July and August can be crunch time for ASU students looking to make last minute housing plans before the fall semester starts. While many students have planned ahead and are sitting by the pool or hanging out at mom and dads enjoying some free home-cooked meals and the super-cool laundry service that stops soon, others are still scrambling.
I’ve heard students recently say “I just need to get into something before school starts.” Unfortunately, their choices are not always as numerous as they had hoped. If leasing, there are many landlords that are not exactly “student friendly”. Most landlords know that August is crunch time. Some are cool with that, some will simply not return calls or even look at student applications – it can be frustrating. If buying, mom and dad can help, but they better hurry.
The August opening of West 6th in Tempe was surely not an accident, these guys saw a big opportunity for marketing to the ASU crowd and have been very successful. Unfortunately, West 6th isn’t for everyone. Their 2 and 3 bedroom penthouses start at $2995.00 per month while the studio apartments begin at $945. Obviously, there are many other high end choices near ASU and along the line. Fortunately, there are more affordable choices with places beginning around $400.00 on up to some really rockin’ places.
Two key features many students consider is proximity to light rail AND to campus. Everyone knows that ASU students are HUGE contributors to the success of the light rail ridership numbers. Students in Phoenix and in Tempe take advantage of the free park and ride lots, as well as the U-Pass savings through ASU. Having the trains drop them off on or very near campus is another reason that being within walking distance of a METRO station seems to make sense. Of course, common sense isn’t always the first choice. Waiting until the middle of July to begin looking for next semester’s place can be a little stressful…
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