M&B REALTY LLC 7259 E LINDER AVENUE
MESA, AZ 85209 Cell Phone: 480-678-0365
Office Phone: 866-699-5410 x1741
or 602-904-6343
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Tempe Real Estate & Information
Your Introduction to Tempe and Tempe Real Estate & Homes for Sale
Tempe, Arizona - Today
Tempe is located to the east and southeast of Phoenix, south of Scottsdale, and west of Mesa and Chandler. Tempe continues to be a center of activity for the East Valley. This is largely in part due to the presence of Arizona State University. ASU's reach across the Valley and outside of Arizona has been growing in recent years due to its leadership under Michael Crow. Indeed, ASU seems to have a presence in nearly every major economic development that impacts the Valley.
Tempe's growth has been evolving as urban loft-style buildings reach high into the sky from Mill Avenue. As well, the downtown area will soon have the lightrail system in operation tying downtown Tempe with downtown Phoenix. A new performing arts center complements the area. Public events that take advantage of the lakefront have become commonplace.
Tempe's population numbers at approximately 165,000 residents witha median income of $60,800.
Overall, Tempe is experiencing positive economic gains that have been long in development. Its actual and perceived importance to the rest of the Valley is great and will continue to be in the foreseeable future.
Tempe, Arizona - A History
Farmers first moved into the land that would become Tempe back starting in the 1860s. They built new water canals which brought Salt River water to their fields. Tempe was first settled by Hispanic families who came from southern Arizona. These families started small farms in the area around Tempe Butte. A second settlement that would become known as Hayden's Ferry (this name is in use today with the new high-rise development on Tempe Town Lake) and located in the Mill Avenue downtown area developed starting in 1870 when Charles Hayden homesteaded the land.
When the two settlements finally formed one larger community, the town of Tempe was formed. The name Tempe, is attributed to an Englishman, who compared the area to the Vale of Tempe in Greece. That was way back in 1879.
Arizona State University has its long-established roots in Tempe. The university was founded in 1885 as the Territorial Normal School (its name changed three times in the first decade and a half) and trained teachers at that time. The school evolved over the decades but didn't officially become Arizona State Univesity until 1958. Before then, it was known as the Arizona State College. Today, ASU is one of the largest public universities in the country and boasts four campuses across the Valley with over 63,000 students.
Tempe's history is one of an extensive agricultural tradition much like several other Valley cities. This continued well up until World War II. After the war, veterans began to settle in the area further contributing to Tempe's evolution into a major city in the area.
Current city boundaries for Tempe were established in 1974 and today, Tempe is predominantly developed land with few in-fill opportunities left. The new focus on urban living has changed this dynamic somewhat as residential high-rises take vertical shape in the downtown area.
Tempe real estate generally commands a premium over neighboring Chandler, Mesa, and is about equivalent to Ahwatukee per square foot though the nature of the homes varies. Housing in Tempe is usually of older design given the city's long and mature history as a hub of activity for the Valley. Whereas Tempe north of Highway 60 is college-focused and more light industrial, south of Highway 60 is composed more of housing communities and is a popular part of the area for families.
Tempe is a college town and the site for Arizona State University's main campus which is located near University and Rural Roads. It is a proud city for this reason, well regarded and sought after across the Valley. Tempe has a strong sense of community and residents there typically try to stay within Tempe when they feel compelled to make a move of residence.
Freeway access (I-10 and the 101 freeways) allows many Valley residents to live in Tempe and work in other parts of the area while retail development is complete and pleasant. As well, the airport is an easy commute even from the southern portion of Tempe. The Kyrene School District serves Tempe residents and has an excellent reputation as well. This is another reason why many prefer Tempe over other parts of the Valley and are willing to make pricing and housing tradeoffs to live there.
Tempe's downtown areas on Mill Avenue is undergoing change. With the lightrail system set to open soon, the new Tempe Center for the Arts, and new high rise developments, the downtown is evolving into an urban cultural center.
Tempe is a wonderful city in a transition to a more modern lifestyle. It's a fantastic place to live for many reasons.
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