Jacksonville University (JU): Best Off-Campus Housing Options for Students

When attending Jacksonville University, there are a variety of off-campus housing options available for students seeking the private rental market including houses, condos, and apartments. The most important aspect of off-campus housing is location. For students who need to supplement their income with a part-time, flexible job, the 32225 zip code offers the best opportunities to create a balance of work and home life. Located in this zip code is the busy Regency Square Mall, as well as numerous restaurants including: Ruby Tuesday, Chilli's, Applebee's and Outback Steakhouse.

If planning to have multiple roommates, consider renting a home. Many rental properties include basic amenities such as cable, internet, and water/sewer bills paid. The best way to locate a rental home is to browse the Jacksonville Craigslist. Rental homes are also a great option for students who return home for school breaks, as arrangements can be made for the landlord to check in on the home while they are gone.

Should apartment life appeal more to your taste, there are many apartment homes in the local area. However, one of the best areas to live in is the area between the Regency Square Mall and the Dames Point Bridge. There is a lot of new construction going on in this area, and if renters are seeking a property with new appliances and a clean exterior, properties such as The Villas at Dames Point Crossing and Kendall Lake Apartments are your best bets for new construction apartments. These apartments are more on the high-end of price ranges in this area, with two bedroom units easily going for over $1000 per month, but with a roommate, this expense is still less than the typical price for a one bedroom unit in a less desirable area.

On a final note, safety is most important. Before moving into an apartment, be sure to investigate and ask for the crime statistics. All communities have incident reports, and if not provided for you, are public records. There is a police sub-station located on the outside portion of the Regency Mall. Stop by and speak to a police officer about where you are planning to relocate and see if he or she can tell you more about the area. There is also a link on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's website where you can enter an address or zip code and find out where registered sexual offenders live.

Jacksonville University is a great college, and with a city as large as Jacksonville, there is no shortage of finding off-campus housing that will appeal to any student's needs. Just remember to start your search early, always have enough money budgeted for plan for unexpected expenses, and make sure you get everything in writing regarding your stay and expectations at your new off-campus housing site.