Looking for a modern apartment near Rice University? Here are six top options for 2025, offering features like smart home tech, eco-friendly materials, and proximity to campus. Whether you prioritize luxury, affordability, or convenience, there’s something for everyone:
- Hanover Southampton: High-rise luxury, rooftop pool, and conference rooms. Starts at $3,529, 0.5 miles from campus.
- Hanover Rice Village: Retail integration, resort-style pool, and fitness center. Starts at $1,883, 0.5 miles from campus.
- District at Greenbriar: Zen garden, koi pond, and covered EV parking. Starts at $1,435, 0.3 miles from campus.
- Brookdale West University: Social activities, heated pool, and fitness center. Starts at $2,495, 1.5 miles from campus.
- Village at West University: Shuttle to campus, updated smart living features. Starts at $1,195, 1.5 miles from campus.
- The Belmont: Direct HEB access, marble finishes, and spacious layouts. Starts at $1,610, 2.1 miles from campus.
Quick Comparison
| Complex | Starting Price | Size Range | Distance from Campus | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanover Southampton | $3,529 | 896-3,059 sq ft | 0.5 miles | Upscale high-rise living |
| Hanover Rice Village | $1,883 | 628-1,194 sq ft | 0.5 miles | Integrated retail spaces |
| District at Greenbriar | $1,435 | 558-1,250 sq ft | 0.3 miles | Relaxing outdoor areas |
| Brookdale West Univ. | $2,495 | 616-1,362 sq ft | 1.5 miles | Active social calendar |
| Village at West Univ. | $1,195 | 652-1,552 sq ft | 1.5 miles | Shuttle to campus |
| The Belmont | $1,610 | 706-1,332 sq ft | 2.1 miles | Convenient grocery access |
Choose the one that fits your lifestyle, schedule a tour, and secure your spot early!
1. Hanover Southampton
Hanover Southampton offers 206 high-rise luxury apartments, showcasing the area’s shift toward tech-driven upscale living.
Designed with Rice University affiliates in mind, this property is just an 11-minute walk from campus, making it a convenient option for those immersed in academic life [4]. Apartment sizes range from 896 sq ft for a one-bedroom ($3,529) to 3,059 sq ft for a three-bedroom ($12,238). These prices reflect its status as one of Houston’s most advanced residential buildings.
Standout amenities include:
- A rooftop pool with skyline views
- A private theater room with cinema-style seating
- Two executive conference rooms [5]
Inside the units, you’ll find:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Gourmet kitchens equipped with stainless steel appliances
- Spacious walk-in closets with custom shoe racks
- Full-sized, high-efficiency washers and dryers, aligning with Houston’s eco-friendly goals [5]
With a 12-minute walk to campus and easy METRO access, Hanover Southampton is a top choice for Rice community members seeking both luxury and convenience.
2. Hanover Rice Village
Located just half a mile from campus, Hanover Rice Village, the sister property to Hanover Southampton, combines upscale living with a focus on retail integration. Found at 2455 Dunstan Road, it offers 379 apartments ranging from studios to spacious three-bedroom units [6][10].
Here’s a quick look at the pricing and sizes:
| Unit Type | Square Footage | Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 628 sq ft | From $1,883 |
| 1 Bedroom | 636 sq ft | $1,897 – $2,419 |
| 2 Bedroom | 993 sq ft | $2,117 – $3,295 |
| 3 Bedroom | 1,194 sq ft | $3,194 – $3,570 |
The property boasts top-tier amenities, such as:
- A resort-style pool with private cabanas
- A fully equipped fitness center
- A business center with conference facilities
- An open-air loggia featuring a fireplace and outdoor dining spaces [6][7]
What makes Hanover Rice Village stand out is its strong connection to the surrounding area. It features 23,000 square feet of on-site retail space, including dining spots like Zoe’s Kitchen, Cyclone Anaya’s, and Coppa Osteria [6][7]. Plus, residents have walkable access to over 300 shops in Rice Village [10].
For those prioritizing sustainability, the complex uses eco-conscious materials throughout [6][9]. Its proximity to Rice University makes it ideal for students and academics, and current residents have given it an impressive 4.0/5 rating [8].
3. District at Greenbriar
If you’re looking for a peaceful living option near campus, the District at Greenbriar, located at 4100 Greenbriar Drive, is just a 9-minute bike ride away[2][3]. This complex offers 319 units with 17 different floor plans, giving you plenty of choices:
| Apartment Type | Size Range (sq ft) | Monthly Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 558 – 610 | $1,435 – $1,520 |
| 1 Bedroom | 619 – 901 | $1,520 – $1,800 |
| 2 Bedroom | 1,047 – 1,250 | $1,960 – $2,190 |
What sets this property apart is its Zen garden complete with a koi pond, a cyber café, and an outdoor lounge featuring a fireplace. These amenities complement the standard luxury features you’d expect, like chef’s kitchens with granite countertops, floor-to-ceiling windows, and energy-efficient appliances[2][3][11].
With a Walk Score of 75[12], you can easily access daily necessities without needing a car. The complex also supports Houston’s green initiatives by offering covered parking with electric vehicle charging stations[13][14]. For pet owners, there’s a $400 fee, a $150 deposit, and $20/month rent per pet. However, Pit Bulls are not allowed[12].
4. Brookdale West University
Brookdale West University, located at 5151 Buffalo Speedway[16], is just 1.5 miles from Rice University in Houston’s West University Park neighborhood[15][17]. This community offers 329 units with a variety of layouts, including one- and two-bedroom apartments.
| Unit Type | Size (sq ft) | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Persimmon | 616 | $2,495 |
| Lantana | 853-857 | $2,795 |
| Live Oak | 1,014 | $3,520 |
| Cypress | 1,362 | $3,895 |
Residents enjoy a range of resort-style amenities, such as:
- A heated pool with water aerobics classes
- A fitness center
- A movie theater
- A putting green
- An arts and crafts studio[15][17]
The community also organizes engaging social activities, including:
- Spanish and dance classes
- Tech assistance workshops
- Brain-training games
- Themed happy hours[17]
Brookdale welcomes up to two pets under 25 pounds, with certain breed restrictions[18]. Its location offers easy access to Houston Methodist Hospital – Smith Tower[20], and utilities and housekeeping services are included to simplify daily life[19]. While this community emphasizes social interaction over advanced tech features, it aligns well with Rice University’s focus on collaboration and shared learning spaces[15][17].
5. Village at West University
Located at 5151 Edloe in Houston’s sought-after West University area, the Village at West University is just 1.5 miles from Rice University [21][22]. Unlike Brookdale’s focus on social programming, this community highlights stylish design paired with easy access to academic resources. Recently updated to align with 2025 smart living standards [23], this gated property features 419 units spread across four stories [24].
Apartment sizes range from 652 sq. ft. one-bedroom units starting at $1,195 to spacious 1,552 sq. ft. three-bedroom units priced at $3,300. These rates make it one of the more affordable high-end housing options near campus. Inside, you’ll find 10-foot ceilings with crown molding, elegant archways, and private balconies [22].
Amenities here are designed to balance work and leisure, including:
- A two-story fitness center with Peloton bikes and a yoga studio
- Business center and conference spaces
- Private patios or balconies [22]
Parking options include garage, covered, and reserved spaces [23]. For added convenience, there’s a direct shuttle to Rice University, making it easy for residents to get to campus. Graduate students especially value the quiet study areas next to social lounges. The community’s mix of classic charm and modern features reflects Rice University’s blend of historic architecture and cutting-edge research.
The property is pet-friendly, with some breed restrictions [23], and occasionally offers new residents cash-back incentives of up to $300 [23].
6. The Belmont
If you’re looking for a place that combines grocery convenience with easy academic access, The Belmont might just fit the bill. Located at 3000 Bissonnet Street in Houston’s Greenway/Upper Kirby area, this community offers something unique: direct gated access to HEB grocery store [25][27]. While its 1980s architecture retains a classic charm, recent renovations bring modern amenities and smart features in line with 2025 living standards.
The apartments at The Belmont come in spacious layouts, ranging from 706 to 1,332 square feet. Here’s a quick look at current rental rates (as of early 2025):
| Floor Plan | Size (sq ft) | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | 821 | $1,610 |
| 1 Bedroom + Study | 1,014 | $1,765 |
| 2 Bedroom | 1,282 | $2,055 |
Lease options are flexible, designed to align with academic calendars, similar to those at the Village at West University [28].
Each unit is packed with thoughtful features, including:
- Marble entries and 9-foot ceilings
- Oversized soaking bathtubs
- Expansive closets
- Full-size washer/dryer units
- Select units even include marble fireplaces with built-in shelving [25][26]
The community amenities are equally impressive, offering:
- A top-tier fitness center
- A swimming pool for relaxation
- 24/7 controlled access with security patrols [25]
Pet owners are welcome, with a one-time deposit of $500 [28]. For Rice University students and faculty, The Belmont strikes a great balance between being close to campus while still offering a peaceful residential vibe.
Its central location not only keeps you near Rice University but also provides easy access to Houston’s cultural and entertainment hotspots [25][26].
Price and Features Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of six apartment complexes, highlighting their pricing, sizes, and unique perks:
| Complex | Studio/1BR Start | Size Range | Distance | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanover Southampton | $3,529 | 896-3,059 | 0.5mi | Upscale high-rise living |
| Hanover Rice Village | $1,883 | 628-1,194 | 0.5mi | Integrated retail spaces |
| District at Greenbriar | $1,435 | 558-1,250 | 0.3mi | Relaxing outdoor areas |
| Brookdale West Univ | $2,495 | 616-1,362 | 1.5mi | Active social calendar |
| Village at West Univ | $1,195 | 652-1,552 | 1.5mi | Shuttle to campus |
| The Belmont | $1,610 | 706-1,332 | 2.1mi | Convenient grocery access |
Hanover Southampton and Hanover Rice Village cater to those seeking a more upscale experience, reflected in their higher starting prices. On the other hand, options like Village at West University offer budget-friendly rates, starting at $1,195. While most of these complexes are within 1.5 miles of campus, The Belmont stands out for its proximity to HEB, and Brookdale West Univ emphasizes community through its social events. District at Greenbriar appeals to those who value serene outdoor spaces, offering a balance of price and amenities.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve compared these six options, it’s time to take action and secure the perfect home near Rice University. Here’s how:
Start by creating a detailed budget that includes rent, utilities, and any additional fees. Focus on the complexes that best fit your academic or professional needs. Schedule tours for your top choices at different times of the day to get a sense of noise levels and the overall vibe of the community. Take photos and notes during your visits to make comparisons easier. Talking to current residents can also give you insight into maintenance quality and how well package deliveries are handled.
Get Free Expert Help
Consider using Taco Street Locating’s free apartment locating services. They offer:
- Recommendations tailored to your needs
- Access to exclusive deals and help with tour coordination
- Useful neighborhood tips and insights
Prepare Your Documents
Most modern apartment complexes will ask for:
- Proof of income (typically 3x the rent)
- A valid ID
- Rental history
- Credit check
- Security deposit
If you’re an international student, you’ll also need your I-20 and passport. Rice University’s office can assist with this process [4].
Move Quickly
Popular units can get leased out 3-6 months before the semester starts [1]. Once you’ve made your decision, submit your application as soon as possible. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork ready to speed things up.
