Apartments near Drake University (Beaver: apartment complex, condo, homes)

[DSmith42]

I've heard mixed reviews about the area around the university. Which areas should I avoid, which are highly recommended? Price isn't an issue.

[CrazyHorsePete]

I recommend staying west of Drake University. East of 25th Street may seem a little run down, depending on what you're used to. Directly northwest of Drake University is the excellent Beaverdale neighborhood. This is a great location.

[DMRyan]

Here is a new development that has apartments on the upper levels. It's right in the hub of Drake's "campustown" and within walking distance to Drake University and several neighborhood bars. Otherwise, check for apartments on 34th Street, which is also the college's Greek row. There's a lot of apartment homes scattered around the campus, some in better areas than others and some in better shape. The further west you go, the better off if you're looking into the neighborhoods. Generally, west of 31st Street or 35th Street will be safe.

http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/University%20Place/university%20place_sept2006.jpg (broken link)

[DMRyan]

Drake University is just wrapping up construction on a large new apartment complex, which is supposed to have businesses on the first floor. The first business announced for this location is a Starbucks.

http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Drake_Student_Housing/drake%20housing.jpg (broken link)

Also, if you're a student that's spending years here and you come from money, there's a renovated historic condo building that is targeted for students that want the convienence of spending all 4 or 5 of their years at school in the same location. Wealthy Chicago families with kids going to Drake have been purchasing some of the units.

This is an old photo, pre-renovation.

[PerryGeek]

I used to live in the Beaverdale area, just up the road from Drake (kinda).

I would recommend that area as well, great neighborhood. It's quite close to Drake, and has some decent little shops and others business's in the area.

Can't comment on the new developments around drake, moved from there a few years ago.

[capitalcityguy]

Before we got married, my wife lived in an apartment west of Drake on University Ave. She loved it. Very convenient, close to downtown, and right on the bus route.