2 Bedroom vs. 3 Bedroom Apartments in Jacksonville: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between a two-bedroom and a three-bedroom apartment is not only about counting rooms. The right choice depends on how many people will live in the apartment, how you plan to use the space, the level of privacy you want, and what comfortably fits your budget.
For renters comparing a 2 bedroom vs 3 bedroom apartment in Jacksonville, both layouts offer useful advantages. A two-bedroom apartment can provide a practical balance of space and value, while a three-bedroom apartment gives you an additional room and bathroom for greater flexibility.
At The Lakeside Nest, renters can explore both options in a pet-friendly lakeside community in Arlington, near Jacksonville University. This guide will help you compare the layouts and decide which one better supports your everyday life.
Key Takeaways
A two-bedroom apartment may be suitable when you need one additional room for a roommate, guest space, home office, study area, or storage.
The two-bedroom layouts at The Lakeside Nest include one bathroom and are available in approximately 950- and 1,050-square-foot options.
A three-bedroom apartment provides an additional bedroom and includes two bathrooms, giving residents more privacy and flexibility.
Both apartment types offer access to the same community amenities, including two swimming pools, sports and fitness spaces, a bark park, playground areas, on-site laundry, and a scenic four-acre lake.
The best way to decide is to compare the floor plans in person and consider your current needs as well as how your household may change during the lease.
2 Bedroom vs. 3 Bedroom Apartments: A Quick Comparison
Feature | 2 Bedroom Apartment | 3 Bedroom Apartment |
Bedrooms | Two | Three |
Bathrooms | One | Two |
Space options | Approximately 950 or 1,050 sq. ft. | Contact the leasing team for current layout details |
Best for | Renters who need one flexible extra room | Renters who need more privacy and an additional flexible room |
Possible room uses | Bedroom, office, study room, guest room, or storage | Multiple bedrooms, office, guest room, hobby room, or shared living arrangement |
Cleaning and furnishing | Usually less to manage | More space to furnish and maintain |
Current availability and pricing | Confirm with the leasing office | Confirm with the leasing office |
When Does a Two-Bedroom Apartment Make Sense?
A two-bedroom apartment can be a strong choice when you want more flexibility than a one-bedroom home but do not need three separate bedrooms. At The Lakeside Nest, the two-bedroom apartments in Jacksonville include two bedrooms, one bathroom, a spacious living area, and a fully equipped kitchen.
The second bedroom can adapt to your lifestyle. It may serve as:
A private bedroom for a roommate
A dedicated home office or study room
A comfortable guest room
A hobby or creative space
Additional storage and organization space
The Lakeside Nest offers approximately 950- and 1,050-square-foot two-bedroom layouts. Having two size options allows renters to compare the amount of living space they need without automatically moving to a three-bedroom home.
Select apartments may also include wood-plank vinyl flooring, updated appliance packages, tile backsplashes, a private patio or balcony, lake views, or walk-in closets. Because features can vary by unit, ask the leasing team what is included in the apartment currently available.
A Two-Bedroom May Be Right for You If:
You need only one additional bedroom or flexible room.
One bathroom works comfortably for everyone in the apartment.
You prefer less space to furnish, clean, and maintain.
You want to compare a lower monthly housing cost with the value of additional space.
You do not expect your space requirements to increase significantly during the lease.
When Is a Three-Bedroom Apartment the Better Choice?
A three-bedroom apartment may be a better fit when privacy, bathroom access, or long-term flexibility is a priority. The three-bedroom apartments at The Lakeside Nest include three separate bedrooms and two full bathrooms.
That additional bedroom can make it easier to separate sleeping, working, studying, and leisure activities. Instead of using a dining table or part of the living room as a workspace, you may be able to create a dedicated office while keeping the other rooms available for everyday household needs.
Three-bedroom layouts can be useful for:
Multiple roommates who want more private space
Residents who work or study from home
Households that regularly host overnight guests
Anyone who needs a separate hobby, fitness, or creative room
Renters who want space that can adapt as their needs change
Two bathrooms can also make shared routines more convenient. If several residents leave for work or school at similar times, an additional bathroom may reduce scheduling conflicts and provide more privacy.
A Three-Bedroom May Be Right for You If:
You need three separate sleeping areas.
You want a dedicated office without giving up a guest room or bedroom.
Two bathrooms would make daily routines more comfortable.
You plan to share the apartment with multiple roommates.
You value extra storage, privacy, and flexibility enough to justify the additional cost.
Compare the Total Monthly Cost, Not Just the Rent
Budget will be one of the most important factors in your decision. A larger apartment may have a higher monthly rent, but rent is only one part of the total cost.
Before choosing a layout, compare:
Monthly rent for the available unit
Security deposit and application-related costs
Average utility expenses
Internet and renter’s insurance
Pet deposits, pet rent, or other applicable pet charges
Furniture needed for the additional room
How expenses will be divided if you live with roommates
A three-bedroom apartment may offer better value when multiple roommates divide the total cost. On the other hand, paying for a room that remains unused may not make sense when a two-bedroom layout already meets your needs.
Apartment pricing and availability can change. Contact The Lakeside Nest leasing team for current rates, available units, deposit information, and any applicable fees before making a decision.
Think About How You Will Use Every Room
An extra room is valuable only when it has a clear purpose. Before touring an apartment, write down how each room would be used during a typical week.
Ask yourself:
Does everyone need a private bedroom?
Will anyone regularly work or study from home?
How often do overnight guests stay?
Would one bathroom create scheduling problems?
Do you need storage for sports equipment, seasonal items, or hobbies?
How much cleaning and furnishing are you comfortable managing?
Could your space needs change before the lease ends?
Your answers can quickly show whether the third bedroom would improve daily life or simply add space and cost that you may not use.
Apartment Features That Support Everyday Comfort
The number of bedrooms matters, but the rest of the apartment should also work for your routine. Two- and three-bedroom homes at The Lakeside Nest may include features such as:
Fully equipped, all-electric kitchens
Black or stainless steel appliance options
Garbage disposals
Separate living and dining areas
Central heating and air conditioning
Ceiling fans
Generous closets, with walk-in closets in select floor plans
Private patios or balconies in select homes
Updated flooring, appliances, and finishes in select apartments
Lake or community views in select locations
Features and finishes differ between available units. A tour gives you the opportunity to inspect the actual apartment, evaluate storage, and see whether your furniture will fit comfortably.
Community Amenities Available With Both Layouts
Whether you choose a two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment, you can enjoy the same community amenities at The Lakeside Nest. The community is arranged around a scenic four-acre lake and includes spaces for recreation, exercise, pets, and outdoor relaxation.
Verified amenities include:
Two outdoor swimming pools
A freshly paved, official NBA-size basketball court
Tennis and volleyball courts
Outdoor fitness equipment for activities such as yoga and pull-ups
Picnic areas, BBQ grills, and covered pavilions
Playground areas
An enclosed Chalk Zone
A Pick-N-Play area with hopscotch, Four Square, and Wall Ball
Five 24-hour on-site laundry facilities
An online resident portal for rent payments and maintenance requests
The Lakeside Nest is also pet-friendly. Its enclosed 400-square-foot bark park features four play stations, and pet sanitation stations are located throughout the property. Contact the leasing office to confirm current breed guidelines, weight limits, deposits, and monthly pet fees.
Consider the Arlington Location
The right apartment should fit both your home life and your commute. The Lakeside Nest is located at 2681 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211, in the Arlington area and across from Jacksonville University.
The University Boulevard location provides access to nearby shopping, dining, pharmacies, everyday services, major roads, public transportation options, and Downtown Jacksonville. This can be convenient for residents who want to stay connected to education, employment, errands, and entertainment without giving up a residential lakeside setting.
When comparing apartments, consider driving or taking your usual route from the property to work, school, grocery stores, and other places you visit frequently. A floor plan may look right online, but location and commute can have just as much influence on everyday comfort.
How to Make the Final Decision
If you are still undecided, compare both layouts using the same checklist:
Choose a Two-Bedroom Apartment When:
Two bedrooms and one bathroom meet your daily needs.
You want a flexible extra room without taking on a larger home.
Approximately 950 or 1,050 square feet provides enough living space.
Easier furnishing and upkeep are priorities.
Choose a Three-Bedroom Apartment When:
You need another private bedroom or dedicated activity space.
Two bathrooms would meaningfully improve your routine.
You want more room for roommates, guests, work, study, hobbies, or storage.
You expect the additional flexibility to remain useful throughout your lease.
Do not rely only on bedroom count. Compare the location of the bedrooms, bathroom access, closet space, kitchen storage, natural light, outdoor space, and the flow between living and dining areas.
Find the Right Apartment at The Lakeside Nest
There is no single winner in the two-bedroom versus three-bedroom comparison. A two-bedroom apartment offers a practical mix of space and manageability, while a three-bedroom apartment provides more privacy, a second bathroom, and room to adapt.
At The Lakeside Nest, both options are paired with modern apartment features, pet-friendly amenities, recreation spaces, and a peaceful four-acre lake in Arlington. The most reliable way to choose is to see the layouts for yourself.
Schedule a tour of The Lakeside Nest to compare available two- and three-bedroom apartments in person. You can also call (904) 671-6378 to ask about current availability, pricing, unit-specific features, and pet guidelines. When you are ready to take the next step, you can contact the leasing team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartment at The Lakeside Nest?
The two-bedroom layouts include two bedrooms and one bathroom, with approximately 950- and 1,050-square-foot options. The three-bedroom layouts include three separate bedrooms and two bathrooms. Contact the leasing office for details about the size and features of a currently available unit.
Is a two-bedroom apartment large enough for working from home?
It can be. If only one bedroom is needed for sleeping, the second room may work well as a dedicated office or study. If you need two sleeping rooms plus a separate office, a three-bedroom apartment may offer a more practical layout.
Is a three-bedroom apartment suitable for roommates?
Yes. Three separate bedrooms can provide more privacy for multiple roommates, while two bathrooms may make shared routines easier. Each applicant should confirm occupancy requirements and leasing terms with the property team.
Are two- and three-bedroom apartments pet-friendly?
The Lakeside Nest welcomes dogs and cats and provides an enclosed bark park and pet sanitation stations. Breed guidelines, weight limits, deposits, and monthly pet charges may apply, so confirm the current policy before applying.
Do all apartments have the same interior features?
No. Updated flooring, appliance finishes, backsplashes, private patios or balconies, lake views, and walk-in closets are available in select homes. Ask which features are included in the specific unit you are considering.
How can I check current availability?
Call The Lakeside Nest at (904) 671-6378 or schedule a tour online. The leasing team can confirm current two- and three-bedroom availability, pricing, unit features, and application requirement
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