Tempe,AZ Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Tempe, AZ – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Tempe, AZ
Tempe, Arizona, is a vibrant city known for its warm climate, friendly community, and a rich blend of urban and suburban charm. Whether you're a young professional, a family, or a retiree, the best neighborhoods in Tempe offer something unique for everyone. From lively downtown streets to peaceful residential enclaves, Tempe neighborhoods map reveals a city full of diverse options that cater to various lifestyles and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Tempe’s neighborhoods truly special.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
Tempe boasts a dynamic mix of residents, largely influenced by the presence of Arizona State University (ASU). The city’s population includes a vibrant mix of students, families, and professionals. Neighborhoods like Downtown Tempe and Mitchell Park tend to attract younger crowds and students, thanks to their proximity to the campus and lively social scenes. Meanwhile, areas like Broadmor and Escalante appeal more to families and established residents with a quieter, community-oriented atmosphere. The diverse demographic composition enriches Tempe’s culture, making it a welcoming place for all.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
Each Tempe neighborhood offers its own distinct lifestyle. For those who thrive on energy and nightlife, Downtown Tempe is the place to be with its bustling Mill Avenue filled with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. If you prefer outdoor activities, the neighborhoods near Tempe Town Lake, such as Marina Heights, provide easy access to kayaking, biking trails, and lakeside picnics. For a more suburban feel, areas like Southeast Tempe offer quiet streets lined with mature trees and family-friendly parks. This variety means you can find a neighborhood that perfectly fits your daily rhythm and interests.
Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions
When exploring the best neighborhoods in Tempe, affordability is a key factor. Neighborhoods like Guadalupe and portions of South Tempe offer more affordable housing options, including apartments and single-family homes, making them popular among students and first-time homebuyers. On the other hand, upscale areas such as The Lakes and Ashbrook feature luxury homes with scenic views and resort-style amenities, catering to those seeking a more upscale lifestyle. The Tempe neighborhoods map clearly shows this mix of affordability and housing styles spread across the city, giving potential residents plenty of options.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
Safety is a priority when choosing where to live, and Tempe generally enjoys a reputation for being a safe city with stable neighborhoods. Areas like Downtown Tempe and University neighborhoods are well-patrolled due to their high foot traffic and student population, while family-oriented neighborhoods such as Loma Vista and Broadmor are known for their low crime rates and strong community watch programs. Overall, Tempe’s neighborhoods tend to be secure and stable, making it a great place to settle down or raise a family.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
Tempe’s neighborhoods each have their own personality, shaped by history and ongoing development. Downtown Tempe is the cultural heart with art galleries, music venues, and the Tempe Center for the Arts, creating a lively urban vibe. In contrast, older neighborhoods like Elm and Roosevelt exude historic charm with their craftsman-style homes and tree-lined streets. Newer communities, such as those around South Tempe, showcase modern architecture and planned developments. This blend of old and new gives Tempe a unique character that’s reflected in its neighborhoods.
Things to Do: Popular Attractions and Activities
Whether you live in Tempe or are just visiting, the city offers a wealth of attractions and activities. The Tempe Marketplace is a popular shopping and dining hub, while Tempe Town Lake is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For sports fans, catching a game at Sun Devil Stadium is a must. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, like the Tempe Festival of the Arts. Food lovers can enjoy everything from authentic Mexican cuisine in Guadalupe to trendy eateries along Mill Avenue, showcasing the culinary diversity of Tempe’s neighborhoods.
Colleges & Universities: Neighborhoods Around ASU
Arizona State University is a major influence on Tempe’s neighborhoods, especially those nearby. The University District around ASU is filled with student housing, coffee shops, and study spots. Neighborhoods like A Mountain and Mitchell Park are popular among students and faculty due to their proximity to campus. Additionally, the presence of ASU brings a youthful energy and a variety of cultural and sporting events that enrich these neighborhoods. This close-knit university environment makes the surrounding areas some of the best neighborhoods
Tempe Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knoell Gardens | 37.3 | 17.7% | $233,700 | $88,803 | 2.6 |
| Dava-Lakeshore | 42.9 | 22.1% | $403,800 | $151,620 | 3.0 |
| Jen Tilly Terrace | 26.8 | 10.1% | $227,600 | $55,235 | 3.1 |
| Camelot Village | 38.2 | 33.4% | $405,520 | $133,081 | 3.1 |
| Tempe Gardens | 35.1 | 15.1% | $306,900 | $86,105 | 3.1 |
| Optimist Park SE | 37.5 | 29.4% | $409,160 | $126,743 | 3.3 |
| Superstition | 32.6 | 5.5% | $333,700 | $98,982 | 3.4 |
| Cyprus Southwest | 32.6 | 5.5% | $333,700 | $98,982 | 3.4 |
| Duskfire II | 42.8 | 19.9% | $494,600 | $143,052 | 3.5 |
| Optimist Park NE | 37.9 | 24.9% | $365,150 | $112,006 | 3.5 |
Tempe neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Tempe—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Tempe, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Tempe
| Crime |
Reported |
Tempe /100k |
AZ /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 5 | 2.6 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 137 | 71.6 | 40.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 127 | 66.4 | 64.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 631 | 329.7 | 312.4 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 900 | 470 | 422 | 359 |
| Burglary | 640 | 334.4 | 217.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 4,321 | 2,257.9 | 1,329.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 577 | 301.5 | 244.4 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 5,538 | 2,894 | 1,792 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 6,438 | 3,364 | 2,214 | 2,119 |