Just about 20 minutes east of Downtown Phoenix sits Tempe, AZ, an oasis within an oasis of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Widely known for the main campus of Arizona State University, this 40-square miles offers above and beyond some of the best undergraduate teaching in the country.
Whether you’re one of the thousands enrolled for classes at ASU, finding yourself relocating for business, or maybe just want an extended winter visit in warmer climates, here are things you need to know about Tempe.
1. Arizona State University is a big deal
Upfront, there is much more to Tempe than ASU, but there is no denying its influence as the biggest employer in the city as well as “home” to more than 50,000 enrolled students. If you are a prospective student, you may also like to know that ASU’s awards also include being the top innovator for years in a row, among the best places for undergraduate teaching, and is even recognized for its commitment to student health and well-being.
2. Tempe is the place to launch your career
Tempe is the best place to launch your career in Arizona. With the proximity to ASU, Tempe is a relatively young town, with the median age being roughly 28. Though the cost of living is slightly higher than the rest of the state, it is considered one of the most affordable places to live in the Arizona between the median salary of roughly $50,500, median rent of $1,200, and low unemployment rate of 3.8%, it’s a great place to graduate and launch into a career.
3. Tempe has a lake—a lake in a dessert
Tempe Town lake is both a local and national attraction, with visitors pouring in from all over the country from rowing teams coming in to practice in the winter months to kayakers and paddlers as well as biking and hiking around the lake. It was worth noting that there is no swimming allowed, but that shouldn’t stop you from having a good time on or near the water. The city itself calls Tempe Town Lake as an embodiment for “a unique vision for the future of the (East) Valley.”
4. Winter easy in Tempe
Tempe averages 300 days of sunshine, 9-inches of rain a year, and virtually zero snowfall. If that isn’t enough, the “cold winter” months see temperatures around the mid-70s with a cool, crisp, and comfy nightly low near the 50s. Think about it, you can still visit a lake in the winter, do you need any other reason to enjoy Tempe after this?
5. Tempe Events happen all the time
Given the amazing year-round weather, is it any surprise you can always find something to do in Tempe—from a visit to ASU’s campus and sporting events, catching the Los Angeles Angels during their spring training, catching a Broadway show at ASU Gammage, and so much more! Check out the Tempe event calendar to see all you can do in Tempe.
6. Check out Tempe’s favorite restaurants
You can’t truly know a city until you’ve tasted its food, and there is plenty to sample while living in Tempe. Locals love enjoying such fine cuisine as the smoked meats (and pecan pie) of Little Miss BBQ, new American flavors of Culinary Dropout, or basically anything with Cocina Madrigal’s hatch green sauce.
This is just a small list of things for you to experience in Tempe, and we always encourage you to get out there and see for yourself and share it with us! And if you need help getting the most out of your space while checking out Tempe, click here to learn how a Tempe storage unit can help!
