Off-Campus Houses for Rent near Florida State University (FSU)

Welcome to off-campus living at Florida State University. If you're headed here to go to school, congratulations. If you're already attending FSU and looking to move off campus into Tallahassee, you've come to the right place. ForRentUniversity.com® offers listings and advice for students and parents to help you find the best apartments near Florida State. But you’re also probably wondering: How's student life in Tallahassee? What are the best neighborhoods for Florida State students? Read on for the details in our FSU off-campus guide.

Florida State University is one of the most recognized research institutions in the country. But you probably already know that. So, here are a few things you might not know about attending FSU: - Florida State has an extremely diverse student body, ranking above the national average for ethnic and geographic diversity. More than 30% of students are minorities, and about 18% of students are Hispanic/Latino. About 6% of students are from foreign countries. - Florida State is one of the country’s most passionate when it comes to the university’s sports teams. If you enjoy fully embracing school spirit (like painting your face on Seminoles game days), then you’ll feel right at home. - Florida State is also a Top 10 party school, according to Niche.com. You'll find lots of nightlife and live music around town and even on campus at the student-run Club Downunder. - FSU is home to one of the best college radio stations in the country, WVFS 89.7 FM – “defeating evil since 1987.” Tune in or listen online to stay connected even when you move off campus into Tallahassee.

What’s it like for a student living in Tallahassee?

Tallahassee actually is home to two major universities, FSU and Florida A&M, located about a mile apart. Florida State is located in its own distinct neighborhood west of downtown Tallahassee, while Florida A&M sits to the south. Then there’s Tallahassee Community College. In other words, Tallahassee is very much a college town and can become quite rowdy during gameday weekends. The Tallahassee Police Department is used to dealing with noise issues and, on its website, even offers tips on how to throw a safe off-campus party. Fortunately, if you’d like to get out of the city for some quiet, that’s easy, too. Tallahassee is just 14 miles from Wakulla Springs, 17 miles from Lake Talquin, and 92 miles from beautiful Panama City Beach. Apalachicola National Forest, the largest forest in Florida, stretches out to the southwest of the city toward the Gulf of Mexico.

Staying Safe in Tallahassee

When you’re going to and from the Florida State campus, FSU has more than 400 emergency speakerphones with strobe lights as part of the Blue Light Trail. You also can track and search crime reports around Tallahassee via the city’s police department. And don't forget that, on ForRentUniversity.com, you can sort apartments near Florida State for safety features such as shuttles and controlled access.

Southwest

Southwest Tallahassee is where FSU’s main campus is located. Therefore, as you might expect, virtually all of the apartments in this neighborhood are full of FSU apartments. The rentals here tend to be affordable and some are pet-friendly. The neighborhood also has an eclectic supply of restaurants and grocery stores designed to meet every craving and need among FSU’s diverse student population. Key areas are College Park, Chapel Ridge, and Campus Circle. Pensacola Street and West Tennessee Street are your main destinations for student nightlife and where you’ll find a lot of off-campus dining choices. Popular spots in the Southwest include Ken’s Tavern and Bullwinkle’s, both on West Tennessee. Nearby, local bands play at Potbelly's on West College Avenue. If you’re attending Florida State University, there is no more-convenient place to live. You’re within walking distance of dozens of quaint shops and Doak Campbell Stadium. Parking for this area does require a city parking pass. Finally, in the Gaines Street District, there’s College Town, a new development of apartments, restaurants, and shops between FSU and Florida A&M. The hot gathering spot here is the Madison Social gastropub. As you can see, Southwest is the place to be for FSU students.

Midtown

In Midtown Tallahassee, you’ll find a neighborhood teeming with new growth. It is largely residential with a strong mix of moderately priced, student-friendly rentals and single-family homes. Young families and older couples find it enjoyable to live here. It is fast becoming a center for young professionals and creative freelancers, as well. For instance, this is where you’ll find a Whole Foods Market for when you want to go on a grocery splurge. Midtown’s allure is that it is quieter than downtown but still close to the entertainment and business districts. Lots of bars and restaurants congregate in Midtown at the Y formed by Thomasville Road and North Monroe Street. For eating and drinking old-style here, visit Waterworks, a tiki bar and restaurant. With Midtown just under three miles from FSU’s campus, it’s a very popular place for off-campus student housing.

Southeast

Southeast is home to a strong selection of apartments, most of which are laid back, so any rowdiness is best saved for elsewhere. The quiet nature of this neighborhood makes it ideal for upstart families, young professionals, and scholarly students who prefer quiet time to boisterous parties. Centerpieces of the area are Hilaman Park Golf Course and the Capital City Country Club. Shoppers will appreciate having the Governor’s Square mall in the neighborhood.