Series Part 4 – Tempe, Arizona – You’re Not Buying A Home, You’re Buying A Neighborhood

 

Tempe, Arizona is a very popular suburb in the state. This suburb is located in Maricopa County as well, and is rated #7 for Best Suburbs to Live in Arizona. The population of Tempe is 227,454 people. The majority of people living in Tempe are going to be young professionals and even college students. It’s a place of vibrant activity, healthy nightlife, shopping, arts, and much, much more. Tempe is world renowned for being one of the Phoenix area epicenters for Major League Baseballs spring training each year.  It’s vibrant energy is sure to excite you.  Let’s get into the Tempe, Arizona neighborhood information.

 

 

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Buying the Tempe, Arizona Neighborhood

 

 

TEMPE, ARIZONA ECONOMICS

 

Unlike the other cities we’ve looked into so far, Tempe’s residents are primarily renters rather than homeowners. With 59% of Tempe residents being renters and 41% of residents being homeowners. The median household income in Tempe is $57,994. The median home value in Tempe is $442,900. Which is very standard for Arizona, and is competitive price-wise with other cities in the state. The median rent in Tempe is $1404. Which is still very standard for Arizona, but is not the cheapest rent you can find. This is because, as stated earlier, the majority of residents are renters.

 

Tempe holds a few notable rankings within the state, but not as many as some of the other neighborhoods we’ve explored. Even so, Tempe holds the #39 spot out of 228 for Best Cities for Young Professionals in America. This is why so many young business professionals flock to the area, and even college students come to Tempe to get their careers started. Tempe is also ranked #46 for Best Cities to Live in America out of 228 cities. Not to mention, Tempe also holds the #51 ranking for Best Cities to Retire in America out of 228 cities. So, don’t worry about being too overwhelmed with all of the youths living in the area. There is still a good mix of ages that won’t leave you feeling like you’re living in a college town.

 

 

TEMPE,  ARIZONA CRIME AND SAFETY

 

When it comes to crime and safety Tempe does fairly well, falling below the national average in some categories but not in all of them. Using the same measurements as above (calculated annually per 100,000 residents), Tempe’s robbery rate is 106.4 while the national average is 135.5. In fact, Tempe’s rates fall below national averages for most of the violent crime categories. When it comes to motor vehicle theft Tempe’s rate is 308.9 while the national average is 284. However, when it comes to burglary Tempe also falls below national averages coming in at 469.2. The national average is 500.1.

 

 

 

TEMPE, ARIZONA SCHOOLS

 

Tempe is home to Arizona State University, and for this reason, also has many excellent grade schools in the area. Some excellent public schools to consider are Tempe Preparatory Academy (ranked #8 in Best Public Middle Schools in Arizona) and ASU Preparatory Academy – Polytechnic High School (ranked #24 in Best Public High Schools in Arizona). Both schools are A+ graded schools.  Still, if you’d like to place your child into a private school check out Bethany Christian School and Grace Community Christian School for some great choices.

 

 

 

TEMPE, ARIZONA ENTERTAINMENT

 

Since there are plenty of young residents living in Tempe, there are also a ton of unique activities to do in the area. Mill Ave is definitely one of the most popular spots to hang out at in Tempe. The whole strip is lined with restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops. Stop into Snakes & Lattes for a unique experience combining coffee or alcoholic beverages with their selection of hundreds of board games that you and your friends can play while you sip. Loco Patron is a popular nightclub on Mill Ave that’s perfect for dancing the night away. Tempe Town Lake is also a must visit. It’s beautiful to walk around the water any time of the year. But during the summer take advantage of being able to kayak on the water or rent a Segway to ride around the lake.