Jacksonville Student Housing Guide: Where to Rent Near UNF, JU, FSCJ and EWU

Hello there! I'm Allaire, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Jacksonville and I'm excited to help students and their families navigate the Jacksonville college housing maze to find the perfect new place to live around campus.

As one of the largest cities by area, Jacksonville is a beautiful and MASSIVE gem where renters can find solid options to move once you know the top places to look. With so many options for housing and variety in student apartments and the neighborhoods near campus that won’t break the budget.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville apartments and rentals offer the best balance of livability and affordability and based on my local expertise, I am here suggest some great areas to rent around the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, FSCJ, and Edward Waters.

Here’s what every student shopper needs to know:

University of North Florida

UNF sits on a beautiful 1,300-acre nature preserve on Jacksonville's Southside, right where I-295 meets J. Turner Butler Boulevard. With a perfect mix of academics and Division I athletics energy, about 16,000 students call this university home. The campus opened in 1972, which makes it one of the younger state universities in Florida, but don't let that fool you because it's been ranked nationally for quality and value.

My cousin actually went to UNF for her business degree, so I am connected to this university in a way. She always said the campus felt like you were studying in the middle of a forest preserve. All the nature trails, lakes, and a massive green space in the campus area make studying between classes more enjoyable than stressful.

Southside

Southside is where most UNF students end up. Living here you're right next to campus (maybe a 10-min drive) and in an area with a suburban vibe that works well for students who want to focus on school without all the downtown chaos.

At UNF, you get variety when looking for a place to live from affordable shared rentals with roommates to top options for 1 bedrooms and studios for single living. Another perk? The St. Johns Town Center is right there, and one of the best shopping and dining spots in Jacksonville. When you need a study break or want to meet up with friends, you've got plenty of options like The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano's, and wide selection of great places to shop. There’s also a movie theater in the area too. In the Southside area there’s always something to do.

Student apartments in Southside are pretty reasonable for what you get. If you have the option of sharing a three-bedroom with some roommates, splitting the cost of a rental here is a great way to keep it manageable. The area is known to be pretty safe, which parents definitely appreciate, and there are parks scattered around if you love the outdoors and are looking to live in an area with green space.

Arlington

Arlington is an interesting area to explore. It's a huge, sprawling area on Jacksonville's eastern side with parts of it that are really close to UNF, making it a great place for students to reside. On those days of back-to-back classes, the location is truly an advantage.

The neighborhood has a residential feel with a healthy mix of houses on streets with trees, as well as plenty of options in affordable apartment communities. Jacksonville University is also located in Arlington, so it's easy to get that college town feel right there at home. The Expressway is nearby, so getting downtown or to the beaches is pretty straightforward. If you're someone who love the beach, it really is a short drive away.

The rent in Arlington varies depending on which part you're in, but you can find decent places for less than what you'd pay elsewhere.  The trade-off is that some areas are more dated, but if you don't need granite countertops and fancy amenities, it's a solid value.

San Marco

San Marco is further out from campus, maybe 20-25 minutes depending on traffic. It’s a beautiful neighborhood, but living here you will likely need a car. If you don’t mind driving, though, the vibe is unmatched. It’s south of downtown, right along the St. Johns River, and it has this historic, artsy feel that appeals to students who want more culture and less strip mall. The San Marco Square area has amazing local restaurants, indie shops, and a great theater the locals to enjoy.

For students looking at San Marco apartments near the colleges, you're typically looking at slightly higher rent. This is one of Jacksonville's more desirable neighborhoods, but the quality of life here is different and unique.

Jacksonville Beach

This area is about 25-30 minutes away from UNF. For some students, the distance makes it a hard pass. Others, especially those who surf, run, or just love being near the ocean, feel the area is absolutely worth it. Jacksonville Beach apartments give you that coastal lifestyle and during the school year when it's not peak tourist season, it's not that expensive here either. You can find places where splitting a three or four-bedroom keeps your costs reasonable. Plus, if you're strategic about your class schedule and try to batch everything in 1 or 2 days, the commute becomes more manageable. The area has tons of restaurants, and that whole beach town culture. Spring and fall semesters? Perfect weather. If you can swing it, you’ll love it.

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University is a private school in the Arlington neighborhood, right on the St. Johns River. It’s a stunning campus with about 4,000 students. It’s smaller and more intimate than UNF, but the campus is literally on the water (who doesn’t want that)?

JU's known for being a tight-knit community, and since it's private, it tends to attract students looking for smaller class sizes and more personal attention from professors.

Arlington

Since Jacksonville University is actually in Arlington, this is the most obvious choice for student housing. You can literally walk or bike to campus from parts of Arlington, which is pretty ideal when you're juggling classes, study groups, or maybe a campus job.

Riverside

Riverside is south of downtown and west of Arlington. Known for being one of Jacksonville's most historic and charming neighborhoods, it's maybe 15-20 minutes from JU depending on traffic, and the drive takes you through some really pretty parts of the city.

What makes Riverside special is the character. Tree-lined streets, historic homes, local coffee shops, indie boutiques; it's got this bohemian, artsy vibe that certain students absolutely love. If you're into vintage shopping, local music, and neighborhoods with actual personality, Riverside is calling your name. The Five Points area has amazing restaurants and bars, and there's always something happening – art walks, festivals, live music. Riverside apartments near Jacksonville University aren't the cheapest, but they're not outrageous either. You might pay a bit more than Arlington, but you're getting that location and that atmosphere. Studios and one-bedrooms are popular here with students who'd rather live alone or with just one roommate, and they typically run $1,000-$1,400.

Avondale

Avondale is right next to Riverside. Most locals refer to these as one area: Riverside-Avondale. While they are close in proximity, Avondale tends to be slightly more upscale with even more historic homes and an established neighborhood feel. For JU students, Avondale offers a similar vibe to Riverside but maybe a bit quieter and more residential. The Shoppes of Avondale has great boutiques, restaurants, and services all within walking distance if you live in the right spot. There are huge old oak trees, well-maintained historic houses, actual sidewalks where people walk their dogs. For students who want to feel like they're part of a real neighborhood and not just living in student housing, this is ideal.

Student apartments in Avondale will be similar pricing to Riverside, maybe slightly higher in some pockets, but the quality of life is excellent, and you're still close enough to JU that the commute won't kill you. Plus, you're right next to Memorial Park along the river, which is perfect for running, studying outside, or just decompressing.

Florida State College at Jacksonville

FSCJ is Jacksonville's community and state college with multiple campuses spread across the city. The main campuses are Downtown, Kent, North, and South, plus a few specialized centers. This makes housing recommendations a bit different since where you live really depends on which campus you're attending.

FSCJ serves over 20,000 students and offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and technical certificates. It's an awesome option for students looking to save money on their first two years before transferring, or for those pursuing career-focused programs. My neighbor's son went to FSCJ for his RN program and now makes more than most people I know with four-year degrees.

Downtown

If you're at the Downtown Campus (which is right in the heart of Jacksonville), making the choice to rent downtown makes perfect sense. FSCJ actually has student housing right there in the Lerner Building, but if that's full or not your scene, there are plenty of apartments nearby. You get an urban living experience of walking to class, grabbing lunch at local spots, and being in the center of everything. The Southbank Riverwalk is gorgeous, and you're right by all the museums, library, and entertainment venues.

Jacksonville apartments downtown near FSCJ tend to run a bit higher since you're paying for that location and those newer buildings. Studios might be $1,200-$1,500, which sounds like a lot until you realize you're not spending money on gas, parking, or car maintenance.

Springfield

Springfield is just north of downtown. The area is historically significant, has amazing architecture, and is becoming increasingly popular with young people and artists. If you're at FSCJ's Downtown Campus, Springfield is close enough to bike or take a quick drive. What's cool about Springfield is that it still feels affordable compared to downtown, but the prices are better. The great thing? The neighborhood has loads of character, with historic homes from the early 1900s, local eateries, galleries, and community gardens. It's where people go when they want urban living with more space and lower rent.

Springfield student apartments are generally more budget-friendly than downtown high-rises. You might find a one or two-bedroom in an older building for $800-$1,100, which is solid for the location. Just be selective about which specific area of Springfield you choose – some blocks are more developed and safer than others. Talk to locals, drive around during different times of day, and get the real feel for it.

Riverside-Avondale

For students at the Downtown Campus who want more neighborhood charm, Riverside and Avondale (which I mentioned earlier) are also good options. You're looking at maybe a 10-15 minute commute. These neighborhoods offer way more character than downtown, with established communities, local businesses, and that tree-lined street aesthetic. It’s perfect for FSCJ students who are older or have families.

Edward Waters University

Edward Waters University is Florida's first HBCU and the state's oldest independent institution of higher education, founded way back in 1866. The campus is in northwest Jacksonville, with about 1,000 to 1,500 students. It's a smaller, more intimate setting with a really strong sense of community and history.

EWU has this family atmosphere that bigger universities just can't replicate. Everyone knows each other, there's incredible school spirit, and students often talk about how supported they felt throughout their entire college experience. It's affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church and maintains those faith-based values while offering solid academic programs.

Brentwood

Brentwood is right near Edward Waters, making it one of the most convenient options for student housing. You can easily get to campus in just a few minutes. The apartments and rental houses in Brentwood tend to be more affordable than many other parts of Jacksonville, which matters when you're a college student watching every dollar. You're looking at possibly finding a decent two or three-bedroom for $1,000-$1,400 total, maybe less if you're patient and keep searching. Plus, you're not too far from downtown or other parts of the city – Jacksonville's really accessible once you learn the main roads.

Moncrief Park

Moncrief Park is another northwest Jacksonville neighborhood that's convenient to Edward Waters. It's an established area with a mix of apartments, houses, and longtime residents. For students who want that genuine neighborhood vibe and aren't trying to live in some cookie-cutter student complex, Moncrief works. Housing costs are budget-friendly, which is huge for college students. You can find places that won't destroy your financial aid package or require you to work 30 hours a week on top of classes. The area has everything you need: grocery stores, restaurants, and other services, so you're not driving all over Jacksonville for basic errands.

Downtown

Some Edward Waters students choose to live downtown, especially if they want that urban experience and don't mind the commute. From downtown to EWU, you're looking at maybe 15-20 minutes depending on traffic, which is totally doable. The advantage of downtown is everything I mentioned earlier – walkability, entertainment, newer apartments, and that city living experience. For students who see college as their chance to try urban life before settling somewhere else, downtown delivers.

Finding Your Jacksonville Home

In Jacksonville, there’s something for everyone. The city is not only vast, but it's also diverse, so when renting, you can choose the type of neighborhood that works best for you. Whether you want to wake up and walk to class, live at the beach and commute, settle into a historic area with character, or embrace urban downtown living, you can make it happen here.

Use our tools at ApartmentHomeLiving.com to compare your options, read reviews, see current pricing, and really understand what's available in each neighborhood. Make sure you visit these places in person before committing, and don’t be afraid to ask current students where they live and what they think. Most people are happy to share their experiences, especially if it helps someone avoid their mistakes.

Jacksonville's an amazing city for college, and finding the right place to live is a huge part of making these years memorable for the right reasons. Take your time, do your research, and trust your gut. You've got this, and I promise there's a perfect spot out there waiting for you. Good luck with your search, and welcome to Duval!