Living with nuns: Priced out of D.C., young women found low rent with unlikely roommates

Sister Agnes, the 78-year-old founder, cited increasing maintenance costs and her own declining health as reasons for the difficult decision. This Tech Terrace residence, just off University Avenue, offered low-cost housing to dozens of young women, often students or recent graduates, since 2014. It consistently provided a quiet, supportive environment, a welcome alternative to typical student rentals in the area. Many women launching careers in education, healthcare, or local businesses found stability there during their critical early years in Lubbock. The house became a trusted haven for those navigating the citys job market without family nearby, or struggling with the rising rental prices impacting the campus district. Its closure leaves a significant void for future young professionals seeking an affordable, community-focused start.

The immediate concern is where the current residents will find new housing on short notice, especially with the Fall semester approaching. Young women will find it even harder to secure budget-friendly accommodation near campus or downtown jobs without Saint Rita's. This situation highlights a growing need for accessible housing solutions, even in a city where overall rent isn't D.C. Levels.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment near Tech has jumped nearly 20% in the last five years, making places like Saint Rita's increasingly vital.