Finding a student apartment near Texas State University can be overwhelming with so many options. Here’s a quick guide to eight top complexes in San Marcos, highlighting pricing, features, and proximity to campus:
| Complex Name | Distance to Campus | Rent Range | Features | Transit Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campus Trailhead | 3-min drive | $699–$1,399 | Smart home features | Walking, Driving |
| The Parlor | 8-min walk | $1,524+ | Downtown location, modern amenities | Walking, Driving |
| Dakota Ranch | 1 mile | $979/person | Shuttle access, affordable 3-bed units | Bobcat Shuttle |
| Oaks 35 | 1.5 miles | $790–$835 | Budget-friendly studios, utilities incl. | Shuttle, Driving |
| Blanco River Lodge | 2 miles | $1,116–$1,685 | Riverfront access, gated community | Driving |
| Sync at Purgatory | 2.7 miles | $1,065–$1,861 | Luxury amenities, fitness center | Driving |
| Centro 35 | 6.4 miles | $949–$1,799 | Affordable, income-restricted housing | Driving |
| Pyland Ranch | 4.5 miles | $1,175–$2,391 | Luxury living, premium features | Driving |
This guide simplifies your search by breaking down the best options based on budget, location, and amenities. Whether you’re looking for affordability, convenience, or luxury, there’s a perfect fit for you in San Marcos.
Located at 222 Ramsay St, Campus Trailhead is a modern, three-story apartment complex with 60 units. Built in 2022, it offers smart home features and high-speed fiber internet just two blocks from Texas State University.
The complex is within walking distance of campus. Residents can also use their Texas State ID for free rides on THE BUS, with the Bobcat Shuttle providing additional transit options.
| Floor Plan | Size (sq ft) | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Grey Fox Studio | 415 | $1,099 – $1,399 |
| Ringtail Ridge (2 bed/1 bath) | 788 | $759 per person |
| Blue Heron (2 bed/2 bath) | 810 | $899 per person |
| Spring Lake/River Ridge/Sessom Trail (3 bed/3 bath) | 1,008 – 1,103 | $699 – $850 per person |
Rent covers high-speed internet, lawn care, pest control, and trash removal. Optional furniture packages and individual leases are also available, making Campus Trailhead a convenient and modern choice for students.
Located at 140 W. San Antonio St in downtown San Marcos, The Parlor offers student housing just an 8-minute walk from Texas State University. With a Walk Score of 96/100 and a Bike Score of 69/100, it provides easy access to campus, local restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots. A variety of floor plans and pricing options are available, paired with high-end finishes.
| Floor Plan Type | Size (sq ft) | Starting Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Woodstock Studio | 395 | Call for Price |
| Governor F (1 bed/1 bath) | 415–600 | $1,524 |
| Bonnaroo/Lolla (2 bed/2 bath) | 392–900 | Call for Price |
| Glastonbury/ACL (3 bed/3 bath) | 316–990 | Call for Price |
| Penthouse Townhomes | Varies | Call for Price |
Each unit includes:
Residents have access to:
"The Parlor boasts unparalleled amenities, around-the-clock staffing, and proximity to campus and downtown San Marcos."
High-speed internet is included in the rent, and the property offers secure access with key fob and Bluetooth-enabled systems. With its pet-friendly policy, The Parlor is perfect for students who want to bring their pets along to college.
Located just a mile from Texas State University, Dakota Ranch offers student apartments with convenient access to a Texas State Bus stop every 10 minutes. The property provides a variety of floor plans, individual leases, and roommate matching options. Check out the details below.
| Floor Plan | Size (sq ft) | Monthly Rate | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 (1 bed/1 bath) | 523 | $1,450 | Private bath, built-in desk |
| A2 (1 bed/1 bath) | 725 | $1,520 | Larger living space |
| B1 (2 bed/2 bath) | 989 | $1,025/person | Individual leases |
| C1 (3 bed/3 bath) | 1,111 | $979/person | Individual leases |
Each unit includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a mounted TV. Additional perks include:
With a 4.4 rating on Apartments.com and Rentable.co, Dakota Ranch stands out for its amenities:
The community receives high praise for its regular resident events. As Alexandra, a current resident, shares:
"This place is awesome. You can’t beat the price or amenities!!"
Just 1.5 miles from Texas State University, Oaks 35 offers budget-friendly studio apartments, perfect for students looking for convenience and comfort. Located at 1635 Aquarena Springs Drive, this recently updated community provides modern amenities and straightforward pricing, making it an appealing choice for those watching their budget.
| Floor Plan | Size | Monthly Rate | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio A | Studio | $790 | Faux hardwood floors, granite countertops |
| Studio B | Studio | $835 | Upgraded fixtures, balcony/patio |
All units include utilities such as water, electricity, cable, and internet, simplifying monthly expenses for students. Plus, as of March 2025, new residents can enjoy a "1 MONTH FREE!" move-in special.
Each studio at Oaks 35 is designed with student needs in mind. Features include:
Oaks 35 provides plenty of shared spaces tailored for student living, including:
With a Walk Score® of 67/100, Oaks 35 is moderately walkable. Students have several transportation options:
Blanco River Lodge, located at 1650 River Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666, is just 2 miles from Texas State University. This gated community, built in 2011, offers student housing with a private 300-foot stretch of riverfront along the Blanco River. It blends natural beauty with modern conveniences, making it a standout option for students in San Marcos. Here’s a closer look at the apartments, features, and amenities.
| Floor Plan | Size (sq ft) | Beds/Baths | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Frio | 607 | 1/1 | $1,116 – $1,782 |
| The Llano | 892 | 2/2 | $1,198 – $2,012 |
| The Comal | 848 | 2/2 | $1,269 – $1,886 |
| The Blanco | 1,223 | 3/2 | $1,685 – $2,725 |
New residents should budget for a $175 administrative fee and a $60 application fee.
These modern apartments include:
Blanco River Lodge is packed with features designed for student living:
Nearby shopping and dining options add to the convenience of living here.
With a Walk Score® of 41/100, the location offers:
Pets are welcome! There’s a one-time $400 fee and a $25 monthly pet deposit.
Blanco River Lodge holds an impressive 4.8/5 rating on Apartments.com, showcasing its popularity among residents for its amenities and service.
Located at 1951 Hunter Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666, Sync at Purgatory Creek offers a modern living experience just 2.7 miles from Texas State University. Built in 2011, this gated community features 285 units spread across three stories and combines upscale amenities with convenient access to local attractions. Let’s break down the unit options and pricing that make this property stand out.
| Floor Plan | Size (sq ft) | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| A1 (1 bed) | 654 | $1,065 – $1,440 |
| A3 (1 bed) | 878 – 886 | $1,290 – $1,615 |
| A6 (1 bed) | 1,069 – 1,077 | $1,486 – $1,861 |
| B1 (2 bed) | 1,155 | $1,387 – $1,622 |
| B3 (2 bed) | 1,267 – 1,275 | $1,515 – $1,890 |
New residents should plan for a $150 administrative fee and a $60 application fee.
Each unit is designed with high-end finishes, including:
Residents enjoy access to a range of amenities:
Sync at Purgatory Creek blends modern touches with features tailored to student life and professionals alike.
With a Walk Score® of 42/100, Sync at Purgatory Creek is conveniently located near several key spots:
Rated 5.0/5 on Apartments.com, Sync at Purgatory Creek offers flexible lease terms ranging from 3 to 15 months, making it a versatile choice for residents.
Centro 35, located at 508 Labrador Blvd in San Marcos, TX 78666, is an income-restricted complex designed with student budgets in mind. This newly renovated property includes 330 units spread across 10 buildings and is managed by The NRP Group. It provides affordable living options tailored to the needs of students.
| Floor Plan | Square Footage | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed/1 Bath | 656 sq ft | $949 |
| 2 Bed/2 Bath | 900–1,004 sq ft | $999 |
| 3 Bed/2 Bath | 1,050–1,116 sq ft | $1,099 |
| 4 Bed/2 Bath | 1,324–1,378 sq ft | $1,799 |
Each unit includes modern touches such as stainless steel appliances, smart lock doors, in-unit laundry, walk-in closets, quartz countertops, and upgraded lighting. Residents also enjoy private patios or balconies, attached storage, and contemporary cabinetry.
Centro 35 offers a range of amenities designed for convenience and recreation:
The complex is just 6.4 miles (about an 11-minute drive) from Texas State University. It’s also conveniently close to local attractions like Tanger Outlets (0.4 miles away) and Central Texas Medical Center (3.7 miles away). However, it’s worth noting the area’s Walk Score is 27/100, Transit Score is 0/100, and Bike Score is 36/100, indicating limited walkability and public transit options.
Centro 35 plans to open its first two buildings in September 2024, with full occupancy expected by March 2025.
With its pricing and amenities, Centro 35 is positioned as a strong choice for students, offering competitive rates compared to nearby options, which range from $900 to $1,039.
Located just 4.5 miles from Texas State University at 216 Flint Ridge Rd in San Marcos, Pyland Ranch at La Cima is a modern luxury apartment complex featuring 304 units across three floors. Completed in 2024, it offers a mix of stylish living spaces and a wide range of community-focused amenities.
| Floor Plan Type | Size Range | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed/1 Bath | 600-862 sq ft | $1,175-$1,636 |
| 2 Bed/2 Bath | 1,042-1,250 sq ft | $1,515-$2,151 |
| 3 Bed/3 Bath | 1,360 sq ft | $2,391 |
Special Offer: Enjoy 2 months free on 13-18 month leases or 1 month free on 10-12 month leases. A $500 security deposit is required.
The 8,000-square-foot clubhouse serves as the hub for residents, offering a variety of premium features.
Fitness & Recreation:
Work & Study Spaces:
Convenience & Lifestyle:
While the rental rates are higher than the average in San Marcos, the combination of new construction, upscale finishes, and extensive amenities justifies the premium pricing.
Each apartment is thoughtfully designed with features like:
With layouts ranging from efficient 600-square-foot one-bedroom apartments to spacious 1,360-square-foot three-bedroom units, Pyland Ranch at La Cima caters to a variety of needs. Whether you’re a student or a professional, this property offers a mix of comfort, style, and practicality just minutes from Texas State University.
If you’re a student juggling cost, convenience, and amenities, this comparison table can help simplify your choice. Here’s a snapshot of key details from our in-depth reviews:
| Complex Name | Distance to Campus | Rent Range | Transit Options | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campus Trailhead | 3‑min drive / 19‑min walk | $739–$1,399 | Walking, Driving | Smart home features; Close to campus |
| The Parlor | 4‑min drive | $1,524+ | Driving | Prime location; Modern amenities |
| Dakota Ranch | 1 mile | See listing | Bobcat Shuttle | Covered bus stop; Direct campus route |
| Oaks 35 | 1.5 miles | $790–$835 | See listing | Budget-friendly; Studio options |
| Blanco River Lodge | 2 miles | $1,116–$1,685 | See listing | Riverfront access; Gated community |
For more details, check the individual reviews for each complex.
Here’s how specific apartment features align with different priorities:
"Location is so nice, you can walk to both classes and to the square. Staff is very friendly. I definitely recommend." – Tyler, Aspire San Marcos resident
Explore the best modern apartments in Grapevine, TX for 2025, featuring amenities, pricing, and key…
Explore modern apartments near DFW Airport in 2025, offering luxury features, convenient locations, and competitive…
Explore North Arlington's diverse rental market in 2025, featuring modern apartments for every budget, from…
Explore the best modern apartments in South Arlington for 2025, featuring competitive rents and top-notch…
Explore the best apartment rentals in Hutto, Texas, offering modern amenities and competitive prices in…
Explore modern apartments in Southwest Austin with convenient access to tech hubs, offering comfort and…