Depending on where you’re at in Athens, you can tell fairly certainly that groups of buildings and homes were likely built in the same time period. But what about the majority of spots for Ohio University students to rent? And how do those older homes stack up to newer models? The answers might surprise you.
OU Rental Homes Have Been Around for a Minute
The city of Athens underwent multiple periods of economic growth where homes were constructed. While Athens was founded in 1797, homes back then weren’t really much of anything besides simple log or frame structures—and definitely not something built to last. It wasn’t until the late 1800s when Athens saw a major population boom from the mining and coal industry, and the need for more housing grew.
In the early to mid 1900s, the enrollment at Ohio University kept pace, and the demand for housing rose. With plenty of students flocking to Athens to study, the city needed quality Ohio University rental homes to provide housing for them. Most of the off-campus homes that Ohio University students rent out were built during this time period. In fact, lots of them are still used to this day as rental homes for students attending OU—that’s decades of college students that lived within the same walls as you.
Since they’ve been around for some time, does that mean these rentals are subpar to the new, modern builds that have become increasingly popular? Not necessarily. Homes built in this time period have a number of unique benefits.
Ohio University Rentals Have Great Build Quality
Just because lots of these homes have been around for over a century doesn’t mean they’re slowly crumbling. In fact, a lot of the current-day student rental apartments that were built in the 1900s have superior craftsmanship and materials that make them stand up to the test of time.
The construction methods of that time period valued the following:
- Old-growth lumber – wood harvested from old growth forests is durable and more pest and rot-resistant than the lumber used in today’s construction.
- Sturdy construction – homes in this time period were constructed with purpose and have almost fully stone and brick foundations.
- Plaster walls – plaster walls are thicker and have top-notch soundproofing—great for privacy if you’re a college student.
Neighborhoods with Student Rentals are Well-Established
While it’s not directly related to their build quality, it still bears mentioning: the many neighborhoods that the most popular Ohio University apartments are in have been around for some time, just like the buildings themselves. Apartments for students that are available to rent in established areas will have more mature landscaping. Trees with big, billowing branches and leaves give the neighborhoods both a sense of aesthetic appeal and privacy. Modern apartments are often in new-build communities with fresh landscaping still in its juvenile stage of life.
Rentals built in the past have another leg up on the competition when it comes to location. There’s a reason that the most desirable areas to live in Athens are filled with student rental apartments as far as the eye can see. Cities like Athens grow outwards, so the first places to be built are in prime, central locations like Uptown and the surrounding areas.
Ohio University Rentals are Filled with Character and Charm
If you’re looking for a student rental that really stands out from the rest, you’re in luck. Most of the homes built in the early 1900s have character and charm for days. Some of the most iconic home styles like the Colonial Revival, Craftsman, Bungalow, and Foursquare all came to be during this innovative time period.
Lots of older homes have super thoughtful layouts too. They’re typically not open-concept like a lot of the modern builds you’ll find, but the homes rented out to Ohio University students feature clear separations between rooms and an emphasis on public vs. private spaces. It’s honestly the perfect style of layout for a college student, especially if you’re planning on having multiple roommates. If you’re living with four other people, there needs to be common areas and boundaries on other personal spaces.
In sum? Homes that were built ages ago are actually pretty cool. They were made with quality materials, and as long as it’s a well-maintained student rental home, they’re going to stand the test of time. Plus, who doesn’t want a totally unique college home for rent?
