Beyond Bending Tell You How
If you’re a Lehigh University student, you’re probably looking for off-campus housing options that are affordable, safe, and convenient. While the campus offers plenty of on-campus housing options, many students find that living off-campus provides more flexibility and independence. In this guide, we’ll explore the different off-campus housing options available to Lehigh students.Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which has a population of around 75,000 people. The city is home to several neighborhoods that offer different housing options for students. The most popular neighborhoods for Lehigh students are South Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, and West Bethlehem.
South Bethlehem
South Bethlehem is the neighborhood closest to Lehigh’s campus, and it’s where most Lehigh students prefer to live. The neighborhood is home to several apartment complexes, townhouses, and single-family homes. Some of the most popular apartment complexes in South Bethlehem include:- The Lofts at Southside- The Sayre Mansion- The Hillside Commons- The RiverportThese apartment complexes offer a range of amenities, including furnished apartments, on-site laundry facilities, fitness centers, and swimming pools. Many of these complexes also offer roommate matching services to help students find compatible roommates.If you’re looking for a more traditional off-campus housing option, there are plenty of townhouses and single-family homes available for rent in South Bethlehem. These homes offer more space and privacy than apartments, but they may require a longer commute to campus. Some popular rental websites for finding townhouses and homes include Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com.
Bethlehem Township
Bethlehem Township is a suburb located about 10 minutes from Lehigh’s campus. The neighborhood offers a mix of apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. While the commute to campus may be slightly longer, many students find that the quieter, more suburban setting is worth it.Some popular apartment complexes in Bethlehem Township include:- Madison Farms- The Meadows at Lehigh- Parkland View ApartmentsThese complexes offer similar amenities to those in South Bethlehem, including fitness centers, swimming pools, and on-site laundry facilities.If you’re looking for a townhouse or single-family home in Bethlehem Township, there are plenty of options available on rental websites like Zillow and Trulia. Some popular neighborhoods in Bethlehem Township include Bethlehem Fields, Penn’s Farms, and Millstone Village.
West Bethlehem
West Bethlehem is another popular neighborhood for Lehigh students, located about 15 minutes from campus. The neighborhood offers a range of housing options, from apartments to townhouses to single-family homes.Some popular apartment complexes in West Bethlehem include:- The Landings at Willowbrook- The Hills at Lehigh- The Pointe at West BethlehemThese complexes offer similar amenities to those in South Bethlehem and Bethlehem Township, including fitness centers, swimming pools, and on-site laundry facilities.If you’re looking for a townhouse or single-family home in West Bethlehem, there are plenty of options available on rental websites like Zillow and Trulia. Some popular neighborhoods in West Bethlehem include Westgate, Rosemont, and Old Allentown.
How to Find Off-Campus Housing
Now that you know the different neighborhoods and housing options available to Lehigh students, the next step is to start your housing search. Here are some tips for finding off-campus housing:- Start early: The best housing options tend to go quickly, so start your search early to ensure you have plenty of options to choose from.- Use rental websites: Websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com can help you find available apartments, townhouses, and homes in your preferred neighborhood.- Check social media: Many landlords and property managers post available rentals on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.- Attend housing fairs: Lehigh University hosts housing fairs where you can meet with landlords and property managers to learn more about available housing options.
Important Considerations When Choosing Off-Campus Housing
When choosing off-campus housing, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Here are some things to consider:- Rent: Make sure you can afford the rent and any additional fees, like utilities and parking.- Location: Consider the commute to campus, as well as the neighborhood’s safety and convenience.- Amenities: Look for housing options that offer the amenities you need, like on-site laundry facilities, fitness centers, and swimming pools.- Roommates: If you’re planning to live with roommates, make sure you find compatible roommates who share your lifestyle and habits.- Lease: Read the lease carefully and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions before signing.
Off-Campus Housing Resources
Lehigh University offers several resources to help students find off-campus housing. Here are some resources to check out:- Off-Campus Housing Database: Lehigh’s Off-Campus Housing Database lists available apartments, townhouses, and homes in the area.- Housing Fairs: Lehigh hosts housing fairs where you can meet with landlords and property managers to learn more about available housing options.- Off-Campus Housing Guide: Lehigh’s Off-Campus Housing Guide provides tips and resources for finding off-campus housing, as well as information on tenant rights and responsibilities.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lehigh off-campus housing:
What is the average rent for off-campus housing near Lehigh University?
The average rent for off-campus housing near Lehigh University varies depending on the housing type and location. According to Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in South Bethlehem is around $1,200 per month, while the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,500 per month.
How do I find roommates for off-campus housing?
There are several ways to find roommates for off-campus housing, including:- Using roommate matching services offered by apartment complexes- Posting on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter- Attending housing fairs to meet potential roommates
What should I look for in a lease?
When reviewing a lease, make sure you understand the following:- Rent amount and payment schedule- Security deposit amount and terms- Length of the lease- Maintenance and repair responsibilities- Rules and regulations, including guest policies and quiet hours
Conclusion
Finding off-campus housing near Lehigh University can seem overwhelming, but with the right resources and considerations, it can be a smooth process. By exploring the different neighborhoods and housing options available, and keeping important considerations in mind, you can find the perfect off-campus housing option for your needs.
