Where students live
Walking-distance houses, duplexes, and small apartments in Macalester-Groveland (around Grand Ave and Snelling Ave) and adjacent Merriam Park, rented from small local landlords.
There's no purpose-built student housing market here — the college runs an unvetted listings board rather than partnering with complexes, and a new 224-bed residence hall aimed at juniors and seniors opens in 2027. Off-campus rentals are almost always unfurnished, and groups start hunting in early spring for the following year.
What you'll need
Most rentals here are unfurnished — budget for the big anchors: mattress, bed frame, sofa, and a table, split with housemates.
Apartment checklist Apartment shop
Staying in the dorms instead? Head back to the Macalester dorm dimensions and dorm packing list.