The Best Off Campus Neighborhoods for Rentals Near the University of Oklahoma

Norman, Oklahoma is a major college town. Artsy, liberal types abound near the University of Oklahoma, even though it is located in the otherwise fairly conservative state of Oklahoma.

Stay geographically close to the University of Oklahoma campus. Choose a single-family residence, duplex, or older home that has been converted to a multiple unit dwelling.

The best off-campus housing area for a strong sense of community is just north of campus within the bounds of Boyd Street to the south, Berry Road to the west, Main Street to the north, and Jenkins Avenue/Front Street to the east. Unless you can sleep through anything, do not choose a home too close to the railroad tracks that go through the heart of Norman.

This central neighborhood of Norman includes the happening Campus Corner area. Start near Boyd Street and Buchanan Avenue. Campus Corner includes several blocks of walkable streets. There are a multitude of local night spots for live music, hanging out, and buying University of Oklahoma clothing and accessories. This is the place to be before and after University of Oklahoma football games.

The quaint Norman downtown area is another perk of living in central Norman. Be sure to visit Forward Foods at (what could be a simpler address?) 123 East Main Street. Forward Foods is a friendly, local store that offers a variety of delicious cheeses and progressive groceries. Check them out online http://www.forwardfoods.com/ . Read their articles and get a sense of the awesome sense of humor of the local couple who own and run the store, Suzy and Steve (everyone calls him "Wampus").

If you love to bike, walk, or run, check out Norman's Legacy Trail that runs in a north/south direction through the heart of Norman. The Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau invites you to: "Take an historical walk through a beautifully landscaped and paved trail with sculptures and historical points of interest. Along the way you'll marvel at the stunning bronze sculptures, most created by Norman's local foundry, the Crucible. View a 9-foot statue of James Garner and see an enormously detailed replica of the University of Oklahoma in 1942, and many others."

Just Want to Live in a Quiet, Safe Area?

Almost all of Norman is reasonably safe and quiet (caveat: living right next to the railroad tracks can be loud). However, wanting to live in the most quiet, safe area of town is a fair enough request. Choose the west side of Norman. Most areas west of Interstate 35 are squeaky clean, but of course do not get too close to the interstate itself. There are numerous nice apartment complexes or newer homes in subdivisions for rent on the west side of town.

Amenities on the west side include Sooner Mall, Super Target, and one of several Starbucks in town. Many comfortably familiar chain restaurants such as Chili's, Red Robin, Marie Callender's and more line Ed Noble Parkway just south of Sooner Mall.

East Side

The east side of town, with some exceptions, will be much more hit and miss. However, cheaper living can be found here. This area includes all homes east of Classen Boulevard/Porter Avenue. There is a Wal~mart Supercenter on 12th Avenue as well as many surrounding shops and restaurants.

Local Rental Websites

Start with the 'Real Estate Rentals' section of the main Norman newspaper, The Norman Transcript, http://www.normantranscript.com/ . This will provide the widest selection of properties for rent, providing a nice overview of what is available in Norman and the range of rental prices.

Norman Rentals Online ( http://www.normanrentalsonline.com/ ) contains many detailed listings, most with photos. Limiting your search to a specific area of Norman? Norman Rentals Online categorizes listings by area. Only interested in an apartment, single family home, condo/townhouse, or a duplex? Norman Rentals Online categorizes listings by housing type as well.

Other local rental websites include:

Norman OK Rentals http://www.normanokrentals.com/

Rent King http://www.gorentking.com/

Buchanan Properties (a Norman classic) http://buchananproperties.com/

DMG Real Estate Services http://www.dmgrealestate.com/

RJH Realty Investments http://www.rjh-realty.com/ (includes surrounding cities, so be sure to limit your search to Norman only)