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Downtown Tempe

Downtown Tempe

$473,486 Average Value
$396 Average Price per Sq Ft
57 Homes For Sale

Tempe grows up around university campus

Downtown Tempe has seen explosive growth since the 19th century, now ranking as the ninth-largest city in Arizona by population. University Drive and Mill Avenue intersect to form a crossroads at the community’s center, around Arizona State University’s campus. “ASU is the biggest draw for Downtown Tempe,” says associate broker Theresa Jones of Weirick Jones Group. “There are lots of rental properties available to students.” Downtown Tempe is known for its student population, but this is one of many demographics. “Downtown Tempe has all ages,” says former resident and Broker Joshua Carlson of Gentry Real Estate. “You still have retirees and some people that have lived here since the '60s because they love that young vibe.” Major employers such as Honeywell and Carvana offer potential career paths. Commuters can take Downtown Tempe’s public transportation to and from work, stopping at a locally owned restaurant or one of the city’s half -dozen parks to end the work week. Community events such as the Tempe Festival of the Arts bring people together.

Valley Art Harkins Theatre in Downtown Tempe plays blockbusters as well as independent films.
Valley Art Harkins Theatre in Downtown Tempe plays blockbusters as well as independent films.
ASU's vibrant campus in Downtown Tempe fuels intellectual curiosity.
ASU's vibrant campus in Downtown Tempe fuels intellectual curiosity.
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Parks emphasize a variety of activities, and a mountain is a short drive away

Residents of Downtown Tempe can get outdoors to enjoy the waterfront and landlocked parks alike. Tempe Town Lake, an artificial reservoir, offers flood protection and makes for a great weekend afternoon with its walking paths and boating areas. Folks can rent canoes or ride scooters at Tempe Beach Park. The park has one of the best views for cyclists, who can bike along the bridge from one shore to the other. “A” Mountain, named for the giant “A” embedded into the mountainside, is a popular hiking area. The highest point provides a panoramic view of ASU’s campus. Although it sounds like the kind of destination that requires a short drive, the mountain is actually on the north side of town and immediately south of the river.

Embrace wellness and vitality in the heart of Downtown Tempe.
Embrace wellness and vitality in the heart of Downtown Tempe.
Alameda's A-Mountain Hiking Trail beckons outdoor enthusiasts.
Alameda's A-Mountain Hiking Trail beckons outdoor enthusiasts.
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The arts are a big part of Downtown's offerings

Those wanting something to do indoors aren’t left out. Two significant institutions serve as landmarks showcasing Tempe’s artistic influence and culture. The first is the Tempe Center for the Arts, which has featured works from 2,500 local and national artists over the years and continues to offer free admission to its gallery. Aspiring professionals can showcase their talent in various ways through the center by displaying their work as one of 250 artists rotating annually or by giving talks and workshops. The second is the ASU Art Museum, another weekend favorite. Many of its seasonal exhibitions focus on cultural appreciation. Its featured collection of Latinx works contains contemporary art from the 1980s to the 2000s and historic Latin American prints.

Dining options are varied

Mill Avenue is a hub of entertainment and development. Hayden Station was recently renovated into The Arbor, an experimental office space emphasizing wellness. The local Valley Art Theater is a staple of Downtown Tempe entertainment with an attached restaurant, Mr. Mesquite Taqueria. The Low Key Piano Bar offers an equally chill evening. As the name suggests, live music is its forte, with pianists taking requests and “battling” one another. Folks can start their day at Snooze, a breakfast spot serving classics such as pancakes and eggs Benedict. Locals choose from a wide range of craft beers at Four Peaks Brewing Company for something more potent than coffee. Weekly groceries are available at the Whole Foods Market on University Drive.

Savor craft brews and great times at Four Peaks Brewing Company in Downtown Tempe.
Savor craft brews and great times at Four Peaks Brewing Company in Downtown Tempe.
Stroll down Mill Ave and immerse yourself in Downtown Tempe's charm.
Stroll down Mill Ave and immerse yourself in Downtown Tempe's charm.
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Spanish, Pueblo influences aren't hard to find

Downtown Tempe’s sun-baked, grid-like residential streets wrap around and exclude campus buildings. Single-family homes and apartments mix on streets wide enough for parking. Prospective buyers will find ranch-style homes with small front yards and single-car driveways. These sell between $330,000 and $650,000. Condo units are also available for buyers who want to live the mid-rise lifestyle. Smaller, two-story buildings with Pueblo and Spanish eclectic elements sell for between $220,000 and $450,000, while luxury, two-bed, high-rise units with views of Tempe's Salt River can reach $1 million or more. Off-campus housing rentals are ideal for ASU students, varying in price and style like their condominium counterparts.

Downtown Tempe's diverse homes cater to every lifestyle and taste.
Downtown Tempe's diverse homes cater to every lifestyle and taste.
Experience the allure of ranch-style living in the heart of Downtown Tempe.
Experience the allure of ranch-style living in the heart of Downtown Tempe.
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Light rail system gives commuters another option

Commuters deal with the typical downside to city living. “Traffic is brutal, and it’s been brutal forever, mostly because ASU is so big and still expanding,” Carlson says. Metro Valley Rail is an option with a light-rail system that stretches more than 25 miles, making nine stops in Tempe. “I do think Downtown Tempe is a great place to be if you’re OK with a young crowd,” says Carlson. “You’re two minutes from the airport, it’s a fantastic place to be.” Sky Harbor International Airport is 4 miles away, and it’s only another 4miles to Phoenix.

Alameda's proximity to major businesses creates excellent job opportunities for residents.
Alameda's proximity to major businesses creates excellent job opportunities for residents.
Experience seamless travel in Downtown Tempe with the light rail system.
Experience seamless travel in Downtown Tempe with the light rail system.
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Local schools include a 75,000 student university

Students can attend the Cecil Shamley School for kindergarten through eighth grade. Niche gives the school a C-plus overall. Tempe High rounds out the list with a C-plus and various extracurriculars like a wrestling club and a mock trial club. About 75,000 students attend ASU, less than a mile away.

The expansive entrance of Laird Elementary School in North Tempe welcomes students daily.
The expansive entrance of Laird Elementary School in North Tempe welcomes students daily.
Tempe High School has earned numerous academic, artistic, and athletic awards over the years.
Tempe High School has earned numerous academic, artistic, and athletic awards over the years.
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Crime in Downtown Tempe

Crime in Downtown Tempe is higher than the national average. According to the CAP Index’s predictive score algorithm, Downtown Tempe reaches an 8 on a 10-point scale. This is compared to the national average of a 4 out of 10.

Malcolm Longerbeam
Written By
Malcolm Longerbeam
Alex Medina
Photography Contributed By
Alex Medina
Daniel Willingham
Video By
Daniel Willingham

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International

12 min drive

Subway

Mill Ave/3Rd St

Subway

Tempe Transportation Center

Subway

University Dr/Rural Rd

Subway

Dorsey Ln/Apache Blvd

Bus

Dorsey Ln & 8th St

Bus

5th St & Beck Av (Flag Zone)

Bus

University Dr & Roosevelt St

Bus

University & Rural Tc

Bus

Forest Av & Gammage Pkwy

Bus

Dorsey Ln & Lemon St

Bus

1st St & Hardy Dr

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Tempe US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 8 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 8 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
2,797
Number of Homes for Sale
57
Median Year Built
1984
Months of Supply
7.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,371
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,589
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,506
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
908
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
916
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,049

Open Houses

  • Friday, Mar 13
    12 - 3pm

    526 W 1st St Unit 106, Tempe, AZ 85281

    $547,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,557 Sq Ft
    • 526 W 1st St
    • Unit 106
    • New 15 days ago

    Ideally located in the heart of Tempe, 526 W 1st St, Suite 106 offers convenient urban living just steps from Tempe Town Lake and minutes from Mill Avenue, ASU and the light rail. The ground level features a flexible open space with access to the tandem two-car garage, ideal for a home office, studio or additional living area. The main floor offers hardwood flooring, an open living area and a

    Shannon Proffer Avenue 3 Realty, LLC

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  • Saturday, Mar 14
    12 - 2pm

    525 W Lakeside Dr Unit 125, Tempe, AZ 85281

    $535,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,370 Sq Ft
    • 525 W Lakeside Dr
    • Unit 125
    • New 13 days ago

    Gated, Tempe Condo with VIEWS, VIEWS VIEWS!! Stunning Urban Condo with all the upgrades. wood floors in the right places, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, custom backsplash and under mount lighting, and a two car tandem garage. Views from multiple patios include pool, Tempe Town Lake, Papago and Camelback Mountains. Close to ASU, Mill Ave, Freeways, Light Rail and Airport.

    Robert Ferrari II Jason Mitchell Real Estate

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  • Saturday, Mar 14
    11am - 2pm

    637 S Roosevelt St, Tempe, AZ 85281

    $470,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,220 Sq Ft
    • 637 S Roosevelt St
    • New 1 day ago

    Experience modern urban living in the heart of Tempe with timeless Brownstone architecture and a walk-up front porch perfect for morning coffee or evening gatherings. This three-level residence offers a versatile first-floor flex space with full bath and closet, ideal as a guest suite, home office, or second bedroom. The main living level features soaring ceilings, abundant natural light,

    Jeanie Fraley HomeSmart

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
36,364
Median Age
28
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
3.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$48,999
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$67,331

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.8%
College Graduates
58.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
7''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
107°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Very friendly

Bike Score®

80 / 100

Moderately friendly

Walk Score®

60 / 100

Very friendly

Transit Score®

80 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Tempe