The 9 Best Overall Student Apartments Near SHSU (October 2026)

1. 1.

   

   The Armory | Student Housing

   view → The Armory | Student Housing

   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: The Armory stands out as the top overall choice near SHSU because it nails the fundamentals: location, amenities, and genuine hospitality. Students consistently praise the welcoming office staff, the thoughtfully designed fitness spaces (weight room and yoga room), and the fact that everything from campus to dining is within reach. As one resident put it, "The moment you walk in you feel like family," which captures exactly why this place has earned its reputation as the place to stay in Huntsville.

   $450/person/mo
2. 2.

   

   Bearkat Cottages

   view → Bearkat Cottages

   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Bearkat Cottages earns its ranking by offering something rare in student housing: real privacy without sacrificing community. Each cottage feels like its own home, with private bedrooms and bathrooms that let you escape when you need to, while the student-focused design keeps the social energy alive. Under Platform Residential's management, residents have seen dramatic improvements in responsiveness and maintenance quality. As one long-time resident noted, "Since they took over, communication has been better, the property has looked nicer, and the staff has been much more responsive and helpful," proving that great management transforms the whole experience.

   $485/person/mo
3. 3.

   

   The Quarters Huntsville

   view → The Quarters Huntsville

   4.2(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: The Quarters Huntsville impresses with its fresh upgrades and convenient location near campus, giving the community a modern feel that students appreciate. The maintenance team earns consistent praise for being responsive and problem-solving on the fly. That said, recent reviews suggest some inconsistency: while some residents highlight the cleanliness and improvements, others report lingering maintenance delays and security concerns that deserve attention before booking.

   $430/person/mo
4. 4.

   

   Encore at Sam Houston

   view → Encore at Sam Houston

   4.2(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Encore at Sam Houston stands out for its genuinely invested staff who go above and beyond to make residents feel valued. Front desk and office team members like Jaylia and Zanna are consistently called out for their professionalism and willingness to solve problems, creating an environment where you feel heard and cared for. As one resident shared, "Omar and Omar from Encore gave me the 5 star treatment and my apartment was perfect for my needs," reflecting the personalized attention that sets this community apart. The well-maintained grounds and quiet atmosphere round out a solid living experience.

   $479/person/mo
5. 5.

   

   Arbors of Sam Houston

   view → Arbors of Sam Houston

   3.6(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Arbors of Sam Houston earns its spot as an overall solid choice near SHSU by delivering the fundamentals that matter most: affordability, walkability, and a genuinely chill management team. Students consistently praise the hands-off approach from staff, quick maintenance responses, and reasonable parking enforcement that doesn't penalize honest mistakes. The property manager and maintenance crew earn real respect for being approachable and responsive. That said, some residents have battled persistent plumbing and pest issues that can wear on you over time. As one long-term resident put it, the complex stays "out of your business for the most part and the staff are all real nice and understanding," which sets a welcoming tone even when infrastructure hiccups happen.

   $379/person/mo
6. 6.

   

   Gateway at Huntsville

   view → Gateway at Huntsville

   3.4(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Gateway at Huntsville lands on this list because it offers solid studio and one-bedroom layouts at a price point that doesn't drain your bank account, and some residents genuinely thrive here. The floor plans work well for solo living, with decent appliances and enough space to host friends comfortably. However, cleanliness and maintenance consistency are real concerns mold, cockroach infestations, and move-in conditions that require immediate deep cleaning have frustrated multiple residents. The utility billing system also seems to confuse people despite the advertised flat-rate package. One three-year resident summed up the mixed experience: "Overall i've enjoyed my time here," though they noted quirks like a tricky oven and bathroom mold that require patience.

   $399/person/mo
7. 7.

   

   Woodcreek Apartments

   view → Woodcreek Apartments

   2.8(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Woodcreek Apartments makes the overall ranking because it delivers genuine value for budget-conscious students, with spacious units, a functional pool, and a management team that actually shows up when maintenance is needed. Residents who connect with the community praise the roomy layouts, quick response times, and the peaceful tree-lined setting that feels like a genuine escape. The flip side is real: pest problems, inconsistent office hours, and visible neglect in common areas (potholes, trash, broken items left on porches) create a frustrating living experience for many. One satisfied resident captured the upside well: "We love it here! Best of all we love the view big beautiful pine cone trees full of life," though others note the low price reflects corners being cut on maintenance and respect.

   $875/person/mo
8. 8.

   

   Lark Huntsville

   view → Lark Huntsville

   1.8(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Lark Huntsville rounds out this overall ranking, but it's here more as a cautionary tale than a genuine recommendation. The complex struggles with fundamental cleanliness and management accountability across nearly every review hallway trash, dog waste throughout common areas, non-functional gym equipment, and a parking garage camera system that doesn't work when residents need it most. Maintenance responsiveness and rent transparency are also major pain points that leave students feeling misled and undervalued. Multiple residents echo the same frustration: "Unfortunately there is no 0 star option, but i cannot stress this enough that I would NOT recommend this apartment complex," making it clear that despite any budget appeal, the quality-of-life trade-off isn't worth it.

   $349/person/mo
9. 9.

   

   18 Seventy Nine

   view → 18 Seventy Nine

   1.8(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: 18 Seventy Nine doesn't stand out as a top overall choice near SHSU, and the reviews make clear why. Residents consistently report frustration with management responsiveness, unexpected charges for damages they didn't cause, and maintenance issues that go unresolved one student noted their AC fails monthly despite repeated requests. The recent introduction of paid guest parking ($2/hour with strict visit limits) has become a particular pain point, especially since students say there's never actually been a parking shortage. As one frustrated resident put it, "We already pay a lot in rent and fees to live here, and being able to have friends or family over without extra hassle should be a basic part of living in an apartment community." If reliable maintenance and straightforward management matter to you, look elsewhere.

   $329/person/mo

Walk times are door-to-door to SHSU campus. Rent is per person, per month.