With four different colleges and universities in Lubbock, many new residents to the city are likely looking for the best neighborhoods for students.
To help new students find the perfect neighborhoods in Lubbock, I will cover ten areas around Texas Tech and other campuses that would appeal to university students. This should give you one less thing to worry about when it comes to making your move to West Texas.
Here at Lubbock Lease Homes, we take great pride in treating tenants like family. The many five-star reviews are a testament to our commitment to our tenants. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Also, check out our available rental homes, many of which are in the neighborhoods discussed below.
Top Ten Neighborhoods In Lubbock For Students
There are plenty of great neighborhoods around Lubbock for students attending any of the colleges or universities in the city. This list is by no means exhaustive.
The below ten neighborhoods represent what I believe are the best for students based explicitly on meaningful criteria such as nearness to campus, neighborhood demographics (families vs singles, young vs old, etc.), and access to area resources.
1. Heart of Lubbock
As a vibrant hub south of the Overton development and directly east of Tech Terrace, the Heart of Lubbock offers a dynamic living experience for university students. This area balances affordability and accessibility, making it an ideal starting point for those seeking housing near Texas Tech. While the eastern half accommodates low-income households, the western section has become a haven for Tech students, young couples, and families, gradually transforming the landscape.
If you’re struggling to secure housing in Tech Terrace, the western half of the Heart of Lubbock is worth exploring. Its proximity to various eateries and the lively Downtown nightlife scene ensures you’re never far from entertainment. With convenient access to I-27 and the Marsha Sharp Freeway, navigating the city becomes a breeze, allowing you to focus more on your studies and social life.
2. South Overton
Nestled in the heart of Lubbock and adjacent to the Texas Tech University campus, South Overton is a prime choice for university students seeking an immersive college experience. Historically known for its student-friendly atmosphere, this neighborhood has witnessed a shift in recent years, attracting a diverse community of undergraduates and graduates. The abundance of rental options, from cozy apartments to shared houses, caters to students’ varied preferences and budgets.
Living in South Overton means being in the epicenter of student life, with easy access to campus facilities, popular hangout spots, and university events. The neighborhood’s energy is complemented by its proximity to the vibrant arts and culture scene, creating an engaging student environment. Whether attending classes, enjoying local cafes, or participating in campus activities, South Overton ensures you’re at the heart of the action.
3. North Overton
North Overton, situated close to the Texas Tech University campus, is a student-friendly neighborhood with a mix of affordability and convenience. Over the years, it has evolved into a welcoming community for students, providing a range of housing options to suit different preferences. From modern apartments to cozy student-centric homes, North Overton caters to the diverse needs of university residents.
The neighborhood’s appeal extends beyond housing, with nearby amenities such as grocery stores, cafes, and recreational areas enhancing the student experience. With its proximity to the university, North Overton ensures that students spend less time commuting and more time engaged in academic and social pursuits. The lively atmosphere and easy access to campus resources make North Overton a go-to choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the university lifestyle.
4. Tech Terrace
Tech Terrace remains a go-to neighborhood for students seeking a well-rounded living experience near Texas Tech University. Positioned north of the campus, this area has a rich history of being a student-centric community, and in recent years, it has evolved to accommodate the changing needs of a diverse student population. Its appeal extends beyond academics, with parks, schools, and social spaces contributing to a lively and engaging atmosphere.
Diverse housing options, ranging from affordable apartments to charming shared houses, make Tech Terrace an accessible choice for students with varying budgets. Its central location ensures you’re always within a short drive or walk to any part of the city, providing both convenience and a strong sense of community. For students looking to balance academic pursuits with an active social life, Tech Terrace remains a top choice.
5. Maxey Park
Maxey Park, located just west of the Tech Terrace Neighborhood and south of Texas Tech University, is a hidden gem for students seeking a quieter living environment with a touch of nature. The neighborhood primarily consists of lower to middle-class single-family homes, offering a more tranquil atmosphere than the hustle and bustle closer to the university. The expansive Maxey Park on the central west side is noteworthy, providing a serene space for relaxation and outdoor activities.
For students concerned about healthcare accessibility, the presence of the medical district in the northern half, housing the Covenant Health System and various medical facilities, adds a practical dimension. Maxey Park strikes a balance between peaceful residential living and the convenience of being close to essential amenities, making it a distinctive choice for those prioritizing a quieter student lifestyle.
6. Clapp Park
Situated directly east of Wheelock and Monterey neighborhoods, Clapp Park offers an intriguing blend of nature and culture, making it an appealing option for students seeking a diverse living experience. The neighborhood features one of Lubbock’s largest and most unique parks, along with a neighborhood swimming pool, arboretum, dog park, and the Lubbock Garden & Arts Center. As the area gradually undergoes revitalization, students, first-time home buyers, and young couples are finding a welcoming community in Clapp Park.
This neighborhood presents an excellent choice for students working downtown, in the medical district, or attending Texas Tech University. The availability of various housing options, coupled with the evolving cultural and recreational scene, makes Clapp Park a dynamic and changing community for students seeking a mix of tranquility and engagement.
7. Arnett Benson
The Arnett Benson neighborhood offers a unique blend of student living and local charm to the north of Texas Tech University and directly north of the Marsha Sharp Freeway. While traditionally home to a mix of residents, including students and lower-income individuals, recent developments around Texas Tech have led to an influx of young people, gradually transforming the neighborhood’s dynamics.
With its proximity to Texas Tech and being directly east of the Rawls Golf Course, Arnett Benson provides students with easy access to both academic pursuits and recreational activities. The neighborhood’s evolving character and strategic location near major thoroughfares make it an increasingly popular choice for students who appreciate a balance between academic focus and a sense of community.
8. Wheelock and Monterey
Directly south of Tech Terrace, the Wheelock and Monterey neighborhood is an alternative for students who may face challenges securing housing in the bustling Tech Terrace area. Whether you’re a Tech student, downtown worker, or part of the Medical District, Wheelock offers a convenient and diverse residential option. The neighborhood is home to two schools—Monterey High School and Wheelock Elementary School—providing a sense of community and accessibility for families and students alike.
With numerous restaurants and a large grocery store along 50th Street on the neighborhood’s south side, students can enjoy both convenience and variety. Wheelock and Monterey present a balanced living experience, catering to different needs and preferences, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a versatile and well-connected student-friendly community.
9. North By Northwest
For students seeking a tranquil yet well-connected living environment, North By Northwest offers a unique blend of serenity and accessibility. Positioned in the northwestern part of Lubbock, this neighborhood caters to students who value a quieter residential setting while enjoying proximity to essential amenities and the Texas Tech University campus.
The housing options in North By Northwest range from cozy apartments to student-friendly homes, accommodating a variety of preferences and budgets. The peaceful atmosphere and the convenience of being north of the city center make it an attractive choice for students who appreciate a balance between focused study sessions and a more relaxed living environment.
10. Maedgen Area
To the west of Wheelock and Monterey and south of Maxey Park and the Medical District, the Maedgen Area neighborhood offers a central location with diverse housing options for university students. This dynamic neighborhood presents a mix of middle-class housing, with a pocket of government-assisted housing in the far northwest. AB Davis Park adds a touch of greenery, providing students with a place for running, picnics, and recreation.
Centrally located in Lubbock, the Maedgen Area ensures that students have easy access to the university and various amenities and recreational spaces. With both lease houses and homes for sale, this neighborhood caters to students at different stages of their academic journey, making it a versatile and appealing choice for those looking to establish a home base in Lubbock.
What Should You Look For In A Student Friendly Neighborhood In Lubbock
As students, you will have specific requirements that others, such as families or single graduates, wouldn’t necessarily have. Each neighborhood was selected based on matching some or all of the criteria below.
Examine these and see just how important each one is to you. Some, such as bus routes, will be less important if you have a car. Same with nearness to campus. But understanding the importance of each factor can help you narrow down this list.
Bus Routes
The primary bus provider in Lubbock is Citibus. For students attending Texas Tech University, a dedicated route goes to surrounding neighborhoods and through the main campus.
While there are no dedicated routes for Lubbock Christian University, Wayland Baptist, and South Plains College, there are dedicated stops at or around each campus.
If you don’t have a car or plan on regularly riding the bus to campus, make sure you are in a neighborhood with a bus stop on your desired route or within walking distance of one.
Walkability
Along the same lines, a few neighborhoods around the Texas Tech University campus lend themselves to walking more than others.
Specifically, the most walkable neighborhoods for students are:
- South Overton
- North Overton
- Tech Terrace
You can still bike or ride scooters from surrounding neighborhoods such as Heart of Lubbock or Maxey Park. However, if you plan on walking most of the time, those three neighborhoods are the best as they are close to campus and within walking distance of grocery stores, bars, and restaurants.
Area Demographics
The area’s demographics are the final point when looking for student-friendly neighborhoods in Lubbock.
Most of the neighborhoods around Texas Tech consist of students, young families, new graduates, or younger working-class people.
However, there are plenty of other neighborhoods around the city, all within a fifteen to twenty-minute drive from any of the campuses in Lubbock.
Take the time to consider what type of neighbors you want. Are you looking for a more traditional “college experience”? Or would you like to live in a more typical neighborhood where the area is quieter and more relaxed? You have the option of both in Lubbock.
Find Your New Rental Home In One of Lubbock’s Student-Friendly Neighborhoods
There are plenty of great neighborhoods around all the universities and colleges in Lubbock, Texas. As long as you understand what you are looking for, there is something for every student around the city.
Make sure you clearly define your budget and the type of neighborhood you want to live in to help you narrow your list of options. Once you settle on a neighborhood, check out the available rental homes Lubbock Lease Homes has to offer. We take great pride in serving the students of West Texas and look forward to taking care of you during your time in our great city.
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