google reviews for apartments and property management companies near the University of Alabama campus. Instead of you having to spend weeks researching houses for rent in Tuscaloosa, we’ll show you the landlords that other Alabama students are raving about.

According to the reviewers, here are the top Alabama off-campus housing providers in Tuscaloosa.

East Edge Apartments

Average rating on Google: 4.5

East Edge Apartments provides the all-in-one experience that attracts every student. With a convenient location, top-notch amenities, and a personable staff this complex tailors directly to students needs. Also, It continues to keep the tenants feeling safe. The flexibility of leases and floor plans gives tenants additional comfort. Don’t have a personal vehicle? East edge is within walking distance to many Tuscaloosa attractions and has direct access to bus lines. Students who live within the premises enjoy the cleanliness of the community. East Edge is one of the most sought after properties for University of Alabama students who live off-campus.

Our favorite review:

“I’ve lived at East Edge my sophomore, junior and senior year. I’ve had chances to move but every reason to stay! The numerous amenities, proximity to campus, spacious floor plans and the beautiful property are the reasons I chose to live at East Edge! The staff here goes above and beyond for their residents and community! I thoroughly enjoy calling East Edge my home away from home!”

Campus Evolution Villages

Average rating on Google: 4.2

The Campus Evolution Villages take living off campus to the next level. In a country club like setting, this complex offers eight swimming pools, a clubhouse, and a running track with many more distinct amenities. Have a vehicle? Feel free to use the 4-bay car wash and vacuums anytime! This living environment provides students with an incredible college experience. The staff goes over the top for their tenants – organizing networking events, holiday parties, and game nights. Students have nothing but good things to say about their time spent living here.

Our favorite review:

“I’ve lived here a year and almost four months and I’ve love it here! Management is always nice and caring. The maintenance doesn’t just fix what needs to be fixed but they will also help you out if you have a flat tire or need your car jumped off. I didn’t feel at home in the dorms, but here I do. The people you meet here are so nice and I can honestly say that I’ve meet some great friends here! I highly recommend living here because of the great experiences you will have here!”

Retreat at Lake Tamaha

Average rating on Google: 4.1

Are you looking for a home away from home? The Retreat at Lake Tamaha is the place for you! This community delivers every amenity you need and more. From a fitness center to a movie theater to even a 24-hour convenience store – The Retreat allows each tenant to feel comfortable and make life long memories. A polite and high energy staff allows this community to operate smoothly. When studying becomes stressful, the Retreat makes sure to help tenants relax and unwind.

It’s an opportunity that Alabama students take 100% pride in and often acknowledge that they never have a bad experience.

Our favorite review:

“The Retreat is the best place in Tuscaloosa to live! It is definitely the best living arrangement for the price. I have a dog, and I love all the green space and sidewalks. Plus, the ability to park right in front of my house is great – no crazy parking decks or having to carry groceries up flights of stairs and down hallways. Definitely recommend to all college students!” 

Allied Realty & Development Co

Average rating on Google: 4.1

This full-service Realty and Development Company has been a big staple in the Tuscaloosa area for many generations. Throughout their multiple rentals and gameday properties, students enjoy the experiences they have with Allied. The experienced staff provides a straightforward and easy understanding of the leasing process to each tenant. With many uneducated renters, Allied makes sure each resident is aware and comfortable with all of the decisions they are making.

The wide variety of floorplans and price points give students the opportunity to lease exactly what they are looking for. Nothing but great things have mentioned about working with Allied Realty & Development Co.

Our favorite review:

“I’ve personally had a wonderful experience with Allied Realty. They work very well with students, and can accommodate to your needs when looking for somewhere to live. They act in a very professional manner, but can also relate to students in numerous ways. I wouldn’t recommend using any other realtor while looking for housing in Tuscaloosa, they are simply the best!                            

H.A. Edwards Inc

Average rating on Google: 3.8

With a variety of properties, H.A. Edwards makes sure that there is a place for everyone and that customer service always come first. This local company builds strong relationships with area business owners and students. When you are looking for a trustworthy landlord who has a staff of experts to assist in every need, you go to H.A. Edwards. Tenants have very high remarks for the experiences they have faced when leasing one of their properties. This company prepares to win through the happiness of their inhabitants. Roll Tide.

Our favorite review: 

“The staff at H.A. Edwards was a dream! If I called with a maintenance problem it was fixed within the week, and fixed competently. My apartment was very clean when I moved in. They also have a very good bug control I never saw any bugs except those that flew in through the door. The women at the office were always smiling and helpful when I would go to pay or ask about anything regarding my apartment. If you have to live in an apartment an H.A. Edwards owned apartment is the way to go.”

See anything you like? Head over to the number one resource for Alabama Off-Campus Housing for more information, and browse a list of rentals in Tuscaloosa.

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.

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