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The Lakes

The Lakes

Suburban Neighborhood in Tempe, Arizona

Maricopa County 85282, 85283

$531,722 Average Value
$299 Average Price per Sq Ft
62 Homes For Sale

A ‘little oasis in the desert’

This master planned community in Tempe simply stands out with the lake that winds through the heart of the development. Built in the 1970s, The Lakes is said to be the first man-made lake community in Arizona. When they set out on the project, the developers sought input from the people who designed the waterways in Disneyland. Today, many residents enjoy the amenities that typically come with these types of residential communities, as well some other unique events and activities. Homeowners who live along the water have docks from which they can launch kayaks or electric motor pontoons. During Mardis Gras time, costumed and masked residents flock to the beach and tennis club where many at some point will partake in a conga line amid French Quarter decor and tables decked out in green, purple and gold. “It’s almost like a little small town. Everyone knows everybody,” says Christine Baldanza, the Lakes’ community manager. Another appeal of the Lakes is its overall scenery. “It’s very green, there a lot of trees and vegetation, which isn’t very common in Arizona because we’re in a desert,” Baldanza says. “It very pretty because it has this lake meandering through the community. It’s also very friendly. People look out for each other. It’s like a little oasis in the desert.”
Make that sunset cruise a reality in The Lakes.
Make that sunset cruise a reality in The Lakes.
The Lakes is a true oasis in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
The Lakes is a true oasis in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
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Ranch-styles and Spanish houses with townhouses and condos

The Lakes is comprised of about 1,500 homes, which include condominiums and townhouses. The single-family homes are neatly grouped close to each other and can feature the Spanish Revival or Mediterranean influenced styles commonly seen across metro Phoenix. There are also many ranch-style and decades old contemporary — or Midcentury — style houses, some of which are blended with the Spanish influences. In addition to the vegetation and the occasional groups of towering palms, many lots also feature lawns, a feature not every resident can easily come by in the Phoenix area. Price points here can start in the upper $200,000s for some two-bedroom condos and climb to between the lower and upper $500,000s for the ranch-style houses. Three-bedroom townhouses can run between $350,000 and $400,000. Then, price points can pass the $1 million mark for the two-story and more elegant properties along the lake.
A few Santa Fe style homes can be found throughout The Lakes.
A few Santa Fe style homes can be found throughout The Lakes.
Some residents in The Lakes are moving to a water friendly faux lawn.
Some residents in The Lakes are moving to a water friendly faux lawn.
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From fishing to youth swim competitions

In addition to being able take kayaks or electric motor boats onto the water, homeowners along the lake can also fish the waters. The community stocks the lake with bass and trout during the fall. There are also some designated common areas where those who don’t live along the lake can fish. Otherwise, residents can go to the 125-acre Kiwanis Park on the western end, which features a 12-acre lake. The other community amenities include a recreation center that’s open seven days a week, a junior Olympic size pool and courts for pickleball, tennis, basketball and volleyball. Every month, residents can enjoy organized events like live music, wine and cheese tastings and Easter egg huts for the children. For two months during the summer, the community has a youth swim team that competes against other youth teams from other communities.
Practice your pickleball or tennis swings at Kiwanis Park in Tempe.
Practice your pickleball or tennis swings at Kiwanis Park in Tempe.
Enjoy a walk or bike ride around Kiwanis Park in Tempe.
Enjoy a walk or bike ride around Kiwanis Park in Tempe.
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Marcos de Niza High’s college and career emphasis

Public schools that serve the community include Rover Elementary School, Fees College Preparatory Middle School and Marcos de Niza High School, all of which received grades of C or higher from ratings site Niche. Marcos de Niza High School’s mission places an emphasis on inspiring students to go to college and achieve career success. Programs there include an award-winning Student Council, the Marcos Fine Arts Academy and the Marcos Business Academy, the latter of which is in partnership with Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business.
Rover Elementary in Tempe is a K-5 school with over 480 students enrolled.
Rover Elementary in Tempe is a K-5 school with over 480 students enrolled.
Marcos De Niza High School in Tempe was established in 1971.
Marcos De Niza High School in Tempe was established in 1971.
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The Tempe Festival of the Arts

Being in Tempe, Lakes are close to the renowned Tempe Festival of the Arts that takes place downtown in both early December and early to mid-March each year. There’s the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at the Tempe Town Lake in December.

Valley Metro stops and U.S. 60 connection to Sky Harbor

Several Valley Metro bus stops can be found across the community. U.S. Highway 60, which runs along The Lakes’ northern bounds, connects to Interstate 10. The interstate passes by the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, located about 8 miles northwest of the community. Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital is located about 4 miles north of The Lakes.
Public Transportation can be found on the major roads in and around The Lakes.
Public Transportation can be found on the major roads in and around The Lakes.
Getting to Phoenix Sky Harbor is a quick drive from The Lakes.
Getting to Phoenix Sky Harbor is a quick drive from The Lakes.
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Dine along the water at Pier 54

Dining and shopping can be found in various sections throughout the community. The Porch on East Baseline Road serves diverse pub fare that patrons can enjoy at some picnic-style tables. Patrons can also catch the game at the bar or play games like Jenga on the patio. For pizzas, several options include Jet’s Pizza inside the Pueblo Anozira Center just south of East Guadalupe Road. While there, patrons can also stop by the Trader’s Joe just across South McClintock Drive. The diversity of dining options continues with the family-owned Pier 54, a cozy outdoor restaurant right along the water where choices include charcuterie boards, seafood and tacos. Another grocery shopping option exists with Fry’s just north of East Baseline Road.
Catch a game of free lakeside trivia on Thursdays at Pier 54 in The Lakes.
Catch a game of free lakeside trivia on Thursdays at Pier 54 in The Lakes.
Stop by The Porch in The Lakes for a tasty menu of American dishes.
Stop by The Porch in The Lakes for a tasty menu of American dishes.
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Yann Ranaivo
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Ryan Nelson
Photography Contributed By
Ryan Nelson
Daniel Quattro
Video By
Daniel Quattro

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Tim Cusick, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International

16 min drive

Bus

Guadalupe Rd & Juniper St

Bus

Rural Rd & Southshore Dr

Bus

Baseline Rd & Country Club Wy

Bus

All America & Guadalupe Rd (Flag Zone)

Bus

Baseline Rd & Lakeshore Dr

Bus

Baseline Rd & Dorsey Ln

Bus

Mill Av & Carter Dr

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime The Lakes US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

The Lakes Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$545,000
Median Sale Price
$525,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$585,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$374,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$317,750
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
237
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$299

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
6,583
Number of Homes for Sale
62
Median Year Built
1973
Months of Supply
3.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,598
Below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,478
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,089
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jun 15
    11am - 2pm

    1831 E Cornell Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283

    $799,990

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,004 Sq Ft
    • 1831 E Cornell Dr
    • New 30 days ago

    Step into a beautifully reimagined home that balances elegance with comfort in the heart of Tempe. This freshly remodeled open concept design showcases thoughtful upgrades throughout, transforming it into a modern oasis. The star of this property is undoubtedly the resort-inspired backyard featuring a stunning pool and hot tub, perfect for Arizona's endless summer days. Imagine entertaining

    Christopher Lentine HomeSmart

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  • Saturday, Jun 14
    11am - 2pm

    2114 E Sesame St, Tempe, AZ 85283

    $570,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,777 Sq Ft
    • 2114 E Sesame St
    • New 30 days ago

    Beautiful Tempe N/S-facing home filled with natural light and upgrades throughout located in a NO HOA community! Fresh interior paint, sunken living room with new easy to maintain tile flooring, open-concept kitchen w/ granite counters, alder cabinets, and spacious great room with wood-burning fireplace. Covered patio overlooks a newly resurfaced pool with new deck, solar heater, new equipment,

    Tiana Chen Compass

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  • Saturday, Jun 14
    1 - 4pm

    510 E Fremont Dr, Tempe, AZ 85282

    $559,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,578 Sq Ft
    • 510 E Fremont Dr

    New Tempe remodel available now with new beautiful LVP flooring and interior designer Agreeable Gray paint color throughout. Open concept with bright LED lighting achieved as centered home fireplace has been removed. This 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage home with upgraded pebble tec pool with variable speed pump and huge artificial turf backyard will surely impress the most particular buyers. Relax

    Colleen Malley Schwartz HomeSmart

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Tim Cusick, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
22,665
Median Age
37
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$83,762
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$102,669

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95%
College Graduates
48.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.7%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

58 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

49 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

40 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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
The Lakes
Tim Cusick
Homelogic Real Estate
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