1351 Sw Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023
$560/mo
7.6 mi · Fit 56/100
Fit56Safety55Walk20Study69Afford78
View detailsStudent Housing OS · Des Moines, IA
Updated Jun 2026Apartments near Drake University
500 apartments available·From $525/mo·Best area: College Hill·Avg fit 54/100
Featured near campus
1215 25th St, Unit 4, Des Moines, IA 50311
$810/mo
0.3 mi · Fit 85/100
Fit85Safety79Walk97Study93Afford64
View details1118 26th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
$825/mo
0.3 mi · Fit 84/100
Fit84Safety80Walk97Study91Afford63
View details1314 22nd St, Apt 1, Des Moines, IA 50311
$725/mo
0.4 mi · Fit 84/100
Fit84Safety78Walk94Study93Afford66
View details2413 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50310
$675/mo
0.9 mi · Fit 77/100
Fit77Safety77Walk77Study78Afford76
View detailsStudent Housing Network
Student Housing Network
No roommate requests yet for Drake University. Be the first student looking for housing partners.
Live listings near Drake University(500 showing)
Within ~12 mi of campus · filter, sort, and save listings below
Filter & sort
Showing 1–8 of 495 listings (filtered from 500).
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing near Drake University.
Fit83Safety83Walk96Study88Afford66
Quiet study environment · Walkable to campus
2940 Brattleboro Ave, Apt 2, Des Moines, IA 50311
3 bed · 2 bath · 0.3 mi from campus · 1,250 sq ft · Condo
$1,300/mo
~$433/person split 3 ways
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing near Drake University.
Fit76Safety84Walk92Study81Afford55
Quiet study environment · Walkable to campus
1215 25th St, Unit 1, Des Moines, IA 50311
1 bed · 1 bath · 0.3 mi from campus · 610 sq ft · Single Family
$1,200/mo
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing near Drake University.
Fit75Safety82Walk84Study90Afford51
Quiet study environment · Walkable to campus
1241 33rd St, Des Moines, IA 50311
3 bed · 2 bath · 0.3 mi from campus · 1,200 sq ft · Townhouse
$1,700/mo
~$567/person split 3 ways
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing near Drake University.
Fit71Safety81Walk96Study75Afford42
Quiet study environment · Walkable to campus
Student Housing Network
Student Housing Network
No roommate requests yet for Drake University. Be the first student looking for housing partners.
2813 Cottage Grove Ave, Apt 2, Des Moines, IA 50311
3 bed · 1 bath · 0.3 mi from campus · 900 sq ft · Apartment
$1,200/mo
~$400/person split 3 ways
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing near Drake University.
Fit72Safety76Walk91Study66Afford59
Walkable to campus · Strong social scene
2813 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
1 bed · 1 bath · 0.3 mi from campus · 700 sq ft · Apartment
$800/mo
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing near Drake University.
Fit79Safety85Walk86Study87Afford64
Quiet study environment · Walkable to campus
2915 Cottage Grove Ave, Apt 1, Des Moines, IA 50311
1 bed · 1 bath · 0.3 mi from campus · 684 sq ft · Apartment
$775/mo
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing near Drake University.
Fit82Safety82Walk95Study87Afford65
Quiet study environment · Walkable to campus
Student activity
Be the first student to save this listing near Drake University.
Fit75Safety76Walk88Study72Afford66
Quiet study environment · Walkable to campus
Page 1 of 62
Listing data provided by RentCast. Distances are straight-line miles from campus coordinates (41.6031, -93.6553). Not affiliated with Drake University.
Housing journey
Recommended next step
0 of 4 complete for Drake University
0/ 4 steps
Before you apply
Prepare Before You Apply
Many landlords review financial and credit information during the rental process.
- Check Credit Score
- Prepare Income Documents
- Review Lease Terms
- Build Credit History
We may earn a commission if you use a partner link. Affiliate disclosure
Explore Life Near Drake University
Campus guides, local events, and student deals — after you've picked a place to live.
Housing Near Drake University: What to Expect
Drake University enrolls 2,669 students, creating steady demand for off-campus housing in Des Moines, IA. Most students move off-campus after their first or second year either to save money or gain more independence.
Rent near campus ranges from $750/mo for a studio to $1,200/mo for a 2-bedroom — with 3 and 4-bedroom shared units often bringing individual rent down to $500–$750/person/mo.
The area is one of the more affordable student markets in the U.S., with strong value for renters willing to shop around.
Sample apartment types near Drake University
These cards are illustrative—names and descriptions are generated from typical student housing near Des Moines, IA. Each button searches Apartments.com for real listings near this school (and matches the bedroom count where possible).
Pinnacle Heights
Best ValueFull-service building with co-working spaces, a coffee lounge, and a private shuttle.
$559–$650/mo
Studio · 1 BA · 0.3 mi from campus
University Residences
Most PopularGated community with resort-style amenities — pool, gym, and on-site maintenance.
$782–$900/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 0.5 mi from campus
Park Landing
Steps from the light rail stop, ideal for students who commute to internships.
$1,089–$1,250/mo
2 BR · 1 BA · 0.7 mi from campus
Grove Square
Low-rise townhomes arranged around a central green — perfect for small groups.
$1,412–$1,600/mo
3 BR · 2 BA · 0.9 mi from campus
Park Place
Urban living with walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores.
$787–$900/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 1.1 mi from campus
Grove Village
New BuildingNewly built riverfront complex with floor-to-ceiling windows and kayak storage.
$1,072–$1,250/mo
2 BR · 2 BA · 1.4 mi from campus
College Lofts
Urban living with walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores.
$1,359–$1,550/mo
4 BR · 2 BA · 1.6 mi from campus
Best Areas to Live Near Drake University
Des Moines Heights
The closest neighborhood to Drake University's main entrance. Walk to class in minutes — coffee shops and convenience stores line the main strip.
$900–$1,500/moFreshmen
College Hill
A lively area with bars, restaurants, and weekend activity. Ideal if you want a social scene steps from your apartment.
$850–$1,450/moSocial students
The Loop
Quieter residential streets with single-family homes converted into multi-unit rentals. More space, lower prices, a short bike ride to campus.
$650–$1,100/moGraduate students
Near North
Downtown location with walkable access to the transit hub, employers, and city amenities — best for students with internships or part-time jobs.
$850–$1,350/moCommuters
Cost of Living Near Drake University
Rent (1BR)$900/mo (1 BR avg)
Food & Groceries~$250/mo (mix of dining hall + groceries)
Transportation~$60/mo (bus pass or bike)
Utilities~$80/mo (as a separate charge if not included)
Estimated Monthly Total~$1,290/mo estimated
Student Housing Tips
Start Early
The best apartments near campus get leased 6–9 months before move-in. If you want August housing, start searching in January–February.
Read the Lease
Check: who pays utilities, guest policies, subletting rules, and what happens if a roommate leaves. Never sign anything you haven't fully read.
Choose Roommates Carefully
Split a 3–4 bedroom and each person's share drops by 30–40%. Use a roommate agreement to align on noise, guests, cleanliness, and bills.
More About Drake University
FAQ — Apartments Near Drake University
What is the cheapest housing near Drake University?
The most affordable option is typically a studio at around $750/mo. Sharing a 3–4 bedroom apartment brings individual costs down to roughly $500–$750/person.
What are the best student neighborhoods near Drake University?
Top areas include Des Moines Heights, College Hill, The Loop, Near North. Each has its own vibe — some are walkable and social, others are quieter and more affordable.
What is the average rent near Drake University?
Expect $750/mo for a studio, $900/mo for a 1BR, and $1,200/mo for a 2BR. Prices vary by proximity to campus and building amenities.
Is it safe to live off-campus near Drake University?
The neighborhoods immediately around campus tend to be well-lit and student-friendly. Always tour in person, check entry security, and read tenant reviews before signing a lease.
How far are apartments from Drake University's campus?
Most student apartments are 0.3–1.5 miles away — a 5–20 minute walk. Bus routes allow students to live 2–3 miles away without needing a car.
AI Housing Advisor
Ask questions about neighborhoods, budgets, and move-in planning for Drake University.
🏠 Get housing alerts