St George's University, on the True Blue peninsula next to the airport, is one of Grenada's largest employers and brings thousands of students and staff to the island. Its presence shapes the housing market across the south-west: which areas fill up, when rents rise, and what kind of apartments get built.
If you are a student, a new faculty member, a family relocating for a university job, or an investor thinking about the student market, the choice of neighbourhood matters. This guide covers the main areas within reach of campus, how they differ, and the practical questions to settle before signing a lease.
The geography of the university belt
The campus occupies much of the True Blue peninsula, between True Blue Bay and the airport at Point Salines. Around it, the most popular residential areas form a rough arc: True Blue itself, Calliste and the land around the airport road, Grand Anse to the north, and Lance aux Epines to the east across Prickly Bay.
All of these are within a short drive or minibus ride of campus, and some are within walking or cycling distance. The university has historically run its own transport between campus and the main residential areas and has housing of its own for some students; arrangements change, so confirm current provision with the university's housing office before you rely on it.
Because demand is concentrated, the area has a dense supply of furnished apartments aimed at students, from single studios to multi-bedroom units for sharing, as well as larger houses rented by faculty and families.
The flow of students in and out also means a steady trade in second-hand furniture, cars and household goods at the end of each term, which makes setting up home cheaper for those who arrive with patience and a little local knowledge.
True Blue
For whom. Students who want to walk or cycle to class and faculty who want the shortest commute.
Housing. Mainly apartment blocks and townhouse-style units built for the student market, plus some houses and villas around True Blue Bay.
Pros. Minimal commute, a community of fellow students, and the bay's waterfront for a swim or a meal.
Cons. Rents near the gates tend to be among the highest for comparable space, as landlords know the convenience is worth paying for. Turnover is high and noise from parties at semester end is part of the package. Aircraft noise from the nearby airport is noticeable in some spots.
What to look for. Units that face the breeze rather than a neighbouring wall, a building with its own water storage and backup power, and a landlord who has let to students for several years and knows the routine of deposits, inventories and repairs. Newer blocks tend to have better soundproofing and more reliable air-conditioning, while older ones may offer more space for the same rent.
Calliste and the airport road
Calliste is a Grenadian village close to the airport, and the roads around it and towards Frequente and Point Salines have filled with apartment buildings over the past two decades. It offers somewhat lower rents than True Blue and a more local environment, with village shops, churches and families alongside student lets.
The drive or cycle to campus is short, but traffic on the main airport road can be heavy at peak hours, and walking along it is unpleasant where there is no pavement. Some buildings run their own transport for tenants; ask, because it changes the calculation considerably.
Calliste suits budget-conscious students and staff who want to be near campus and do not need the beach on the doorstep. Check the building's water storage and generator, as smaller blocks vary widely in how well they cope with interruptions.
Grand Anse and Lance aux Epines as alternatives
Many students and staff choose to live a little further away for lifestyle reasons. The two main alternatives each have a distinct appeal:
- Grand Anse puts supermarkets, banks, restaurants and the beach within walking distance, with frequent minibuses. It suits people who want a social life and no car, and accept weekend noise.
- Lance aux Epines offers quieter streets, larger houses and gardens, popular with faculty and families. A car is almost essential beyond the top of the peninsula.
- Morne Rouge sits between Grand Anse and True Blue and combines a calmer bay with reasonable access to both.
- The hills inland, around the Grand Anse valley and beyond, offer more space and lower rents for those willing to drive. Older students with families often end up there.
- Whichever you choose, time the commute at 7.30 am, when traffic towards the university and the airport is at its heaviest.
Timing the search around the academic calendar
Intakes drive demand. The university admits students at more than one point in the year, with the August and January starts being the main peaks. Demand for apartments rises sharply in the weeks before each.
Book early, but not blind. Popular buildings fill months ahead. Viewing remotely is common; insist on a recent video walk-through rather than relying on marketing photographs.
Watch the lease length. Many student leases run for a term or an academic year. If you need to leave mid-lease for clinical rotations abroad, check the early termination clause.
Summer and between-term gaps. Some landlords switch to short-term holiday lets between terms; others expect rent through the gap. Clarify before you sign, and ask whether you can leave belongings in the unit if you travel home between semesters.
Arrive with a buffer. Booking a short-stay room for the first week lets you see the area and inspect an apartment in person before signing a long lease, which avoids being locked into a unit that looked better online than it does in reality.
Faculty and families: different priorities
Staff relocating with children tend to weigh different things from students. Space, a garden, safe roads for children, and the school run often matter more than walking to campus. That pushes many families towards Lance aux Epines, the quieter streets of Morne Rouge, the hillside roads above Grand Anse, and the peninsulas further east.
Private and international schools on the south side of the island draw families from all these areas, and the morning school run combines with university and airport traffic on the same roads. Choosing a house on the right side of the main junctions can save a surprising amount of time each day.
Families renting long term should negotiate furnishing, garden maintenance and pool care explicitly, and ask how the house handles water and power interruptions. A generator and good water storage matter more when a household includes small children. Pets are another point to raise early: not every landlord accepts them, and rules in managed developments vary.
Lease and apartment checks for the university market
Utilities. Ask whether electricity, water and internet are included or billed separately. Electricity is expensive and air-conditioning heavy users can face large bills. Some leases cap included electricity and charge for the excess.
Study conditions. Confirm the internet speed and provider, and whether there is backup power. Power cuts during exam season are no small matter.
Deposit terms. Get the amount, the conditions for return and the timeline in writing, with a signed inventory and dated photographs at move-in and move-out.
Security. Look at locks, window grilles, lighting and gate access. Students are seen as easy targets for theft of laptops and phones.
Who to call. Know who handles repairs and how quickly. A landlord or manager who lives on the island and responds to messages is worth a slightly higher rent.
Mould and damp. Units closed up during breaks can develop mould. Check wardrobes, bathrooms and window frames, and ask whether the unit is aired between tenants.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most St George's University students live?
Mainly in True Blue, Calliste, Grand Anse and Lance aux Epines, along with university-provided housing for some students. The choice usually comes down to budget, commute, and whether a student wants beach and social life or quiet.
Do you need a car to live near the university?
Not necessarily. Students in True Blue can often walk or cycle, and those in Grand Anse use minibuses or university transport where it operates. Faculty and families further away, especially in Lance aux Epines or the hills, usually drive.
When should students start looking for housing?
Several months before the semester begins, especially for the August intake, when demand peaks. Popular buildings fill early, though last-minute vacancies appear as other students change plans. Arrange a video viewing before paying any deposit.
Is it safe to live near True Blue?
The area is generally considered safe, but petty theft and burglary happen, particularly where valuables are easy to spot. Use window grilles and locks, do not leave laptops visible, and choose buildings with good lighting and secure access.
Are apartments near the university a good investment?
Demand is steady but tied to the university's enrolment and to competition from new buildings. Factor in turnover, furnishing, wear, management fees and vacancy between terms. Investors who treat it as a business, not passive income, fare better.
