ASU affordable housing options for students

Introduction

Securing good housing near Arizona State University is a major priority for students navigating life in Tempe. With thousands of students searching for apartments each semester, competition can be intense, and prices in certain parts of the city continue to rise. Fortunately, students have access to several budget-friendly neighborhoods that offer strong value, walkability, convenience, and vibrant communities. By understanding the most popular ASU affordable housing areas, students can make smarter decisions, avoid last-minute stress, and find living arrangements that fit their academic schedule and financial goals. Whether you're searching for a shared apartment, a quiet residential street, or a lively neighborhood full of student nightlife, Tempe and its surrounding areas offer many great options for students who want comfort without overspending.

1) North Tempe: Convenient, Walkable, and Student-Focused

North Tempe is one of the most popular areas for ASU students because of its unbeatable access to campus. With a large collection of student-friendly apartments, renovated older units, and shared housing options, it offers something for nearly every budget. Many students appreciate how easy it is to walk or bike to ASU, especially for early morning classes or long study days.

North Tempe balances affordability with convenience. Restaurants, convenience stores, coffee shops, and bus stops line major streets, making it easy for students to get what they need without traveling far. For those looking for affordability with maximum convenience, North Tempe remains an ideal location.

Why students love North Tempe:

• Walkable access to campus

• Wide selection of student apartments

• Affordable older buildings

• Balanced mix of convenience and community

North Tempe is a top choice for students wanting comfort and proximity.

2) South Tempe: Affordable, Residential, and Peaceful

For students who want more space, comfort, and peace while still remaining within reasonable distance of ASU, South Tempe is an excellent choice. This neighborhood is known for its residential feel, tree-lined streets, and abundance of older apartments and shared homes that often come at lower prices than more central areas.

Students living in South Tempe enjoy access to local parks, grocery stores, and quiet study spots. Although it's a bit farther from campus, biking and bus routes make the commute simple. The affordability of South Tempe makes it especially attractive for students who want a calmer environment without overstretching their budget.

Best features of South Tempe:

• Affordable shared housing

• Quiet, suburban environment

• Lots of parks and local amenities

• Easy public transit access

South Tempe strikes a great balance between affordability and comfort.

3) Top picks in South Tempe for ASU affordable housing

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Several pockets within South Tempe stand out for students specifically searching for ASU affordable housing. Neighborhoods near Rural Road, Guadalupe Road, and Baseline Road offer clusters of older apartment buildings and shared rental homes that consistently remain budget-friendly. Many of these properties feature spacious floor plans, onsite parking, and student-centered management that understands the needs of renters enrolled at ASU.

Students appreciate these areas for their lower rental prices, easy access to essentials, and laid-back residential atmosphere. Shared two-bedroom and three-bedroom units are especially popular, helping further reduce monthly costs while still providing ample space.

What students like most in these sections of South Tempe:

• Lower rent than other major student neighborhoods

• Spacious, quiet streets ideal for focused study

• Affordable older buildings with flexible layouts

• Easy access to grocery stores, cafés, and transit stops

For students who want calm surroundings with wallet-friendly rent, these pockets within South Tempe are top options.

4) Apache Boulevard Corridor: Affordable, Social, and Full of Choices

The Apache Boulevard Corridor is one of the most active and budget-friendly student housing areas in Tempe. Lined with apartments, eateries, markets, and nightlife spots, it’s designed to support student lifestyles. This corridor is especially popular among underclassmen, transfer students, and those looking for true value.

Housing options range from older budget-friendly apartments to newer mid-range complexes that offer great amenities at competitive prices. With ongoing development, the Apache Corridor continues to provide new opportunities for affordable student living.

Why students like Apache Boulevard:

• Direct bus routes to ASU

• High availability of student-friendly apartments

• Affordable rent options

• Plenty of places to eat, study, and socialize

The Apache Corridor is ideal for students who want affordability and activity in one place.

5) Downtown Tempe: Energetic, Social, and Surprisingly Affordable

Downtown Tempe is a vibrant hub at the center of student life. Although some areas feature premium pricing, downtown also includes older buildings and quietly located apartments that offer much lower rents. Students wanting to live close to nightlife, cafes, and classroom buildings often find Downtown Tempe a great fit.

Living downtown gives students easy access to events, employment opportunities, and entertainment. The walkability is unmatched—students can quickly get to campus, restaurants, the lakefront, and study lounges.

Why students pick Downtown Tempe:

• Steps from campus and Mill Avenue

• Access to countless food and entertainment options

• Affordable pockets in older buildings

• Perfect for students without a car

Downtown Tempe combines affordability and convenience for students who want to be in the center of all activity.

6) Mesa: Budget-Friendly Living with Plenty of Space

Mesa is one of the most budget-friendly cities near ASU, making it an increasingly popular option for students seeking more space at lower prices. The commute is longer compared to Tempe neighborhoods, but the financial trade-off is often well worth it. Many students take advantage of the light rail, which provides a direct link to ASU.

Housing options in Mesa include older apartment complexes, duplexes, shared homes, and townhomes. Rent prices tend to be significantly lower than Tempe’s central neighborhoods, making Mesa ideal for students with tight budgets or those who want quiet living environments.

Why Mesa appeals to students:

• Very affordable rent

• Larger homes and apartments

• Easy light rail access to ASU

• Quiet neighborhoods great for studying

Mesa offers affordability and space that’s hard to find elsewhere.

7) Scottsdale (South Scottsdale): Trendy, Accessible, and Student-Friendly

South Scottsdale is another strong option for ASU students, especially those who want a more modern neighborhood with lots of dining, shopping, and entertainment. While some parts of Scottsdale are expensive, South Scottsdale contains many older apartment complexes that remain much more affordable.

Students enjoy the energetic environment, local restaurants, and easy access to ASU via major bus routes and biking paths. Shared units make living in this area even more affordable, especially for students wanting convenience and lifestyle amenities.

Benefits of South Scottsdale:

• Trendy and youthful

• Affordable pockets in older buildings

• Easy commute to ASU

• Tons of shopping and social spots

For students wanting a stylish yet budget-friendly neighborhood, South Scottsdale delivers.

8) Chandler: Comfortable, Family-Friendly, and Affordable

Chandler is farther from campus but offers strong appeal for students needing lower rent and a peaceful environment. Known for its suburban layout, Chandler provides clean streets, parks, and affordable housing options—especially older apartment buildings and shared homes.

Students who value stability, quiet, and comfortable living choose Chandler for its safety and home-like feel. The commute requires more planning, but for many students, the affordability outweighs the distance.

Why students consider Chandler:

• Very reasonable rental prices

• Safe, suburban feel

• Larger units perfect for shared housing

• Reliable access to amenities

Chandler fits students who want comfort and space over proximity.

9) Gilbert: Clean, Safe, and Growing in Student Appeal

Gilbert, another suburban city near Tempe, continues to attract ASU students looking for safe, affordable, and clean housing. Rent prices are competitive, and many buildings offer spacious layouts perfect for roommates. Gilbert also has a thriving downtown packed with restaurants and entertainment options.

While farther from campus, Gilbert offers an incredibly high quality of life—especially for students who prefer quiet areas. It’s a strong fit for upperclassmen, graduate students, or anyone willing to commute for lower rent and extra comfort.

Why students like Gilbert:

• Excellent affordability

• Clean, spacious housing

• Family-friendly and safe

• Plenty of amenities and entertainment

Gilbert gives students a calm environment with generous space and great value.

Conclusion

Choosing where to live during your time at Arizona State University can greatly impact your lifestyle, finances, and academic success. Fortunately, students have access to a wide range of ASU affordable housing options that suit different personalities and budgets. From the convenience of North Tempe to the vibrant energy of Downtown Tempe, and from the quiet suburbs of Chandler to the affordability of Mesa, each neighborhood offers unique advantages. By exploring these housing areas early and considering shared living arrangements, transportation, and personal preferences, students can find a comfortable, wallet-friendly home that supports their entire ASU journey.

Visit ASU Universe Housing as a great resource to meet roommates and find off-campus housing at:👉  https://www.offcampus-universe.com/university/asu/property-listings