Is Tempe, Arizona a Good Place to Live?

Tempe is a gorgeous city, but you may also wonder if Tempe, Arizona, is a good place to live and raise a family? That’s the question we’ll help you answer for yourself with the information below. So if you’re moving to Tempe with your family, read on to discover more!

Tempe is one of the best cities in Arizona, and for a good reason. For example, Tempe is easily walkable and bikeable! The city planners did a superb job making it easy to get around here. As a result, you can wake up for a casual bike ride to brunch or walk to meet friends at a nearby park! Just imagine the possibilities! Also, Tempe is home to Arizona State University. Indeed, much of Tempe’s progressive, youthful vibe comes from the university’s stunning campus. 

Great Schools in Tempe, Arizona

For parents, one of the biggest priorities is to ensure that their kids get a sound education. So you’ll be happy to hear that Tempe, Arizona is a good place to grow up and learn. The schools in Tempe are highly rated. For example, some of the top public schools in the state are here in Tempe. That includes one of the best high schools in the state, ASU Preparatory Academy Polytechnic High School. In addition, Tempe Preparatory Academy is the #10 best public high school in the Grand Canyon State. Of our 79 public schools, 20 get an A or A+. Overall, Tempe is a good place to live because your children will have access to an excellent education.

is tempe arizona a good place to live

Tempe, Arizona is a Hot Place to Live

Tempe, Arizona, is one of the sunniest cities in the United States. However, the sun can often be brutal, especially from May through September.  For that reason, our overall comfort index is a rather low 4.4 out of 10. However, our winter comfort index is 8.6 out of 10, which is excellent. Still, that’s a problem when you’re stuck inside because it’s too hot to go outside.

Housing is Affordable in Tempe

Living in an apartment is fine when you’re young, single, or recently married. However, once you decide to have a family, many people prefer to move into their own homes. In Tempe, that’s easier to do as the housing prices here are still reasonable. Tempe’s median home value is under $300,000, which is within reach for many families. (It is going up, though, as in most cities.) 

is tempe arizona a good place to live

Nightlife in Tempe, AZ, is Exciting and Fun

Everyone needs to have a night off every so often to enjoy some fun, music, and dancing. If you’re a parent who needs a break, there are plenty of options in Tempe to choose from! The city has several excellent pubs and breweries. For example, the breweries offer tasty, locally-crafted beers on tap. Also, you can find live music in Tempe’s many hotspots, including a local favorite, the Low Key Piano Bar. For concerts, there’s the Marquee Theatre and the annual Innings Festival. Regardless of your age, if you’re single or married with kids, the nightlife in Tempe has something for everyone!

Tempe, Arizona is a Good Place to Live Outdoors

One factor that makes a city a good place to live is the number of parks it offers. Going outside and enjoying the sun, fresh air, and nature are essential. There are many beautiful parks and green spaces in Tempe, Arizona. Enjoying them is also easier with excellent weather (most of the year). Some of the best parks and green spaces in Tempe include:

  • Tempe Beach Park: Come here for a day of boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
  • Tempe Town Lake: This is one of the best parks in the city.
  • Arredondo Park: With a great playground and a dog park, this is fun for the whole family.
  • Kiwanis Park: This 125-acre park has a 12-acre lake, a splash playground, bike trails, and more.
  • Sellah Park: Don’t miss the fantastic playground at Sellah Park!
  • Clark Park: Take the family out and explore another great playground, but make sure to bring your sunscreen. There isn’t much shade here!
  • Dwight Park: This spacious park is great for running around and playing games like frisbee!
  • Daumler Park: Lots of shaded picnic areas make this a park for an outdoor date or a casual party.
is tempe arizona a good place to live

Delicious and Diverse Food Awaits You in Tempe

The food scene in Tempe, AZ, is one of the country’s finest, with a diversity that’s hard to beat. Several Tempe restaurants have been nominated for the prestigious James Beard Chef Award in the last few years! Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe, AZ, is your best choice for a wide variety of restaurant options.

Of course, most families don’t eat out every day, making access to fresh, local produce essential. That’s no problem in Tempe as we have several superb farmer’s markets. One of the finest is the Tempe Farmers Market on 805 S. Farmers Ave. Unlike most farmer’s markets, they’re open every day, not just on the weekend. Plus, they have regular events that the whole family can enjoy.

Crime Rates in Tempe are a Concern

Tempe’s crime rates are, unfortunately, a concern. Violent crime is just slightly over the national average. Property crime, on the other hand, is significantly worse. The city’s property crime is almost double the national average. (On a scale of 100, we rank 63, which is not good.) Although it’s important to be aware of these facts, we still think Tempe, Arizona is a good place to live and raise a family.

Enjoy the Rich Art Scene in Tempe

One of the things that make humans uniquely human is our innate creativity. To bring out that creativity, it’s helpful to expose your family to as much art and culture as possible. In Tempe, there are museums, arts festivals, and galleries everywhere you look.

A perfect example is the spectacular Tempe Festival of the Arts. One of the oldest art festivals in the country; it’s been going on for 50+ years. The festival showcases more than 350 artists from around the United States. Even better, admission is free for everyone, and the atmosphere is super fun, exciting, and engaging! A few more examples of Tempe’s cultural significance include:

Decorated pottery

Tempe, Arizona, is a Great Place to Live

While not perfect, we think you’ll agree that Tempe is a good place to live and raise a family. The city is highly diverse, with good weather, excellent schools, and an abundance of culture.

If you’re moving to Tempe, Arizona, Storage Solutions offers safe and clean storage units in Tempe, AZ. Many new arrivals rent storage units in Tempe from us before arriving. They can take time searching for a new Tempe neighborhood to call home.

Storage Solutions has two excellent self-storage locations in Tempe, AZ, serving the public. Both feature on-site managers and 24/7 video security to ensure your stuff stays safe. You can visit either location and meet the onsite manager if you have questions. They’re super friendly and can advise you on which Tempe, AZ storage units best fit your needs.

We hope today’s information about whether Tempe, AZ, is a good place to live was helpful and informative. If you’re on your way to Tempe, we wish you the best of luck with your move!

Read more on the Storage Solutions blog!