Renters who search for apartments near 3rd Street SW in Valley City, ND are usually after a location that keeps both downtown and VCSU’s campus within easy reach without putting them in the middle of either. The southwest side of Valley City does just that, sitting between the two, close enough to walk to campus and a short drive from Central Avenue, with the Sheyenne River running through the corridor in between.
We manage rentals across Valley City at Valley Bridges Properties, including properties on the southwest side. Browse our available apartments or apply online to get started.
The Southwest Side of Valley City
Valley City covers 4.3 square miles, so no part of it is far from another. But the southwest side has a specific character. The residential streets here are quieter than the blocks immediately around campus, and they stay removed from the commercial activity on Central Avenue while staying close enough that neither takes long to reach.
The Sheyenne River cuts through this part of the city. The 4th Street SW corridor crosses an oxbow of the river on a bridge whose original 1924 structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The VCSU Footbridge, a three-span, 150-foot suspension bridge built in 1901 and the only one of its kind in North Dakota, connects the campus directly to the city from the southwest side. These are not incidental details. The river and the bridges are part of daily life in this part of Valley City.
Downtown Central Avenue from the Southwest Side
Central Avenue is the commercial center of Valley City, and 3rd Street SW sits just a short walk and even shorter drive from it. Shops, restaurants, and services run along it, and community events like Summer Nights on Central draw people out through the warmer months.
The Barnes County Historical Society Museum at 315 Central Ave N, the oldest county museum in North Dakota, houses an 18,000-square-foot collection that includes a full-size Triceratops fossil and an HO-scale working model of the Hi-Line Bridge. The Valley City Municipal Auditorium at 320 Central Ave S, built in 1936, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and anchors the south end of downtown.
From 3rd Street SW, downtown is a short drive north across the river. CHI Mercy Health sits under a mile from the Central Avenue corridor.
VCSU from the Southwest Side
Valley City State University sits at 101 College St SW, with its main entrance off 8th Avenue SW. The campus has operated here since 1890, covers 55 acres listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District, and enrolled 1,868 students as of Spring 2026. It is one of the largest employers in the region.
From 3rd Street SW, the campus entrance is a short drive or a walkable distance depending on the specific block. Renters on this corridor who work at or attend VCSU do not face a meaningful commute. The VCSU Footbridge provides a direct pedestrian connection across the river to campus without needing to use a road crossing.
The Gaukler Family Wellness Center on campus, open to the broader community, provides an indoor pool, fitness equipment, and bike rentals year-round.
Medicine Wheel Park
Medicine Wheel Park sits on the southwest side of the city, close to the 3rd Street SW corridor. The park covers 30 acres and includes 12 Native American burial mounds, a medicine wheel measuring 213 feet in circumference with 28 spokes representing the days of the lunar cycle, and a walking tour of the solar system built by the VCSU astronomy class in 1992. It is one of the more distinct public spaces in the region and accessible on foot from this part of the city.
What to Look for in an Apartment on This Corridor
Off-street parking is available at many properties near 3rd Street SW but is not universal. If you own a vehicle, confirming what is included before committing to a lease saves problems later, particularly in winter.
Laundry access varies by building. Some properties on this corridor have on-site machines, others have in-unit hookups, and some have neither. Confirming this upfront is worth the conversation.
Pet policies differ between properties. If you have a pet, asking specifically about breed restrictions and fees before applying avoids surprises.
Renting Near 3rd Street SW with Valley Bridges Properties
Our Uptown property at 149 3rd St NW sits on a corner lot in a two-story brick building close to both the southwest corridor and downtown Central Avenue. It is one of the more well-positioned rentals in our portfolio for renters who want to be near this part of the city.
We have managed rentals in Valley City since 2021 and have been in property management since 1985. Our leasing process runs through AppFolio online, move-in and move-out inspections are standard, and a tenant portal handles rent payments and maintenance requests once you are placed. Many of our properties are pet-friendly.
Ready to Find an Apartment Near 3rd Street SW?
The southwest side of Valley City is one of the better-positioned parts of the city for renters who want VCSU, downtown, and the river corridor all within reach. Our leasing team can walk you through what we have available in and around this part of the city before you apply.
Our leasing team is available to answer questions about specific locations before you apply. Browse our properties and apply directly at Valley Bridges Properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do renters look for apartments near 3rd Street SW in Valley City?
The 3rd Street SW corridor sits on the southwest side of Valley City, within close range of both Valley City State University at 101 College St SW and downtown Central Avenue. It is a residential stretch that keeps both destinations accessible without being immediately adjacent to either.
How close is 3rd Street SW to VCSU’s campus?
VCSU’s campus entrance is off 8th Avenue SW, a short drive or walkable distance from 3rd Street SW depending on the specific block. The VCSU Footbridge, a 150-foot suspension bridge built in 1901, provides a direct pedestrian crossing from the southwest side of the city to campus.
What is there to do near the 3rd Street SW area?
Medicine Wheel Park, a 30-acre site with 12 Native American burial mounds and a solar system walking tour, is accessible from this part of the city. The Sheyenne River corridor runs through the southwest side with walking paths and kayak access. Downtown Central Avenue is a short drive with shops, restaurants, and community events throughout the year.
Does Valley Bridges Properties have apartments near 3rd Street SW?
Our Uptown property at 149 3rd St NW is the closest in our portfolio to the southwest corridor and downtown. Contact our leasing team at 701-845-6876 to ask about availability and what fits your situation.
What should I confirm before renting an apartment near 3rd Street SW?
Off-street parking, laundry access, and pet policy terms are the three things worth confirming before signing on this corridor. Each property handles them differently, and none of them are safe to assume.