The Harbor or The Barracks: which is right for you?

What's the difference between The Harbor and The Barracks?

The Harbor is a four-story building of fully furnished apartments. The Barracks is a neighborhood of unfurnished townhomes and houses. The Harbor sits inside The Barracks neighborhood, so residents of both share the same parks, trails, and access to The Cove at BearX.

Choose The Harbor if you want to move in with everything already set up, an on-site gym, and almost all utilities included. Choose a Barracks townhome if you want more space, your own backyard, and parking right outside your door.

Are The Harbor and The Barracks the same company?

Yes. They're sister properties, owned and managed by The Arena Group. The Harbor is a separate building inside The Barracks neighborhood, with its own leasing office at 3695 General Parkway. The Barracks leasing office is at 514 Deacon Drive West.

Which one is furnished?

The Harbor. Every Harbor apartment comes fully furnished with a living room set, a 65" TV, and a bed frame, mattress, desk, and dresser in every bedroom. Barracks townhomes are unfurnished, so you bring your own furniture.

Which one costs less each month?

They come out close. Base rent at The Barracks starts a little lower, but The Harbor includes more utilities in rent. Here's an example for one resident in a four-bedroom home:

• Harbor Conroe (4×4): $725 rent + $35.95 Resident Benefits Package + $15 valet trash + about $15–$30 electricity = about $791–$806 a month
• Barracks 4×4 Townhome: $680 rent + $35.95 Resident Benefits Package + about $60–$120 utilities = about $776–$836 a month

See the full breakdown on our monthly cost page.

Do Harbor residents get the same amenities as The Barracks?

Yes. Harbor residents share the whole neighborhood: eight community parks, two dog parks, sand volleyball and basketball courts, a hammock park, two catch-and-release ponds, and more than 13 miles of paved trails. The Barracks and The Harbor are the only two communities in College Station with access to The Cove at BearX, with free entry for you and two guests every day.

The Harbor adds an on-site fitness center and private study spaces inside the building.

Which one has a gym?

The Harbor has an on-site fitness center. The Barracks doesn't have an indoor gym, but it has an outdoor fitness park, and Barracks residents get a discounted membership at Stone Co. Climbing.

Which is better if I have a dog?

Both are pet-friendly. A Barracks townhome gives your dog a private backyard. At The Harbor, you live a short walk from two dog parks and miles of trails. Pet costs are the same at both: $25 a month in pet rent, a one-time $325 pet fee, and a $25 PetScreening fee.

How does parking work?

At The Harbor, parking in the surface lot is free, a covered garage space is $35 a month, and a preferred-entrance space is $20 a month. At The Barracks, every resident has a reserved space outside their home, included in rent, and guests can park on the street.

How far are they from campus?

The Harbor is 2.8 miles from Texas A&M's campus, and The Barracks is about 2.5 miles. Residents of both can take Texas A&M bus Route 34 (Fish Camp) or Route 41 (Good Bull) from the stop in The Cove parking lot. On breaks, nights, and weekends, Route 40-41 runs instead.

Will I have neighbors above or below me?

At The Harbor, yes. It's an apartment building, so you may have neighbors above, below, or beside you. At The Barracks, no one lives above or below you, though interior townhomes share walls on the sides.

Who should choose The Harbor, and who should choose The Barracks?

The Harbor is a great fit if you want a modern, furnished apartment, an on-site gym and study spaces, a controlled-access building, and predictable bills.

The Barracks is a great fit if you want the most space, a private backyard, parking at your door, and a house you can furnish your way.

Either way, you live in the same neighborhood with the same parks, Cove access, and student community.