922 Place vs The Local vs Oliv: ASU Apartment Comparison

922 Place vs The Local vs Oliv: Which One's Right for You?

If you've been researching apartments near ASU Tempe, these three names keep coming up. They're all popular, they're all within reasonable distance of campus, and they each attract somewhat different types of students. Here's a side-by-side look at what they're actually like.

922 Place

Location: Near Rural Road and University Drive, eastern edge of the main student apartment zone.

922 Place is a bit off the beaten path compared to the Apache Boulevard corridor, but it's still bikeable to campus and close to the Light Rail. The vibe is quieter than some of the larger, flashier complexes — it attracts students who want campus proximity without being in the epicenter of the social scene.

Amenities: Pool, fitness center, study areas. Not as extensive as Vertex or Oliv, but functional and not constantly overcrowded.

Units: Mix of shared and individual configurations. Generally furnished. Unit quality is solid without being exceptional.

Price: On the more affordable end of the student apartment spectrum — roughly $850–$1,050/month for a private bedroom in a shared unit. One of the better value propositions near campus.

Who it's for: Students who want to be near campus without paying for amenities they don't use, and who prefer a lower-key living environment.

Common complaints: Less social/community vibe than bigger complexes, management can be inconsistent, location isn't as convenient for students whose campus life centers on Apache Blvd.

The Local

Location: Apache Boulevard corridor, close to the Light Rail.

The Local is one of the newer builds on the Apache strip and it has a rooftop that gets a lot of Instagram attention. It's positioned between the full luxury tier (Vertex, Oliv) and the budget tier, which makes it a popular choice for students who want amenities without paying top dollar.

Amenities: Rooftop lounge/pool, gym, study spaces, package lockers. The rooftop is the clear differentiator and it's genuinely nice.

Units: Modern finishes, furnished, various configurations. The layouts are efficient — not huge, but smartly designed.

Price: Roughly $950–$1,150/month for a private bedroom in a shared unit. Slightly higher than 922 Place, noticeably lower than Oliv.

Who it's for: Students who want the social, rooftop-vibe experience without the full Vertex/Oliv price tag. Location is great for Light Rail users.

Common complaints: Noise from Apache Blvd (it's a busy corridor), thin walls between units, some residents report slow maintenance response.

Oliv Tempe

Location: Near University Drive, close to Tempe Marketplace and the Light Rail.

Oliv is in the luxury tier. It markets to a slightly older demographic than some of the other student complexes — more grad students and young professionals, fewer undergrad first-years. The result is a quieter, more professional atmosphere.

Amenities: High-end gym, resort-style pool, co-working spaces, rooftop deck. The amenity package is genuinely impressive and tends to be less overcrowded than at Vertex because of the demographic mix.

Units: Premium finishes, modern kitchens, well-maintained. Higher ceilings than most student apartments in the area.

Price: $1,100–$1,600+/month depending on configuration. Parking is extra.

Who it's for: Grad students, students who prioritize quiet and quality over social energy, students whose budget can absorb the premium.

Common complaints: Expensive, parking costs add up, can feel less community-oriented than undergrad-heavy complexes.

The Quick Comparison

|---|---|---|---|

| Price range | $850–$1,050 | $950–$1,150 | $1,100–$1,600+ |

The Bottom Line

If budget is the priority: 922 Place. If you want the social scene and a rooftop without going full luxury: The Local. If you can spend more and want quality and quiet: Oliv. Tour all three before deciding — and talk to current residents, not just leasing agents.