Grad Student Seeking Housing Advice (Phoenix: for rent, houses, neighborhoods)

[rockandrollr]

Hey all,

I'm considering heading to Phoenix to start grad school at ASU. My program would put me at the Downtown campus. I'm looking for a 1br, or perhaps a large studio, and would like to stay under 500/month, not including utilities. I'm guessing that walking distance to ASU downtown will be difficult in that price range, but I would be comfortable within a short walk of a light rail station. Does anyone have any suggestions for resonably nice places with decent landlords (my current landlord is a little below par)? A less creepy neighborhood would be preferable, even if that means farther from downtown. Thanks in advance for your help!

[asufan]

Originally Posted by rockandrollr

Hey all,

I'm considering heading to Phoenix to start grad school at ASU. My program would put me at the Downtown campus. I'm looking for a 1br, or perhaps a large studio, and would like to stay under 500/month, not including utilities. I'm guessing that walking distance to ASU downtown will be difficult in that price range, but I would be comfortable within a short walk of a light rail station. Does anyone have any suggestions for resonably nice places with decent landlords (my current landlord is a little below par)? A less creepy neighborhood would be preferable, even if that means farther from downtown. Thanks in advance for your help!

For that price and location, I think you'll need to look into a roommate situation, or rent a room from someone that owns a house. It would have been nearly impossible to find a 1 BR or studio for under $500 in that area when I was in school almost 10 years ago, and prices have gone up since then.

[pbenjamin]

Some of the homes in the historic neighborhoods have guest houses that are available for rent. There is one on craigslist in Willo that looks nice, $700 including utilities. Walk to light rail.