Boise's Best: 11 Neighborhoods for Off-Campus College Apartments in Boise, ID

Boise is a dynamic college town with a great reputation for livability and outdoor adventure. The city has had a reputation for its tight housing market, but the situation has eased in recent years. There are many new developments and apartment complexes that have helped relieve the situation. Things can be competitive, but they are navigable when you're trying to find a student apartment. 

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I'm Bob, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Boise, ID. For this guide, we'll be exploring the best Boise neighborhoods to find off-campus student apartments. Our recommendations are based on proximity to campuses, access to transportation, and activities and fun stuff to do when students aren't hitting the books.

So, if you're a college student heading to Boise for the first time or a parent helping a student find their first off-campus apartment in Boise, let's dive in. 

Best Neighborhoods for Student Apartments near Boise State University

University District & South Boise Village

This first choice is an obvious one because of the location. The University District borders the Boise State campus on three sides, and South Boise Village is directly to the south. Many of the apartment complexes in this part of the city are within walking distance of the campus.

For apartments a little further out of range in South Boise Village, they're still close to the Green Line of the Bronco Shuttle system. This is a free shuttle bus system that the university operates all day long through the neighborhood. The Broadway route of the Valley Regional Transit system is another option for getting to and from classes for students who don't have a car or who don't want to try to find parking on campus.

The apartment complexes in this area are modernized with a college lifestyle in mind. You'll find options with community courtyards and BBQ areas for socializing and study groups. Everyday essentials like grocery stores, coffee shops, and eateries are all within walking distance. The Boise River Greenbelt is on the north side of the University District, for students into jogging or biking. There's also easy access to a couple of major Boise parks (Anne Morrison Park and Julia Davis Park) for more free outdoor adventures. Several pubs are packed on the weekend in these neighborhoods. 

Southeast Boise

Basically, everything in Boise that's southeast of Bronco Stadium is the Southeast Boise neighborhood. It's huge and extends to the end of the city in that direction. If you can manage to find an apartment in the northwest part of Southeast Boise, it's going to be fairly close to Boise State and possibly even within walking distance.

This is a great neighborhood if you're an active and "outdoorsy" college student. You'll have easy access to Barber Park, Bowler Park for disc golf, the Simplot Sports Complex, and the Boise River Greenbelt. A quick drive southeast of the neighborhood will take you to the Lucky Peak Reservoir for weekend beach days and paddleboarding.

You might not be as close to campus, but apartments in Southeast Boise tend to provide a bit more square footage for the same price range. Many complexes offer bike storage, pet-friendly policies, and easy access to trails. The neighborhood is dotted with independent coffee shops, brunch spots, and casual eateries. Many of these cater to a younger crowd, and you'll find places with patio dining that offer a nice view of the mountains. Bown Crossing is a nice retail dining district in the neighborhood that's perfect for a date night. 

Depot Bench

You can actually see parts of the Boise State University campus from elevated points in the Depot Bench neighborhood. The neighborhood's namesake is the Boise Depot, a Spanish-style train depot that sits on a hill just southwest of the campus. The Depot offers sweeping views of downtown and the foothills, and it's a popular spot to relax and take some photos of the Boise area. 

This neighborhood offers easy access to some major roads like Vista Avenue and Overland. The Overland route, which marks the southern boundary of the neighborhood, offers reliable daily public transportation to the university. 

While it doesn't cater specifically to college students, you can still find apartments in Depot Bench, as well as duplexes and single-family homes if you're renting with roommates. Depot Bench has more of a laid-back, suburban feel, with more yards and mature landscaping than you'll see closer to the university. Vista Village on Vista Avenue is an accessible retail center with groceries, coffee shops, and dining spots. The STIL, near Alpine and Latah Street, is worth checking out. It offers pairings of beer and wine with ice cream.

Vistas

The Vistas neighborhood is further south of Boise State, but you'll find several apartment options that are aimed squarely at the college lifestyle. This includes options like apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms, which are ideal for students navigating a roommate situation. Many Vista apartment complexes have fitness centers, computer labs, grilling stations, and study labs. They offer a nice balance between productivity and socializing. 

The neighborhood is bordered by Overland Road in the north and the South Boise Village neighborhood to the east. Interstate 84 and the Boise Airport are to the south. There are several public bus routes that lead to the university from Vistas, making this neighborhood a viable option for students who don't have a car. There are also affordable, student-friendly dining options that are often steps away from Vistas apartment complexes. 

Central Bench

Central Bench is further west from Boise State, but it offers affordable, off-campus living with personality. Roosevelt Street marks the eastern boundary between this neighborhood and Depot Bench. Central Bench is considered bikeable and transit-friendly, with major arteries like Franklin Road and Curtis Road connecting students to campus and beyond. 

You won't find as much purpose-built student housing in Central Bench, but the offerings do have student-friendly amenities. It's not difficult to find options with in-unit laundry, walk-in closets, and more space. "The Bench" is known for historic homes and tree-lined streets, as well as a multicultural food scene. There are many family-owned dining options that include Thai, Mexican, Basque, and Ethiopian cuisine. For nightlife, there are a few quiet, "hole in the wall" type places, or students can head down the hill to the downtown area. 

Best Boise Neighborhoods for University of Idaho College of Law Students

The University of Idaho College of Law has a satellite campus in Boise. It's located almost directly across the Boise River to the north of BSU. In fairness, the neighborhoods that we're recommending for UofI students in Boise would work just as well for Boise State students. The only difference, as a rule of thumb, is that you'll be paying slightly more per square foot for an apartment on the north side of the river. 

Downtown Boise

Apartments in Downtown Boise are a great choice for University of Idaho law students. The downtown area puts you right in the middle of multiple government agencies, the Idaho State Capitol, law firms, and non-profits. This is ideal for internships, clerkships, and networking as you're pursuing your JD. There are frequent legal mixers and professional development workshops in Downtown Boise that will give students a front-row seat to the city's legal and policy ecosystem.

For student housing, Downtown offers apartments, lofts, and high-rises for rent. Amenities include rooftop decks and secure bike storage. Many living complexes cater to students and young professionals, with easy walkable access to everything going on in Downtown Boise. You'll be close to many dining options, cultural venues, and a weekly farmer's market from April through October. The Orange Line of the free Bronco shuttle also runs through Downtown, so that's an easy and convenient way to get around. 

East End

Don't be fooled by the Victorian cottages and century-old bungalows in the East End neighborhood. You'll find many modern apartment complexes here. Plus, it's right next to Downtown Boise, offering quick access to the University of Idaho and Boise State. 

East End offers a quieter alternative to the busy Downtown. It has flat terrain and scenic routes for anyone who wants to bike to class. Even in the winter months, bike trails are kept fairly clear, and it's easy to get around on two wheels. Law students can write their briefs in the morning and be hiking Table Rock by sunset. You'll definitely want to check out the Idaho Botanical Garden in East End. It's home to a great summer concert series every year, and we enjoy the seasonal events there year-round. 

West End (West Downtown)

West End is very comparable to East End for college renters. It's right next to Downtown and close to both colleges. There's plenty of outdoor access and riverfront space in West End. The neighborhood is home to Veterans Memorial Park and the Boise River Greenbelt. It's one of the few neighborhoods where you can study by the water and then be in the classroom in 10 minutes. 

College rentals in West End include duplexes and some older apartment complexes. Many apartments have access to generous lawns on the property. Students can find budget-friendly options in this neighborhood with more space and quiet than they'll have in a Downtown loft. Whitewater Park Boulevard is a growing corridor in the West End, with many breweries and coffee shops that appeal to a younger crowd. 

Best Boise Neighborhoods for Eagle Gate College Students

Eagle Gate College has a Boise campus that serves more than 500 nursing students on the western side of the city. The college offers direct access to I-84 and the Connector. If you're an LPN student at Eagle Gate and looking for Boise apartments, here are some neighborhoods we'd recommend. 

Franklin-Randolph

The Franklin-Randolph neighborhood is located directly east of Eagle Gate's Boise campus. The western edge of Franklin-Randolph is the I-84/Connector interchange, making it extremely easy to access the rest of the city. There's also a large shopping center located between the neighborhood and the campus. This makes it convenient for running errands after classes on the way home. 

There are also a number of clinical sites and medical offices along Franklin and Curtis Roads. This makes the neighborhood even more convenient for students in nursing and medical administration programs. There are quite a few apartment complexes in Franklin-Randolph. Compared to the newer developments in Meridian and Downtown Boise, you'll find better value per square foot in 1- and 2-bedroom units.

Eagle Gate's student body includes many adult learners, parents, and career changers. I have a friend who went through the program there, and he tells me this neighborhood is a great choice for nontraditional students in varied living situations. So, whether you're a solo learner or part of a small family, you should be able to find apartments near Eagle Gate. 

Central Bench

Central Bench has the most "suburban" feel out of most of the neighborhoods in this guide. Most apartments in Central Bench are within 2 to 3 miles of the Eagle Gate campus, making for a short commute. The regular ValleyRide buses along Overland Road make it feasible for students to attend classes from Central Bench and Franklin-Randolph without a car. 

You'll find apartments, duplexes, and small complexes scattered throughout Central Bench. Shopping and casual dining are within easy reach. The neighborhood is quieter than some of the ones closer to Downtown, but you'll still be close to nightlife and several parks for outdoor activities. 

Southwest Ada County Alliance

The Southwest Section is the neighborhood where the Eagle Gate campus is located, so it can be the most convenient for students in terms of proximity. You'll find a wide range of studios up to 3-bedroom apartments, and townhomes for rent here. Some offer student-friendly leases and move-in specials. The Southwest Section provides affordable living with less traffic than you'll find closer to Downtown.