Firstly why Tempe, Arizona?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Tempe
• State: Arizona
• Population: 192,364 people
• Tempe’s quick summary would be Home to Arizona State University and the lively Mill Avenue District.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 15,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 3,000
• Number of Homeless people: 600

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to Arizona State University attracts students and young professionals

Perk #1: Tempe Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 49%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $80,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Tempe is $75,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-5000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Tempe’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 94 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,647
• Property Tax %: 1.08%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Tempe
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Tempe, Downtown, Papago-Park, South-Mountain, and probably could include Mill-Avenue
• Avg. Age of Homes in Tempe: 37 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Tempe’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Tempe are  Education, Retail, and Technology
• Tempe Job Scene: growing job market in education and tech industries
• The General Tech Scene: home to Arizona State University, vibrant tech scene with many tech startups and incubators ,
• Tempe Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Tempe: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 120 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Tempe

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 60 connects Tempe to cities further east and west
• Commute Time: 23 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: congestion on US-60 during rush hour
• Transportation Score: 69 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Tempe: 80,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 12 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Tempe: azdot.gov/motor-vehicles
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
• Local Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Tempe’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Tempe is best described as has hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters with occasional cold weather
• Winter Weather in Tempe i’d describe as mild and dry
• Spring Weather in Tempe can be described as warm with low humidity
• Summer’s in Tempe are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Tempe is usually warm with low rainfall
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 35 days in summer
• Days in a row in Tempe below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 9 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by vehicular emissions
• Tempe Winter Air average air quality with urban pollution influences

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Tempe Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Tempe 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Tempes’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Tempe Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Tempe Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Tempe only Doctors is about 115
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Tempe only Police Officers is about 300
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Tempe’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Tempe’s Monthly Gym Membership: $60
• Tempe’s Water Quality Score: 74

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Tempe

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 12 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: vibrant college town with a youthful energy and cultural events
• You might enjoy theater productions at the ASU Gammage
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Tempe  boasts a college-town vibe with lively bars and clubs catering to students and young professionals

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Tempe

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Has many student-friendly eateries and local cafes
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Tempe
• The Popular Sports Team is Arizona State Sun Devils
• Top Level Political Climate in Tempe can be described as liberal college town with a focus on social issues and sustainability
• Tempe’s Longer standing religious establishment is Tempe Christian Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Tempe Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Tempe has 30 Parks?
• Tempe Town Lake is Tempe’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Tempe Farmers Market normally open Wednesday & Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Kayaking, biking, and hiking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Tempe Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Tempe can be described as vibrant college-town atmosphere with plenty of nightlife
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Tempe attending local events biking around town exploring parks
• The Cities people commute to from Tempe are Phoenix 11 miles away Mesa 5 miles away Scottsdale 11 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Tempe or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: congestion on US-60 during rush hour. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Tempe’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Tempe is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Tempe are Phoenix 11 miles away Mesa 5 miles away Scottsdale 11 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Tempe has 0 days in a row below freezing and 35 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Tempe people have an average (positive or negative) $-5000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   600 homeless people living in Tempe. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal college town with a focus on social issues and sustainability could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Tempe.

Retiree & Senior Life in Tempe

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive income tax credits enhancing financial resources
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Forum at Desert Harbor
• Tempe Community Center provides educational programs exercise classes and social activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Tempe, Arizona?

If Tempe, Arizona ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Tempe, Arizona, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!