In the competitive world of student housing investing, one factor consistently rises above all others in driving occupancy, rent growth, and long-term value: location proximity to campus. At Crew Campus REIT, a private non-traded student housing real estate investment trust, we center our acquisition strategy around this principle because we’ve seen firsthand the enduring financial and experiential benefits it provides to both tenants and shareholders.
This performance gap is evident in key metrics like rent growth, retention, and long-term appreciation. Here’s why we believe walkability is not just a feature—it’s a strategic cornerstone of premium student housing investing.
Location Proximity to Campus: The Ultimate Differentiator
In commercial real estate, the phrase “location, location, location” is cliché for a reason—it’s the ultimate value driver. But in student housing investing, the impact of proximity is even more acute.
When a student housing apartment is within a 5 to 10 minute walk to campus, it immediately becomes more desirable to prospective tenants. Walkability translates into convenience, time savings, lifestyle access, and safety. Some properties are just steps from campus or key destinations, making them especially attractive. Properties further out—requiring car rides, bus transfers, or shuttle delays—introduce barriers that today’s students increasingly avoid.
Walkable Student Housing Drives Higher Rents
One of the strongest correlations in our portfolio analysis is the positive relationship between rent premiums and distance-to-campus. Buildings within walking distance to campus consistently command higher rents, often $75–$150 more per bedroom compared to properties 1–2 miles away.
This isn’t price gouging—it’s value alignment. Students and parents understand the cost savings of:
- Less need for a car
- Avoiding campus parking fees (which can be $600–$1,000 per year)
- Forgoing monthly bus or shuttle passes
- Utilities such as water often being included in the rent for some student housing options, reducing extra monthly expenses
- Saving 30–60 minutes daily in commuting and parking time
Parents—often the financial decision-makers—are willing to pay for peace of mind. They know their child is safer walking a few blocks home from a study session than waiting at a bus stop or driving late at night. Walkability pays dividends in rent stability, pre-leasing velocity, and renewal rates.
Higher Occupancy and Lower Turnover
Another measurable benefit of walkable locations is higher occupancy and retention. These assets lease up faster, renew more consistently, and experience less summer vacancy risk.
In our experience at Crew Campus REIT:
- Walkable buildings routinely achieve pre-leasing rates above 90% before spring semester ends
- Renewal rates are 10–20% higher in walkable assets than those requiring transit
- Year-over-year occupancy holds firm, even during enrollment dips
Safety, Experience, and Student Demand
Beyond financial metrics, proximity improves the student experience, which drives demand. Students living within walking distance can:
- Walk to class, libraries, labs, and dining halls
- Attend sports events, concerts, and campus clubs without arranging rides
- Enjoy a fuller campus lifestyle
Using Technology to Evaluate Locations
In today’s digital world, students have more tools than ever to make smart decisions about student housing before the fall semester begins. With just a few taps, students can explore communities, gather key details, and find the perfect place to live—regardless of their location.
Google Maps is a game-changer for the student housing search. Students can use street view to virtually walk the area around campus, check the latitude and longitude of potential housing, and get a real feel for the neighborhood. This makes it easier to evaluate how close a place is to campus, public transportation, and local amenities—saving both time and money.
Exploring Housing Options Virtually
Online resources are packed with information. Students can read reviews, browse photos, and compare details about different housing options. Many student housing communities now offer virtual tours, allowing students to explore rooms and shared spaces from anywhere in the world. This is especially helpful for those traveling from out of state or abroad, making it possible to review and select a place in advance.
Social media pages and official websites for student housing often provide up-to-date info on available rooms, amenities, and community activities. Students can learn about the area, check out local restaurants, shops, and attractions, and even connect with future roommates or friends before moving in. By using the internet to research and compare, students can find a community that matches their vision for college life—whether they want a quiet space to study or a vibrant place to enjoy activities and build connections.
Online Tools Breed Decision Confidence
Technology also helps students and families feel confident in their decision. By collecting information, reading reviews, and exploring the area virtually, students can make informed choices that support their academic success and overall well-being. The right student housing isn’t just about a room—it’s about finding a place to thrive, study, and enjoy every moment of the year.
In short, using technology to evaluate locations makes the search for student housing easier, faster, and more effective. Students can save time, avoid costly mistakes, and start their college journey in a community where they feel at home. With the right tools, finding the perfect place to live is just a few clicks away.
Crew Campus REIT: A Strategy Built on Proximity
At Crew Campus REIT, our acquisition team has a tight focus on proximity. We target assets within a 0.5-mile radius of Tier 1 and Tier 2 universities—especially in Power Five Conference markets and campuses with strong enrollment growth.
Our internal data show that:
- Properties within 0.5 miles of campus outperform 1+ mile comparables by up to 17% in NOI per bed
- Walkable assets enjoy higher renewal rates, reducing leasing costs and turnover expense
- These properties support premium rent growth without additional capital expenditure
By adhering to this principle, we’ve positioned our growing REIT portfolio to weather market fluctuations, rising interest rates, and changing student demographics.
Long-Term Hold Strategy with Institutional-Grade Discipline
Walkable student housing assets are true long-term holds. They retain value, appreciate steadily, and serve as core anchors for any institutional portfolio.
Because well-located assets are perpetually in demand, they allow us to:
- Offer consistent distributions to our REIT shareholders
- Avoid volatile lease-ups or over-supplied fringe markets
- Focus on operational excellence rather than marketing gimmicks
We build long-term relationships with local businesses, university housing offices, and campus stakeholders to align interests and maximize operational performance.
The Investor Advantage
For investors, walkable student housing delivers the potential for:
- Stable cash flow backed by reliable enrollment demand
- Premium rental rates and consistent growth
- Defensive asset characteristics in both bull and bear markets
- Lower turnover and marketing costs
Most importantly, it delivers a product that meets the expectations of a new generation of students and parents. By aligning our acquisition strategy with what tenants value most, we’re delivering consistent returns for those who matter most: our shareholders.
By investing in what students genuinely value, we ensure consistent demand and stable returns. Because when students win, investors win.
To learn more about our investment thesis or explore current opportunities with Crew Campus REIT, visit us at crewcampusreit.com or contact our team directly. We’re here to help.
