5 Best Off-Campus Housing Options Near Baylor University (2026)

Key Takeaway

Off-campus housing near Baylor University in Waco, TX ranges from $650–$1,200/month per bedroom depending on furnishings and proximity to campus. The top five communities — Addison at Waco, The View on 10th, The Den Student Living, Bear Creek at Baylor, and URSA Waco — each target different priorities: budget, social atmosphere, furnished move-in, or flexible layouts. RedRiver Rent lists verified apartments across Waco with real-time pricing and availability.

Off-campus housing near Baylor University in Waco, TX typically costs $650–$1,200/month per bedroom, depending on whether units are furnished, how close they sit to campus, and what amenities are included. Baylor's on-campus housing accommodates roughly 4,800 of its 20,000+ students, which means the majority of upperclassmen rent off campus.

This guide compares five Waco apartment communities that cater to Baylor students — covering location, pricing, amenities, and tradeoffs — so you can pick the one that matches your budget and priorities.

Quick Comparison — Baylor Off-Campus Housing

Community	Est. Price Range (per bed/month)	Furnished	Gated	Distance to Campus	Best For
Addison at Waco	$900–$1,200	Yes	Yes	~5 min drive	Furnished move-in, convenience
The View on 10th	$750–$1,050	Yes	No	~3 min drive	Social atmosphere, roommate matching
The Den Student Living	$850–$1,100	Yes	No	Walking distance	Minimal commute
Bear Creek at Baylor	$650–$850	Partial	Yes	~5 min drive	Budget-conscious renters
URSA Waco	$800–$1,100	Varies	No	~10 min drive	Flexible layouts, pets

Prices are estimates based on publicly available data as of mid-2026. Confirm current rates directly with each community.

Addison at Waco — Furnished and Gated

Addison at Waco is a fully furnished, gated community located minutes from Baylor's campus. Every unit includes a bed frame, desk, dresser, couch, and dining set — eliminating the $2,000–$4,000 upfront furnishing cost most off-campus renters face.

Key amenities:

In-unit washer/dryer in every apartment
High-speed Wi-Fi included in rent
Dedicated study lounges and a fitness centre
Gated access with controlled entry
Individual leases (you are not responsible for a roommate's rent)

Addison works best if you want a move-in-ready setup without sourcing furniture, setting up internet, or coordinating laundry schedules. The tradeoff is price — monthly costs run higher than unfurnished alternatives.

For a detailed breakdown, see our full guide to Addison at Waco for Baylor students.

The View on 10th sits close to campus and positions itself as a socially active community. The property offers furnished units, roommate-matching services, and shared amenity spaces designed around group study and recreation.

Key amenities:

Furnished floor plans with multiple bedroom configurations
Roommate-matching programme for students who need housing partners
Clubhouse, pool, and outdoor common areas
Study rooms and computer lab
On-site parking included

This community suits students who want a built-in social environment and don't mind sharing amenity spaces with a larger resident population. The tradeoff is noise — active common areas and shared walls mean less quiet time during peak hours.

The Den Student Living — Closest to Campus

The Den Student Living is located within walking distance of Baylor University, making it one of the closest off-campus options available. Proximity to campus means you can walk to class, the library, or the dining hall without needing a car or bus.

Key amenities:

Walking distance to Baylor's main campus
Furnished units with study desks
Fitness centre and group study spaces
Social events and community programming
Individual leases available

The Den targets students who want the shortest possible commute. The tradeoff is pricing — the premium location drives monthly costs above comparable properties that sit a few minutes farther from campus.

Bear Creek at Baylor — Budget Option with Gated Access

Bear Creek at Baylor offers some of the lowest per-bedroom pricing among dedicated Baylor-area housing communities, with estimated rates starting around $650/month. The property features gated security and private entrances on select units.

Key amenities:

Gated community with controlled access
Furnished rooms available (not all units)
Private entrances on select floor plans
Outdoor spaces and courtyard areas
On-site laundry facilities

Bear Creek is the strongest option if you are prioritising cost and security. The tradeoff is that amenities are more basic than newer communities, and some units may require you to furnish your own bedroom or share common-area layouts.

URSA Waco — Flexible Layouts and Pet Options

URSA Waco offers the most layout variety of any community on this list. Available unit types include traditional apartments, cottages, and townhomes — giving you options ranging from a compact studio to a multi-bedroom house with a private yard.

Key amenities:

Apartment, cottage, and townhome floor plans
In-unit washer/dryer in most units
Pet-friendly with cat and dog options
Spacious layouts with more square footage per dollar
Covered parking and outdoor recreational areas

URSA works best if you want a non-traditional apartment layout, need space for a pet, or prefer a townhome-style rental over a standard apartment complex. The tradeoff is distance — some units sit farther from Baylor's campus, adding 10–15 minutes of drive time.

What to Check Before Signing a Lease in Waco, TX

Before committing to any off-campus housing near Baylor University, review these cost factors that often catch renters off guard:

Total monthly cost — Ask whether rent includes utilities, internet, and trash. Some communities bundle everything; others add $100–$200/month in separate charges.
Parking fees — Not all communities include parking in rent. Confirm whether a spot is included or costs extra ($50–$100/month at some properties).
Lease term and break policy — Most Baylor-area leases run 12 months. Ask what the early termination fee is — it can range from one to three months' rent.
Security deposit and fees — Deposits typically range from $200–$500. Some communities also charge non-refundable admin or application fees of $50–$100.
Pet fees — If you have a pet, expect a $200–$400 pet deposit and potential monthly pet rent of $25–$50.
Roommate liability — Individual leases mean you only pay your share. Joint leases mean you cover a roommate's missed payment. Confirm which type you are signing.

For a step-by-step guide on preparing for move-in day, see our Texas apartment move-in checklist.

Find Off-Campus Housing Near Baylor University

RedRiver Rent lists verified apartments across Waco, TX with real-time pricing and availability. Whether you need a furnished apartment near campus or a budget-friendly option with gated access, you can filter by price, bedroom count, and amenities.

Browse current Waco apartments on RedRiver Rent or reach out to a RedRiver advisor for a free lease review before you sign. If you are also considering other Texas cities after graduation, our guide to moving to Texas covers the full relocation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does off-campus housing cost near Baylor University?

Off-campus housing near Baylor University in Waco, TX ranges from approximately $650 to $1,200 per bedroom per month as of 2026. Budget communities like Bear Creek at Baylor start around $650/month, while fully furnished and gated options like Addison at Waco run $900–$1,200/month. Total cost depends on whether utilities, internet, and parking are bundled into rent or charged separately. You can compare current Waco apartment pricing at redriver.rent/waco .

Is it cheaper to live off campus or on campus at Baylor?

Off-campus housing near Baylor is typically $100–$400/month less than on-campus room and board, especially if you share a 2- or 3-bedroom apartment. Baylor's on-campus housing and meal plan combination costs approximately $12,000–$14,000 per academic year. A shared off-campus apartment at $700–$900/month plus groceries can bring the annual total closer to $9,000–$12,000, depending on the community and your eating habits.

Are off-campus apartments near Baylor furnished?

Most purpose-built student housing communities near Baylor — including Addison at Waco, The View on 10th, and The Den Student Living — offer fully or partially furnished units . Furnished apartments typically include a bed frame, desk, dresser, couch, and dining set. Bear Creek at Baylor offers furnished rooms on select floor plans but not in all units. Standard Waco apartments not marketed to students are generally unfurnished.

What is the safest off-campus housing near Baylor University?

Addison at Waco and Bear Creek at Baylor both feature gated access with controlled entry , which provides an additional layer of security beyond standard apartment communities. When evaluating safety, check whether the property has 24-hour security cameras, well-lit parking areas, individually keyed bedrooms, and a maintenance emergency line. You can also review Waco crime statistics by neighbourhood through the Waco Police Department's public reporting portal.

Can I have a pet at off-campus apartments near Baylor?

URSA Waco is the most pet-friendly off-campus option near Baylor, accepting both cats and dogs with a pet deposit of approximately $200–$400 and monthly pet rent of $25–$50. Most purpose-built student housing communities near Baylor restrict pets or allow only small animals. Always confirm breed restrictions, weight limits, and total pet fees before signing a lease.