Lafayette Apartments and Rentals

Lafayette is an energetic community full of life and actively involved residents. This community prides itself in being a family-friendly city that is great for businesses.

Whether you are seeking a place in the historic city center, near an outdoor recreational space or near the university, there are a variety of Lafayette apartments for rent in the charming city.

Before European settlers arrived in the area, it was home to numerous Native American tribes. Lafayette was officially established in 1825 and named after the French-born Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette. The conveniently located town quickly became a supply center for newcomers moving into the county. The nearby river served as an important transit system. When the railroad came to town in the 1850s, it cemented Lafayette's role as a transportation hub in the area.

Despite a large university presence in the city, it is not a typical college town. The city is still home to a range of industries that make the community diverse and full of opportunity. Modern-day Lafayette is home to nearly 68,000 residents, according to July 2011 data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Purdue University is located in neighboring West Lafayette, just a few minutes away. The university was founded in 1869 and has played an important role in the community since that time. With a plethora of degrees and academic programs to choose from, Purdue can appeal to students with a range of interests. The school has received several awards, and has been featured on the Princeton Review's top 150 "Best Value" colleges twice.

Ivy Tech Community College is a two-year institution that offers students the option to complete an associate degree, or transfer their credits to a four-year university. With a large library, wellness center and multiple courses of study, some students may find that Ivy Tech is the best choice for them.

Education plays a large role in the economy of this area. Purdue University is one of the primary employers in Tippecanoe County. Other companies that also hire significant numbers of residents include Subaru, Fairfield Manufacturing, Caterpillar, Home Hospital Rehab and St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Apartments in Lafayette range in rental costs to meet the demands of the numerous demographics. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that rents in Lafayette can range anywhere from $550 to $1,250 per month. According to the same source, the median gross monthly rent is $695.

Residents in Lafayette enjoy a lower-than-average cost of living. This makes the area affordable for anyone on a budget, including students and young families.

Those who love the performing arts will find that Lafayette has plenty to offer onstage. During the winter, head over to the Long Center for the Performing Arts to catch the annual Nutcracker ballet. The warmer months are a great time to enjoy the Lafayette Citizens Band, which offers free musical performances during the summer. Those who want to watch some community performances can visit the Purdue Theatre, which offers various shows throughout the year.

Get outside and experience nature at the Clegg Botanical Gardens. This natural setting is a wonderful place for kids to play and explore the great outdoors. Because Lafayette experiences all sorts of seasonal changes, they'll be able to see new natural wonders in the gardens during each visit.

A creative city like Lafayette has a lot of art to display. The Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, the Purdue University Galleries, the Wells Community Cultural Center, multiple outdoor exhibits and much more are available for residents to experience Lafayette's unique art scene.

To find a Lafayette apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.