The Ultimate Lexington Student Housing Guide - Top Neighborhoods for Renting Near Major Universities
I'm Catrina, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Lexington, Kentucky, and I'm going to talk to you about the four major universities we have near downtown and why you might want to move to the surrounding neighborhoods if you plan to join this growing community.
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,175 | $625 | $1,929 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,310 | $610 | $3,930 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,540 | $800 | $5,499 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,841 | $854 | $6,828 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,512 | $739 | $2,700 |
Living in Lexington, one of the coolest things about this city is how many universities we have here. I can quickly go see a football or basketball game at the University of Kentucky, and I drive right by Transylvania University every time I want to go downtown. I've found interesting student and faculty housing tucked in behind the Arboretum, and I've enjoyed seeing new apartment complexes pop up to make room for a growing student population (the downtown is as bustling as ever).
Transylvania University
Transylvania University is located downtown and is home to just over 1,000 students. It is a private liberal arts college and offers a wide range of paraprofessional programs, majors, and minors. It is a historic part of the downtown area, with its main campus pressed right up against South Broadway.
If you'll attend Transylvania University, I would suggest looking into these local neighborhoods for student housing.
Northside
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,422 | $1,195 | $1,745 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,357 | $725 | $1,811 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,498 | $800 | $1,820 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $937 | $875 | $1,000 |
The Northside District is one of Lexington’s mixed-use neighborhoods. It is a part of the downtown that extends from between Rupp Arena right up to Bluegrass Community and Technical College. It is bordered by Brucetown and Gratz Park. The housing here is mixed. You'll see highrise apartments as well as single-family homes for rent. It is a welcoming area, but it is also being built up. I expect to see some major changes in the next few years.
Downtown Lexington
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,335 | $795 | $1,745 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,360 | $610 | $3,930 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,764 | $800 | $4,818 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,894 | $875 | $6,828 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,520 | $739 | $2,700 |
When you live in downtown Lexington, you'll see a mixture of modern lofts and historic homes. There are a couple different things to do downtown, such as going to the theaters (both musical and cinematic), music venues, restaurants, and bars. Most things are within walking distance, and you'll want to walk if you can because of the congestion. Triangle Park and Rupp Arena are the main staple spots to hang out in downtown, but this area is closer to Transylvania University than the University of Kentucky. Keep that in mind.
North Limestone
The North Limestone neighborhood has become a kind of arts and culture area. There is a very cool farmer's market and artist's area in the old Greyline Station; I've checked it out, and there are lots of vendors and a couple coffee options there that are worth checking out. There is also a bike shop and coffee house across the street at Broomwagon's. The neighborhood is undergoing an overhaul, so expect to see some areas that don't look so great...but it's pretty safe.
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky was founded in 1865 and is one of the main staples of Lexington. It has a sprawling campus, which has led to congestion downtown. For that reason, if you want to go to school there, it's really best to find an apartment near the part of campus you're going to be visiting. There are over 30,000 students at UK, so keep that in mind and start looking for your room or apartment as soon as possible.
Downtown Lexington
The area around the University of Kentucky is a mix of student housing, faculty residences, and commercial development; in other words, it's a mixed use area that has a little bit of everything. What is cool about the area of Downtown Lexington that borders the school is that it is such a great mix of historic homes and modern apartments designed for students. And, as you get to know the school and surrounding area, the downtown is only minutes from the Arboretum, a 100-acre public garden, which is also surrounded by additional faculty and staff housing you might want to ask the school about.
Southland Park
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,297 | $795 | $1,929 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,284 | $610 | $3,930 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,490 | $805 | $4,818 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,726 | $995 | $6,828 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,482 | $739 | $2,700 |
Southland Park is a super cool neighborhood that I frequent. It is mostly made up of ranches and duplexes, but there are new apartment complexes going in that should open up more space for a growing student population. Southland has lots of excellent places to eat; Taziki's, Marikka's, and Sharp's Candies are all in the neighborhood. Located just off Nicholasville Road, Southland can be traffic heavy, but it's worth checking it out.
Elizabeth Street
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,107 | $610 | $1,330 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,472 | $1,325 | $1,670 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,438 | $1,422 | $1,455 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,533 | $2,450 | $2,700 |
Elizabeth Street is located near the University of Kentucky and pretty much only has student housing. It is home to a mix of older rental houses and apartment buildings. The street is close to Albert B. Chandler Hospital, for students who may need medical care, and it's also located very close to campus. Tailgating on game day? Easy from Elizabeth Street.
Bluegrass Community Technical College
Bluegrass Community Technical College is tucked in next to the University of Kentucky (which has a sprawling campus). It's a two-year college, so it is primarily filled with students from the local area. If you want a technical degree, associate degree, or to save money before transferring to UK or another school, this might be where you should start out.
Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase is one of Lexington’s most prestigious neighborhoods, known for its beautiful historic homes, tree-lined streets, and upscale boutiques. Yes, it is expensive. But, it's also worth it thanks to everything it has to offer.
It is a walkable community filled with charming local businesses, including coffee shops, restaurants, and specialty stores. For example, it has a large Kroger that is its staple grocery store (it's always extremely busy but has some of the best options for students looking to shop). There are good transit lines in and around Chevy Chase, but I still suggest bringing a vehicle.
Kenwick
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,387 | $795 | $1,745 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,385 | $725 | $1,811 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,583 | $800 | $3,000 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,429 | $875 | $2,100 |
Kenwick is a trendy, artsy neighborhood, which is great for students who are hoping for a little bit of an alternative life at school. The neighborhood itself has a number of options for students to rent, ranging from Craftsman-style bungalows to newly renovated homes. This area is close to downtown, but you'll need a car to get around, in my opinion.
Zandale
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,094 | $775 | $1,929 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,367 | $610 | $3,702 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,614 | $875 | $5,499 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,816 | $995 | $3,839 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,533 | $2,450 | $2,700 |
Zandale is a residential neighborhood located just south of downtown. It's a relatively quiet area, and you'll be able to find both ranch-style homes and newer townhouses there. If you don't see what you want right away, keep in mind that this area has been getting built up, so you should watch for new builds.
Lexington Theological Seminary
For those who are religious or interested in religious studies, the Lexington Theological Seminary is a graduate-level theological school near downtown Lexington. It is a Christian school (it is associated with the Disciples of Christ, the Christian Church) and prepares students to work in leadership, ministry, and areas of religious service.
Bell Court
Bell Court is a neighborhood with 20th-century homes and modern apartment complexes, as well. Coming from the north, one of the first things I noticed here was that the streets were lined with trees; it is very picturesque. The area is home to professionals, students, and retirees, and it is a mixed use area. It is close to the University of Kentucky, but not everything is walkable. Keep that in mind, because the transit downtown is mediocre, and you probably will need a car if you want to go any significant distance.
South Hill
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,390 | $795 | $1,659 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,533 | $610 | $2,043 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,392 | $854 | $1,820 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,344 | $1,250 | $1,455 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,520 | $739 | $2,700 |
South Hill is a historic district near downtown and the University of Kentucky. It features a blend of 19th-century homes that you can rent a room in, townhouses that you can choose for a group, and modern condos if you're hoping to live alone and upgrade your living arrangements. What I love about South Hill is that the historic homes are in great condition; it's worth going out and taking some snapshots.
Gratz Park
Gratz Park is one of Lexington’s most historically significant areas. Located in downtown Lexington, this area features stunning 19th-century homes that offer student rooms for rent. It also has some historic cobblestone roads, which are very interesting if you've never seen them before. I pass this area almost every time I go downtown to grab something to eat or to get to The Lexington Clinic, one of the major medical providers for the city. Of course, like the name says, Gratz Park has its own park. It's a beautiful green space that hosts community events and provides a quiet retreat from the busy downtown area, which is great if you also like a touch of the outdoors during your week. This neighborhood is walkable.
No matter which neighborhood you live in around the downtown area, you will find some excellent student housing options, many of which are extremely close to the Rupp Area and everything that goes on with the University of Kentucky. There are historic buildings in which you and your friends or roommates can rent space by the room, or you can opt to move into one of the modern student housing apartment complexes the city has invested in recently. Whether you're planning on coming to Lexington for four years or have an extended stay for a medical program, I think you'll find what you're looking for in these neighborhoods, and I hope you enjoy your time here.
