Question 1

How much does off-campus housing near Lehigh University typically cost?

Accepted Answer

Rent in the South Bethlehem area near Lehigh typically ranges from $700 to $1,200 per person per month, depending on proximity to campus, unit size, and whether utilities are included. Houses along the 4th Street corridor that are shared among four to six students often work out to more affordable per-person costs, while newer apartment buildings may charge more but include water and sometimes heat. Budget an additional $100 to $200 monthly for utilities if they are not bundled into your rent.

Question 2

Are freshmen required to live on campus at Lehigh University?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all incoming first-year students at Lehigh are required to live in university housing for their freshman year. Exceptions are extremely rare and must be requested through the Office of Residential Services with supporting documentation. The vast majority of freshmen fulfill this requirement in one of Lehigh's residence halls on the upper or lower campus.

Question 3

When should I start looking for off-campus housing near Lehigh?

Accepted Answer

The Lehigh off-campus market is among the most competitive in the region because demand consistently outstrips supply near campus. Students should ideally begin searching in October or November of their sophomore year. The best houses on the 4th Street corridor and adjacent blocks are typically claimed by January, so waiting until spring can leave you with limited options.

Question 4

What neighborhoods are best for Lehigh students living off campus?

Accepted Answer

South Bethlehem's 4th Street corridor is by far the most popular choice for Lehigh upperclassmen, offering walking distance to campus and a lively student atmosphere. The Packer Avenue area is convenient for students whose classes are on the lower campus. Students seeking more space or quieter surroundings sometimes look at the South Mountain residential streets or even downtown Bethlehem along Main Street.

Question 5

Is it easy to get around Bethlehem without a car as a Lehigh student?

Accepted Answer

Students living immediately in South Bethlehem can walk to campus and to most of the amenities they need day-to-day. LANTA bus service connects South Bethlehem to downtown Bethlehem and other parts of the Lehigh Valley. However, for grocery runs, trips to Allentown, or exploring the wider region, having access to a car is a significant convenience. Many students who live off campus arrange carpools or use rideshare services for errands beyond walking distance.

Question 6

Are there furnished apartments available near Lehigh University?

Accepted Answer

Furnished rentals are uncommon in the South Bethlehem student housing market, where most available units are unfurnished row houses or older apartments. Some newer apartment complexes may offer furnished options at a premium. Students typically furnish their own spaces and often source secondhand furniture from Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores in Bethlehem and Allentown, or from outgoing seniors who are selling items at the end of the school year.

Question 7

Can sophomores live off campus at Lehigh University?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After completing the freshman live-on requirement, Lehigh students are eligible to seek off-campus housing starting in their sophomore year. Many students choose to remain in university housing for a second year before moving off campus as juniors, but there is no policy preventing eligible students from moving off campus after freshman year.

Question 8

What should I know about signing a lease in South Bethlehem?

Accepted Answer

Most leases in the South Bethlehem market run from August 1 to July 31, which aligns with the academic year. Many landlords require a security deposit equal to one or two months rent at signing. Carefully review whether heat, water, trash, and electricity are included, as these can vary widely between properties. It is also important to document the unit's condition with photos before moving in, and to clarify maintenance response expectations and snow removal responsibilities with your landlord in advance.

Question 9

How does Greek housing affect the off-campus market at Lehigh?

Accepted Answer

Greek life is a significant part of the off-campus housing landscape at Lehigh. Many fraternity and sorority chapter houses are located in the South Bethlehem area, and Greek organizations often secure housing blocks through multi-year arrangements with specific landlords. Students not affiliated with Greek organizations should be aware that this dynamic tightens availability in certain pockets of the neighborhood, reinforcing the need to search early.

Question 10

Where can I find off-campus housing listings near Lehigh University?

Accepted Answer

Lehigh's Office of Residential Services provides an off-campus housing resource page with links to verified local listings. Students also frequently use Zillow, Apartments.com, and Craigslist for the Bethlehem market, and Facebook groups dedicated to Lehigh student housing are active sources of sublet and roommate listings. Reaching out to current juniors and seniors who are leaving their current housing is another reliable way to get early access to quality apartments before they are publicly listed.

Off-Campus Housing Near Lehigh University

About Off-Campus Housing Near Lehigh University

Lehigh University Housing Requirements

Freshman Live-On Requirement

Off-Campus Eligibility

Lease Timing

When to Start Looking for Housing Near Lehigh University

Early Searchers

Peak Demand Window

Last-Minute Options

Neighborhoods Near Lehigh University

South Bethlehem 4th Street Corridor

Packer Avenue Area

South Mountain Neighborhoods

Downtown Bethlehem Main Street

Frequently Asked Questions: Off-Campus Housing Near Lehigh University

More Housing Near Lehigh University

Search by Room Type

Search by Lifestyle

Search by Price