Purdue’s Student Housing Crunch: What the New “Third and West” Apartments Mean for West Lafayette
Over the past several years, Purdue University has experienced an enrollment surge far beyond what many expected. While this is exciting for the university and the community, one major challenge has come along with that growth: student housing availability. Both on-campus and off-campus housing options have struggled to keep up, leaving students, their families, and the Greater Lafayette community concerned about where everyone will live.
Recently, some relief arrived in the form of a brand-new project: Third and West Apartments.
Purdue’s Solution: Master Lease at Third and West
Located just north of the Purdue West Shopping Center in West Lafayette, Third and West is not actually university-owned. Instead, it was developed by American Campus Communities (ACC), a major private developer specializing in student housing across the U.S. The facility includes:
- 401 apartments across 325,000 square feet
- Five stories housing 984 students
- One, two, and four-bedroom layouts
- Full kitchens, private bathrooms, and in-unit laundry
Unlike traditional dorms, these apartments are designed to provide more of an independent-living feel. Residents will also enjoy amenities such as study spaces, hammocks, yoga rooms, and a courtyard park area—features that appeal to today’s student lifestyle.
While ACC owns the building, Purdue has agreed to a two-year master lease on all units. This ensures that students will fill the apartments immediately and helps ease the housing crunch as the university continues to work on additional residence halls.
Why Housing Growth Matters for Greater Lafayette
Housing demand at Purdue doesn’t just affect students. With so many young renters in the area, the local real estate market in West Lafayette and Lafayette sees ripple effects. A lack of student housing can drive up rental rates in the broader community, limit availability for non-student residents, and increase competition in the single-family home market.
The opening of Third and West provides much-needed relief, but it also underscores the urgent need for long-term housing strategies in West Central Indiana. The fact that Purdue turned to a private-sector partnership highlights both the speed of enrollment growth and the flexibility required to meet student needs.
What This Means if You’re Buying or Selling in Lafayette
For homeowners, landlords, and anyone looking to move to the area, the student housing situation is worth watching closely. When Purdue absorbs nearly 1,000 students into a new building, that shifts demand away from the private rental market—at least temporarily. Over the next two years, buyers and sellers may notice changing rental dynamics, especially near campus neighborhoods.
For potential buyers, especially families or professionals considering West Lafayette, this could mean slightly less competitive rental-driven pressure in the short term. For sellers, it means your property’s value is still strongly supported by proximity to campus and Purdue’s ongoing growth.
Final Thoughts
The new Third and West Apartments mark a significant step in addressing Purdue’s housing shortage. While it won’t solve the problem entirely, it’s a positive sign that solutions are being implemented to meet the needs of today’s students.
If you’re exploring your options in West Lafayette, Lafayette, or Greater Lafayette real estate, understanding local projects like this is essential. Whether you’re moving to the area, investing in property near Purdue, or selling your home in a rapidly shifting market, having a clear view of how Purdue’s growth drives housing demand will help you make smart decisions.
If you’d like to learn more about housing in Greater Lafayette—or are ready to buy or sell a home—reach out today at LafayetteReal.com/YouTube to connect and start planning your next move.