City Guide - Tempe, AZ
Tempe, Arizona.
Tempe sits in the south-central Phoenix metro area, east of downtown Phoenix along the Salt River. It is home to Arizona State University's main campus and the 2.5-mile Tempe Town Lake, and it blends historic residential districts, a walkable university core, and neighborhoods of single-family homes.
The city at a glance
A central metro location, around the lake.
Location and orientation
Tempe is in Maricopa County, east of downtown Phoenix, bordered by Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and Guadalupe. Tempe Town Lake runs along the Salt River through the city, and Tempe Butte (A Mountain) is a visible landmark near the university. Major routes include I-10 (Maricopa Freeway), US 60 (Superstition Freeway), Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway), and Loop 101 (Price Freeway).
Housing types and community characteristics
Housing spans established single-family neighborhoods, historic residential districts, and university- and downtown-area condos, lofts, and mid- and high-rise residences near the lake. Some newer infill development is concentrated around the downtown and lake areas. Home types and HOA structures vary widely by neighborhood, so it is worth comparing the different parts of the city.
Transportation and everyday amenities
Valley Metro Rail serves downtown Tempe and Arizona State University, and the City of Tempe runs the free Orbit neighborhood circulator plus local bus service. Tempe Town Lake offers boating, fishing, and paddle sports with rentals at Tempe Beach Park, plus miles of multi-use paths. The Mill Avenue District provides shopping and dining, Tempe Marketplace is a nearby retail center, Papago Park adjoins the city, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is located nearby.
Buying, selling, and relocation considerations
A local agent can help you compare Tempe's neighborhoods, housing types, and buyer or seller strategies. Use the Ask Andrew Q&A for straight answers about buying and selling in the Phoenix metro, and request a market analysis for your specific situation. Relocation guidance is available for those moving to the area.
Clearly Sold resources
Guides that help you decide.
The clearest next step is to compare Tempe's neighborhoods against your goals with a local agent. These Clearly Sold resources cover the questions that come up most when buying, selling, or relocating to the Phoenix metro.
Ask Andrew
Straight answers about buying and selling in the Phoenix metro.
Ask a questionRelocation guidance
What to know when moving to the Phoenix metro area.
Relocation helpHome-buying process
The steps and tradeoffs of buying a home in Arizona.
Buying guideRequest a market analysis
A current, city-specific read on your home or target area.
Get your analysisBrowse homes
Search help across the Phoenix metro and the wider market.
Start the searchCommunity guides
Neighborhood and community comparisons across Arizona.
Browse guidesNext step
Get the current Tempe picture.
Tempe's housing and lifestyle vary by neighborhood, from historic districts to the lakefront core. Tell us what you are looking for and we will give you the current, city-specific read before you commit.
- Phone
- 623-400-5957
- andrew@clearlysold.com
Sources: City of Tempe (tempe.gov) - Tempe Town Lake and Parks & Recreation; Valley Metro. Checked October 19, 2026.