<p>@DaughterOfCoul I’m a parent, not a student, so it would be better for a student to weigh in. My impression is that most freshmen and sophomores do not have cars and do not need them. Classes are walkable/bikeable. There is shopping, including a mini Walmart right by Barrett. Mill Avenue is north and is chock full of restaurants and bars. Overall, Phoenix transit is not as good as in Chicago, but there is a light-rail stop on campus that will take you downtown or to the airport (change trains). There is also a free campus shuttle between the four ASU campuses, including the downtown campus.</p>
<p>Parking costs close to $800 per semester for close-in lots.</p>
<p>I forgot to answer one of your questions. You will likely find Phoenix ridiculously easy to drive in compared to Chicago. Streets are generally wide, on an easy grid, and well maintained. People that complain about Phoenix traffic have never lived in a city with real traffic congestion.</p>