The Best Neighborhoods To Live In Tempe, AZ

Life in Tempe, Arizona is fantastic. From unmatched employment opportunities to higher education and cultural opportunities, the city’s bounty perks appeals to a broad demographic of residents. Here are a few things to ponder. If you are thinking about relocating to Tempe, AZ.

What You Should Know About Living in Tempe, AZ

Best Neighborhoods in Tempe

The best neighborhoods in Tempe run the gammut—there really is something for everyone. The type of vibe and experience you are looking for will greatly influence you within the city. If it is nightlife, bars, sporting events or anything else that leans younger, then count northern Tempe (the area around Tempe Town Lake and Arizona State University) as one of the best neighborhoods in Tempe where you’ll want to look. It is logical, then, that this section is where you are more likely to find multi-unit and high rise housing. Among other neighborhoods, popular North Tempe communities include Lindon Park, Maple-Ash, University Park and Jen Tilly Terrace.

If you’re looking to be a stone’s throw from all of that, but maybe reside in a little bit more laid back, family friendly area, head a little south below Highway 60 and you will feel right at home. This area has many communities of single family homes and is a sure bet if you want a pool, but do not want to share it with neighbors from an apartment complex.

Life in Tempe, Arizona

Because Arizona State University is located here, residents will find many activities to keep them busy. Whether you are looking for weekend bar crawls, recreation centers or golf, Tempe has everything younger residents and families are looking for.

Tempe also offers a great location for living if you are a fan of sports. Downtown Phoenix isn’t far away, where you can enjoy taking in a Phoenix Suns game, or perhaps watching the Arizona Diamondbacks in Chase Field (which is air conditioned, by the way).

The University itself, right in the heart of Tempe, offers exceptional sports-watching as well. As it is part of the Pac-12 Conference, you will find high-caliber college athletics, from football to basketball, baseball to volleyball, etc. There is always something to keep you and the family entertained as it relates to sports. If this sounds appealing to you, take a look at homes in the area. Some of the best Tempe neighborhoods in the southern part include Optimist Park, Tally Ho Farms, Sunburst Farms (not to be confused with the community of the same name in Glendale) and Mission Ridge.

Pros and Cons of Living in Tempe

Much like any city in which you choose to reside, Tempe has pros and cons. As mentioned earlier, there are a ton of things to keep you busy. Along with those activities, however, there are also great career opportunities. Tempe is home to companies such as US Airways, First Solar, Salt River Project, Insight Enterprises, and many other Fortune 500 companies. So while it’s a great place to play, it’s also a great place to work.

Tempe’s location within the Valley makes it very easy to get around. With access to the 101 Freeway, Highway 60, the 202 Freeway and Interstate 10, there are many options to get you where you want to go. However, with the convenience also comes the potential for some headaches. Because Tempe is surrounded by all of these traffic veins, rush hour can be a little slow for the morning and evening commutes. And, with Arizona State’s thousands of students in town during the school, congestion can occasionally be frustrating, though Tempe residents find marked relief during summer break and holiday vacations.

But these are minor inconveniences to an otherwise great place to all home.

Is Tempe a safe place to live?

There are a lot of misconceptions about the crime rate, leading people to incorrectly dismiss the fact that Tempe is a safe place to live. Crime rates are typically calculated by taking the total number of crimes and dividing them by the residential population. But because Tempe is such a hub of industry, the number of people commuting there to work during the day increases by an astounding 46 percent during working hours—the largest percentage increase of any city in the Valley. So, all of the crimes reported (presumably a large portion of which happen during the day when the number of people in Tempe is at its peak), are divided by the significantly lower number of residents, meaning that typical measures of safety are significantly misleading. In fact, three out of four Tempe residents recently reported that they are happy with the safety of the city.

Relocating to Tempe

Living in Tempe, AZ is an incredibly wonderful experience. From excellent schools and recreational opportunities to nightlife and the iconic Mill Avenue, families, singles and retirees alike can all find something to love about life in Tempe, AZ. But don’t just take our word for it! Check out current real estate listings in Tempe and let us know if one of our agents can show you our favorite spots in the city. There are homes at many price points and with the largest IKEA on the west coast, picking up some cheap, stylish furnishing for your new Tempe home will be a snap!