The Ultimate Insider's Guide to University of Maryland Off-Campus Housing

First Things First: Your Official UMD Lifeline

Decoding the Map: A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Breakdown

The Heart of the Action: Downtown & Old Town College Park

• Vibe: Loud, energetic, & VERY student-centric. Expect to hear your neighbors' music on a Tuesday night. This is the classic college experience. The neighborhoods closest to campus are often occupied by undergrads who can be a bit rowdy.
• Pros: Unbeatable location. You can walk or bike to almost everything. You're close to Route 1's restaurants, shops, & nightlife. According to UMD's housing services, about 78% of Old Town is renter-occupied, so you'll be surrounded by fellow students.
• Cons: This convenience comes at a steep price. It's the most expensive area, & the housing quality can be a mixed bag. Some of the rental houses are old & "falling apart," as one student put it. It also tends to have higher crime rates than quieter, more residential areas.

The "Close-But-Not-Too-Close" Crew: Berwyn Heights & University Park

• Berwyn Heights: Located just east of Route 1, this is a quiet neighborhood filled with single-family homes. A lot of students who live here share a house with several roommates. You can still walk or bike to campus, but it's a bit more of a trek.
• University Park: This area is a "hidden gem," according to a Reddit user. It's a beautiful residential neighborhood filled with families & retired folks, meaning it's much quieter. The houses can be older, but it has a great community feel. You’ll likely need a car or have to rely on the bus, but it's only a 10-minute drive to campus.

The Commuter-Friendly Options: Hyattsville & Greenbelt

• Hyattsville: Located south of College Park, Hyattsville is a "smart growth" community with a small-town atmosphere. It's more affordable & easily accessible via Shuttle-UM, Metrorail, & Metrobus. It has its own shopping areas & a growing arts district. It's a popular choice for grad students & those looking for a life slightly separated from campus.
• Greenbelt: Developed in the 1930s as a planned community, Greenbelt offers a huge variety of housing, from townhomes to garden-style apartments. It tends to be less of a college town & more of a standard suburban area, which can be a huge plus if you want peace & quiet. There's a Shuttle-UM route, but it doesn't go to the Greenbelt Metro station, so you'll need to plan your commute carefully.

Further Afield: Beltsville, Rockville & Beyond

• Beltsville: Right off Route 1, this is a true suburb where many UMD staff live. You’ll find bus routes & bike paths, but a car is highly recommended.
• Rockville: Located in Montgomery County, students choose Rockville for its safety, good schools (if you have a family), & reputation. The major drawback is the commute, which is a 35-45 minute drive on a good day.

Apartments vs. Houses: The Eternal UMD Debate

The All-Inclusive World of Apartment Complexes

• The Big Names: You’ll hear these names constantly: The Landmark, Terrapin Row, The View, The Varsity, The Enclave, etc. They're mostly located along Baltimore Avenue (Route 1) or just off campus.
• The Pros:
  • Amenities Galore: We're talking pools, 24-hour fitness centers, study lounges, & sometimes even things like volleyball courts.
  • Fully Furnished: Most units come furnished, which is a HUGE plus if you don't want to haul a bed & desk to college.
  • "By-the-Bed" Leases: This is a game-changer. You rent your specific bedroom & share the common areas. If your roommate flakes on rent, it's not your problem legally.
  • Maintenance & Security: Got a leaky faucet? There's a team for that. These buildings usually have secure entry systems, too.
• The Cons:
  • The Cost: These places are EXPENSIVE. Students report rents easily topping $1,000 and even reaching $1,300+ per person.
  • The "Box" Feeling: You're living in a standardized unit that looks just like hundreds of others.
  • The Rules: There are often stricter rules about guests, noise, & decorating.

The Wild West of Renting a House

• The Pros:
  • More Affordable (Usually): This is the main reason students go this route. By packing 5, 6, or even more people into a house, you can often get your individual rent under $1,000. One student reported paying $630 in a house versus the much higher apartment rates.
  • More Freedom & Space: You get a whole house to yourselves. This means a living room, maybe a porch or a backyard, & fewer rules from a corporate landlord.
  • The Bonding Experience: There's nothing quite like sharing a slightly-run-down house with your best friends.
• The Cons:
  • The "Landlord Lottery": You could get a great, responsive landlord or one who ignores your calls for weeks about a broken sink. It's a "grab bag," as one student liaison put it.
  • Quality Issues: Many of these houses are old & come with a host of problems. Be prepared for things to break.
  • Utilities & Upkeep: You're responsible for setting up & paying for utilities (internet, gas, electric). And that "jungle" of a lawn? It might be your job to mow it.
  • Joint Leases: Unlike by-the-bed rentals, you'll likely all sign one lease, meaning you're all legally responsible if one person doesn't pay rent.

The All-Important Budget: What's This Actually Going to Cost Me?

• Studios: Around $1,390 - $1,559 per month.
• 1-Bedroom Apartments: $1,630 - $1,896 per month.
• 2-Bedroom Apartments: $2,090 - $2,387 per month (or $1,045 - $1,194 per person).
• Houses (per person): This varies wildly, but students often aim to keep it between $700 - $900 by sharing with multiple roommates.

• Security Deposit: Landlords in Maryland can ask for up to two months' rent as a security deposit.
• Utilities: If you're in a house, you'll need to budget for electricity, gas, water, & internet.
• Furniture: If your place isn't furnished, this is a big upfront cost.
• Parking: On-campus permits are expensive & limited. Off-campus spots can be just as tricky to find.

A Word on Safety: Navigating College Park with Confidence

• Property Crime is the Main Concern: The most common issues are things like theft, car break-ins, & burglary. Always lock your doors & windows, even if you're just running out for a minute.
• Neighborhoods Matter: Crime rates vary by area. The neighborhoods with the highest concentration of students & nightlife often see more incidents. Quieter, more residential areas like University Park, College Park Woods, & Hollywood are generally considered safer. The west side of the city is often seen as safer than the areas closer to Route 1.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Especially at night. Walk with friends, use the UMD NITE Ride service, & keep your valuables out of sight.
• Secure Your Place: Check that your rental has sturdy locks on all doors & windows. If it doesn't, ask your landlord to install them before you move in.

Your Secret Weapon: Knowing Your Rights as a Renter

• Security Deposits:
  • A landlord CANNOT charge more than two months' rent for the deposit.
  • They MUST give you a receipt for it.
  • After you move out, they have 45 days to return your deposit with interest.
  • If they withhold any money for damages, they MUST send you a written, itemized list of the repair costs. They cannot charge you for "normal wear and tear."
• The Pre-Move-In Walkthrough: THIS IS CRITICAL. Before you move a single box in, do a walkthrough with your landlord. Take pictures & videos of EVERY little thing that's wrong—scuffs on the wall, a crack in a window, a stain on the carpet. Create a written list, have your landlord sign it, & keep a copy for yourself. This is your proof that you didn't cause those damages.
• Landlord Entry: Your landlord can't just show up whenever they want. They must give you 24 hours' written notice to enter for non-emergencies like repairs or showings.
• Repairs: Your landlord is responsible for making necessary repairs to keep the property habitable. If something is broken, notify them in writing. This creates a paper trail.

The Commute: Getting To & From Campus

• Walking & Biking: If you're in Downtown, Old Town, or a close-in neighborhood, this is your best bet. Campus is very bike-friendly.
• Shuttle-UM: UMD has an extensive & FREE bus system that serves most of the surrounding apartment complexes & neighborhoods. Check the DOTS (Department of Transportation Services) website for routes & schedules. This can save you a TON of money.
• Driving & Parking: Bringing a car can be a blessing & a curse. It gives you freedom to explore & makes grocery runs easier. But parking is a nightmare. On-campus permits are expensive & hard to get. Street parking in many neighborhoods is restricted. This is where thinking outside the box helps. If your apartment or house doesn't come with a dedicated spot, finding a place to park your car can be a daily struggle. But honestly, here's a pro-tip: check out Prked. It’s a pretty cool service that connects people who need parking with homeowners who have extra space in their driveways or garages. You can often find a safe, affordable spot to rent monthly, sometimes just a short walk from campus, which can be a total lifesaver.

Bonus Tip: What About All Your Stuff?

Hope this was helpful!