Fall at Iowa State University (Flickr)
High school was rough. And the expectation that your post-secondary years will be so incredible they’ll wash away any awkwardness you felt as that angsty teen can put a lot of pressure on the shoulders of a newly enrolled college student. If you want to make the most out of your college experience—and you also wouldn’t mind proving all the cronies back home that you have your ducks in a row— you’re going to want to start with the perfect apartment near Iowa State.
To relieve some of the pressure, we skimmed through hundreds of reviews on Facebook and Google and settled on a list of the ten highest rated landlords near Iowa State University.
A BlockOne Community, 23 Twenty Lincoln offers the kind of upscale, luxury living you didn’t think was accessible to the typical college student. Located just steps from campus, you’ll no longer have an excuse to skip class, so it’s safe to say your grades will thank you when you sign a lease. Residents of 23 Twenty can get tanned and toned in the 24/7 fitness center, or be lazy and lounge in the outdoor hammock area. The best part about living at 23 Twenty Lincoln is that you don’t have to miss out on the socialization that you would’ve had while living on campus because they have a community clubhouse and complimentary coffee lounge so residents can sip some joe as they mingle with their neighbOur Favorite Review:
“Lived there for a semester. Everything was of high quality. The manager, Mrs. Brittany Jackson was really friendly and helpful all the time. Best luxurious apartments in Ames.”
First Property Management has sought out to bring the best of the best when it comes to finding your off-campus pad! The team over at First Property Management pride themselves on their experience and extensive knowledge of the area, so you can bet they are “go-to” choice when looking for your next place to live. With a bunch of different units to offer anyone can find a place that fits their style and budget!
Our favorite review:
“I was driving 40 minutes to Ames six days per week. First Property Management, as they are known now, helped me get a place I could afford, and it’s right next to campus! The staff and management are professional, friendly, and willing to help. Also, the response times on maintenance requests are very good. I couldn’t ask for more from a property manager to feel right at home.“
Total Property Management manages over 400 units throughout the Ames area, many of which are just a stone’s throw from campus. For those who aren’t fans of Ramen noodles for every meal, TPM has some of the most affordable rates in town they pride themselves on providing quality housing at reasonable prices. Residents have noted that they often go above and beyond the call of duty to address any concerns, and are always professional and fair.
Our favorite review:
“I rented an apartment on Stange Road. Very quiet, Very clean. Nice friendly neighbors. The staff at Total Property Management are professional, fair and willing to address any concern I had. If I called in the morning, needing something fixed, it was working by the time I got home from work. Very fair and quick returning the deposit after I moved out.”
In 2015, The Ames Tribune voted Hunziker Property Management Ames’ Best Property Management Company, and we can see why. The company’s portfolio spans the city of Ames, so whether you want to live right near the heart of campus to get the full college experience, or you’d rather be away from all the action—because you’re cool and have a car—Hunziker has something for you. Some properties also include high-speed internet and cable right in the monthly rent, so you won’t have to go through the hassle of setting up your own.
Our favorite review:
“This is my first year living with Hunziker. The staff was quite welcoming and helpful when doing my check-in. I was quite happy with the cleanliness upon arrival to my new apartment (far better than other companies here in the Ames area). I am very pleased with the service and timely response that I have received from all of the Hunziker staff, including the service guys and Julie, the property manager. I would recommend this property management for any young professional moving to the north Ames area.”
Professional Property Management
Professional Property Management services many areas across the state of Iowa and manages a number of properties in Ames near the Iowa State campus. The company is true to its name, focusing on quality customer service and—you guessed it—professionalism. They also place emphasis on maintenance, with a 24/7 emergency maintenance service for times when your bathtub floods at 3 am—don’t worry, we won’t ask.
Our favorite review:
“I lived at Riverbirch apartments in Ames for two years now and have never had a single problem. Maintenance always responds to our requests quickly and fixes what needs to be done. Everyone in the office is always friendly and helpful. It’s a wonderful location and rent isn’t bad at all. Our one bedroom apartment is a little small, but it’s nice and updated. Definitely recommend Riverbirch Apartments through PPM Real Estate Services.”
The Grove offers resort-style living to students at both Iowa State and Des Moines Community College. When you feel homesick and miss your old room, you can take comfort in the fact that your new one has a walk-in closet and a poolside view. In addition to a luxury amenity package, previous and current tenants make frequent mention of the staff’s stellar customer service. The Grove also offers regular social events for its residents, and even for their friends who aren’t lucky enough to live at The Grove.
Our favorite review:
“The customer service has been through the wall. It is so nice to go down to the office and know that I will be treated with respect and kindness.”
Jensen Group offers Iowa Staters “everything they want, need and deserve” from a property management company. Versatile floor plans, free cable and internet, in-unit laundry and on-site parking are only a few of the things you will get when you sign a lease with Jensen. In addition to this, all of their properties are within a 5-10 minute bus ride to campus, so feel free to snooze your alarm a couple of extra times.
Our favorite review:
“I lived in a 3-bedroom at Fountain View for over a year, and it was the best experience with a company I had during college. Whenever I went in to pay rent, the staff was very friendly and answered any questions I had accordingly. Love the staff that works there! We only had a couple of maintenance requests, but when we did they were answered promptly and done within a timely manner too.”
ISU Campustown offers students at Iowa State a variety of great locations near campus with the added benefit of the privacy that comes off-campus living. Signing a lease with Campustown gives you full access to The Resort, where you can work out, relax in the hot tub or grab a quick bite to eat at one of their on-site dining locations. Reviewers also report that the units are clean, the staff members are helpful, and the locations leave nothing to be desired.
Our favorite review:
“I have lived here for almost two years, and I cannot say good enough words about this place! The staff is awesome and always tries their best to help me with any questions/concerns I have. This is the first apartment I have ever lived in, and it was overall an awesome first apartment experience!”
Haverkamp’s portfolio spans across Iowa with an emphasis on student properties, so you can bet these folks know what a college student wants and needs when it comes to renting their next place! Their properties are well maintained the team is constantly making renovations to keep their properties modern and updated. With affordable properties all around Ames near Iowa State, it’s no wonder Haverkamp is a top company for students looking for housing rentals near campus.
Our favorite review:
“The staff are all amazing! It is hard for a company to maintain an approachable demeanor, especially when they are your landlord. But Haverkamp does an amazing job at being there for its tenants every step of the way. Whether it be renting questions, service requests, or anything else you may need assistance with.”
See something you like? Click here to check out more Iowa State Off-Campus Housing options in Ames near campus.
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.