Tempe

Welcome To Tempe

Overview

The City of Tempe may be recognizable as the home of Arizona State University (ASU), but both the city’s location and multiple development projects have continued to create even more reasons to pay close attention. Let’s cover some of what this bustling city has to offer!

Geography

First, it’s interesting to realize that Tempe is landlocked by surrounding cities in the Phoenix metro, including the cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale. This landlocked status has created an environment where virtually the only direction that the city can grow is upward. In Tempe’s case, its location is a real convenience due to its proximity to the “middle of town”, with ASU sitting around 10 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport, about 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, and approximately 15 minutes from the shopping and dining attractions of South Scottsdale.

The magic that truly enables this varied access and shortened commutes to different areas of the Phoenix Metro is the network of freeways that touch the City of Tempe, including the 101, 202, Interstate 10, and the US 60. Additionally, Tempe boasts a leg of the Light Rail (Phoenix’s above-ground train) that runs into Downtown Phoenix in one direction and out to Mesa on the other side. With all of that infrastructure in place, it’s easy to see why access to and from Tempe is a major asset for the city, for business, and for education.

The Phoenix metro area does have a solid system of freeways, but one thing it isn’t known for is waterfront property. Interestingly enough, this is another place where Tempe shines thanks to Tempe Town Lake. Not only does the lake provide a beautiful view, it also works with the 202 freeway to serve as a functional border, sandwiching a large swath of buildings just north of ASU. This collection of structures contains a large concentration of office buildings, multiple of which are of newer construction, along with residential highrises. This lakefront landlock has given rise to a vibrant office scene in Tempe, including upscale, Class A buildings. With even more potential construction designed for this northern area of Tempe, it’s easy to see why this part of town is worth watching.

While it is important to highlight other elements of Tempe, it would be a tremendous oversight to exclude ASU. With over 55,000 students enrolled with ASU Tempe in the fall of 2025, the University plays a major role in the whole Phoenix metro area. According to ASU’s website, the university’s economic impact on Arizona’s GDP has exceeded $6.1 Billion and the school has been responsible for over 55,000 jobs. With numbers like that, it’s easy to imagine this institution’s importance to the local economy.

Properties

If you’re considering Tempe for a personal residence or an investment property, you are likely to find a relatively large percentage of homes are older (at least a few decades in many cases), with lots of block homes dating back to the 1950s or 60s. However, detached single-family homes aren’t your only option in this part of town. Interested in more of a WOW factor? Consider a lakefront condo with views (something you don’t find everywhere in the Phoenix metro). If you’re in the market for an investment property, Tempe also offers smaller multifamily properties that can be more difficult to find in some other areas of the East Valley.

Lifestyle

Tempe can effectively be broken up into two sections, north and south. The northern section houses ASU and Tempe Town Lake, has a denser population, and carries more of an urban feel. South Tempe is generally considered everything south of Baseline Road. Here you will notice a quieter, more spread-out atmosphere with office parks, newer communities, single family homes and larger lots including horse properties such as in the desirable Circle G ranch neighborhood.

Restaurants

As always, our team loves a good bite to eat, so allow us to share a few fun spots in Tempe that you can rely on for a great meal.

• THE CHUCKBOX - If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, high-flavor burger, this ASU staple is the place for you. Don’t expect anything fancy here, but bring a healthy appetite.

• CORNISH PASTY - A menu item you don’t often find in the Phoenix Metro, these tasy pastries filled with all manner of fillings are not to be missed. Be sure to leave room for a dessert pasty, if that’s even possible.

• LOCAL BREWING - For a local beer and kitchen experience, don’t miss Four Peaks brewery (a patio seat on a nice day is particularly cathartic), or slip over to Board & Brew.

• PERFECT PEAR BISTRO - A lovely little sit-down restaurant in the northern half of Tempe, Perfect Pear boasts fresh, tasty food with a delightful southwest flair.

Activities

While Tempe offers excellent access to activities in the surrounding cities including Phoenix and Scottsdale, you don’t have to leave the city to find a good time. 

• Of course, the iconic Tempe Town Lake offers a plethora of activities. Here you can enjoy biking or jogging, rent a kayak or peddleboat, or hike “A Mountain” for panoramic views of the whole city. Additionally, be on the lookout for periodic concerts held at Tempe Beach Park!

• Covering Tempe without addressing the ASU campus area would just feel wrong. If you enjoy excellent theater, book tickets at Gammage hall. If sporting events are your thing, join the college town spirit for an ASU football game. Either way, a trip to Mill Ave afterward for a bite and a drink is a great way to wrap up a fun-filled outing.

• If you enjoy a good round of golf, you’ll find that Tempe and the surrounding area offers courses tailored to different experiences. Whether your great round is at a municipal course or a premium resort or country club location, we can’t wait to hear about the course record you broke.

Conclusion

Over time, our team has had the privilege of helping multiple clients with property transactions in the Tempe area. If you think Tempe could be the right city for your purchase, we know how to match your desires with the various areas and neighborhoods that the city has to offer. Contact us today to begin your search!