Though still cheaper than dorms, off-campus housing prices rising

By: Katherine Martinez

Posted: 9/12/08

Some students opt for off-campus housing as a means to save money. Those willing to share bedrooms often find that living off-campus can be cheaper than living in Hilltop or Charter Oak apartments. But students who want freedom and privacy are finding that paying rent for your own bedroom in an off-campus apartment isn't as cheap as it once was.

Rent prices have increased for 13 of their 14 off-campus apartment complexes, said Sharon Smith, community manager of New England Realty Management Group, LLC. The increase is attributed to inflation, and ranges from 1 to 7 percent depending on the amount of vacancies in each apartment complex and the distance from the UConn campus.

Perry Hill Estates, located in Ashford, is the only apartment complex owned by New England Realty which actually lowered its rent. The decrease in price from $995 to $800 a month is only temporary and is offered as a sign-on special. The rental special has been going on for about six weeks and could end at any time, said Smith.

Willington Oaks, which is growing in popularity among students, is one of New England Realty's most expensive complexes. A year-long lease to live in Willington Oaks signed by tenants Annie Taylor, a 7th-semester psychology major, and Romina Sabando, a 7th-semester nursing major, in June of 2007, was $1316 a month. The price included rent and common area fees, but did not include utilities, cable and internet. The same lease, signed in June of 2008, increased to $1353 a month.

Taylor and Sabando, who share the two bedroom apartment with two other women, were unhappy with the increase in rent and brought the issue to New England Realty.

"They told us that rent prices increased everywhere, so they have to increase here too," said Taylor. "They also told us we won't be able to find anything cheaper."

Tenants living in Celeron Square face the same problem. Kelly Corrigan, a 7th-semester sociology and psychology double major is entering her second year at Celeron, and while she loves the apartment, she does not care for the increase in price.

"Many students are responsible for their own financial situations," said Corrigan. "It can be hard to make ends meet when you have to balance work and class."

Not all property owners have increased prices for tenants who are signing again. Chapman Properties owns four off-campus complexes, the closest of which is Norwegian Wood apartments located about ten minutes from campus. According to property manager Debbie Blaise, the maximum increase was only $25 a month and tenants who signed their lease again were not responsible for an increase in the security deposit.

"This is my second year at Norwegian and my rent stayed the same. Everyone else has to pay more," said Jason Zwang, a 7th-semester psychology major.

Despite the overall increases, most students seem to think living off campus is worth it. Carrie Wolfe, a 7th-semester nursing major loves apartment life. Wolfe, who shares her two-bedroom Willington Oaks apartment with three other girls, has to share a room in order to afford it

"I wanted experience in the real world. It's an adjustment, but in the end I really like it," said Wolfe.