A Student's Guide to Off Campus Housing at Washington University in St. Louis

There are many excellent neighborhoods to live in around the Washington University campus. Of course, dorms are always an option, but a place of your own provides much more flexibility and freedom. Fortunately, Washington University is situated right in the heart of the St. Louis metro area, so there are many housing options. While the areas closest to the campus are the most expensive, they also offer access to great shopping, dining, entertainment and St. Louis' Forest Park, with the zoo and multiple museums.

The first neighborhood to look at is University City. Directly adjacent to the Washington University campus, this area offers the benefit of being able to walk to class. You'll also be close to the "U City" Loop area, which is very popular with college students from all over the St. Louis area. However, be sure to stay in the portion of University City south of Olive St. and East of Skinker. Areas outside those boundaries have a very high crime rate.

To the south of the Washington University campus is Richmond Heights. This is a very nice neighborhood to live in, though the rent tends to be higher here. This is also within walking distance to the campus, and it has a very nice grocery store and close access to two movie theaters. There are many apartment buildings in the area close to the campus.

Looking to the west, you'll find Clayton. Housing here is much more expensive than in other neighborhoods in the area, but the apartments and houses for rent are also much nicer. In addition, the area is very safe and full of professors and graduate students. The Clayton area near Washington University doesn't have its own supermarket, but it isn't far from the Richmond Heights shopping area.

A bit further from the school is the Dogtown neighborhood, which is in St. Louis city. This is one of the quieter neighborhoods in St. Louis and rent is very reasonable. You'll be next to Forest Park as well as the shopping area of Richmond Heights. You'll also be able to enjoy the St. Patrick's Day celebration that happens every year. You'll be more likely to find a house for rent in Dogtown, though there are a few apartment buildings.

Finally, there are many apartments for rent in the Maplewood area. This area is roughly 10-15 minutes away from the Washington University campus along Skinker/McCauseland Ave, but the distance also means much cheaper rent. In addition, it has a fully populated shopping district with clothes, groceries, and music stores.