Townhomes vs. Apartments: Which Is Better for UNR Students?



A townhome is usually the better choice for UNR students who want more space, multiple floors, and a larger group of roommates under one roof. An apartment is usually the better choice for students who want a smaller household, single-level living, or a place of their own. Both can include private bedrooms, a full kitchen, and in-unit laundry. The right choice comes down to how many people you want to live with and how much shared space you need.

Wolf Run is one of the few student communities near UNR that offers both. Wolf Run Vintage has 37 multi-level townhomes, and Wolf Run East features newer studio, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. Both are a 5–15 minute walk from the Joe Crowley Student Union.

See Our Floor Plans

What Is the Difference Between a Townhome and an Apartment?

The main difference is layout. A townhome spreads living space across two or more floors, usually with bedrooms on separate levels and a larger shared kitchen and living area. An apartment typically sits on a single level within a larger building, with a more compact floor plan.

For students, that difference shapes daily life. Townhomes tend to house bigger groups and feel more like a shared house. Apartments tend to house fewer people and feel quieter and more contained.

At Wolf Run, both options are leased by the bedroom and come fully furnished, so the decision is really about space and lifestyle, not price structure or setup.

What Are the Benefits of Living in a Townhome Near UNR?

Townhomes are a great fit for students who want room to spread out and enjoy living with a bigger group.

More Space Across Multiple Floors

Townhomes put bedrooms on different levels, which adds a natural buffer between roommates. At Wolf Run Vintage, the six-bedroom townhomes place two bedrooms on the first floor and more upstairs, giving residents a little extra privacy within a shared home.

A Larger Kitchen and Living Area

With more people sharing the space, townhome kitchens and living rooms are typically larger. Some Wolf Run Vintage townhomes include two full-size refrigerators and pantry storage, which makes grocery runs and meal prep easier for a big group.

A Built-In Social Circle

Living with five roommates means there's usually someone around to cook dinner with, study with, or head to a game. It's a good fit for students who enjoy a busy, social household.

Outdoor Space

Many townhomes include a private outdoor patio, giving residents a spot to relax outside without leaving home.

What Are the Benefits of Living in an Apartment Near UNR?

Apartments work well for students who prefer a smaller, quieter household or want a space entirely to themselves.

Fewer Roommates to Coordinate With

A two- or three-bedroom apartment means fewer schedules, chore charts, and grocery splits. Wolf Run East offers two-bedroom, two-bath and three-bedroom, three-bath layouts, so every resident gets a private bedroom and bathroom.

The Option to Live on Your Own

For students who want complete independence, a studio is hard to beat. Wolf Run East studios give residents their own kitchen, bathroom, and living space, with no shared areas at all.

Single-Level Convenience

Without stairs inside the unit, apartments can be easier to move into and simpler to navigate day to day.

Newer Construction

Wolf Run East is a newly constructed community, so residents get modern finishes alongside the same furnished setup and in-unit washer and dryer.

Is a Townhome or an Apartment Right for You?

The best choice depends on how you like to live. These quick checklists can help you decide.

A townhome may be the better fit if you:

  • Want to live with a larger group of friends
  • Like having bedrooms on separate floors
  • Cook often and want a bigger kitchen
  • Enjoy a busy, social home environment
  • Want a private outdoor patio

An apartment may be the better fit if you:

  • Prefer one or two roommates, or none at all
  • Want a private bathroom attached to your bedroom
  • Value a quieter living environment
  • Like single-level living
  • Want newer construction and finishes

If several items on both lists apply, touring both options in person is the easiest way to decide.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Choosing?

Before signing a lease for either option, a few practical questions can save you surprises later:

  1. How many people will share the kitchen and bathrooms? This affects daily routines more than almost anything else.
  2. Is the bathroom private or shared? Some townhome bedrooms have private bathrooms, while others share.
  3. What's included in the monthly cost? Ask about Wi-Fi, utility fees, parking, and renters insurance.
  4. How are roommates assigned? Find out whether you can sign with friends or use roommate matching.
  5. When does the lease start and end? Wolf Run's 2026–27 lease runs from August 21 through July 31.

Getting clear answers up front makes it easier to compare options fairly.

Which Wolf Run Floor Plan Fits Your Lifestyle?

Townhomes are ideal for UNR students who want more space, bedrooms on separate floors, and a bigger shared household. Apartments are better for students who want fewer roommates, a private bathroom, or a studio of their own. Both offer private bedrooms, so the choice comes down to how you like to live.

Wolf Run lets you choose either one, with the multi-level townhomes at Wolf Run Vintage and the newer apartments at Wolf Run East. Every unit is fully furnished with a washer and dryer and a full kitchen. Residents share a fitness center, a study and computer lounge, a billiards and game room, and an outdoor courtyard with a fire pit and grilling area.

See Our Floor Plans

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a townhome or an apartment better for college students?

It depends on lifestyle. Townhomes suit students who want more space and a larger group of roommates, while apartments suit students who want fewer roommates or a place of their own.

Does Wolf Run have townhomes?

Yes. Wolf Run Vintage is a community of 37 student townhomes near UNR, including six-bedroom layouts with private bedrooms.

What apartment floor plans does Wolf Run offer?

Wolf Run East offers studio, two-bedroom, two-bath, and three-bedroom, three-bath apartments.

Do Wolf Run townhomes have private bathrooms?

Some do. Wolf Run Vintage offers bedrooms with private bathrooms as well as bedrooms with shared bathrooms, depending on the floor plan.

Are Wolf Run townhomes and apartments furnished?

Yes. Both Wolf Run Vintage townhomes and Wolf Run East apartments are fully furnished and include a washer and dryer.