Best Apartments Near ASU Tempe Campus (Student Reviews 2026)

What Students Actually Say About Living Near ASU

Finding an apartment near ASU Tempe for the first time is overwhelming. There are dozens of complexes within walking or Light Rail distance, prices swing wildly, and every leasing office tells you they're "the best value." They're not all lying — it just depends what you care about.

Here's a breakdown of the most popular student complexes near campus, based on what students are actually saying in 2026.

The Luxury Tier (Yes, People Pay This)

Vertex on Apache Boulevard is one of the most talked-about complexes in the ASU bubble. It's close to campus, has a rooftop pool, co-working spaces, and the amenities are genuinely nice. Rent ranges roughly from $1,100 for a single bedroom in a shared unit to $1,800+ for a private studio. Students who live there tend to love the social scene and hate the price creep at renewal. Parking is extra.

Oliv Tempe near University Drive is in the same tier — modern finishes, gym, study rooms. The location puts you close to Tempe Marketplace and the Light Rail. The vibe skews older grad student and young professional, so it's quieter than some other complexes. Some residents have complained about thin walls and management responsiveness.

Sol y Luna is technically ASU-affiliated and sits right on campus. It's technically off-campus but functions like an elevated dorm. Private bedrooms, shared common areas, all-inclusive pricing. Convenient, but you're paying for that convenience — and you'll feel like you never left campus.

The Mid-Range Sweet Spot

Rise on Apache gets a lot of buzz. It's on Apache Boulevard, reasonably close to the light rail, and the price-per-bedroom is more digestible than Vertex for comparable amenities. The pool area is a social hub. Some students have noted that maintenance requests can be slow and that noise is an issue during football season.

922 Place near Rural Road is popular with students who want a slightly quieter setting without going too far from campus. It's not as flashy, but the units are solid and management tends to be more responsive than some of the larger corporate complexes.

The Local on Apache is one of the more affordable newer builds in the area. It attracts a mixed crowd — undergrads, grad students, young professionals. The rooftop is a selling point. Location is convenient for the Light Rail.

Budget Options (They Exist)

If you're trying to keep rent under $800 for your share, you're looking at older complexes further from campus or rooms in houses. Apache Boulevard east of Rural Road has older apartment buildings with lower rents. They won't have rooftop pools, but they're clean, functional, and the savings add up fast.

Also worth knowing: University Drive west of Rural Road has some smaller complexes and houses that rent individual rooms. It takes more hunting, but ASU List and Craigslist are your friends here.

What to Actually Prioritize

Before you get distracted by pool photos on Instagram:

Walk or bike to campus? Distance from your building to your main classroom building matters more than distance to "ASU" generally.
Light Rail access? If you have classes on the Polytechnic or Downtown campus, being near a station (Tempe Transportation Center, Mill Avenue, University/Rural) changes the math.
All-inclusive vs. utilities separate? Some complexes bundle everything. Others charge for electricity, water, parking, and pet fees separately. Get the full number.
Noise tolerance? Complexes near Mill Avenue and Apache Blvd are louder. Rural Road and further east tend to be quieter.

The Bottom Line

There's no single "best" apartment near ASU — it depends on your budget, how you commute, and whether you'd rather have a rooftop pool or an extra $300/month in your pocket. Talk to current residents before signing anything, and don't let a leasing office rush you.