Probably transferring to BSU... (Boise, Cambridge: apartment complex, rent , townhomes)

[LPerkins33]

...and I figure you've answered a million questions like this but...I'll need an apartment near campus, generally would like to be within 2 miles or less as I will ride my bike to class. Also would like to be in the downtown area but I have out grown the "drunk college dumbass" phase(really never got into it in the first place) and do not want to be stuck in a vomit and urine soaked complex.

I have been to Boise several times and looked at a few places, River Quarry, and Civic Plaza in person, River Plaza, The Plaza Apartments (sheesh, you guys love your plaza names!), and The Idaho Building on the net.

All of the areas seemed nice when I went to the demo rooms but as I research more online I find very negative reviews on some (especially the Civic Plaza which I thought was really nice), and very positive reviews on the same places.

Whats the truth from you locals? Are there places to avoid, places to seek out?

I'd like to be around people my age, I'm 24, but like I said I don't want to be woken up at 2am by drunk idiots, and I'd like to get every where I need to be under the power of my own legs. Also how hard is it to make new friends out there? I know one person in Boise but obviously I'd like to meet new people as well.

This is a pretty scary thing for me as I have lived in Iowa City, Iowa my whole life and 90% of my friends I have known since elementary school. I really just want to get as much information as possible before I take the plunge.

Thanks

[LPerkins33]

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

[logicskier]

you will not be sorry for coming to BSU. i graduated in 2003 and am from onalaska, wi, so i can understand your fear. trust me, this place is great and BSU is a great school!

if you can get into river quarry move there. they have everything from 1-bedroom to 3 bedroom and even townhomes and they are nice. it is a short 10 minute bike ride to campus and downtown, albertsons grocery store is just down parckcenter blvd and the setting is beautiful. the property sits along the "green belt", the boise river, has views of the foothills and it is right on a bus route, which when i was a student was free to ride (i am not sure if it still is).

good luck at BSU!

[LPerkins33]

so river quarry is the way to go then? I read on apartmentratings.com that some people were screwed out of their deposits at the end of the year. That kind of worries me. Also a story of how this persons apartment was robbed, this scares me since I have spent hard earned thousands upon thousands of dollars on electronics, bikes, skis, camping gear, etc.

I also heard that a place called the Cambridge Dorchester is nice, I can't find any real info on it online other than it has great reviews on apartmentratings.com

[Anchorless]

Try Craigslist. You can find better deals with people who rent out rooms, attics, or entire apartments. Try to look for the Northend for the best living experience.

I think most of those apartment complexes that you find on Rent.com and Apartmentguide.com make for pretty crappy living.

[LPerkins33]

not really looking to live with anyone else and if I were to rent a house I'd want it all to myself which is too expensive.

Is the northend within 2-3 miles of campus?

[Anchorless]

Most of the proper apartment complexes within 2-3 miles of Boise are either overpriced or trashy, so if you're going that route, be very careful.

I'd expect to pay between 400-600 for your own one bedroom, and more likely the latter. Maybe check out Riverside apartments - they're close, along the greenbelt, and affordable.

I recommend the North End because that is far and away the best living experience for young people in Boise. You have easy access to everything amazing Boise has to offer, you're about a 10 minute bike ride from campus, it's a chill atmosphere, and you can find deals (though admittedly it is harder to find single places up there).

You might want to check out university apartments - probably your best value for close to campus.

And I'd get something close enough that you can walk or ride your bike to campus - parking is expensive and frustrating, and there are some parts of town that despite being close to campus, are not suitable for walking or riding a bike. Mostly if you go West or Northwest of campus.

[LPerkins33]

officially accepted into Boise State for the fall 2008 semester. I'll be out in Idaho in January to ski and tour around the city and of course to look for places to live. Can't wait!

[wurd4wurd]

and live within walking/biking distance to campus. They are just off Boise Ave. and live in a "row house" which my son owns. They are in a very safe neighborhood and lovely tree lined street. I think the row houses in this area rent for around $1000/month and consist of three bedrooms (one is pretty small), 2.5 baths, kitchen with eating bar, dining room, living room, and a 2-car detached garage.

[logicskier]

Originally Posted by LPerkins33

officially accepted into Boise State for the fall 2008 semester. I'll be out in Idaho in January to ski and tour around the city and of course to look for places to live. Can't wait!

CONGRATS! you will love the school. best decision i ever made was going to BSU!