Salisbury has a growing college-town atmosphere driven by Salisbury University's enrollment and ongoing downtown revitalization. The city offers affordable housing, a developing dining and arts scene, and easy access to the beaches and natural areas of the Eastern Shore.

Salisbury is one of the more affordable mid-sized college cities on the East Coast, with shared off-campus apartments typically costing $500 to $900 per person per month. Houses shared among multiple roommates often represent excellent value close to the Salisbury University campus.

A car is highly recommended for living in Salisbury, as the city is spread out and most shopping, dining, and entertainment options beyond the immediate downtown core require driving. Shore Transit provides some bus coverage, but service frequency and geographic reach are limited.

Salisbury is roughly 30 miles from Ocean City, MD, giving students easy weekend access to the beach during warmer months. The city also has a zoo, a riverwalk, local restaurants and breweries, and is a short drive from the Chesapeake Bay and multiple state parks on the Delmarva Peninsula.

The streets immediately around the Camden Avenue campus are the top choice for students who want to walk to class. The residential blocks between campus and downtown Salisbury are also popular, and some students choose Fruitland to the south for larger apartments at lower price points.