Best Apartments Near University of Alabama (2026 Guide)

Finding the best apartments near the University of Alabama is one of the most important — and time-sensitive — decisions you’ll make as a student. Tuscaloosa’s off-campus housing market moves fast. Units within walking distance of the UA Quad are often fully leased by March for August move-in, and the best floor plans at amenity-heavy communities go even earlier.

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This guide covers every major category of off-campus living near UA: the complexes closest to campus, the best-reviewed communities, budget-friendly picks further out, amenity-heavy buildings, properties with garage or covered parking, by-the-bed leasing with roommate matching, and the most pet-friendly options in the market.

How This List Was Built

Every property below is a real, currently operating Tuscaloosa community. Distances, rents, and ratings come from the properties’ own listings and from published renter reviews on Apartments.com, StudentCrowd, and ApartmentRatings, checked in 2026. Where a property does not publish a price, a distance, or a review score, this guide says so instead of guessing.

Rents are the advertised starting figures or ranges at the time of writing. Student housing pricing changes with the leasing cycle, with floor plan, and with whether a rate is quoted per unit or per bedroom — so treat every number here as a starting point and confirm the current rate directly with the property before you sign anything.

Quick Comparison: Apartments Near the University of Alabama

Community	Distance to Campus	Listed Rent	Published Rating
Canterbury Apartments	~2 blocks (property’s own claim)	~$1,019 for a 2BR	5.0/5 — 1 review
The Bluff at Waterworks Landing	0.75 mi	From ~$899	None published
State on Campus	1.0 mi	$825–$1,349 per bedroom	4.3/5 — 7 reviews
Here Tuscaloosa	1.2 mi	From ~$1,379	None published
The Walk Tuscaloosa	1.2 mi	From ~$1,115 per bedroom	None published
The Preserve at Tuscaloosa	1.22 mi	Not published	None published
Hub on Campus / The Rive	1.3 mi	$899–$1,775	3.4/5 — 13 reviews
Blue Haus	1.6 mi	From ~$780	None published
Union on Frank	1.6 mi	$750–$1,619	5.0/5 — 9 reviews
Lofts at City Center (Tenth and Tusk)	2.0 mi	$625–$899 per bedroom	1.9/5 — 17 reviews
The Crimson	~2 mi, shuttle provided	$639–$1,419	2.7/5 — 7 reviews
The Cottages at Lake Tamaha	2.31 mi, shuttle provided	$770–$1,255	4.5/5 — 134 reviews
The Mosaic at Tuscaloosa	3.1 mi	$550–$1,500	No reviews yet
Beacon Place	5.47 mi	$1,490–$1,790	5.0/5 — 1 review
Lark Tuscaloosa	Not verified	From ~$699	No verifiable aggregate
City Heights at Skyland	Not verified	Not published	No verifiable aggregate
Redpoint Tuscaloosa	1100 Hargrove Rd E	Not published	2.5/5 — 104 reviews

Apartments Closest to the University of Alabama

If cutting the commute is your priority, these are the communities that sit closest to campus.

Canterbury Apartments

Canterbury advertises itself as roughly two blocks from campus — “315 steps” to Bryant-Denny Stadium. That figure is the property’s own marketing claim rather than an independently measured distance, but the address does put it in the walkable core. A 950-square-foot 2BR/1.5BA is listed around $1,019/month, and the community offers furnished units, a pool, 24/7 emergency maintenance, nightly courtesy patrols, package service, bicycle storage, and an on-site property manager. The catch: only one published review exists, so there is no meaningful resident-satisfaction signal to go on.

The Bluff at Waterworks Landing

At 0.75 miles, The Bluff is the closest verified distance of any community in this guide — roughly a two-minute drive or a walkable stroll. Floor plans run 1–4 bedrooms from 828 to 1,490 square feet, starting around $899. It has a 24-hour fitness center, an infinity-edge pool, a clubhouse with snack and coffee bar, a dog park, controlled access, full-size in-unit washer and dryer, individual locking bedrooms, a campus shuttle, and a roommate matching service. No published reviews were found, so ask for current resident references on your tour.

State on Campus

One mile out, State on Campus is the strongest combination of proximity and published feedback in the close-in group: 4.3/5 from 7 reviews. Leases are by the bed at $825–$1,349 per person, covering 2×2 units around 819–829 square feet, 4×4 units at 1,386–1,430, and 4-bedroom townhomes at 1,438. High-speed internet is included in rent — a real cost saver — alongside a resort-style pool, a renovated courtyard with cabanas and a gaming area, in-unit laundry, resident study lounges, and grilling areas. Seven reviews is a small sample, so read it as a positive signal rather than a guarantee.

Here Tuscaloosa

At 1.2 miles, Here offers the widest floor plan range near campus — studios through 5-bedroom units, 346 to 1,529 square feet — starting around $1,379. Furnished units come with smart TVs and in-unit laundry, and the amenity list includes a pool, fitness center, sauna and spa, included high-speed Wi-Fi, and a game-day roof deck with stadium views. Dogs and cats are both allowed. There is no published star rating, and the starting price is at the top of the market, so pin down exactly what that $1,379 covers before comparing it to anything else.

The Walk Tuscaloosa

The Walk sits 1.2 miles out and markets itself as the closest community to campus. Leases are by the bed from about $1,115, with a 642-square-foot 2×2 among the plans shown and furnished options available. Security is the standout: a gated parking garage with controlled access, ButterflyMX entry, security cameras, and individually locking bedrooms. The fitness center carries Peloton and Aktiv equipment, and there is a pool, tanning salon, coffee and sweet-tea bar, and study space. No published review sample exists yet. Ask whether the garage fee is bundled into the quoted rent.

The Preserve at Tuscaloosa

At 1.22 miles, The Preserve is a gated community offering only 1- and 2-bedroom units, furnished or unfurnished, with a resort-style pool and private cabanas, an upgraded clubhouse, a hammock garden, a modern fitness center, free printing in the computer lab, an on-site dog park, and roughly four acres of green space. It publishes neither pricing, square footage, nor a star rating, which makes it the hardest property here to evaluate from a desk. Worth a tour if you want a smaller-unit, gated setup close in — but go in with pricing questions ready.

Hub on Campus (The Rive)

Located 1.3 miles from campus, roughly a four-minute drive, with 3.4/5 from 13 reviews. Floor plans span studios through 5 bedrooms, 316 to 1,309 square feet, at $899–$1,775. Amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, clubhouse, business center, concierge, on-site maintenance, in-unit laundry in most units, and balconies in select units. Its walk score is 50/100, so plan on driving or the bus. One thing to confirm: the property appears on Apartments.com as “The Rive” while huboncampus.com still lists it as Hub — verify which name and management company is on the lease you are handed.

Best-Reviewed Apartments Near UA

Ratings are only as good as the sample behind them. These three have the most credible published feedback in the Tuscaloosa student market.

The Cottages at Lake Tamaha — 4.5/5 from 134 reviews

This is the only property near UA with a review sample large enough to be genuinely reliable, and it scores well: 4.5 out of 5 across 134 reviews. It sits 2.31 miles out, about a four-minute drive, with a campus shuttle. Units are large — 2BR at 1,251 square feet up to a 5BR at 2,166 — priced $770–$1,255. The amenity list runs deep: fitness center, pool, lake access, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, a media center and movie theater, tanning salon, individually locking bedrooms, furnished options, granite countertops, and walk-in closets. Pets are welcome (dogs up to 75 lb and cats) for a $350 one-time fee plus $50/month. If you want the safest bet in this market on resident satisfaction, this is it.

Union on Frank — 5.0/5 from 9 reviews

A perfect published score, though from only nine reviews. Union on Frank is 1.6 miles from campus with studios, 2BR and 4BR units at $750–$1,619 — the low end being a shared bedroom in a 2BR at roughly $750 per person. Fully furnished units, individual by-the-bed leases, attached garage parking, a rooftop terrace, pool, fitness center, pet washing station, an on-site recording studio, and a gaming room make it one of the more distinctive amenity packages in town. Treat the 5.0 as a positive signal rather than a certainty until more residents weigh in.

State on Campus — 4.3/5 from 7 reviews

Covered above under closest-to-campus. It earns a second mention here because a 4.3 average combined with a one-mile walk and included internet is a rare combination in this market.

Budget Apartments Near the University of Alabama

Keeping rent under about $800 is achievable if you are willing to commute, share a bedroom, or accept a thinner amenity package.

• Lark Tuscaloosa — starts around $699 for studios through 4-bedroom units, with a pool and sundeck, 24-hour fitness center, firepit lounge, putting green, study lounge, computer café, garage parking, 24/7 on-site management, and a private bathroom per bedroom. The commute time could not be independently verified, and no reliable aggregate rating exists. Note this is a distinct property from “Lark in the Woods.”
• The Mosaic at Tuscaloosa — $550 to $1,500 for 1–4 bedroom units of 740 to 1,700 square feet, with a fitness center, multiple pools, tennis courts, walking and biking trails, a clubhouse with game room and media center, a pet play area, and gated access. It is 3.1 miles out, about a seven-minute drive, and has no renter ratings yet — sort out your transportation before signing.
• The Crimson — $639 to $1,419 for 1–4 bedroom units, 545 to 1,520 square feet, roughly two miles out with a complimentary shuttle. Furnished units, in-unit laundry, private bathrooms, by-the-bedroom leases, a lounge-style pool, 24-hour fitness and computer centers, free indoor tanning, and a dog park. Ratings are mixed and diverge sharply by platform: 2.7/5 from 7 reviews on Apartments.com versus 3.57/5 from 15 on StudentCrowd.
• Union on Frank — the shared-bedroom option in a 2BR lands near $750 per person, which puts a 5.0-rated building with garage parking inside budget range if you are willing to share a room.
• Blue Haus — from about $780 for 1–2 bedroom units (plus den) at 700 to 955 square feet, 1.6 miles out. Furnished options, walk-in closets, granite island kitchens, balconies, a business center, in-unit laundry, and by-the-bed leasing. No published star rating.

Apartments Near UA With Garage or Covered Parking

Parking is one of the most under-researched costs in Tuscaloosa student housing, and a garage spot can be the difference between a workable commute and a daily fight for a space. Three communities publish garage parking:

• Union on Frank — attached garage parking.
• The Walk Tuscaloosa — gated parking garage with controlled access.
• Lark Tuscaloosa — garage parking.

In every case, ask whether the garage space is included in the quoted rent or billed as a separate monthly fee. It is one of the most common places a “cheaper” lease quietly becomes the more expensive one.

By-the-Bed Leasing and Roommate Matching

An individual, by-the-bed lease means you are responsible only for your own rent — not for a roommate who moves out mid-year. If you are arriving without a roommate lined up, this matters more than almost any amenity. Communities offering by-the-bed leasing or matching include Blue Haus, State on Campus, Union on Frank, Lofts at City Center, The Crimson, The Walk, The Bluff at Waterworks Landing, and Redpoint. Confirm the specifics in writing — some properties advertise individual leases but handle roommate matching informally or not at all.

Pet-Friendly Apartments Near the University of Alabama

Pet policies vary widely on breed restrictions, weight limits, deposits, and monthly fees. These communities publish pet accommodations:

• The Cottages at Lake Tamaha — dogs up to 75 lb and cats; $350 one-time fee plus $50/month.
• City Heights at Skyland — $250 fee for pets under 20 lb, $350 over, plus $20/month pet rent per animal; on-site pet park.
• Here Tuscaloosa — dogs and cats.
• The Crimson — pet-friendly with a dog park.
• Beacon Place — pet play area and dog park.
• Union on Frank — pet washing station.
• The Bluff at Waterworks Landing and The Preserve at Tuscaloosa — on-site dog parks.
• The Mosaic — pet play area.

Always ask: breed restrictions, weight cap, number of pets allowed, one-time deposit versus monthly fee, and whether any portion is refundable.

Quieter Options Further From Campus

Graduate students, law and medical students, and upperclassmen who want distance from game-day noise have real options — they just require a car.

• Beacon Place — 5.47 miles out, about an 11-minute drive. 1BR units at 719–910 square feet and 2BR at 959–987, priced $1,490–$1,790. Pool, fitness center, clubhouse, an on-site Starbucks café, EV charging, granite countertops, hardwood floors, and community Wi-Fi. Only one published review, so the 5.0 rating carries little weight.
• The Mosaic — 3.1 miles out on a gated, trail-lined property, and the cheapest entry point on this list at $550.
• The Cottages at Lake Tamaha — 2.31 miles with a shuttle, lake access, and the largest floor plans in the market.

Where the Reviews Raise Concerns

A housing guide that only lists positives is not much use. Two communities near UA carry published ratings low enough that you should walk in with specific questions.

Lofts at City Center (Tenth and Tusk) — 1.9/5 from 17 reviews

On paper the offer is strong: $625–$899 per bedroom two miles from campus, multiple resort-style pools, a fitness center, tanning salon, sauna, clubhouse with a bar, furnished units with in-unit laundry, an outdoor kitchen, fire pits, a volleyball court, and individual leases with roommate matching. The published rating is the problem — 1.9 out of 5 across 17 reviews is well below every other property here. We have not toured it and cannot independently confirm what is driving the score, but a rating that low across that many reviews is worth taking seriously. Tour in person, talk to current residents, and read the reviews yourself before signing.

Redpoint Tuscaloosa — 2.5/5 from 104 reviews

Redpoint, at 1100 Hargrove Road East, was formerly The Woodlands of Tuscaloosa and rebranded in 2019. Its ApartmentRatings profile sits at 2.5 out of 5 across 104 reviews, with staff at 1/5 and safety at 2/5. Reported issues include mold, break-ins, access gates left broken for a semester, and disputed fees. That is a large enough sample to be meaningful. Read our full write-up before you tour: Redpoint Tuscaloosa reviews: what residents are actually saying.

Leasing and Touring Tips for Apartments Near University of Alabama

Timeline: When to Start

• October–November: Begin researching communities, attend virtual tours or visit if local
• December–January: Schedule in-person tours; most properties actively show for August move-in
• February–March: Application and deposit window — best units move quickly
• April–May: Most of the market is spoken for; floor plan options narrow
• June–July: Last-chance leasing; expect limited availability

Documents to Have Ready

• Government-issued photo ID
• Social Security number (for background and credit check)
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance letter
• Guarantor or co-signer information if needed
• Financial aid award letter or proof of income if applicable

Questions to Ask on Tour

• What is the total monthly cost including utilities, parking, pet fees, and mandatory service packages?
• Is this rate per unit or per bedroom, and is the lease individual or joint?
• What is the guest policy for overnight and extended stays?
• How are maintenance requests handled and what is the average response time?
• What is the sublease policy if you need to leave early?
• Is there a lease break fee and under what conditions does it apply?
• What security measures are in place — controlled access, cameras, on-site staff?
• What is the renewal process and typical rent increase percentage?

Red Flags to Watch For

• Pressure to sign same-day without reviewing the full lease
• Vague answers about total monthly costs or fees buried in lease addenda
• Visible deferred maintenance during the tour — broken fixtures, water stains, door issues
• Access gates or controlled-entry systems that are broken or propped open
• No clear policy on lease termination or subletting
• Online reviews citing unresponsive management or unresolved maintenance backlogs
• Parking listed as available but requiring an undisclosed monthly fee

Frequently Asked Questions About Apartments Near University of Alabama

What is the closest apartment complex to the University of Alabama?

Canterbury Apartments advertises the shortest walk — about two blocks, or “315 steps” to Bryant-Denny Stadium by its own marketing — though that is the property’s claim rather than a measured figure. The closest independently verified distance is The Bluff at Waterworks Landing at 0.75 miles, followed by State on Campus at 1.0 mile.

Which apartments near UA have the best reviews?

The Cottages at Lake Tamaha, at 4.5/5 across 134 reviews, has by far the largest and most reliable published sample. Union on Frank (5.0/5) and State on Campus (4.3/5) score higher or comparably but on far fewer reviews — nine and seven respectively.

How far is too far from UA campus?

With a car or bike, 2–3 miles is manageable. Without either, staying within about a mile of campus or on a UA Crimson Ride bus route matters. Several communities further out — The Crimson, The Cottages at Lake Tamaha, and The Bluff — run their own campus shuttles, which can make a longer distance workable. Check current route maps at transportation.ua.edu before deciding on distance alone.

Is it cheaper to live on campus or off campus near UA?

Off-campus housing near the University of Alabama is generally cheaper than UA residence halls once you factor in mandatory meal plans and residence fees. Most comparisons favor off-campus for sophomore year and beyond.

Can I get a month-to-month lease near UA?

Month-to-month leases are rare in student housing. Most properties require 12-month commitments. If flexibility is a priority — for co-ops, internships, or uncertain enrollment — ask specifically about short-term lease options during your tour.

What is the cheapest student apartment near the University of Alabama?

The Mosaic at Tuscaloosa lists the lowest starting rate at $550/month, followed by The Crimson at $639, Lark Tuscaloosa at about $699, Union on Frank at roughly $750 for a shared bedroom, and Blue Haus at about $780. Each of those figures is a starting rate for the smallest or least in-demand plan, so confirm what is actually available for your move-in date.

Are utilities included in rent for apartments near UA?

Sometimes. State on Campus and Here Tuscaloosa both include high-speed internet in rent, and some communities include a capped utility allowance. Most do not. Budget $80–$150/month for electricity, water, and internet on top of rent in a standard setup.

What neighborhoods near UA are best for students?

The downtown and University Boulevard corridor — ZIP code 35401 — puts you within walking distance of campus, restaurants and nightlife. South Tuscaloosa (35405) and the Skyland Boulevard area offer more space for less money with a short drive. North Tuscaloosa (35406) and Northport are quieter and more residential. See our Tuscaloosa ZIP code guide for a full breakdown of what each area covers.

Final Take: Finding the Best Apartments Near University of Alabama

The best apartment near the University of Alabama is the one that matches how you actually live, not just how close it sits to the Quad. If resident satisfaction is what you weight most heavily, The Cottages at Lake Tamaha has the only large, strong review sample in the market. If walking to class is non-negotiable, The Bluff at Waterworks Landing and State on Campus are the closest verified options. If price drives the decision, The Mosaic, The Crimson and Lark start lowest — with the trade-offs in distance and published feedback spelled out above.

Two habits will save you more money than any single choice on this page: confirm the total monthly cost in writing, including parking and mandatory fees, and read the actual reviews rather than the star average. Then move quickly. The difference between signing in January and signing in April is usually the difference between your first choice and whatever is left.