Apartments Near East Tennessee State University

Your 2026 guide to finding affordable, student-friendly housing in Johnson City, TN — with real prices, best neighborhoods, and tips to avoid common mistakes.

Average 1BR Rent

$900/mo

Best Neighborhoods

Johnson City Heights · The Loop

Walk to Campus

5–20 min walk

Housing Near East Tennessee State University: What to Expect

East Tennessee State University enrolls 9,807 students, creating steady demand for off-campus housing in Johnson City, TN. Most students move off-campus after their first or second year either to save money or gain more independence.

Rent near campus ranges from $750/mo for a studio to $1,200/mo for a 2-bedroom — with 3 and 4-bedroom shared units often bringing individual rent down to $500–$750/person/mo.

The area is one of the more affordable student markets in the U.S., with strong value for renters willing to shop around.

Apartment Listings Near East Tennessee State University

Representative listings — prices reflect current market rates for Johnson City, TN.

Campus Residences

Best Value

Gated community with resort-style amenities — pool, gym, and on-site maintenance.

$660–$750/mo

Studio · 1 BA · 0.3 mi from campus

College Flats

Most Popular

Urban living with walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores.

$757–$850/mo

1 BR · 1 BA · 0.5 mi from campus

Scholar Park

Spacious layouts with in-unit laundry and a resident study lounge — popular with upperclassmen.

$1,074–$1,250/mo

2 BR · 1 BA · 0.7 mi from campus

Landmark Landing

Older building with character — garden courtyard, lower rents, walkable location.

$1,311–$1,500/mo

3 BR · 2 BA · 0.9 mi from campus

Grove Crossing

Gated community with resort-style amenities — pool, gym, and on-site maintenance.

$754–$850/mo

1 BR · 1 BA · 1.1 mi from campus

Park Lofts

New Building

Affordable and social — a favorite for first-year off-campus students with a rooftop common area.

$1,075–$1,250/mo

2 BR · 2 BA · 1.4 mi from campus

Grove Commons

Gated community with resort-style amenities — pool, gym, and on-site maintenance.

$1,432–$1,650/mo

4 BR · 2 BA · 1.6 mi from campus

Best Areas to Live Near East Tennessee State University

Johnson City Heights

The closest neighborhood to East Tennessee State University's main entrance. Walk to class in minutes — coffee shops and convenience stores line the main strip.

$900–$1,500/moFreshmen

The Loop

A lively area with bars, restaurants, and weekend activity. Ideal if you want a social scene steps from your apartment.

$850–$1,450/moSocial students

Near North

Quieter residential streets with single-family homes converted into multi-unit rentals. More space, lower prices, a short bike ride to campus.

$650–$1,100/moGraduate students

East Side

Downtown location with walkable access to the transit hub, employers, and city amenities — best for students with internships or part-time jobs.

$850–$1,350/moCommuters

Cost of Living Near East Tennessee State University

Rent (1BR)$900/mo (1 BR avg)
Food & Groceries~$250/mo (mix of dining hall + groceries)
Transportation~$60/mo (bus pass or bike)
Utilities~$80/mo (as a separate charge if not included)
Estimated Monthly Total~$1,290/mo estimated

Student Housing Tips

Start Early

The best apartments near campus get leased 6–9 months before move-in. If you want August housing, start searching in January–February.

Read the Lease

Check: who pays utilities, guest policies, subletting rules, and what happens if a roommate leaves. Never sign anything you haven't fully read.

Choose Roommates Carefully

Split a 3–4 bedroom and each person's share drops by 30–40%. Use a roommate agreement to align on noise, guests, cleanliness, and bills.

More About East Tennessee State University

FAQ — Apartments Near East Tennessee State University

What is the cheapest housing near East Tennessee State University?
The most affordable option is typically a studio at around $750/mo. Sharing a 3–4 bedroom apartment brings individual costs down to roughly $500–$750/person.
What are the best student neighborhoods near East Tennessee State University?
Top areas include Johnson City Heights, The Loop, Near North, East Side. Each has its own vibe — some are walkable and social, others are quieter and more affordable.
What is the average rent near East Tennessee State University?
Expect $750/mo for a studio, $900/mo for a 1BR, and $1,200/mo for a 2BR. Prices vary by proximity to campus and building amenities.
Is it safe to live off-campus near East Tennessee State University?
The neighborhoods immediately around campus tend to be well-lit and student-friendly. Always tour in person, check entry security, and read tenant reviews before signing a lease.
How far are apartments from East Tennessee State University's campus?
Most student apartments are 0.3–1.5 miles away — a 5–20 minute walk. Bus routes allow students to live 2–3 miles away without needing a car.