Where To Live? (Phoenix, Tempe: transfer, neighborhood, university)

[RampageInAZ]

So I am thinking I am going to finally set the wheels in motion for my move from Houston to the Phoenix metro area. I've wanted to move for quite awhile but various things over the years have held me back. Finally just going to make the jump.

Now, the good part, I have a job with a major national company, and there is a location in Phoenix, off of I-10 and 40th street. Probably shouldn't be a problem to get transferred there, as they have several positions open.

Anyways, I won't BS you guys with what I'd like. I want to be close to work. I hate long commutes, I don't want to be stuck in heavy traffic for 3 hours. On the other hand, I want to be in a cheap and safe (do those two words go together?) area. I was thinking somewhere in Tempe, I wouldn't mind living in a student neighborhood near ASU for awhile. (I am single and 25) However I am not sure how cheap any student areas may actually be.

But I am open to suggestions from all of you current residents, close, cheap, and safe. lol

Thanks guys.

[observer53]

Tempe to I-10 and 40th would be an easy commute. Depending on where you live in Tempe, you could take the major east west streets-- Broadway, Southern, Baseline, etc. over to 40th and go north to work, or use the freeway. Lots of apts to choose from, that should work for you, you wouldn't have to go so close to the University that all your neighbors are undergrads, but, as you say, you could do that. There are some older apts in nice quiet areas. I think you'd like Tempe very much.