Student Housing in Delaware, OH
Student Housing in Delaware, OH
$1,095+/unit
Fees may applyStratford Commons Apartments
$1,225+/unit
Fees may applyVillage Gates of Delaware
$1,311+/unit
Fees may applyMill23 at Coughlin Crossing
$2,045+/unit
Fees may applyThe Residences at Lucy Ridge
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About Student Housing in Delaware
Delaware, Ohio is a historic county seat of roughly 43,000 about 30 minutes north of Columbus, and it's the kind of compact, walkable college town that wraps right around its campus. Ohio Wesleyan University sits at the heart of it, and its students give the historic downtown its energy, with tree-lined streets and well-preserved Victorian architecture defining the surrounding neighborhoods. The downtown district, full of buildings dating to the 1800s, sits within easy walking distance of campus, so students drift between class, the shops, and the riverfront without much effort. The Olentangy River runs through town with trails and parks alongside it, and the small-town friendliness gives students a calmer base, while Columbus stays close for a day trip.
Best Neighborhoods for Students in Delaware
Historic downtown district
Lined with 1800s buildings, this puts students steps from class, shops, and the riverfront, the most walkable place to land.
Historic Northwest District
Standout for its tree-lined streets and well-preserved Victorian homes, a charming, quiet area just beyond campus for those who want character and calm.
Surrounding downtown blocks
These blend classic and contemporary homes, giving students a range of houses within an easy walk or short ride of campus.
Getting Around Delaware as a Student
Here's what you need to know about getting around Delaware.
Public Transit
For trips farther afield, Delaware County Transit runs local service around the city and county, and it has an agreement with the Central Ohio Transit Authority to honor transfers between the two systems, opening up connections toward greater Columbus. Service is geared toward local needs rather than frequent city-style routes, so check schedules first. The transfer arrangement makes reaching the wider Columbus area workable.
Walking and Biking
Ohio Wesleyan sits right beside the historic downtown, so most students reach class, the shops, and the riverfront entirely on foot. The compact street grid makes a car optional for daily life if you live close to campus. Biking is easy on the flat downtown grid and along the Olentangy River trails.
Parking
Many students keep a car for grocery runs, internships, and the half-hour trip to Columbus. Parking is generally easy compared to the larger Ohio campuses. A vehicle is most useful for destinations beyond the walkable downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in Delaware
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Delaware's rental market leans toward homes and apartments rather than purpose-built student blocks. Citywide, one-bedrooms average around $1,200 a month and two-bedrooms around $1,490, while studios run closer to $810. Sharing a downtown house with a few roommates is the most economical way to land near campus.
The historic downtown district is the most walkable, putting you steps from class and the shops. The Historic Northwest District offers tree-lined streets and Victorian homes, the blocks surrounding downtown blend classic and newer rentals, and the town's outer edges give more spacious houses for those who want room.
Not for daily life if you live near campus, since the town is small and walkable. Delaware County Transit covers local trips and connects to COTA toward Columbus. Still, many students keep a car for groceries, internships, and the half-hour drive to Columbus.
Very close. Ohio Wesleyan sits right beside the historic downtown, so students living in the downtown district or the surrounding neighborhoods can walk to class in minutes. The whole town is compact enough that almost nothing near campus is a long trip.
Delaware is a small, historic town that generally feels calm and residential, but as anywhere, conditions vary by block, so tour at night and talk to current tenants. The downtown and Historic Northwest areas are popular and well-kept. Use the university's safety resources and trust your read on any place that feels off.
Start in the winter or early spring. Ohio Wesleyan keeps most students on campus and the off-campus pool is smaller, so the good downtown houses get claimed early. Lock in your roommate group and tour in person before the limited inventory thins out.
Most leases run twelve months. The big quirk here is that Ohio Wesleyan restricts off-campus living to students who meet specific criteria, so confirm with the university that you're eligible to live off campus before you sign anything, or you could be stuck with a lease you can't use.
Beyond rent, plan for roughly $120 to $220 a month for electric, gas, water, and trash combined, with winter heating bumping the high end. Add internet on top. Older downtown homes can cost more to heat, so ask about typical bills and confirm what the landlord includes.
Yes, though the off-campus pool is smaller than at the big Ohio campuses. Sharing a downtown house with classmates is the norm, and Ohio Wesleyan's residential life office can point you toward resources. Get any summer sublet approved by your landlord in writing before you hand over keys.
Plenty for a small town. The historic downtown has shops and a walkable feel, the Olentangy River brings trails and parks, and campus events fill the calendar. When you want a bigger city, Columbus and its museums, festivals, and sports are just a half-hour south.
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