Favorite Apartment Rentals

Favorite Apartment Rentals

Not Your Momma’s Apartment

Just when you think you have your student all settled in the dorms, chances are you will be hit with the “wanting to move to an apartment” talk. Students quickly learn that the hunt and race to get a good apartment are fierce, and one must start early. They are not kidding. I hadn’t even memorized my daughter’s dorm address when she told me she and some friends would start looking for apartments for the NEXT school year!

Yes, dorms are convenient, but when you see what apartments offer today, you won’t be shocked at the yearning to live off-campus.  They are nothing like when I lived in an apartment one mile from campus. My roommate and I scoured the Salvation Army for cheap but clean furniture and split everything down the middle.  Today, some apartments come furnished, and the amenities resemble popular hotels. Some have granite countertops, new appliances, resort-style pools, happy hours, electric bikes, and tanning beds.

Obviously, the closer to campus is the easiest, but it may also be the most expensive.  Don’t fear to venture a few miles from campus. Check to see if the BullRunner bus system stops at the apartment you are looking at.  That can help with the dreaded “trying to find a parking spot” on campus.

Now, be prepared.  The rent prices can be shocking, but remember that they may be fully furnished, along with washers/dryers, and include utilities.   A one-bedroom will be much pricier than a four-bedroom/bathroom, and most have individual leases. I do love that idea. Each person is responsible for their own rent payment.  No more collecting the money from everyone and one person paying the office. Also, most everything is done online and with an app. Like the rest of the world, convenience is key.

Again, some apartments come fully furnished, and some do not.  Take that into account with the rent price. Most leases are for 12 months, so summer planning needs to be considered.  Check sublet policies with the offices if you will not be there for summer. There are many posts for students subletting their apartments either over the summer or studying abroad; be prepared to pay rent even if your student is not at USF. Parking may be extra, and they all have different pet policies, so take note. Some of the apartments accept pets.

Some apartments to take note of:

Halo 46  – 14500 N 46th St, Tampa, FL 33613. Only a three-minute drive from USF. Offers 2 -5 bedroom floor plans. Amenities include Alexa in every unit, a 24-hour fitness center, a pool, study rooms, and walk-in closets. A very popular place to live and in a safe area.

IQ Apartments – 12702 Bruce B Downs Blvd Tampa, FL 33612 Conveniently located near the University of South Florida’s medical library, IQ is the ideal home for those looking for a highly-styled environment in which to learn, work and play. With state-of-the-art amenities and features, IQ brings modern luxury to the heart of Tampa.1 to 4 bedrooms.

Venue at North Campus – 13702 N. 42 St. 813-413-4588.  These are fully furnished and fully inclusive. They have studios to 5-bedroom townhomes.  They are affiliated with USF and have individual leases; the rest are from $699 to $1299/month per room.

The Province –  10921 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612. American Campus Community. It offers 1-4 bedrooms, two swimming pools, a volleyball court, a theatre room, a community kitchen, and a 24-hour fitness center. Parking included. Walk or drive to campus. This complex is affiliated with USF.

The Retreat at Tampa – 11326 N. 46 St. 813-379-2415.  This is across the street from USF and one mile from the Sun Dome. They offer individual leases, are pet-friendly, have an optional furniture package, and have 2-4-bedroom homes. They have their own dog park!

40Fifty Lofts – 4050 Rocky Cr. 813-673-8300.  They are a USF affiliate and offer 3-4 bedrooms, furnished.

The Flats at 4200 – 4200 E. Fletcher Ave. 813-517-1366.  This is right across from campus, and they offer furnished studios with four bedrooms.  They only rent to students and have individual leases; rents are $740-$1125/month. Parent opinion of  The Flats is high, although pricey.

Other newer apartments:

The Standard – Landmark Properties has built luxury-style apartments on many college campuses, and the USF location is new.  They have a lot of floor plans from 1 to 5 bedrooms. Amenities include an arcade/game room, lounge, computer lab, rooftop pool, gym, and a PGA-quality golf simulator. Apartments are furnished and include wifi, cable, waste disposal, and pest control, but utilities and parking are not included. They have a garage, and for $45, you can park on your own floor. Exterior parking is $15 a month.

The Union is opening in 2020. It is located right on Fletcher and within walking distance from campus. They will also have a stop for the BullRunner as well. These apartments are fully furnished with major appliances included. They will offer 1-4 bedrooms and are pet-friendly.

Our other apartment rentals suggestions.

Another resource is apartmentsforbulls.com, which is a guide to Tampa apartments that meet your lifestyle and budget.