Tempe is one of the oldest municipalities in the Phoenix Metro area. It got its start when Charles Hayden built the famous Hayden Flour Mill near the banks of the Salt River in the late 1800s. There was also a ferry across the river, and it provided a valuable route to transport goods. In addition to being a savvy businessman, Hayden was also instrumental in starting Arizona State University (ASU) which now dominates downtown Tempe. Because of ASU, downtown Tempe’s housing situation is now mostly multi-family dwellings, both for rent and for sale. The for-sale properties are very nice and either cater to young businesspeople who work nearby or to affluent college students whose parents buy them a place to stay during their time at ASU. A bit further from campus, more single-family homes that were built in the mid-1900s can be found. These have evolved in the last few decades as the housing market has pushed prices higher. ASU has also rapidly expanded thanks to the light rail (which gave it campuses across the valley), online platforms (which increased enrollment), and exceptional leadership (which has allowed it to become a highly regarded university). The expansion has meant that real estate in and around downtown Tempe is very scarce.

The loop 202 and loop 101 are just minutes from downtown Tempe.

Because of the university there almost never a time where a division 1 sport is not being played. ASU is a member of the Big-12 and fields competitive teams in football, basketball, baseball, golf, track & field, hockey, and many other sports – both men’s and women’s. These can be publicly viewed easily and at low cost. Mill Avenue, which bisects downtown Tempe is full of bars and restaurants and is a scene on the weekends. Tempe Marketplace, which features more restaurants and shopping is a short drive away. Papago Park provides easy access for walking, hiking and biking as does Tempe town lakes, which has many miles of trails around it. The lake also gives residents the opportunity to enjoy water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding. The Tempe Center for the Arts and ASU Gammage are two of the preeminent places to find plays and musicals. The Phoenix Zoo and the Botanical Gardens are just minutes away, affording residents an abundance of things to do and see.

Caffe Boa, Pedal Haus Brewery, King’s Fish House, Alter Ego, Casey Moore’s Oyster House, Culinary Dropout, Ghost Ranch, and Perfect Pear Bistro.