Apartments Near AUC
I’ve put together a photo tour of apartments within walking distance of AUC that students usually choose to stay, in hopes this would help those who are looking into apartments as well. There are several places one can start when looking for housing:
1. Check out AUC Housing Department’s list of the available off-campus apartments close to campus, complete with offer price and contact information. The price ranges I have provided in the photo tour come from information in this list, as well as my own inquiries to real estate agents. The list is constantlyf updated.
2. Join the AUC Students-Only Off-Campus Housing group on Facebook, created by AUC students as a central location for students sharing housing availability, looking for roommates, and reviewing different landlords and off-campus apartments around AUC.
3. Contact Solutions Management. They have a bad rep on ValueMD, but the truth is, if you are looking for somewhere to stay close to campus that is affordable, you’ll most likely have to go through them. Remember that ValueMD is often an outlet for those who have complaints to complain, but there are also lots of people who are fine with them who you don’t hear about. I personally haven’t had any problems with them thus far. When I had a leak, they fixed it right away. They gave me new drip pans immediately when I asked for them. The Solutions office is a few steps away from campus, which makes paying rent and power/water bills convenient. They have an online brochure of their properties here. The people working in their Cupecoy office are Bernard, Celine, and another lady whose name I don’t remember right now. Their office is a few steps away from school. See location on the map below. You can contact them at solutionsabc@hotmail.com or call them at 011-599-545-3717 or 011-599-545-3382 or 011-599-544-3927.
4. Contact Century 21 Sint Maarten. Their Cupecoy office is not far, just past the casino, up the hill on the right. See location on the map below. They offer a lot of real estate as well in the area, but they are usually a little more pricey than Solutions. The guy in the office is Kevin, who many students are happy working with, and you can email him at kevin@century21islandrealty.com or Kevingannon41@aol.com, or call at 011-599-526-8280 or 011-599-544-2401.
5. Contact Cupecoy Beach Club. Their office is right inside Cupecoy Beach Club. See location in the map below. They manage places in Cupecoy Beach Club. Their real estate is a little pricier than Solutions Management.
6. Contact The Summit Resort. Although they are considered a hotel, they also rent a lot of studio bungalow apartments long term to students. Each bungalow has its own porch, and they are one of the more affordable accomodations around the area. Weekly maid service is included, and they have a generator so you don’t have to worry about power outages. However, from what I’ve seen, they do not have a full kitchen (i.e. they have a hot-plate-style stove). This is OK if you don’t intend to cook a lot but for me, I need a full kitchen. They have a pool with a really nice view of the lagoon as well as two restaurants on the resort grounds. There is security. My friends who live there have all said they really like living there and that the office staff are nice to their residents (i.e. having a free dinner get-together by the pool for all their residents and guests at the beginning of the semester).
7. Contact Rainbow Beach Club. This is one of the nicer places to live within walking distance from campus. It has a private beach, pools, fitness club, as well as 24-hour security. There is a generator so you don’t have to worry about power outages. It is, however, pricey, so it’s better if you find a roommate to share the apartment. You can contact Nikki at nikki@rainbowbeachclub.com or call at 011-599-545-2478.
8. Contact Remax Island Properties. They manage several studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments around Cupecoy, Maho, as well as Beacon Hill areas (Maho and Beacon Hill require driving). One of the agents that students often work with is Karen Larmony and you can contact her at KLarmony@gmail.com or call her at 011-599-520-1402.
9. Contact Ocean Club. While they are further away, they are still within walking distance if you don’t mind walking about 8-10 minutes to get to school. Most of their units have multiple rooms, so it’s a good place to get if you want to live with several housemates. They have a private beach, swimming pool, security, and restaurant on site.
There are also other apartments and neighborhoods further away from campus that you may consider, but they would require driving, biking, taking the bus, or walking for more than 15 minutes. Other further places to consider:
- La Terrasse in Maho
- Aquamarina in Point Pirouette
- Porto Cupecoy in Cupecoy
- Beacon Hill Towers in Beacon Hill
- Caravanserai in Maho
- or housing in the French Lowlands (Terre Basse).
I don’t recommend living anywhere further than these places (like Simpson Bay or Pelican) because it would be too far to drive and traffic in Simpson Bay can get really bad. Another tip: remember, you can always save money by sharing apartments with roommates!
AUC advises students to not rent any property that is managed or owned by SXM-IMMO. For further info, please contact AUC’s Security and Safety department at security@aucmed.edu.
For info about whether or not to live in the dorms vs. apartments, please check out this post.
For pictures of the dorms, please check out this post.
I have 2 condos ready for the May, 2011 semester within 5 minutes of AUC campus. One is a studio and one is a large 1 BR.
both are: fully furnished and equipped with everything you will need for your 2 years on the island of Sint Maarten. Tradewinds is THE PLACE to stay if you are a student. It’s quiet, gated, has 24/7 security, Internet is provided, housekeeping 2x per month, A/C, bar b q, gardens, pool, generator, washer/dryer, on site owner/manager.
pics available on Facebook and valuemd.
Send me an email if you would like more info. Both are ~ 1 year old and in excellent condiditon.
Welcome home!
Kathryn
I was interested in the one bedroom apartment if it is still available.
Thank you.
Dear Students and Professors,
If you are looking for a studio, 1bedroom or 2 bedroom apartment, just email me at KLarmony@gmail.com and I’ll be glad to help you. Karen 011 599 520-1402
I have three units in the Cote D’Azur Residence that are student rentals with leases of between 3 and 24 months. This neighborhood is a 5 minute walk to AUC. Each unit comes fully furnished including all kitchenware, bath and bed linens, has a balcony and lagoon view, AC cable ready, security windows and doors, dedicated parking and much more. No pets please. Photos available upon request.
If you would like more information please contact me at c.c.bithoney@juno.com or call in the US (914) 409 – 2649.
This http://wwww.beaconhilltowers.com property is available for DISCOUNTS for AUC student who sign a long terms lease
This is a 4 bedroom 2 bath bi level unit with 5 beds and can conformable house up to 4 couples or 4 singles students
DISCOUNTS are as follows
1) 13 month signed lease $2,200 per month
2) 25 month signed lease $2,000 per month
100% furnished, kitchen fully equipped, all linens and towers, internet (wireless) cable TV and internet pre-paid phone services, twice a week cleaning, all included
brentlewis@rentavillas.com 800-844-4156 or 702-258-7376
Hey Benji, where would you recommend to live that is close to campus and somewhat close to the water yet not so expensive? I will be entering in September 2012
Hey David,
Every place that I listed on the map is within walking distance from campus as well as the water. Waterfront property will generally be more expensive, but if you don’t mind walking 10-15 minutes to the beach, then you can definitely find more affordable places. Try looking into Palm Court or Tradewinds. I lived in Aventura, which is a little bit further walk away, and I liked it. I made a video tour of my apartment. Maybe see if it’s something you’re looking for: http://www.caribbeanmedstudent.com/2010/07/my-apartment-in-st-maarten/
Benji
Hi Benji or friends,
I have listed tons of 1 and 2 bedroom in cupecoy, close to AUC, the places are presently on SPECIAL, SPECIAL. Get a room for $1050 a month.
I WILL ALWAYS HAVE UNITS AVAILABLE , PLEASE CONTACT ME AT : solomonhosein@yahoo.com
Hi Benji,
I just got accepted for the January semester. Hopefully I’ll be able to live in a dorm the first semester, but how far in advance would you advise to start looking for apartments for second semester?
Also, your blog is a huge help! Thanks!! 🙂
Hi Nelly!
Thanks for reading! Dorms are really nice to live in, especially if you’re new to the island. I’d suggest start looking for apartments for second semester as soon as you can, and no later than during 3rd block. The earlier you look, the more choices you have. 😉
Benji
Thanks for your reply Benji! Also, who would I contact if I’m interested in living at Cupecoy Beach Club? Thank you!
No problem! I would contact http://www.cupecoybeach.com/ .
Key Real Estate offers long and short term vacation rentals and sales of both residential and apartments near AUC.
Hi everyone,
For information, I just took up Management of a few units close to AUC that are for some available immediately.
a One Bedroom at PORTO CUPECOY
a TWO Bedroom at PORTO CUPECOY
a FOUR Bedroom at OCEAN CLUB that is great value and right on Cupecoy beach !
My cell contact +59 0690 38 55 99 for any questions or information.
Have a nice day!
Lydia
Great Website!
I have an amazing 2 Bedroom Dual Suite Penhouse in Beacon Hill overlooking Simpson Bay.
Fully furnished and move-in ready. And by “move-in ready” I mean:
> 2 Full Suites with King Sized Beds with new linens and Separate Bathrooms with everything you will need;
> Fast Tel EM Internet wifi ready to go;
> All top end appliances and designer kitchenware
> Satellite Cable TV already hooked up (I can leave it on, and include this in your rent)
> A 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe for lease if you are interested
> 24 hour security guard
> Two levels outdoor living area with dining table, hot tub, wet bar,
For more details check out the photos here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1106901
Rent is usually $5,000 per month, but we will give Med Students a $1000 discount, and charge $4000 per month. Available May 25- Nov. 1 or any portion thereof.
Email me if you have any questions: wineforblondes@gmail.com
Very nice Blog about life and living on St. Maarten.
We would like to offer new incoming student as well as students that may wish to leave the dorms the following Condos for rent :
FOR RENT as of 01 September 2013….
2 bedroom apartment @ Porto Cupecoy (5 mins from Medical School) … $2,500.- per condo or 1,300.- per room – rent per month …. AND
2 bedroom apartment @ Porto Cupecoy (5 mins from Medical School) … with very large garden… $2,750.- per condo or 1,400.- per room – rent per month
(2 months deposit plus GEBE security if meters will not be changed to tenant)
Both units — Furnished, with Cable TV and Internet..
IDEAL FOR AUC STUDENTS SHARING
FOR RENT as of 01 September 2013….
1 bedroom apartment @ AVENTURA Condos Cupecoy (near Medical School) …
$750,- per month on 1st (ground) and 2nd floor levels — 3 Units available …
$850,- per month on 3rd and 4th floor levels — 5 units available!
TO ALL UNITS APPLIES : 2 months deposit plus GEBE security if meters will not be changed to tenant
For more information Call: SXM +1 (721) 588-4991 — USA (617) 206-1012 or write to us : sxmreit.rentals@eacofin.com
We wish you the best of times and success with your studies.
Rentals Team
St. Maarten REIT
Large studio apartment, fully furnished with lagoon view off balcony. Fully airconditioned with hurricane shutters. $1150 plus 2 months deposit. Elec, water and Internet extra. Available from April Semester. 1 year lease minimum. Request photos. 5 minute walk to Medical School.
Tish Daly
tishid@gmail.com
We have a one bedroom 2 bath condo at Rainbow Beach Club available May – September. Fully furnished, top floor unit, washer and dryer, airco, $1500/month plus utilities. If you need a place for your last semester, please email me at tlgiddings05@gmail.com or call US tele #843 267 1012.
Before you sign:
Utilities are VERY expensive on SXM if you don’t make sure you’re on a residential rate and NOT the commercial rate.
The difference is enormous! The rule of thumb I’ve found is if it’s a “high rise” building like ‘the Cliff’ or ‘Rainbow’ you’re going to be paying A LOT more in water than if you’re in a house. GEBE is the power company for the entire island and it’s a mess to deal with. If you don’t want to spend ~10x more on water than you have to, make sure you have a conversation with the landlord/agent BEFORE you sign anything. ONLY SIGN IF IT’S a residential rate for utilities or the difference is compensated for in the rent. Cupecoy is notorious on this island for having artificially high rent and utilities because eager students can be easy targets. Be careful!
ALSO THE Dorms are way cheaper as utilities are included (the school has it’s own water filtration system). 2nd-5th semester students CAN live in the dorms if there is space. Generally, they try to give incoming 1st semester students first crack but if they have a vacancy, you can stay. They emailed us about a month before finals. Take your time finding a place. Nothing beats waking up and walking 30sec to get to class. There is NO shortage of apartments despite what you hear from fellow students. Most of what I heard first semester from fellow students turned out to be incorrect. Talk to the housing office for advice.
My advice is to suck it up and get a car. Drive around and find a place you won’t mind commuting from. Know where the meters are. And know who the owner is. Some people I know have had a hard time getting their deposits back, so beware who you’re dealing with. Better safe than sorry. Also the markets around the school kinda suck. Having that car for groceries is a good investment.
Check GEBE’s website (http://www.nvgebe.com/) for their current rates. GEBE is located in Philippsburg and the office is a nightmare, avoid if you can.
Note: fuel clause rate is IN ADDITION to your usage
– example: say you use 10 Kilowatt hours
(10Kwh x GEBE rate) + (10Kwh + fuel clause) = total electric
*fuel clause also applies to water bill, it is an adjustment to fluctuating gas prices.
Avoid Regency Park at all costs, the owner will take your deposit away for no reason and kicks you out half way through the lease. He has so many complains regarding the way he conducts business. By the way the place doesn’t come with generator or gym it is his way to pull a scam on you.
Awesome, awesome info… Thank you so much for all this.
Do you happen to know which places are pet-friendly? I am looking for a 1BR or studio for my puppy and I… Not more than $1350/month. Security and pool are preferrable… Where should I start my enquiries?
Thanks again,
~ Christy
Try Solutions Management. Most places are pet-friendly… for a fee.
Please what apartments would you recommend for a family with a toddler moving to the Island for the May semester 2015?
Hi Chioma,
If you have a family with a toddler, you might want a larger apartment. I would look into Porto Cupecoy, Rainbow Beach Club, The Cliff, or Ocean Club. Also take a look at the AUC off campus housing group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/215645425294883/
Benji
A warning to anyone looking into renting at Regency Park aka A La Regency Park. I fell through the floor of my apartment, where the poor construction had rotted away, and the landlord, Chris Attanasio, offered to let me move out and give me back my $2800. He lied, and ran off with it. I have had friends nearly electrocuted from leaking roofs pouring water on electric sockets and blowing out, people with A/C units that didn’t get fixed for months. If you want to live in a constant nightmare on the island, look no further than this place. Oh and he will ‘take care of your internet’ where he will forget to pay it for a week, but still keep your internet money. I could go on forever, but hopefully if you have any sense, this is enough evidence that this place is the worst possible option on the island.
Sorry to hear you had to go through this Nelson. You definitely have to be careful who you rent from on this island.
Guys –
I also found this facebook group with some apartments available: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AUC.Students.Off.Campus.Housing.SXM/
Happy hunting.
Lucy
Hi Benji,
My husband just got accepted to AUC, and we’re exploring housing options. We would prefer to live on the French side so that we can learn French more quickly. Is this a good idea in your opinion, and do we have to get different visas if we do this? I’m not really sure where to start my research about this.
Hi BJ, you don’t need to live on the French side to learn French. The island is small and you can easily travel between the two sides without any check points. No passport is needed to travel between the two sides. Most every speaks English there, even on the French side. I don’t think you need a different visa than the student visa for school.
When you go through Solutions Management to rent a place near school, be forewarned that they don’t give you back your deposit when you leave. They give you lip service about how they have a policy of wiring the deposit and then when you leave the island, you can kiss your ass goodbye, because your not getting your money.
Ok, you just have to be persistent and they will eventually send you your money…just got mine back after 4 months…
Regency Park, owned by Christopher Attanasio, has now changed it’s name to Cupecoy Village in an attempt to deceive potential new renters so they can’t discover the truth of this place. The ‘security’ is the old property manager who is rarely there since he’s working on construction sites on the side. The roof leak constantly. The ‘gate’ is broken, and the chain link fence is rolled back, so you can walk through. Chris forgets to pay the internet frequently so you can go without internet for days. One resident fell through the rotting floor from the second story. Another resident had their TV stolen in broad daylight. The electricity bill is significantly higher here than other apartment complexes nearby. Do not rent here if you want to have a decent experience living on the island of St Maarten
I’m moving to the island in December 2020 for the spring semester. I am looking for off campus housing for myself and my two cats any suggestions?
I have a studio at Arbor Estates, a gated 24/7 secured complex within walking distance to AUC. The rent which includes water and internet is $1000. Available for the September 2021 session. Please contact Sue Austin at sue9450@aol.com or 225-802-5452.