Tempe, AZ, known as "A College Town with a Desert Soul," offers a vibrant lifestyle with a strong emphasis on education and innovation. Located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tempe is approximately 10 miles east of downtown Phoenix and 20 miles west of Mesa. This medium-sized city is home to Arizona State University and provides a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty.
Tempe's climate features hot, dry summers and mild winters, ideal for outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as Tempe Beach Park and Papago Park, which offer hiking, biking, and scenic views. Tempe Town Lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding, making it a hub for water-based recreation.
The cultural scene in Tempe is dynamic, with attractions like the Tempe Center for the Arts, the ASU Art Museum, and the Desert Botanical Garden. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Tempe Festival of the Arts and the Ironman Arizona triathlon, which draw visitors and residents alike.
Education is a cornerstone of the community in Tempe, with Arizona State University providing a strong presence and contributing to the city's intellectual and cultural vibrancy. The city's public and private schools are well-regarded, making Tempe an attractive place for families. The presence of tech companies and research institutions supports a robust job market.
Living in Tempe combines the benefits of urban living with the charm of a college town. Residents enjoy access to top-notch healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including light rail and buses, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its cultural richness, innovative spirit, and welcoming atmosphere, Tempe offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Tempe, Arizona is a moderately-sized city with a population of 191,607 people. With a population density of 4,797 people per square mile, Tempe is well above the nation's average density level. Tempe tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 30 is far below the national average. Tempe is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 34%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Tempe will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 21 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Tempe, Arizona. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Tempe and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, housing and other important metrics.
Tempe has a livability score of 78/100 and is ranked #7 in Arizona and #1,970 in the USA. Based on this score, Tempe would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Tempe ranks very well for cost of living (B-), employment (B-) and housing (A-). On a more negative note, Tempe does not have favorable scores for the following: crime (F) and education (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Tempe has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Tempe has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Mill Avenue District, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and Arizona Mills Mall.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Tempe can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Assuming that Tempe meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Tempe. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Tempe are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Tempe come in at $287,600, which is 62.6% higher than the Arizona average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Tempe, the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 34.3% higher than the Arizona average.
| Statistic | Tempe | Arizona | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 68.1% | 76.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.7% | 10.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 4.0% | 2.0% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.4% | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.5% | 2.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.7% | 5.7% | 4.6% |
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