Point University is a small private Christian liberal arts university located in West Point, Georgia, a small city along the Chattahoochee River on the Georgia-Alabama border. With an enrollment of roughly 1,000 to 1,500 students, it offers bachelor's and associate degrees grounded in a faith-based curriculum, with programs in business, education, behavioral sciences, sports management, and ministry. The university has a close-knit campus community and emphasizes personal mentorship, spiritual development, and service learning as core parts of the student experience. West Point itself is a historically significant small town with a tight-knit community, though its rental inventory is limited. Students seeking off-campus housing often need to expand their search to LaGrange, Georgia (about 15 miles north), or Valley, Alabama (just across the river), where rental options are somewhat more available.
Point University requires traditional full-time freshman students to live on campus in university-managed housing for their first year, with limited exceptions granted for students who live with a parent or legal guardian within a designated commuter radius. The on-campus housing experience is considered an important part of the university's community formation and spiritual development goals. Students seeking an exemption should contact the Office of Student Life well before the enrollment deadline.
Sophomores and above who have completed their required on-campus year are generally eligible to live off campus, subject to maintaining a satisfactory academic and conduct standing. Because West Point has very few rental properties, students approved for off-campus living often look in LaGrange, GA, which is approximately 15 miles north on I-85, or in Valley, AL, just across the Chattahoochee River. Having a personal vehicle is essentially a requirement for students who live off campus given the lack of public transportation in the area.
Because the off-campus rental market in and around West Point is very small, students should begin their housing search as early as possible - ideally four to six months before their intended move-in date. In LaGrange and Valley, demand from students and local workers can exhaust available units quickly. Signing a 12-month lease is typical in this market, and flexible or semester-length options are rare.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Point University before signing a lease.
Students planning to live off campus near Point University should start their search as early as four to six months in advance, especially if they want to live in West Point proper or in a specific neighborhood in LaGrange. The rental inventory across this entire area is limited compared to larger college towns, and units that become available tend to be claimed quickly once listed. Starting early also gives you time to visit properties in person before committing to a lease, which is particularly important in a smaller market where online listings may be sparse.
The most competitive time for rentals near Point University runs from January through April as students line up housing for the following academic year. LaGrange sees additional pressure from LaGrange College students and local workers, so the market can tighten fast during this window. If you find a suitable unit during peak season, be prepared to submit an application and deposit promptly - good units in this market do not stay available for long.
Students searching in the summer months will find the rental market in the West Point and LaGrange area quite thin, and options may be limited to whatever larger complexes have not yet filled. Expanding your search to Valley, AL across the river is often the most practical move for late searchers, as that market occasionally has more availability than LaGrange. Connecting with current Point University students through campus housing boards or social media groups can help surface informal subletting or roommate opportunities that never get publicly listed. Be prepared to commute 15 to 25 minutes if the best available option is in LaGrange or Valley.
Point University's home has a very limited rental market, mostly individual houses or small units. Students who want proximity and a quieter setting favor West Point's residential streets, though availability is scarce.
About 15 miles north on I-85, LaGrange offers a more developed rental market with apartment complexes and houses at a range of prices. Many students live here and commute.
Directly across the Chattahoochee River via US-29, Valley provides modest rental inventory in a small-town setting. A reliable vehicle is essential from any of these areas.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Yes, traditional full-time freshmen are generally required to live in university-provided housing for their first year unless they qualify for a commuter exemption by living with a parent or guardian nearby. Students should contact Student Life for details on the exemption process.