Apartments Near Willamette University
Your 2026 guide to finding affordable, student-friendly housing in Salem, OR — with real prices, best neighborhoods, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
Average 1BR Rent
$1,500/mo
Best Neighborhoods
Salem Heights · Downtown
Walk to Campus
5–20 min walk
Housing Near Willamette University: What to Expect
Willamette University enrolls 1,525 students, creating steady demand for off-campus housing in Salem, OR. Most students move off-campus after their first or second year either to save money or gain more independence.
Rent near campus ranges from $1,250/mo for a studio to $1,900/mo for a 2-bedroom — with 3 and 4-bedroom shared units often bringing individual rent down to $800–$1200/person/mo.
The area is moderately priced — affordable compared to major metro areas, with a solid range of options for all budgets.
Apartment Listings Near Willamette University
Representative listings — prices reflect current market rates for Salem, OR.
Grove Terrace
Best ValueModern open-plan lofts 2 blocks from the main quad. Pet-friendly, utilities included.
$1,010–$1,150/mo
Studio · 1 BA · 0.3 mi from campus
Heritage Place
Most PopularUrban living with walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores.
$1,351–$1,550/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 0.5 mi from campus
Summit Commons
Quiet study-focused community with fiber internet and soundproofed bedrooms.
$1,610–$1,850/mo
2 BR · 1 BA · 0.7 mi from campus
Park Place
Older building with character — garden courtyard, lower rents, walkable location.
$2,139–$2,450/mo
3 BR · 2 BA · 0.9 mi from campus
Summit Residences
Spacious layouts with in-unit laundry and a resident study lounge — popular with upperclassmen.
$1,178–$1,350/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 1.1 mi from campus
College Lofts
New BuildingFull-service building with co-working spaces, a coffee lounge, and a private shuttle.
$1,713–$1,950/mo
2 BR · 2 BA · 1.4 mi from campus
Grove Park
Quiet study-focused community with fiber internet and soundproofed bedrooms.
$1,990–$2,300/mo
4 BR · 2 BA · 1.6 mi from campus
Best Areas to Live Near Willamette University
Salem Heights
The closest neighborhood to Willamette University's main entrance. Walk to class in minutes — coffee shops and convenience stores line the main strip.
Downtown
A lively area with bars, restaurants, and weekend activity. Ideal if you want a social scene steps from your apartment.
College Hill
Quieter residential streets with single-family homes converted into multi-unit rentals. More space, lower prices, a short bike ride to campus.
The Loop
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 Willamette University
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.