Top 4 Neighborhoods in Tempe
The Top 4 Neighborhoods in Tempe, Arizona, deliver a unique combination of art, entertainment, and recreation. This busy and fast-growing city also just happens to be where I live– so I’ll share the inside scoop on four of Tempe’s most desirable neighborhoods!
About Tempe
Before we get into the specifics of Tempe’s best places to live, I’ll introduce you to Tempe itself. Tempe was founded in 1894 after daring farmers saw the potential of the Salt River and began to settle the area as early as 1865. They laid the foundation for future settlements by restoring old irrigation systems left behind by the Hohokam people, later supplying the nearby military outposts.
Now, Tempe is a cultural hotspot with a booming economy, home to Fortune 500 companies, and a thriving startup atmosphere. Also home to Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe includes a college atmosphere for sports and bustling nightlife.
Tempe architecture and public services focus on spending time outdoors, with Tempe Lake at the heart of many festivals and celebrations. In addition, the city maintains many parks, sports fields, and indoor recreation centers.
Tempe is located in Maricopa County in eastern Arizona, close to Phoenix. It covers about 40 square miles and has a population of about 184,000 as of March 2023.
Now that you know a bit about Tempe’s history and current standing, let’s get into the top 4 neighborhoods of this sunny city!
Downtown Tempe and the Rio Salado Area
Living in this neighborhood provides residents with incredible amenities with a thriving nightlife, outdoor recreation, and plenty of retail shopping. I personally love this neighborhood because you can get around on foot or with local public transportation.
A hotspot of Tempe’s thriving nightlife, Downtown Tempe borders the Salt River (Rio Salado) to the south. The waterfront neighborhood offers many bridge access points crisscrossing the Salt River. You’ll also find Tempe Beach Park with water access.
Also in Downtown Tempe is ASU, including the ASU Art Museum. In addition, find the Tempe Marketplace, a massive retail strip including restaurants and retail stores in an open-air style.
There are many housing options in Downtown Tempe, with many condos and apartment buildings in highrises and single-family homes.
Real Estate Stats as of February 2023:
Median Home Price: $455,000
Average Days on Market: 54 days
Year-to-Year Price Change: Up 3.4%
Redfin Housing Competition Score: Somewhat Competitive, 50 out of 100
Kiwanis and The Lakes Area
Another real estate hot spot is The Lakes and Kiwanis area. With Kiwanis Park at the center of the neighborhood, this area is mainly residential, dotted with lakes, and abounding in public parks.
The Kiwanis Park is 125 acres, with a 12-acre lake for swimming, kayaking, and more. The park also includes multiple outdoor sports fields and trails. Looking for an escape from the hot summers? Then check out the indoor Kiwanis Recreation Center, including an indoor wave pool and sports courts.
You’ll also find the beautiful Ken McDonald Golf Course just south of Kiwanis Park.
The Lakes is a private and very connected community, with an active website including neighborhood events like holiday celebrations, hosted games, and recreational classes.
One of my favorite restaurants and entertainment plazas to visit is The Collective on Baseline Road. You can pop into Artichoke Basille's for a slice of Pizza, then walk over to The Porch for drinks, and next door is the neighborhood movie theater: Majestic Tempe 7, where you can spend the rest of the night watching movies!
Real Estate Stats as of February 2023:
Median Home Price: $428,000
Average Days on Market: 53 days
Year-to-Year Price Change: Down 15.8%
Redfin Housing Competition Score: Somewhat Competitive, 42 out of 100
Alameda Area
Just north of the Kiwanis and The Lakes is the gorgeous neighborhood of Alameda. Alameda has a mix of housing options, with medium size homes, condos, apartments, townhomes, multi-units, and a few commercial areas.
I like that the single-family residences in this area are unique and have a wide variety of curb appeal. Most Tempe neighborhoods don’t look particularly uniform, but this area is even more so because Alameda doesn’t have HOA governing boards.
Here’s an insider tip:
Go do your groceries at the Sprouts Farmers Market on Southern and McClintock. When you’re done, enjoy a nice meal at an amazing neighborhood grill, Spokes on Southern. I recommend using their outside patio for a lovely view of the small serene urban park adjacent to the restaurant. You are guaranteed to spot some cute turtles and ducks!
The Tempe Diablo Stadium, home of Arizona’s Minor League Baseball team, is on the west side of Alameda. You’ll also be a short drive from ASU to the north and Kiwanis Park to the south.
Real Estate Stats as of February 2023:
Median Home Price: $409,000
Average Days on Market: 49 days
Year-to-Year Price Change: Down 11.9%
Redfin Housing Competition Score: Somewhat Competitive, 42 out of 100
Corona and South Tempe Area
Moving to number four on our list, Corona and the South Tempe area is known for large lots, large homes, and a luxury residential area. South Tempe is located between Interstate 10 and Arizona State Route 101, with Phoenix to the West, Mesa to the East, and Chandler to the south. I personally love this neighborhood because this area is perfectly central to other major cities, freeways, and away from the downtown Tempe area, but only 15 minutes away when you want to join the party.
I am always in this neighborhood: Costco and Costco Gas, IKEA (the only IKEA location in Arizona), and the Tempe Sports Complex. The Pickleball Sport has been picking up so much attraction by Tempe residents, and you will find many of us at the pickleball courts of Tempe Sports Complex or Pickleball Kingdom on the corner of Rural and Ray Road.
Real Estate Stats as of February 2023:
Median Home Price: $603,000
Average Days on Market: 72 days
Year-to-Year Price Change: Down 5%
Redfin Housing Competition Score: Somewhat Competitive, 41 out of 100
Ready to Move into One of Tempe’s Top Neighborhoods?
My name is Stephanie Hernandez, licensed Realtor and Arizona native. I’ve lived in Tempe for several years and have absolutely loved getting to know the city. So if you’re looking for a change, get a local’s opinion for the perfect opening in one of Tempe’s best real estate niches!
Contact me today at realtor@stephaniehernandez.com
