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 197,595 people. In Tempe, there are 4,943 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Tempe could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 30 years old is below the nation’s average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 34% of the Tempe population is 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 intimidating task. However, it could also be a fulfilling 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. The best areas in Tempe and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Arizona and national averages.
Tempe, AZ receives 78 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #9 in Arizona and #2,220 in the USA. Clearly, Tempe is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Tempe also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Tempe has higher than average scores for the following: cost of living (B-), employment (B-) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Tempe does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
If you're living in Tempe, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Tempe an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Tempe: 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.
Tempe real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Tempe. Median real estate prices in Tempe come in at $522,998, which is 67.9% 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 5.7, which is 39% higher than the Arizona average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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% |
Here are the best places to live in Arizona
These are the largest cities in Arizona
Safest States In The US
See the best places to live in Tempe