ASU Housing Guide: Off-Campus Living in Tempe

Arizona State University's main campus sits in the heart of Tempe, a vibrant college town with a thriving rental market and plenty of off-campus living options for students. Whether you're a first-year student venturing out of the dorms or a grad student looking for your own space, understanding the ASU housing landscape will help you find a place that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Why Students Choose Off-Campus ASU Housing

Living off campus gives ASU students more freedom, often more space, and frequently lower costs than on-campus housing, especially for upperclassmen and graduate students. Tempe's rental market is active and diverse, offering everything from luxury high-rises to older ranch-style homes shared among friends. The city's walkability near campus, combined with the Valley Metro light rail system, makes it easy to find ASU housing that's convenient even if you're not right next door to Old Main.

Best Neighborhoods for ASU Housing

• Tempe Town Lake Area: Modern apartments with resort-style amenities and easy access to Mill Avenue, the city's main social corridor.

• Downtown Tempe / Mill Avenue: Extremely walkable to campus. Restaurants, bars, and shops at your doorstep. Premium pricing but unbeatable convenience.

• South Tempe: More residential and quieter than central Tempe. Larger homes and some more affordable options.

• Mesa (adjacent): Just east of Tempe, Mesa offers lower rents with light rail access back to campus.

• Scottsdale border areas: Premium living with a suburban feel, ideal for students with cars.

How Much Does ASU Housing Cost?

Arizona has no state income tax and generally lower cost of living than coastal cities, making Tempe one of the more affordable college towns in the Sun Belt. Studio apartments near campus run $1,200 to $1,900 per month. One-bedroom apartments average $1,400 to $2,100. Shared rooms in two- to three-bedroom units cost $700 to $1,100 per person, and rooms in shared houses run $600 to $950 per person.

👉 Find off-campus housing near Arizona State University:

https://www.offcampus-universe.com/university/asu/property-listings

Utility costs can be high in summer due to air conditioning, so budget $80 to $150 per month for electricity during warmer months.

Getting Around Tempe Without a Car

The Valley Metro Light Rail runs east-west through Tempe and connects to Phoenix and Mesa, with several stops within walking distance of ASU's campus. The Tempe Streetcar connects Mill Avenue and nearby neighborhoods to the light rail. Tempe's flat terrain and growing bike lane network make cycling a practical commute option. ASU also offers a free shuttle service for currently enrolled students.

Lease Tips for Tempe Renters

Watch for summer sublease opportunities since many ASU students leave for the summer and offer their units at a discount. Confirm air conditioning systems are functional before signing, as this is Arizona and summer cooling costs are significant. Arizona landlord-tenant law requires landlords to provide 10 days notice for entry. Ask about pool and gym access, as many Tempe complexes include these as standard. Get your lease in writing and review all fees before signing.

Finding Your Ideal ASU Housing

With thousands of students competing for off-campus ASU housing near Arizona State University each year, the key is to start early and know what you want. Platforms like Off-Campus Universe help you filter by location, price, and amenity to find ASU housing that works for your situation. Whether you want a furnished studio steps from campus or a shared house with a pool and parking, Tempe's rental market has options at nearly every price point.

Find off-campus housing near Arizona State University: https://www.offcampus-universe.com/university/asu/property-listings

This article is provided by an independent housing resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Arizona State University.