Storrs, CT

37 Apartments for Rent

"After much debate, then, we settled on Slate's "America's Best Place to Avoid Death Due to Natural Disaster:" the area in and around Storrs, Conn., home to the University of Connecticut." - Slate, September 2005

There you have it. If your search for rental apartments leads you to Storrs, CT, you can at least rest assured that Mother Nature isn't going to get you. Storrs is a village in the town of Mansfield, Connecticut. In addition, Storrs seems to have a connection with more than the usual number of celebrated authors and musicians, including best-selling author Wally Lamb, Weezer lead singer and guitarist, Rivers Cuomo, Peter Tork of The Monkees and Wendy O. Williams, lead singer for the punk rock band The Plasmatics.

What to Expect in Storrs

Storrs is located in northeastern Connecticut just about half an hour from the state capital of Hartford. It's easy to get in and out of the area with Interstate 84 only eight miles down the road. This area of Connecticut is known for its rolling green hills and gorgeous views, and is less populated than the southern part of the state, closer to New York City.

Renting in Storrs

How do you pack more than 16,000 people into under 6 square miles? Apartments! Although there are no distinct neighborhoods here, the thing about renting in Storrs is that there are plenty of offerings. From townhouses for rent, duplexes for rent or even studio apartments for rent, the trick is finding a vacancy in a place that you like.

Renting an apartment or home for rent in Storrs is a bit different than most places because of the high number of student rentals due to nearby UConn. Landlords have seen it all and have the forms and processes to try and cover themselves in every situation!

You will definitely need to provide proof of income or employment, and may have to pay for a credit check. If you can't do this, you will need to provide a guarantor, or someone who will pay in case you don't. Usually it's the parents.

Many rentals in Storrs will ask you to sign a pretty specific agreement about conduct and the rules of the property. It's a good idea to read it and know what agreement you are making to avoid problems down the road.

Living in Storrs

Storrs may seem a bit out there, in the rolling greenery of Connecticut, but it's not as far out as you think. A quick shot up Interstate 84 to the Massachusetts Turnpike will put you in Boston in an hour and a half. Just two and a half hours and you'll be in New York City. Both may be too far for a night out, but are just right for an overnight or weekend getaway.

Storrs Center is sort of a new creation and is aimed at creating a downtown feel. Modeled after the "Main Street" concept, Storrs has created a central area for restaurants, shopping and living all within easy access to the cultural and educational offerings of the university.

Shopping

There is not too much by way of shopping for essentials in Storrs Center itself, but it is easy enough to get to neighboring towns by car to go to the Super Stop & Shop or CVS Pharmacy. The Windham Regional Transit District does provide public bus service from Storrs to surrounding towns and shopping centers.

Restaurants and Nightlife

If you're looking for a nice meal in Storrs, there are a couple of options. You can stay in Storrs Center for all the local options at the university or adventure beyond its borders a little. There is the Willimantic Brewing Company on Main Street. This restaurant is open late night and has entertainment. The Pub 32 on Stafford Road serves classic pub food and has 32 varieties of beer on tap. For a more college-type experience -- less food and more beer and dancing -- you can try The Thirsty Dog on Eagleville Road and Huskies or Ted's on King Hill Road.

Outdoors

If you're ready to try something unique outdoors, you have to check out The Adventure Park at Storrs. This site contains five acres of woodlands on which the owners have created an aerial forest park. Get ready to have some adventure in the trees by climbing ropes and bridges and using the zip-line to get to platforms. There are color-coded trails in the trees so you can test your skills.

Culture

The university provides a nice infusion of culture to the village. There are several museums including the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, which always receives excellent reviews for the uniqueness of its exhibits, and the William Benton Museum of Art. The Benton museum displays classical art as well as contemporary artists such as Rolling Stones musician Ronnie Wood. Bet you didn't know he is also an artist!

A night out at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts may be to see an internationally acclaimed artist, dance performance or a lecture. The center attracts world-class speakers such as Hillary Rodham Clinton and Michael J. Fox.

Sports

No article about Storrs would be complete without mentioning the UConn Huskies basketball program. Both the men and the women's programs have been at the top of their leagues for more than a decade and Huskie's pride is abundant in Storrs! Both the men's and the women's have been NCAA Champions. If you're a college basketball fan, you might want to begin your search for an apartment in Storrs during March Madness in order to really fall in love with the place!