Apartments Near University of Southern Maine
Your 2026 guide to finding affordable, student-friendly housing in Portland, ME — with real prices, best neighborhoods, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
Average 1BR Rent
$900/mo
Best Neighborhoods
Portland Heights · Midtown
Walk to Campus
5–20 min walk
Housing Near University of Southern Maine: What to Expect
University of Southern Maine enrolls 4,245 students, creating steady demand for off-campus housing in Portland, ME. 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 University of Southern Maine
Representative listings — prices reflect current market rates for Portland, ME.
Pinnacle Landing
Best ValueSteps from the light rail stop, ideal for students who commute to internships.
$639–$750/mo
Studio · 1 BA · 0.3 mi from campus
Scholar Village
Most PopularNewly built riverfront complex with floor-to-ceiling windows and kayak storage.
$822–$950/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 0.5 mi from campus
Collegiate Place
Full-service building with co-working spaces, a coffee lounge, and a private shuttle.
$1,081–$1,250/mo
2 BR · 1 BA · 0.7 mi from campus
Summit Square
Spacious layouts with in-unit laundry and a resident study lounge — popular with upperclassmen.
$1,300–$1,500/mo
3 BR · 2 BA · 0.9 mi from campus
College Lofts
Older building with character — garden courtyard, lower rents, walkable location.
$711–$800/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 1.1 mi from campus
Grove Residences
New BuildingNewly built riverfront complex with floor-to-ceiling windows and kayak storage.
$1,068–$1,250/mo
2 BR · 2 BA · 1.4 mi from campus
Park Lofts
High-rise living with panoramic views, rooftop pool, and concierge service.
$1,257–$1,450/mo
4 BR · 2 BA · 1.6 mi from campus
Best Areas to Live Near University of Southern Maine
Portland Heights
The closest neighborhood to University of Southern Maine's main entrance. Walk to class in minutes — coffee shops and convenience stores line the main strip.
Midtown
A lively area with bars, restaurants, and weekend activity. Ideal if you want a social scene steps from your apartment.
Downtown
Quieter residential streets with single-family homes converted into multi-unit rentals. More space, lower prices, a short bike ride to campus.
College Hill
Downtown location with walkable access to the transit hub, employers, and city amenities — best for students with internships or part-time jobs.
Cost of Living Near University of Southern Maine
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.