Student Housing in Reno, NV
Student Housing in Reno, NV
About Student Housing in Reno
Reno is home to the University of Nevada, Reno, and functions as a genuine college town with the added character of a mid-size western city that has its own casino and entertainment culture. Rents have risen sharply as Reno has grown from Bay Area and California migration, but it remains more affordable than comparable California markets. The student neighborhoods cluster around UNR's campus on the north edge of downtown, and the city center itself is walking distance for students near campus. The Truckee River and Sierra Nevada access give Reno a strong outdoor culture.
Best Neighborhoods for Students in Reno
Near UNR Campus (North of Downtown)
The primary student zone — apartments and houses within walking distance of UNR's main buildings. Fills by February for the following fall.
Midtown Reno
South of downtown, with the best restaurant and bar scene in the city. A short bike or bus ride from UNR. Popular with upperclassmen who want neighborhood character.
Getting Around Reno as a Student
Here's what you need to know about getting around Reno.
Public Transit
RTC RIDE buses cover Reno with routes connecting UNR to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The Virginia Street BRT runs the main north-south corridor. For students near bus routes, going car-light is possible. Reno is not a city where transit is as comprehensive as Portland or Seattle, but it is better than most Nevada cities.
Walking and Biking
Near UNR's campus and downtown Reno, biking and walking are practical. The Truckee River path connects campus to downtown by bike. The Midtown area is walkable for daily errands.
Parking
Campus parking is permit-required. Near campus, street parking is contested. Midtown and residential areas are more available. Having a car is useful for Tahoe and outdoor access.
Frequently Asked Questions: Student Housing in Reno
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Reno has gotten more expensive. Shared units near UNR typically run $750-$1,100/mo per person. It is more expensive than it was five years ago but still significantly cheaper than comparable California markets.
Near UNR campus for walkability. Midtown for the best social scene and a manageable bike or bus commute. Both are affordable relative to California options.
Yes, near UNR and downtown. RTC buses and biking cover most campus needs. For Tahoe skiing and Lake Tahoe access, a car makes things much easier — but that is recreation, not daily life.
November through February for the following fall. Near-campus units fill fastest. Midtown has more turnover into spring.
Available from private landlords near UNR. The market is more flexible than California and Nevada's desert neighbor markets.
On Find My Place, North Peak Apartments leads in Reno with a 5/5 overall rating across 5 reviews. The Village At Idlewild Park (5/5) and Siegel Suites Nevadan (5/5) round out the top three. These are the places that consistently rate well across location, value, social, management, and quality — start here if you want a safe pick.
North Peak Apartments tops the social rating in Reno at 5/5 — students consistently flag the vibe and amenities. Close behind: The Village At Idlewild Park (5/5) and Siegel Suites Nevadan (5/5). Pick from these if you don't want to chase a social scene from your apartment.
North Peak Apartments holds the highest management rating in Reno at 5/5. The Village At Idlewild Park (5/5) and Siegel Suites Nevadan (5/5) follow. Management ratings track responsiveness, transparency, and how landlords handle problems — the things you'll feel every month, not just on tour.
Top quality picks on Find My Place in Reno: North Peak Apartments (5/5), The Village At Idlewild Park (5/5), and Siegel Suites Nevadan (5/5). Quality ratings cover the physical state — appliances, finishes, maintenance — so this is the list to start with if you want a place that holds up after move-in.
Most students in Reno cluster in Near UNR Campus (North of Downtown) and Midtown Reno. These neighborhoods are the natural starting point for any housing search — close to campus, walkable, and where current students consistently land. See the "Best Neighborhoods for Students" section above for what each one is actually like.
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Lifestyle
See how students rate apartments in Reno, NV on social life, management, and quality before you tour.
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