Finding the right place to live is one of the biggest challenges UW-Eau Claire (UWEC) students face when transitioning to off-campus housing. When you search for a house for rent near me or an apartment for rent near me, the decision of house vs. apartment can have an impact on your college experience. This article is to help UWEC students and their parents understand the pros and cons of renting a house versus an apartment, including the utility costs, parking considerations, and other factors important for off-campus living.
The Pros and Cons. House versus Apartment
Houses for Rent
Pros:
Space: A house rental usually means more space. This is especially advantageous if you’re planning to live with several roommates. These roommates bring over friends to hang out and an apartment can be a bit cramped. A 3 or 4 bedroom house for rent might be a better option if you like to entertain friends. A house rental can comfortably accommodate a group of friends, and some houses even offer up to 6 or 8 bedrooms.
Privacy: Houses often offer more privacy compared to apartments. There are no shared walls with a neighboring apartment, and you have a private yard which is perfect for outdoor activities.
Parking: Many rental houses come with their own driveways, which is a significant advantage considering the parking constraints around UWEC. This is particularly beneficial during the winter when a parking lot can put you quite a distance from the entry door and street parking can be a hassle due to snow removal parking regulations.
Cons:
Cost: While the rent per person might be lower when divided among multiple roommates, the overall cost of renting a house can be higher. A house rental typically has higher rent compared to smaller apartments. There are not as many whole houses for rent near UWEC as there are duplex apartments for rent or other apartments.
Utilities and Maintenance: Houses often come with additional responsibilities like lawn care and snow removal. Even when the lawn is being mowed by someone else, one way or another, you are paying for that lawn to be mowed. Consider all utility bills. Do you have to purchase your own garbage service? Who pays the water bill and is that something that you have to manage yourself? A house with many roommates splitting utilities could save you money. The utility bills have flat meter fees and administrative charges that are in addition to the amount of the particular utility that you consume. The splits to a flat fee over more roommates can help.
Apartments for Rent
Pros:
Cost-Effective: Apartments tend to be more cost-effective for smaller groups or individuals. An apartment for rent will often come with fewer utility costs and less maintenance responsibility. There are options to get into newer apartments built to modern building codes with modern energy efficiency. Typically, new means higher rent associated with lower energy bills. Is there a communal dumpster? Does someone mow that lawn and plow the snow for you?
Convenience: Existing buildings can not be converted into apartment rental units without meeting modern standards whereas a house is grandfathered in because there have not been modern codes to contend with during a conversion. Apartments will incorporate more modern conveniences typically.
Cons:
Less Space: Apartments usually offer less space compared to houses. If you’re looking for a house with 5 bedrooms for rent or more, you might find that apartments don’t offer the same room sizes or common areas. Many of these houses near UW-EC were former lumber baron residences and have very tall ceilings.
Noise and Privacy: Living in an apartment means sharing walls with neighbors, which can sometimes lead to noise issues. Privacy is also limited compared to a standalone house.
Parking and Coin Laundry: Parking in apartments can be a challenge, especially if the complex does not offer enough parking spaces for all residents. Apartments commonly have coin laundry. Houses could have coin laundry, but more often have the laundry machine rental built into a flat monthly fee or included into the rent. It really blows when you are one quarter ($0.25 coin) short to pay for turning on the dryer so you can dry that wet load of laundry.
Utility Costs and Maintenance Considerations
When choosing between a house and an apartment, it’s crucial to consider the utility costs and maintenance responsibilities.
Houses: Renting a house typically means you’ll be responsible for paying all utilities, including electricity, water, heating, and sometimes garbage and recycling services. Additionally, lawn care and snow removal can either be your responsibility or the landlord's, depending on the lease agreement.
Apartments: In an apartment, some utilities might be included in the rent, such as water or garbage services. Groundskeeping services are often provided by the landlord or property management, meaning you don’t have to worry about lawn care or snow removal. However, if utilities are not included, you’ll still need to manage and divide these costs among roommates.
Parking and Transportation
Parking is a significant factor to consider, especially during winter in Eau Claire.
Houses: Most houses for rent come with a private driveway. This can also save you from the hassle of competing with shared parking in apartment rentals.
Apartments: Some apartments provide parking spaces, but these are often limited. If parking is crucial for you, ensure that the apartment complex offers enough spaces or consider renting a house where parking is typically more accessible.
Number of Rental Options in Eau Claire
The availability of rental properties in Eau Claire varies, but it’s estimated that there are numerous houses and apartments suitable for student living:
Houses: Eau Claire has a significant number of houses available for rent, particularly in neighborhoods surrounding UWEC. Options range from smaller houses with 2-3 bedrooms to larger ones with up to 6 to 8 or more bedrooms.
Apartments: There are hundreds of apartment units in Eau Claire, many of which are tailored to student needs. These vary from studio apartments to multi-bedroom units, providing various options depending on your living preferences.
Conclusion
Deciding between a house or an apartment for off-campus housing near UWEC is a personal choice that depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value space and privacy and are willing to manage your utility costs and maintenance responsibilities, a house might be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer the convenience of a communal dumpster, and desire the closeness of neighbors, an apartment rental might suit you better. Remember to consider factors like the number of roommates, utility costs, parking, and your proximity to campus when making your decision.
Ultimately, both houses and apartments in Eau Claire offer viable options for UW-EC students seeking off-campus housing. Use resources like Zillow and local property management websites to find the best house for rent or apartment for rent near UWEC that meets your needs.
Disclaimer
Hey there! Thanks for reading our stuff. We want you to know a few important things:
We're General Property Management LLC, right here in good old Eau Claire, WI. You can make an appointment to visit us. Our office is located at 703 5th Avenue #1, Eau Claire, WI 54703 or send written correspondence to General Property Management, LLC, P.O. Box 283, Eau Claire, WI 54702.
If you need to reach us, our email is contact@ec4rent.com and our phone number is 715-832-1200.
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