Tempe, AZ apartments for rent

The welcoming city of Tempe is a suburb of Phoenix and home to Arizona State University. It has been named among the best cities for millennials on a list compiled by Forbes and was also ranked third in WalletHub’s list of best cities for singles. 

When was Tempe founded? 

Tempe is a relatively young city. Once known as Hayden’s Ferry, it was incorporated in 1894 and named after a valley in Greece. It was also once a booming farming community, and agriculture still plays an important part in its economy. But today, the city has grown into a modern business and education hub for both Maricopa County and the state of Arizona. 

How large is Tempe? 

Tempe is the sixth-largest city in the state of Arizona and one-ninth the size of neighboring Phoenix. It’s about 30% of the size of Tucson and Mesa, 70% the size of Scottsdale and is three times larger than Flagstaff. This particular size allows it to offer big-city conveniences, without experiencing overcrowding.  

Where is Tempe located?  

The city lies 10 miles from nearby Phoenix and six miles from Scottsdale. Chandler, Ariz., is 15 miles away; Albuquerque, N.M., is 415 miles away and Los Angeles is 380 miles from Tempe. 

What is the weather like in Tempe?

The city features a desert climate that is characterized by hot, dry weather. High summer temperatures exceed 100°F and January lows rarely drop to freezing. The city doesn’t experience the autumn season. Winter lasts from November to February and rainfall is scarce, rarely reaching 2 inches in any given month. Spring lasts from March to May and the remaining months all consist of sunny, clear summers. Dust storms can occur in the months of July and August.

What are the pros of living in Tempe?

Tempe boasts an impressive food scene, offering fusions of Mexican, Guatemalan and Native American cuisines. It experiences abundant sunshine and gets no snowfall whatsoever. 

What are the cons of living in Tempe?

The city is prone to flash floods in the summer months. It can also be difficult to find a parking spot near the Arizona State campus. 

Is Tempe a diverse city? 

With a sizable Hispanic population and a robust Native American community, Tempe is quite a diverse city. Students make up most of the local population, in addition to families and non-student singles.

How much does public transportation cost in Tempe? 

Valley Metro ensures local public transportation with a combined bus and rail system, serving both the Tempe and Phoenix metro areas. A single adult fare will set you back $2. Kids under the age of five and accompanied by an adult ride for free. Multi-day passes are also available, with a 31-day pass costing $52. Semester passes are also available to students, priced at $230 for spring-summer and $154 for the summer semester. 

What taxi companies serve Tempe? 

The city is served by numerous taxi companies, including Apache Taxi, Clean Air Cab, Yellow Cab and Tempe Taxi, providing many options to choose from. 

What is the average commute time in Tempe? 

The average commute time in Tempe is 20.9 minutes, nearly five minutes less than the national average of 26.4 minutes and the shortest time among large cities in all of Arizona.

How much does a meal cost in Tempe?

An average three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Tempe costs $40, and a regular cappuccino is priced at $4.06.  

How much do utilities cost in Tempe? 

Basic utilities in Tampa cost $157.20 monthly, including electricity, heating, cooling, water and garbage. This matches the national average of $159.95.

Tempe Housing Statistics

What are the major industries in Tempe?

Environmental, education, finance, and science/technology are the most prominent industries in Tempe. 

What are the top employers in Tempe? 

ASU is the largest employer in the city, followed closely by the Salt River Project, with the latter offering public works, agriculture and environmental management jobs. JP Morgan Chase Bank and Wells Fargo also have a large presence in Tampa for those interested in finance jobs.

What are the top colleges in Tempe? 

Arizona State University is undoubtedly the largest college in Tempe. ASU boasts undergraduate and graduate degrees in the visual and performing arts, while Rio Salado College has a campus in the city. The latter offers a wide variety of courses and majors, along with options for online studying.

Tempe Employment Statistics

Tempe Education Statistics

Tempe Household Statistics

Where to shop in Tempe? 

Several shopping opportunities await you in the city, with Tempe Marketplace leading the pack boasting a huge open-air space full of shops and restaurants, as well as Harkins Theatre. 

What outdoor activities are available in Tempe?

Man-made Tempe Town Lake is a fantastic place to rent a boat or enjoy a fun outdoor picnic. 

What annual events are held in Tempe?

Independence Day Celebration and the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade are the two leading annual events in Tempe, both offering excellent options for quality fun for couples or families. 

What free attractions are there in Tempe?

The ASU Art Museum, with its Native and contemporary ceramics, is one of the best free places you can visit, along with ASU’s School of Music, which regularly offers free concerts throughout the year. 

What is the Tempe cultural scene like? 

The Tempe Center for the Arts is the local epicenter for culture, boasting year-round films, lectures, showings and performances. The local food scene offers a combination of the finest dishes the Southwest has to offer, from artisan ice cream to Navajo churros.

What family attractions are there in Tempe?

Families with children will certainly enjoy Tempe Beach Park, which is ideal for cycling, dog walking, having fun in the splash playground or enjoying a day in the sun. 

What couples attractions are there in Tempe?

Art classes at Painting with a Twist can be a fun, instructional date idea for couples. Four Peaks Brewery for dinner and comedy at Tempe Improve are other great options.

What to know about renting in Tempe?

Renters in Arizona receive a decent number of rights. For example, you’re allowed to withhold payment if the landlord doesn’t fix certain problems, like broken heaters. Landlords must also inform tenants of anyone who is authorized to enter the residence and what their security deposit covers. They’re also required to provide information about bedbugs. Landlords should provide their tenants with 30 days’ notice prior to raising rent and five days’ notice before commencing eviction for late rental pay. Security deposits in Arizona cannot be more than 1.5 times the monthly rental cost.