The Arizona State University campus in downtown Phoenix is not merely a draw for students to further their education; it also serves as a magnet for related businesses. Whether for work or school, if you’re going to be making a commute to ASU Downtown, you should know how best to make it there with a minimum of hassle.
Avante Apartment Homes
Living on McDowell Road west of I-I7 certainly eliminates a lot of the north-south travel that some people have to deal with. That said, it’s a simple trip going into downtown from the Avante Apartment Homes. By car, it’s only about 20 minutes, assuming light traffic conditions. It’s possible to cover it by bicycle in a little over 45 minutes. Valley Metro buses are the slowest option at almost an hour, though they do give you the opportunity to finish up any last-minute homework that might need to be done.
The Cove Apartments
Being close to Desert Sky Mall puts The Cove away from downtown, so you can expect a trip. Biking your way there will take an hour, assuming the shortest and fastest route. Taking a bus by itself will be a direct shot straight down McDowell Road when riding the RAPID for the fastest route, while a more leisurely route can have you catching the light rail for the final leg.
Del Mar Terrace Apartments
A little closer on the east-west axis than some other apartments but further north, the Del Mar Terrace Apartmentsdoes have the virtue of being on a direct line to a light rail stop at Indian School and Central Avenue, though getting there will require a bus or bicycle for most of the trip. Going exclusively by bus or by bike will take a little longer. Driving directly will take about 20 minutes or so, depending on route and traffic conditions.
Desert Point Apartments
Since it is close to the Avante Apartments, residents at Desert Point will have roughly the same travel times as their neighbors, give or take a couple of minutes, for all possible methods of transportation. On the other hand, this does suggest the conditions for a carpool or ride-share arrangement, where neighbors heading downtown can pile into a vehicle and rotate among themselves for who gets to drive that day.
Parkwood Apartments
As with Desert Point, the Parkwood Apartments are close to another complex, the Del Mar Terrace in this case. Very close, in fact. They’re practically neighbors, which means that travel times are going to be essentially the same, regardless of route and transportation method. But much like the relationship with Desert Point and Avante, the possibility of setting up a carpool or ride-share arrangement makes a great deal of logistical sense and makes for a good way to meet your neighbors.
Cameron Apartments
The Cameron Apartments are also on Indian School, albeit further east than either Parkwood or Del Mar and tucked away a little bit south. Transit times for car, bike and bus are going to be a couple of minutes less than either of those locations, but still within the same general time frame. It might be a little more of a stretch to work out the logistics of a ride share.
Hitting the Streets
Commuting from home to school or work requires an awareness of the circumstances that are present at the time you’re passing through the area. While there are general patterns that can be observed, there are also unexpected elements that can disrupt any transit plan, adding time to the trip and potentially causing you trouble.
Here are ways to minimize external disruptions and take into account general patterns, which are easy enough to incorporate into your routine.
- For those driving their own vehicles, take a moment to check traffic conditions before you leave either by getting a traffic report over the radio or TV, or checking Google Maps. Pay attention to road construction warnings and their projected dates, and plot out detours before driving to ensure you can get past them with a minimum of delay. Keep your radio tuned to a channel that regularly updates traffic conditions. Whether on the highway or surface streets, make sure that you’re in position to make any turns at least a half-mile before you have to make it.
- Those who ride their bicycles into downtown will have a longer trip than those with cars, but they are not immune to traffic conditions. The good news is that you’re in a better position to get traffic updates through Google Maps or the desired traffic-monitoring app than those who are driving. Be aware of when rush hour tends to start and stop, and try to avoid starting your trip during those hours as much as possible. Since you’re exposed to the elements more than bus passengers or car drivers, dress for the conditions and be prepared for those conditions to change. Even in the winter, you should remember to stay hydrated, so be sure to carry water in an insulated bottle or container.
- If you’re taking the bus and or light rail, the single most important thing you need to do is to memorize the schedule. Know when your bus hits the stop closest to you and be ready to board before it gets there. Know what stops it hits and when, and be ready to clear out as soon as possible. Minimize the amount of time between boarding and disembarking as much as possible. The more organized you are, the faster the trip will go.
The opportunities for education and professional success at ASU Downtown depend entirely upon your ability to make it there in a timely fashion, ready to learn or ready to work, as your position requires.
For those who want to obtain Phoenix housing that lets them accomplish their goals, take a look at the various properties operated by Heers Management. One is sure to fit your needs.