Off-Campus Housing Guide: Arizona State University

Arizona State University is one of the largest universities in the United States by enrollment, with over 80,000 students across its campuses in the Phoenix metro area. The main Tempe campus is the heart of ASU student life, set in a vibrant city between Phoenix and Scottsdale. ASU is well known for its programs in business, engineering, journalism, and sustainability, and its research output and innovation ecosystem have made it one of the most forward-looking universities in the country.

Off-campus housing near ASU is plentiful and more affordable than California markets. The Tempe area has a massive supply of student-oriented apartments, and competition, while real, is more manageable than at many comparable universities. This Off-Campus Housing Guide covers the best neighborhoods, what student life looks like off campus, and the local spots that define the ASU experience.

Off-Campus Housing Guide: Best Neighborhoods Near ASU

Mill Avenue District, just west of campus along Mill Avenue, is the heart of the ASU off-campus scene. It's lined with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and retail — and has some of the most convenient apartment options for students who want to walk to class and to nightlife. It's dense, energetic, and unmistakably ASU.

Tempe neighborhoods east of campus along Apache Boulevard and University Drive offer a wide variety of apartment complexes at competitive prices. These areas are popular with students who want a short bike ride or bus trip to campus without paying premium prices for the walkability of Mill Avenue.

Scottsdale borders Tempe to the north and east, and some ASU students choose to live there for access to a higher-end dining and nightlife scene. Old Town Scottsdale is about 15 minutes from campus and has a strong social scene popular with upperclassmen.

Off-Campus Student Life at ASU

ASU's location in the Phoenix metro gives students access to one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the country. Internship opportunities in tech, finance, real estate, and healthcare are abundant. The Valley Metro light rail runs directly through the Tempe campus and connects students to downtown Phoenix, Mesa, and the airport.

Tempe Town Lake is right next to campus and offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and a scenic waterfront for outdoor recreation. Hiking in the Phoenix area is excellent — Camelback Mountain, South Mountain, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve are all within 30 minutes. The desert lifestyle, combined with over 300 days of sunshine a year, shapes everyday student life at ASU.

Nearby Spots Worth Knowing

• Mill Avenue — the main student entertainment strip in Tempe with bars, restaurants, and shops walking distance from the ASU Tempe campus.

• Tempe Town Lake — a waterfront recreation area right next to campus, great for paddleboarding, running, and outdoor studying.

• Valley Metro Light Rail — connects ASU Tempe directly to downtown Phoenix and Mesa. Key for internship commutes and weekend trips.

• Camelback Mountain — one of the most popular hikes in the Phoenix area, about 20 minutes from campus. Worth the effort for the views.

Find your off-campus home near ASU at Off-Campus Universe — browse verified listings near the Tempe campus by neighborhood and price.

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