Tempe, Arizona, is a city located in Maricopa County, Arizona, with a population of 180,587 as of 2020.
The c city is located in the East Valley section of metropolitan Phoenix and is home to Arizona State University.
If you’re considering a move to Tempe, you should first understand the pros and cons of living in the city, allowing you to make a well-informed decision.
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Pros of Living in Tempe, Arizona
Living in Tempe has many advantages, which is why people always move there.
The benefits of living in Tempe include:
1. Cost of Living
The first thing you should know before moving to a new city or state is the cost of living.
You have to make sure that you will be able to afford to live in a new place.
Fortunately, Tempe’s living cost is lower than the national average.
A two-bedroom home in Tempe costs between $350,000 and $450,000, depending on the neighborhood, square footage, and amenities.
The average rent in Tempe is $1,918, and the cost depends on various factors, such as the location, the apartment size, and the quality.
For example, you can expect to pay more for a recently renovated apartment than one that hasn’t been updated in years.
Tempe is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a place to live that’s cheaper than other states and Arizona cities.
2. Strong Job Market
Tempe, Arizona, is one of the largest expanding industrial hubs in the United States.
Downtown Tempe always has job opportunities in various industries, including tech, healthcare, defense, manufacturing, tourism, and aerospace industries, making it the perfect place for young professionals.
Tempe is to many large companies that employ 1,000 to 8,000 employees, including:
- Arizona State University
- State Farm Insurance
- Freedom Financial Network
- JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association
- Honeywell
- Wells Fargo
- ADP Inc
- Bank of the West
If you don’t already have a job lined up in Tempe, you shouldn’t have trouble finding one when you get there.
3. Driving Is Simple
If you’re moving to Tempe from New York, Los Angeles, or another major city, you know all about traffic and how challenging it can be to get where you’re going easily.
If you move to Tempe, traveling around the city will be simple.
The traffic in Tempe isn’t nearly as bad as other major cities in the United States, and you should be able to get around without needing your GPS.
The routes in Tempe are simple, even if you’re traveling in the suburbs.
The entire state is easy to navigate around, and the highways provide direct routes to locations.
If you’re tired of sitting in traffic for hours, moving to Tempe will be a refreshing change.
4. It’s Always Sunny in Tempe
If you hate the rain and are tired of your plans being ruined due to the weather, Tempe, Arizona, will be a great place to move.
Almost every day of the year is sunny, with just a few rainy days.
When you move to Tempe, you won’t have to worry about your outdoor plans being ruined by rain, and you can enjoy the Arizona sun almost every day.
5. Fewer Insects
Summertime is excellent, except for the bugs.
There’s nothing worse than flies, gnats, and chiggars invading your yard, ruining picnics and outdoor activities.
Dealing with insects can make you want to go back in the house to avoid the hassle, but this won’t be an issue if you move to Tempe.
Flies, gnats, and chiggars are virtually absent in Tempe, so you won’t have to worry about these pests ruining your outdoor fun.
6. Quality Education
If you have children, education is something you have to consider before moving, and Tempe’s school system is excellent.
The public school system is excellent, and the private schools are highly rated and perform better than other school systems in the United States.
Tempe Preparatory School, Marcos De Niza High School, and Corona Del Sol High Academy are some of the top schools in the city, and your children can get an excellent education should they move there.
Also, Tempe is home to Arizona State University, which is an excellent school, and your kids won’t have to travel far to go to college should they choose to go there.
7. Comfortable Humidity
Many parts of the country are very humid during the summer, preventing you from spending time outdoors because it’s so uncomfortable.
Tempe is a great place to move if you’re tired of the humidity where you currently live.
The average humidity level in Tempe is 44 percent, which is much lower than in many other states.
8. Low Natural Disaster Risks
Natural disasters can destroy homes and lives, and in certain parts of the United States, you must always be prepared.
Fortunately, you won’t have to worry too much about natural disasters if you move to Tempe.
The risk of severe storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and volcanic hazard risks are all very low, and you won’t have to worry and prepare for natural disasters.
Cons of Living in Tempe, Arizona
Although there are many wonderful things about living in Tempe, there are some downsides.
No place is perfect, and the cons associated with living in Tempe, Arizona, include:
1. Low Walkability
If you worry about carbon emissions destroying our planet and prefer walking rather than driving a car, Tempe isn’t the best place to live.
Tempe is one of the least walkable cities in the country, even in the metro areas.
You will need a car or public transportation to get around the city.
If you like to walk to your destinations, you might be better off living in New York City, Washington, DC, Chicago, or San Francisco.
2. Oppressive Heat
Winters in Tempe are relatively mild, but the temperature heats up from April through October.
Spring temperatures can reach 86 degrees, and it’s not uncommon for summer temperatures to reach over 100 degrees.
If you’re sensitive to the heat, you may not want to move to Tempe.
Although it isn’t humid, the high temperatures can make you miserable.
If you decide to move to Tempe, make sure you keep something to drink with you at all times.
3. There Isn’t a Lot of Land Available
If you plan to move to Tempe and build your dream house, you may want to think twice.
There isn’t much available land to build on, and you might be better off moving to another state with enough land for your dream house.
4. High Crime Rate
If you’re looking for a safe place to live, Tempe may not be the best option.
Tempe is a small city, and the overall crime rate is above average.
Pros and Cons of Living in Tempe, AZ – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Tempe, Arizona | Cons of Living in Tempe, Arizona |
|---|---|
| 1. Cost of Living | 1. Low Walkability |
| 2. Strong Job Market | 2. Oppressive Heat |
| 3. Driving Is Simple | 3. There Isn't a Lot of Land Available |
| 4. It's Always Sunny in Tempe | 4. High Crime Rate |
| 5. Fewer Insects | |
| 6. Quality Education | |
| 7. Comfortable Humidity | |
| 8. Low Natural Disaster Risks |
Tempe Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Tempe Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stay safe living in Tempe?
Because Tempe has an above-average crime rate, you have to be aware of your surroundings.
You should avoid traveling alone in unfamiliar areas, particularly in the northern regions of the city.
You should also avoid taking public transportation to the northern area, and a car is a much safer way to get around Tempe.
Are there fun things to do in Tempe?
Yes, there are many fun things to do in Tempe.
If you’re an active person, there are many beautiful parks and scenic hiking trails.
There are also many great places to eat, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a meal at a 5-star restaurant.
There are also many family-friendly things to do in the city and a thriving live music scene.
If you move to Tempe, you won’t be bored because there are always fun things to do.
Where can I find the most action in Tempe?
Downtown Tempe is home to various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and you’ll always have something to do.
You can attend Broadway plays at ASU Gammage Auditorium or enjoy a great meal or a drink at the Alibi Rooftop Lounge.
Also, there are always exciting community events at the 6th Street Market every week.
What is Tempe's public transportation system like?
If you don’t have a car or don’t want one, you can easily get around the city using public transportation.
You have the following options if you need to get around the city or other major cities.
Valley Metro Light Rail will help you beat the commuter traffic and get to Phoenix quickly.
Orbit Bus is a free shuttle service that connects Downtown Tempe to nearby schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and other local destinations.
The Tempe Streetcar will allow you to get around Downtown Tempe with ease.
If you go to Arizona State University or work there, FLASH is a free shuttle service that goes from student housing to the campus and back.
Are there plenty of places to shop in Tempe?
Yes, there are many convenient shopping locations in Tempe.
The city has a Safeway, Walmart Supercenter, Walgreens, Sprouts, and the Arizona Mills Shopping Mall.
Whether you need to do your weekly grocery shopping or are looking for a dress for a formal event, you can find everything you need right in Tempe.
Do I have to worry about the power grid in Tempe?
Tempe, Arizona, gets very hot during the summer, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees on most days.
A few states, such as Texas, often lose power during extreme heat because air conditioners run on full blast or during the extreme cold during the winter when the heaters run on full blast.
If you’re worried about the power grid during the scorching summer months, you don’t have to.
Fortunately, Arizona’s power grid is able to withstand the extreme heat and running air conditioners.
The temperature in Tempe reached 120 degrees in July 2023, and the power grid kept the power on.
What are the best neighborhoods in Tempe?
Tempe has several excellent neighborhoods, and if you plan to move there, you want to live in a nice area.
The top neighborhoods in the city include:
- Alta Mira
- Sunset
- Peterson Park
- Duskfire
- Lindon Park
- Cyprus Southwest
Tempe, Arizona has a lower cost of living, a strong job market, and a great education system, but it also has low walkability, oppressive heat, limited land availability, and a high crime rate.