Living in Tempe, Arizona: Urban Energy Anchored by ASU and the Rio Salado

Why Live in Tempe?
Tempe is the most urban community in the East Valley — compact, walkable, and genuinely energetic in a way that stands apart from its neighbors. It's home to Arizona State University and offers a lifestyle that appeals to students, young professionals, and longtime residents alike.


Tempe Town Lake is the centerpiece of the city's outdoor experience. The 2-mile stretch of water along the Salt River draws runners, kayakers, cyclists, and paddleboarders year-round, and the surrounding Rio Salado area has grown into one of the valley's more enjoyable recreational corridors.


Mill Avenue remains a central gathering point for dining, bars, live music, and street-level activity. The area has evolved over the years but continues to offer a walkable, local-feeling environment that most Phoenix suburbs simply can't replicate.


Housing in Tempe leans toward condos, townhomes, and smaller single-family homes — it's not a sprawling subdivision city. That density is part of its appeal for buyers who prefer proximity to amenities over large lots. Prices reflect the demand for this lifestyle.


Tempe sits at the center of the valley's freeway system. The I-10, US-60, Loop 101, and Loop 202 all intersect nearby, and Sky Harbor Airport is minutes away. For commuters going anywhere in the metro, Tempe's central location is a real advantage.

 

 

AZ

Tempe

$555,976

Average Sales Price

$482,500

Median Sales Price

579

Total Listings

170,153

Population Data provided by Attom Data

LISTINGS

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Market Trends

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HOUSING DETAIL

Occupancy
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Listing Detail

Attributes Average Median
Bathrooms 2.02 2
Bedrooms 2.98 3
Year Built 1980 1978
Lot Size 19,976 Sqft 6,486 Sqft
Taxes $5,756 $2,089

NEARBY SCHOOL & BUSINESS

PROPERTIESSCHOOLSBUSINESS
There are 968 listings nearby
School and business data provided by Attom Data.

Commute Score

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Temperature (°F)
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DEMOGRAPHICS

Data provided by Attom Data

Population

170.2K
170.2K in 2020

Density

4.1K
per square mile

Households

68.3K
22% with children

Gender

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Education

8% Associate
25% Bachelor
18% Graduate
15% High School
Age Median:

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Annual Income Average:

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Employment

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Popular Neighborhoods in Tempe

Maple-Ash

A designated historic neighborhood with tree-lined streets, unique character homes, and a walkable location just blocks from Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake, and ASU.

 

Meyer Park

Warner Ranch

The Lakes

Optimist Park

Holdeman

Escalante

Downtown Tempe

Hughes Acres

Tempe Gardens


Buying or Selling in Tempe? Why Work With Me for Tempe Real Estate?



Tempe's real estate market is consistently active. Demand is driven by proximity to ASU, Sky Harbor, and major employment along the I-10 and 101 corridors. Inventory is typically tight, and well-located properties attract strong buyer interest.


For buyers, the biggest decision is usually property type — the condo and townhome market behaves differently than the limited single-family inventory. Understanding HOA structures and long-term value in denser product is important before making a move.


For sellers, Tempe's location sells itself. The job is to price correctly and present well. Overpricing is the most common mistake sellers make here — buyers in this market are well-informed and active.



Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Tempe

Q: What is Tempe known for?

Tempe is known for Arizona State University, Tempe Town Lake, Mill Avenue, and its central location within the Phoenix metro. It has a more urban, walkable character than most Valley cities.

Q: What types of homes are common in Tempe?

Q: Is Tempe good for commuters?

Q: Is Tempe only for students?

Q: How close is Tempe to Sky Harbor Airport?

Brian Eastwood

Brian Eastwood

Agent | SASA644370000

+1(602) 330-6813

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Brian Eastwood

Brian Eastwood

Agent | SASA644370000

+1(602) 330-6813

Full Name
Phone*

By checking this box, I agree by electronic signature to the Electronic Disclosure Consent Agreement; to receive recurring marketing communication from HomeSmart, including auto-dialed calls, texts, and artificial/prerecorded voice messages (message frequency varies; data rates may apply; reply "STOP" to opt-out of texts or "HELP" for assistance); and to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy of this website. Consent not required to make a purchase. I understand that I can call to obtain direct assistance.