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Tempe, AZ

Tempe, AZ

Tempe is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States, with the Census Bureau reporting a 2020 population of 180,587. The city is named after the Vale of Tempe in Greece. Tempe is located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix; it is bordered by Phoenix and Guadalupe on the west, Scottsdale and the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community on the north, Chandler on the south, and Mesa on the east. Tempe is also the location of the main campus of Arizona State University.

The Hohokam lived in this area and built canals to support their agriculture. They abandoned their settlements during the 15th century, with a few individuals and families remaining nearby.

The Maricopa and Phoenix Railroad, built in 1887, crossed the Salt River at Tempe, linking the town to the nation's growing transportation system. The Tempe Land and Improvement Company was formed to sell lots in the booming town. Tempe became an economic hub for the surrounding agricultural area. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors incorporated the town of Tempe in 1894.

Tempe is an inner suburb, located between the core city of Phoenix and the rest of the East Valley. Due to this as well as being the home of the main campus of Arizona State University, Tempe has a fairly dense, urbanized development pattern in the northern part of the city especially in relation to the Valley Metro Line . Going south, development becomes less dense, consisting of single-family homes, strip malls and lower-density office parks.

The Salt River runs west through the northern part of Tempe; part of the river is dammed in two places to create Tempe Town Lake. According to the United States Census Bureau, the landlocked city has a total area of 40.2 square miles (104 km2), of which 40.1 square miles (104 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) is water. The total area is 0.32% water, including Tempe Town Lake. The city of Tempe is bordered by Mesa to the east, Scottsdale and the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community to the north, Phoenix and Guadalupe to the west, and Chandler to the south.

Tempe is generally flat, except for Tempe Butte or Hayden Butte (generally known as A-Mountain for Arizona State University's "A" logo located on its south face), located next to Sun Devil Stadium, Twin Buttes and Bell Butte on the western edge of Tempe, and the buttes within Papago Park at northwest corner of Tempe. Elevation ranges from 1,140 feet (350 m) at Tempe Town Lake to 1,495 feet (456 m) atop Hayden Butte.

Tempe Arizona prioritizes the health and wellness of its residents. HonorHealth Sonoran Medical Center, which provides comprehensive medical services to residents. Elements Massage provides personalized massages to help relax your muscles and alleviate stress. A Magic Touch Mobile Massage offers therapeutic massages in the comfort of your own home or hotel room, making relaxation convenient and accessible. Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa offers a variety of massages, facials, and other spa treatments designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Naz Massage provides a tranquil environment for massage therapy, skincare, and body treatments, helping you unwind and pamper yourself. Radiant Day Spa offers a range of spa services, including massages, facials, body treatments, and nail care, to help you relax and feel rejuvenated.

Top sites in Tempe, AZ are SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, ASU Gammage, Kiwanis Park, and Tempe Center For The Arts.

Population: 189,834 (2023). ZIP codes: 85281–85285, 85287-85288. Area codes: 480 and 602. Elevation: 1,181 ft (360 m). Area: 40.2 square miles (104 km2).

FAQs

Is Tempe, Arizona a good place to live?

Tempe is in Maricopa County and is one of the best places to live in Arizona. Living in Tempe offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Tempe there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Tempe and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Tempe are above average.

Is Tempe, AZ expensive?

Tempe is ranked 101 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Tempe is 98.5% of the national average. The median household income in Tempe is $64,080, which is 2% less than that of the state. The median income for an individual is $34,829, which is 6% less than that of the state. The average rent in Tempe (located in Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler Metro) metro area for a 2-bed home is $1,625, which is 10% more than the average rent across the US. The median home price in Tempe is $493,000 with a median price per sqft of $279.

What is the crime rate in Tempe, Arizona?

With a crime rate of 52 per one thousand residents, Tempe has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 19. Within Arizona, more than 97% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Tempe.

Sources

City of Tempe

Wikipedia

HonorHealth Sonoran Medical Center

Elements Massage

A Magic Touch Mobile Massage

Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Naz Massage

Radiant Day Spa 

SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium

ASU Gammage

Kiwanis Park

Tempe Center For The Arts

Niche

Flyhomes

Neighborhood Scout

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.