What’s the Best Area to Live Near ASU?
The best areas to live near Arizona State University depend on student priorities: Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue Corridor provide walkable campus access with active social scenes but higher rent, East Tempe offers affordability with manageable commutes, University Heights balances quiet residential feel with proximity to ASU, and North/West Tempe delivers apartment amenities with relaxed environments. Downtown Tempe remains most popular for students prioritizing convenience and social opportunities despite premium pricing. Budget-focused students prefer East Tempe’s lower rents while maintaining reasonable access to campus.
TL;DR: Quick Answer
- Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue neighborhoods offer the best walkability to ASU campus with vibrant social scenes, though rental costs run higher than other areas.
- East Tempe provides the most affordable housing options for ASU students with reliable bike lanes and bus access to campus.
- University Heights balances quiet residential living with close proximity to Arizona State University.
- North and West Tempe areas give students more amenities and living space compared to downtown locations.
- Choose your ASU neighborhood based on whether you prioritize campus convenience, budget constraints, social opportunities, or quiet study environments.
Choosing where to live off campus significantly affects your Arizona State University experience. Location determines class commute times, monthly rent costs, and social life accessibility. With multiple neighborhoods surrounding ASU and Tempe, understanding student-approved areas helps you make confident housing decisions.
ASU Student Neighborhood Comparison
Different Tempe neighborhoods serve different student priorities. This comparison shows key differences:
| Neighborhood | Distance to ASU | Walkability | Social Scene | Rent Level | Best For |
| Downtown Tempe | 0-0.5 miles | Excellent (5-10 min walk) | Very Active | Higher ($900-1,200/person) | Urban lifestyle, convenience priority |
| Mill Avenue Corridor | 0-0.5 miles | Excellent (5-10 min walk) | Very Active | Higher ($900-1,200/person) | Nightlife, social students |
| University Heights | 0.5-1 mile | Good (10-15 min walk/bike) | Moderate | Medium ($700-1,000/person) | Quiet + proximity balance |
| East Tempe | 1-2 miles | Fair (bike/bus) | Moderate | Lower ($600-900/person) | Budget-conscious students |
| North/West Tempe | 2-3 miles | Limited (bus/drive) | Low | Medium ($650-950/person) | Amenities, spacious living |
Downtown Tempe Provides Walkable Convenience Near ASU Campus
Downtown Tempe ranks as the most popular area for Arizona State University students seeking maximum convenience.
Downtown sits immediately adjacent to ASU Tempe campus with 5-10 minute walks to classes. This eliminates daily commute stress and transportation costs. Abundant restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and entertainment venues surround students. High student concentration creates vibrant social scene.
Mill Avenue UVX rapid transit and multiple bus routes provide excellent connectivity. Bike lanes and light rail stations support car-free living successfully.
Downtown commands premium prices reflecting convenience. Students pay $900-$1,200 monthly per person for shared apartments. Studios reach $1,400-$1,800 monthly.
Works Best For: Students prioritizing convenience, urban lifestyle seekers, social students, those accepting premium pricing for location advantages.
Mill Avenue Corridor Combines Social Life With Campus Proximity
Mill Avenue Corridor falls within Downtown Tempe but deserves specific mention for its distinct character.
Mill Avenue features the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, and nightlife near Arizona State University. This lively strip creates the epicenter of ASU student social activity with 5-10 minute walks to classes.
Students step out their doors directly into entertainment. Bars, live music venues, and events concentrate here densely. Excellent public transit serves the corridor.
Rental costs match Downtown Tempe: $900-$1,200 monthly per person in shared apartments.
Works Best For: Nightlife priority students, those wanting spontaneous entertainment access, extroverted students in bustling environments, those accepting higher rent for social proximity.
University Heights Balances Quiet Living With ASU Proximity
University Heights sits immediately south of Arizona State University main campus, offering quieter atmosphere than Downtown Tempe.
University Heights maintains very close proximity to ASU (0.5-1 mile) with 10-15 minute walks or bike rides to classes. Residential character provides peaceful home environments while maintaining convenient campus access. Less foot traffic and nighttime activity compared to Mill Avenue area.
Mix of apartments and houses provides variety with easier parking than downtown. Moderate pricing reflects balance: $700-$1,000 monthly per person in shared apartments.
Works Best For: Students wanting both proximity and quiet, those studying at home frequently, upperclassmen preferring residential over urban living, those seeking middle-ground between convenience and cost.
East Tempe Offers Affordability With Reasonable ASU Access
East Tempe neighborhoods east of Arizona State University campus provide the best value for budget-conscious students.
East Tempe sits 1-2 miles from ASU campus with 10-15 minute bike rides or short bus rides. Students typically pay $600-900 monthly per person in shared apartments, representing $200-400 monthly savings compared to Downtown Tempe ($2,400-$4,800 annual savings).
More rental options exist across price points. Quieter residential streets dominate many sections with local shops and eateries. Reliable bike routes and bus service make car-free living possible though some prefer vehicles.
Works Best For: Budget-focused students maximizing savings, those comfortable with 15-20 minute commutes, students with bicycles or using transit, those preferring residential over urban environments.
North and West Tempe Provide Spacious Residential Options
North and West Tempe neighborhoods offer alternatives for students wanting more space and amenities farther from immediate campus.
These areas sit 2-3 miles from Arizona State University with 15-30 minute commutes by bus, bike, or vehicle. Not walking distance for most. Newer complexes feature resort-style amenities including pools, fitness centers, and study lounges.
Significantly quieter than Downtown with lower student density creating relaxed environments. Medium pricing at $650-950 monthly per person reflects amenity quality despite lower demand than Downtown.
Most students need vehicles or rely heavily on buses.
Works Best For: Students wanting modern amenity complexes, those comfortable with longer commutes, students with vehicles, those preferring separation between campus and home life.
Choosing Your Best ASU Neighborhood Based on Priorities
Determine your ideal neighborhood through honest priority assessment:
Prioritize Convenience: 5-10 minute walks, car-free urban lifestyle, time savings over rent savings, active social environments → Choose Downtown Tempe or Mill Avenue Corridor
Prioritize Budget: Lower rent primary concern, comfortable with 15-20 minute commutes, bicycle or transit use, sacrifice convenience for savings → Choose East Tempe
Prioritize Balance: Both proximity and quietness, study at home frequently, residential over urban character, middle-ground rent → Choose University Heights
Prioritize Amenities: Modern apartment features, pools/gyms/study spaces, separated home and campus life, reliable transportation → Choose North/West Tempe
Essential Neighborhood Selection Tips
Before committing to any Tempe neighborhood:
- Visit in person or virtually – online listings misrepresent environments
- Check transportation options – verify actual route times and schedules
- Budget total costs – factor transportation into housing calculations
- Gather student insights – current residents reveal hidden issues
- Consider lifestyle honestly – choose neighborhoods matching actual habits
Best ASU Neighborhood Depends on Individual Student Priorities
No single perfect area exists for all Arizona State University students. Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue Corridor provide maximum convenience and social opportunities but cost more. East Tempe delivers affordability with reasonable access. University Heights balances quiet residential living with close proximity. North/West Tempe offers amenities and space for students accepting longer commutes.
Your best neighborhood matches your priorities: convenience, budget, social life, or quietness. Choose accordingly.
Find My Place helps ASU students compare neighborhoods, explore available housing options throughout Tempe, and make informed location decisions based on complete information about each area near Arizona State University.
