Your Tallahassee College Home Base: Where to Rent to Ace Your FSU, FAMU and TSC Experience
Hey there future resident! I’m Allaire, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Tallahassee, Florida, and I’ve been helping students and families navigate this college town for over six years. Trust me when I say that choosing where to live in Tallahassee can make or break the college experience. And I’ve seen it all.
From the midnight runs in College Town to peaceful student sessions by Lake Ella, you’ll find the best balance of livability and affordability. Based on my expertise, I’m sharing the inside scoop on the neighborhoods that may enhance your college years while living in Tallahassee. My goal is to help you find your home-base for some of the most memorable years of your life. It isn’t about just finding a place to crash. It’s much more. It’s assisting in the life-changing decision about the best place to call home during your college journey.
Whether you’re a parent researching places for your incoming freshman or a student ready to move off-campus, I’ve walked these streets, toured these apartments, and talked to tons of residents. My friend’s daughter just graduated from FSU and lived in three different neighborhoods during her four years, while my nephew is currently at FAMU and has switched apartments twice in two years. Each one of them has taught me something valuable about what works and what doesn’t. Let’s get into the neighborhoods that really deliver on their promises.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Tallahassee
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,120 | $699 | $1,799 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,273 | $305 | $2,500 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,429 | $508 | $3,375 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,547 | $549 | $3,558 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,242 | $399 | $5,180 |
Florida State University
Florida State is one of the most respected research and learning institutions in the country. It’s a preeminent research university with over 40,000 students. One thing I can say about this campus – it lights up the town with energy, especially on football Saturdays at Doak Campbell Stadium. In Tallahassee, nothing is ever too far away, but location does matter when juggling classes, work, and a social life that stays on "ready". The closer you are to campus, the more you’ll participate in all the activities FSU has to offer. Living close doesn’t always mean “best” though, as there are many students that may value a better balance of accessibility and peace over proximity.
College Town
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $925 | $900 | $950 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,400 | $1,400 | $1,400 |
Right next to FSU’s campus, College Town is the heartbeat of FSU student life. If you’re looking for the full college experience, you’ll get it here. For those looking to live in the area, it boasts a wide variety modern apartments and townhouses for rent. It’s an energetic area where students walk to class, socialize, shop, and grab something to eat without ever needing a car.
Students living in the area enjoy a variety of entertainment and dining options. Madison Social and Township are popular for social activities, convenience, campus facilities, the stadium, and an easy walk to class. Who doesn’t want to get to the football tailgate in five minutes?
What you need to know: While the apartments in this neighborhood can vary in price range, they are built with students in mind. College Town apartments near FSU range from luxury student housing complexes to more affordable cheap apartment options. While students may pay more for rent for the proximity of living close to campus, the cost is offset because transportation and parking is cheaper since you may not need it.
Frenchtown
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $872 | $700 | $967 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,125 | $699 | $1,738 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,521 | $639 | $2,277 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,916 | $1,600 | $5,117 |
Only about 10 minutes from FSU, FAMU and College Town, Frenchtown is one of the oldest and most historically prominent neighborhoods in Florida. There’s a lot of character in this neighborhood, with monthly art walks and other activities. It has a great sense of community.
This neighborhood is known for its affordability, and you’ll find students renting here who are on a tighter budget. There are older homes, shared homes, and affordable apartments for rent in this area. This neighborhood is just alongside Tennessee Street (one of the busiest streets in town), and it makes getting to FSU very convenient.
What you need to know: This neighborhood is going through some gentrification, which means you’ll find older homes with longtime tenants as well as newer student housing. Public transportation isn’t an issue here, and the proximity to both FSU and FAMU is an added bonus. With the farmers' markets on the weekend, local events, and boutique eateries, you can’t miss.
Midtown Tallahassee
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,280 | $1,200 | $1,360 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,600 | $1,285 | $2,300 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,656 | $1,550 | $1,725 |
Midtown is a good balance between student life and “adulting.” This neighborhood is in the central part of Tallahassee and has Lake Ella, which is beautiful. I often walk at this park because it has a walking loop and amazing lake views. There are always students studying on the benches or walking their dogs.
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, you’ll find it in Midtown. It’s a great balance of modern hip and historical charm. Some of the things I love about this area are that it’s up and coming, not too far from the state capital, and a great area for young professionals who want convenience and class. The students who choose Midtown usually want to be more integrated in the larger community and may be graduate students, as opposed to undergrad.
What you need to know: The Thomasville Road corridor running through Midtown is full of restaurants, coffee shops, and small businesses which adds to the charm of Tallahassee. Student apartments in Midtown near FSU have more variety than standard student housing, and you’ll find new mixed in with the old.
Florida A&M University (FAMU)
Florida A&M University is a public, historically black land-grant university (HBCU) in Tallahassee, founded in 1887. Based on enrollment, it’s the third-largest HBCU in the US and is consistently ranked among the top HBCUs in the nation, known for providing high-quality and affordable education, embodying its motto, "Excellence with Caring."
One of the things I love about FAMU is its rich history. Located on the highest of Tallahassee’s seven hills, it’s Marching 100 band is famously known all over the world. There’s a strong sense of pride in this community, and the experience is rooted in tradition and excellence. There are strong alumni connections, and you’ll find events, career fairs, and opportunities for professional growth among students and community leaders
Frenchtown
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $872 | $700 | $967 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,125 | $699 | $1,738 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,521 | $639 | $2,277 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,916 | $1,600 | $5,117 |
While we’ve covered Frenchtown from the FSU perspective, it’s strategically located between both campuses. This neighborhood is very historical and directly connects with FAMU’s mission and heritage. While the affordability in this neighborhood attracts students from FAMU, there is a deeper level of belonging due for the residents who live here due to the university’s history and mission.
What you need to know: Transportation to FAMU from Frenchtown occurs on public transit, by car, or bike routes. The apartments tend to offer more character and space than typical student housing complexes, but there is still the old mixed with the new due to gentrification.
Jake Gaither/University Park
This neighborhood also has strong cultural ties to FAMU. It’s one of Tallahassee’s most known and defined neighborhoods. I know many professionals who attended FAMU and reside in this area, but a friend of mine who recently graduated lived in this area during his senior year. This created easy access for him while participating in student activities and research projects. Most students living in this area are upperclassmen or graduate students who want independence while staying connected to the campus.
What you need to know: Housing options in Jake Gaither/University Park range from single-family homes that students share, to small apartment complexes. This gives students more space while providing character and personality.
Southwood
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,011 | $853 | $1,199 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,349 | $795 | $1,915 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,617 | $899 | $2,390 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,942 | $999 | $2,611 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
Southwood is a quiet, suburban neighborhood with newer residential developments. This is a great option for FAMU students who want an upscale living experience. This neighborhood is known as being one of the best neighborhoods in Tallahassee and is just minutes from Downtown.
I’ve seen FAMU students choose apartments in Southwood when they want to focus on their academics but prefer a more structured, but laidback lifestyle. These apartments have top-tier amenities, are more spacious, have 1,000 acres of green space that includes parks, hiking, and biking trails, and a lake. You usually find young professionals already working while still being in school, or families.
What you need to know: Southwood requires a car or reliable transportation to get to FAMU because it’s further away. Although there are higher price tags for apartments, you’ll find study lounges, fitness centers, and more.
Tallahassee State College (TSC)
TSC is part of the Florida College System. It’s been around since 1966, and the main campus is about 2 miles from Florida State. It’s the #1 transfer school to FSU and FAMU. Many students come to town just to attend TSC and get into the feeder programs for either school. The students needing apartments here are diverse in that some are true underclassmen and then you have those who have work and family obligations while finishing their degrees.
There are several apartment communities in this area that offer flexible leasing terms, great parking, easy access to both campuses and work.
What you need to know: TSC student apartments near campus have several options, including month-to-month or shorter-term leases that work better for students looking to transfer mid-year. While you may not find luxury options in the area, practical amenities are the norm. This is also good because parking on campus can be limited and students can use public transportation.
Areas for TSC students include Southwood and Midtown.
Your Next Steps
I’ve lived here long enough to know that the best neighborhood choice comes down to understanding your priorities, budget, and vision for your college experience. Whether you’re looking to be in the heart of it all in College Town, or want something more historical or upscale, you’ll find the perfect balance in one of these neighborhoods.
My advice? Drive around town, visit these neighborhoods, go to local spots, and speak to people who live here. The perfect apartment or house you want is waiting for you, even if you have to do a little research to find it. Each of these neighborhoods offer something unique. Tallahassee is a gem that’s active enough to have fun, but laid back enough where you can relax and get your studies done. I came here and fell in love with this amazing town. I’m sure you will too!
