Student Housing in Sarasota: 2025 Guide to Off-Campus Apartments

Sarasota, FL, offers diverse rental options for students attending Ringling College of Art and Design, State College of Florida, and other local schools. The city combines coastal living with academic opportunities, creating an attractive environment for students seeking off-campus housing. However, finding affordable student housing in Sarasota requires careful consideration of location, budget, and proximity to educational institutions.



This guide explores Sarasota’s housing and apartments for students and average rental costs to help you make an informed decision.

2. Alinari 

Situated at 800 N Tamiami Trail, Alinari  Apartments provides waterfront living just 2 miles from downtown. Studio apartments start at $1,550 monthly and include access to a resort-style pool and 24-hour fitness facility. Students appreciate the location's proximity to both downtown entertainment and the Sarasota campus cluster. Walk Score rates downtown Sarasota highly for walkability, which contributes to the premium pricing in this area.

3. 1350 Main 

Located at 1350 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236, Stadium Lofts provides loft-style living 1 mile from downtown with rents starting at $1,450 for studios. The building features high ceilings, exposed brick, and a community room perfect for collaborative projects. The distance to New College is approximately 3.5 miles.

4. Vue Sarasota Bay 

Positioned at 1155 N Gulfstream Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236, Vue offers luxury student apartments with studios from $1,650 monthly. The complex includes a saltwater pool, yoga studio, and covered parking. Located 1.8 miles from downtown and 4 miles from the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus.

5. Echo on Eighth

Echo on Eighth located at 785 N Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, sits just 1.2 miles from downtown Sarasota. This rental apartment offers studios starting at $1,450 per month. This modern complex features a fitness center, study lounge, and rooftop terrace perfect for group study sessions. The property is approximately 2.8 miles from Ringling College and 3.5 miles from New College of Florida.

6. Timber Chase at Sarasota Bay

Situated at 419 N Briggs Ave, Sarasota, FL, Timber Chase provides convenient living just 1.8 miles from downtown. Studio apartments start at $1,400 monthly and include access to a resort-style pool and 24-hour fitness facility. Students appreciate the location's proximity to both downtown entertainment and the Sarasota campus cluster.

7. Solle Apartments

Found at 2413 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL, Solle Apartments offers one of the closest locations to downtown at just 2.5 miles away. One-bedroom units begin at $1,550 per month and feature in-unit laundry and modern kitchens. The property sits 3 miles from Ringling College, making it ideal for art students.

8. L'Estancia Apartment Homes 

Located at 3516 Coronado Dr, Sarasota, FL, L'Estancia provides comfortable living 3.2 miles from downtown with rents starting at $1,500 for studios. The building features spacious floor plans, a community pool, and covered parking perfect for students with vehicles. Distance to New College is approximately 4 miles.

9. The Bergamot Apartments on 780 

Positioned at 4837 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL, The Bergamot offers student apartments with studios from $1,480 monthly. The complex includes a fitness center, business center, and pet-friendly policies. Located 4.5 miles from downtown and 5 miles from USF Sarasota-Manatee campus.

10. Raven at Ringling 

At 5233 Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL, Raven at Ringling provides affordable student apartments Sarasota starting at $1,420 for one-bedroom units. The property is 4.2 miles from downtown and features a community pool, clubhouse, and on-site maintenance. Ringling College students find this location particularly convenient at just 1.5 miles away, making it one of the closest options to campus.

For more information about the neighborhoods surrounding these apartment complexes and what each area offers students, check out our comprehensive Sarasota neighborhoods guide.

Average Rent Costs for Student Housing in Sarasota

Understanding rental costs helps you budget effectively for your student housing in Sarasota. The Sarasota rental market has experienced fluctuations, with current data showing specific trends for student-focused properties. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides resources for students to understand their rights as renters, including protection against discrimination and guidance on security deposit regulations in Florida.

• Studio Apartments: According to Apartments.com, the average rent for a studio apartment in Sarasota was $1,476 per month as of January 2025. Downtown locations typically range from $1,400 to $1,700 monthly, depending on amenities and proximity to campus.
• One-Bedroom Apartments: One-bedroom units averaged $1,687 monthly across Sarasota. Apartments near Ringling College often start at $1,600 and can exceed $2,000 for luxury properties with premium finishes and resort-style amenities.
• Two-Bedroom Apartments: Two-bedroom units suitable for roommate situations cost approximately $2,142 per month. Splitting this cost between two people drops the individual expense to $1,071 monthly, making shared housing a budget-friendly option for off-campus housing in Sarasota.

Conclusion

Student housing in Sarasota offers diverse options that cater to different budgets and proximity preferences for attending Ringling College, New College of Florida, or USF Sarasota-Manatee. Understanding average rental costs and seasonal market trends empowers you to make smart housing decisions that enhance your college experience. 

When you're ready to move into your new student apartment, Happy Helpers Moving is here to make your transition seamless and stress-free. Contact us today for a free moving quote and let our experienced team handle the heavy lifting while you focus on starting your academic journey in Sarasota.