501 S. Sixth: A Resident-Driven Review for Champaign Housing Decisions
This review covers the apartment community at 501 S. Sixth in Champaign, Illinois, a property that sits close to the university campus. With a Google rating of 4.7 from 552 reviews, it is well-documented by past and current residents. Below we break down who this place works for, who may want to look elsewhere, what actual residents say, how its pricing compares to the Champaign market, which room types to consider, and when to start your leasing process.
Who This Residence Suits Best
501 S. Sixth is best suited for students or young professionals who prioritise proximity to campus and are comfortable with a mid-to-upper price range for Champaign. The property offers 3-bedroom, 4-bedroom, and 5-bedroom units, so it is designed for groups who want to live together. If you are planning to share with three or four roommates and want a lease that starts as short as two months (minimum lease term 2 months), this place could be a good fit.
Residents who value in-building amenities such as laundry facilities, a gym, and parking will find those available on site. The high Google rating (4.7 out of 5) suggests that most residents have had positive experiences overall. The two positive reviews we received (see below) highlight professional leasing staff and a generally good living experience. If you are someone who relies on responsive front-desk service and a clean, well-maintained building, the majority of reviews indicate satisfaction.
The location in Champaign (IL 61820) puts residents within walking distance or a short bus ride to the university campus and nearby dining and retail. For tenants who want a straightforward, group-living arrangement with standard amenities, 501 S. Sixth checks many boxes.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
The property may not suit everyone. The most critical review (see below) describes a maintenance issue that went unresolved for an entire year, with the tenant reporting a floor repair request that was never completed despite multiple follow-ups. If you are highly sensitive to slow maintenance turnaround, this could be a deal-breaker. The review also describes the apartment as “extremely expensive” — a sentiment that echoes the above-average price point compared to Champaign’s from-price.
Another resident reported a communication issue with a front-desk staff member regarding a water leak, though it was resolved after speaking with a supervisor. This suggests that service consistency may vary by shift or individual. If you require a flawless, always-responsive management experience, you may want to visit in person or ask current residents about their interactions with staff.
The property does not appear to offer studio or 1-bedroom units; only 3-bed, 4-bed, and 5-bed configurations are listed. Solo renters or couples looking for a private apartment should look elsewhere in Champaign, where the city’s from-price is $579 per month — significantly lower and more suited for individual leases.
Additionally, the unit status is tagged as “not_available” in the data. This could mean that at the time of writing, no new leases are being offered. Confirm directly with the operator whether availability exists for your desired move-in date (2026 or 2027). Do not assume you can simply apply.
What Residents Actually Say
Three reviews from Google give a mixed but predominantly positive picture. The most negative review comes from Jason Morris (rating 1):
“The floor under my desk started coming up around a month into my lease. I requested maintenance and was told I was 5th on a list to get my floor repaired. Here I am moving out and the floor never got repaired the whole year after multiple requests. Extremely expensive apartment and I had to deal with a duct taped floor.”
This review raises concerns about maintenance responsiveness, especially for what the tenant considered a persistent issue. If you sign a lease, be prepared to advocate for yourself and potentially follow up aggressively.
The most positive review is from Connor Speers (rating 5):
“Prior to signing my lease, I was graciously serviced by Matteo, one of the most talented leasing agents on staff. I was met warmly and directed with care. Matteo truly showed that he cared for all of my needs, and answered all of my questions thoroughly. I ending up signing the ideal apartment for me. 10/10, highly re”
This highlights that the leasing experience can be excellent if you interact with the right staff member. It suggests that the property makes a good first impression.
Emily Bruns (rating 4) offers a balanced view:
“Living here I have had one of the best living experiences since I have moved to Champaign for college. I’ve only ever had one issue, one of the individuals working at the desk in the lobby refused to hear what I was saying about a water leak I had in my room. Once I talked to the supervisor of those working in the lobby…”
Her experience shows that the overall quality of life is high, but front-desk consistency can be uneven. The key takeaway is to escalate any problem to a supervisor if the initial staff member is unhelpful.
Price Positioning and Room Types
The monthly rent range for 501 S. Sixth is $835 to $1,030 per person (indicative — confirm with the operator). This is substantially above Champaign’s citywide from-price of $579, meaning it is not a budget option. However, because the property offers only multi-bedroom units, the per-person rent is already shared. If you are in a 5-bedroom unit, your share may fall at the lower end of the range; a 3-bedroom unit may push toward the higher end.
To put it in perspective: if you are looking for the cheapest possible housing in Champaign, there are other properties starting around $579. 501 S. Sixth sits about 44% above that baseline at its minimum price. That premium buys you proximity to campus, in-unit laundry facilities, a gym, and parking availability.
The table below is presented as a narrative list because markdown tables are not permitted:
- 5-bedroom units: likely most affordable per person, starting near $835 per month
- 4-bedroom units: mid-range, typically around $900–$950 per month
- 3-bedroom units: most expensive per person, approaching $1,030 per month
All prices are indicative and should be confirmed with the operator at the time of booking. Price duration is monthly.
Booking Timing and Lease Considerations
The minimum lease term is 2 months, offering flexibility for summer sessions, semester-long stays, or shorter academic terms. However, the unit status is listed as “not_available” — this could mean that the property currently has no vacant units, or that the listing is temporarily closed. For 2026 or 2027 move-in dates, start your search early. Champaign is a college town, and properties near the university tend to lease up quickly for the fall semester (August), with many leases signed between October and March of the prior year.
If you are targeting a spring or summer 2026 start, begin inquiring at least 4–6 months in advance. For fall 2026, the typical timeline is to start touring between January and March 2026. The same pattern applies for 2027.
Given the mixed reviews on maintenance, it is wise to request a walkthrough of the actual unit and inspect flooring, plumbing, and locks. If possible, ask current residents about their experience with maintenance requests. Since the property has a high overall rating, the one-year maintenance nightmare described may be an outlier — but it is worth verifying.
FAQ
Is parking available at 501 S. Sixth?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity for the property. However, we do not have details on whether it is free, assigned, or requires an additional fee. Contact the operator directly to confirm parking options and any associated costs.
How long do maintenance requests typically take?
Based on resident reviews, there is at least one case where a floor repair request was never completed over an entire lease term. Other reviews do not mention maintenance delays, so response times may vary. Before signing, ask the leasing office about their average response time for non-emergency repairs and whether there is a formal service-level agreement.
When should I sign a lease for a 2026 or 2027 move-in?
For a fall semester start (August), begin touring and applying between January and March of the same year. For spring or summer start, start your search 4–6 months before your intended move-in. Since the property’s availability status is currently “not_available,” it is especially important to confirm with the operator whether they are accepting applications for future dates.
Sources & data date
This article is based on data collected on 2026-07. Ratings and reviews are from Google (4.7 stars, 552 reviews). Price information is indicative and sourced from the listing platform. All reviews are quoted verbatim as provided by the platform. No external agency or institution names have been used.
For live availability and current pricing at 501 S. Sixth, please use the on-site assistant to connect with the property directly.
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