Moving to Scottsdale/Tempe area need advice and guidance (for rent, brokers)

[RosyPosy]

Hi, we are two 30 yr old graduate students and we are moving to the ASU area for a 12 month internship beginning in July. My bf plans on working at a gym (as a personal trainer) and I will be working at ASU.

1- We want to live in an affordable safe area (would prefer like a guest house or cottage or private apt from a private owner) is something like that available at all? are there for rent by owner type things? They tend to be the cheapest and nicest to deal with

2- Would it be a good idea to take a road trip to the area and cruise around neighborhoods looking for "for rent" signs? We live in el paso and thats how a lot of people do it down here, craigslist is just full of brokers and huge complexes.....

3- where would he be best off as a trainer...gyms in scottsdale?

4- how much are utilities on average for two people


Thanks so much