๐Ÿก Purchasing a Condo or Townhome Under $600K: A Fall Move-In Guide for ASU Parents

๐Ÿ“ Proximity to Campus Matters

For many parents, proximity to campus equals peace of mind. Tempe is a compact, walkable city, and most condos and townhomes under $600K are located within 2 miles of ASU. Being close to class and amenities means fewer transportation worries, more oversight, and a greater sense of safety for students living independently for the first time.


๐Ÿ“Š What You Can Buy in 2025

According to the latest data from the MLS:

  • Approximately 127 active listings
    • ~35 condos
    • ~92 townhomes
  • Properties with 1โ€“3 bedrooms, ideal for students or families
  • HOA fees exist but range widelyโ€”some include utilities and amenities

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Value by Bedroom Count

Letโ€™s break down what buyers typically get by bedroom count:

  • 1-bed/1-bath
    ~600โ€“800โ€ฏftยฒ | $300Kโ€“$450K โ€“ great for a student who might host friends or want privacy
  • 2-bed/2-bath
    ~900โ€“1,200โ€ฏftยฒ | $400Kโ€“$550K โ€“ ideal for roommates or dual-use (student + rental)
  • 3-bed/2โ€“3โ€ฏbath
    ~1,200โ€“1,600โ€ฏftยฒ | $550Kโ€“$600K โ€“ close to campus with extra space for family

๐Ÿ’ก Why Buying Beats Renting

BenefitDetails
Equity GrowthInvest in property rather than paying escalating rent
Security of TenureNo surprise rent hikes or lease non-renewals
Rental FlexibilityPost-graduation, rent extra rooms to offset mortgage
Campus BonusIn-unit study space, parking, and comfort

๐Ÿ˜๏ธ Top-Location Highlights

  • Near Mill Ave & Apache Blvd โ€“ vibrant, near class, perfect walk score
  • Tempe Town Lake area โ€“ scenic, family-friendly, recreation proximity
  • Hayden Butte zone โ€“ peaceful hillside living with campus access

๐Ÿ“‹ Sidebar: Student Rental Costs by Bedroom

Hereโ€™s what college students typically pay near ASU in non-University-owned rentals:

  • Per room (shared 2โ€“4 bedroom units): $850โ€“$1,350/month per room
  • 1-bedroom unit: ~$1,320โ€“1,473/month
  • 2-bedroom unit: ~$1,545โ€“1,754/month

Average rates (per uhomes.com):

  • 1โ€ฏBR: $1,464/mo
  • 2โ€ฏBR: $1,749/mo

๐ŸŽ“ What That Means for Parents

  • A $500Kโ€“$600K condo (say 2 bedrooms) might cost ~$2,300/month on a 30-year mortgage with HOA + insurance.
  • As a rental, each bedroom can bring in ~$800โ€“900/month, offsetting mortgage and holding value.
  • Students gain stability, community security, and improved living quality vs. rentals.

โœ… Ready to Help

  • I can pull specific listings โ€” bedrooms, square footage, HOA fees, walk scores
  • Iโ€™ll generate image + copy options for your BoldTrail squeeze page
  • Need a TinyURL link or top 5 curated picks? Happy to deliver.

Brent Hammonds โ€” Associate Broker / REALTORยฎ
HomeSmart Real Estate
๐Ÿ“ž 602-717-3219
๐Ÿ“ง azbrokerbrent@gmail.com
๐ŸŒ phoenixMLShomes.com
๐Ÿ“ azbrokerbrent.blog
๐Ÿ”— Social: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | X
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