For Students
Close to campus.
Closer to everything else.
Hillcrest Place is 9 minutes from SDSU, 8 minutes from USD, and 7 minutes from the UCSD Hillcrest campus—in a Walk Score 93 neighborhood where groceries, coffee shops, restaurants, and Balboa Park are all on foot. Month-to-month leases, cosigners welcome, no credit score minimum.
SDSU
Walker’s Paradise
City College
Off-campus housing that actually works
We don’t market ourselves as student housing—the building works for everyone. But if you’re looking for a place near campus with lease flexibility, affordable rents compared to La Jolla or UTC, and a neighborhood where you don’t need a car for daily life, that’s what’s here.
Month-to-month leases
Rare in Hillcrest. You don’t have to sign a 12-month lease if your plans don’t stretch that far—semester schedules, summer moves, internships in other cities. Month-to-month means your lease matches your life, not the other way around.
Cosigners welcome, no credit-score cutoff
First apartment? Thin credit file? Student debt? None of that is a disqualifier. We look at overall payment history, not a single number. Parents and guarantors can cosign. Income requirement is 2.5× rent.
Walk Score 93—car optional
Whole Foods is a 3-minute walk. Trader Joe’s and Ralph’s are under 10 minutes. Coffee shops, restaurants, pharmacy, post office, bank—all walkable. If you don’t have a car, or don’t want to drive one daily, the neighborhood handles it.
High-speed internet, multiple providers
Cox and Google Fiber offer gigabit plans. AT&T and over-the-air providers are also available. You pick your own provider and plan—competition keeps pricing honest. Reliable internet for classes, research, and everything else.
24-hour laundry
On-site laundry available whenever you need it—late-night study sessions, early classes, irregular schedules. No leaving the building.
Gated courtyard on a cul-de-sac
Controlled-access gate at the courtyard entrance. The building is on a cul-de-sac, off the main through-streets—no through traffic. Gas BBQ and outdoor seating for when you need a break.
How far is campus?
Verified via Google Distance Matrix. Click a destination to see the route.
| School | Drive | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego City College 1313 Park Blvd |
5 min | 24 min |
| California Western School of Law 225 Cedar St |
7 min | 18 min |
| UCSD Hillcrest Campus 200 W Arbor Dr |
7 min | 14 min |
| University of San Diego (USD) 5998 Alcalá Park |
8 min | 36 min |
| San Diego Mesa College 7250 Mesa College Dr |
8 min | 41 min |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) 5500 Campanile Dr |
9 min | 37 min (Route 11) |
| UC San Diego (La Jolla) 9500 Gilman Dr |
16 min | ~1 hr (Blue Line) |
National University (11 min), Point Loma Nazarene (17 min), and San Diego Miramar College (19 min) are also within driving distance. MTS Route 11 runs directly from University Ave—two blocks from Hillcrest Place—to SDSU Transit Center. The UC San Diego Blue Line trolley connects through Old Town.
The neighborhood between classes
Hillcrest is one of San Diego’s most walkable and inclusive neighborhoods. Most of what you need is within a few blocks.
Coffee & study spots
Better Buzz has an upstairs workspace with outlets. Lestat’s is open until midnight. Manor Coffee is tiny and exceptional. More than 10 options within walking distance.
Food without a car
Baikohken Ramen is a 2-minute walk. Oscar’s Mexican, HiroNori, Khyber Pass, Tavola Nostra—dozens of restaurants, all on foot. The Hub shopping center is two blocks away.
Groceries
Whole Foods is a 3-minute walk. Trader Joe’s and Ralph’s are under 10 minutes. Sunday farmers market at the DMV lot, 9–2. Cooking to save money is easy here.
Unwind
Balboa Park’s 1,200 acres are a short drive south—trails, museums, the Zoo. Nate’s Point dog park. Rich’s and Urban Mo’s for nightlife. The neighborhood has a life of its own.
Studying healthcare or nursing? Scripps Mercy and UCSD Medical Center are both within walking distance. Active duty or GI Bill? See our military guide.
See what’s available
4 apartments currently available, starting from $1,898/mo. Flexible leases, pet-friendly, in the heart of Hillcrest.
Questions from students
How far is Hillcrest Place from SDSU?
9 minutes by car, about 37 minutes by transit. MTS Route 11 runs directly from University Avenue—two blocks from the building—to the SDSU Transit Center. See the full commute table above.
How far is Hillcrest Place from UCSD?
The UCSD Hillcrest campus (School of Medicine) is a 7-minute drive. The main La Jolla campus is 16 minutes by car, or about an hour by transit via the UC San Diego Blue Line trolley through Old Town. Hillcrest rents are significantly more affordable than La Jolla or UTC.
Do you offer semester or short-term leases?
Yes. Month-to-month leases are available—rare in Hillcrest. You don’t have to sign a 12-month commitment. Works well for semester schedules, summer plans, internships, or anyone whose timeline might shift. See current pricing & fees.
Can I apply without credit history?
Yes. We have no hard credit score cutoff—we review overall payment history, not a single number. First apartment with a thin file? That’s fine. Cosigners and guarantors are welcome—a parent or anyone willing to co-sign. Income requirement is 2.5× rent. See full pricing & fees.
Is there public transit to campus?
Yes. Several MTS bus routes serve Hillcrest along University Avenue. Route 11 runs directly to SDSU. The UC San Diego Blue Line trolley is accessible via a transfer at Old Town Transit Center. San Diego City College is 24 minutes by transit. See the full commute table.
Is there parking?
Yes. Assigned uncovered spaces at $60/month and covered carport at $80/month. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 93 (Walker’s Paradise), so daily errands rarely require a car even if you keep one for the campus commute. See full pricing & fees.
Can I have a roommate?
Occupancy is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact Rob to discuss your situation. All adults on the lease must complete an application ($45 per person) and meet income and screening requirements. Cosigners are accepted.
What’s included in rent?
Rent covers your unit only. Water, sewer, trash, electricity (SDG&E), and internet are billed separately. There is no pet rent. Full pricing details and a cost calculator are on the pricing & fees page.
Ready to see the place?
Tours are by appointment—Rob handles them personally. Text, call, or schedule online.