Home to Arizona State University, the largest campus in the United States by enrollment, Tempe touts top notch education and a low unemployment rate, making it a great place for schooling or a successful career.
The 40-mile square wide town is a suburb of Phoenix, situated southeast of the state capital. Its location to Phoenix makes it a great place to consider moving to, giving residents a taste of city life while living in a local and smaller subdivision.
If you think Tempe could be the town for you and your family, browse through this guide to get an idea of the area's atmosphere and possible prospects.
Tempe Climate
Tempe temperatures range from hot in the summer to cool in the winter, with the annual average climate anywhere between 70 to 80-degrees. With an average high of 105-degrees and low of 75-degrees in July and the standard high of 68-degrees and low of 38-degrees in December, Tempe is a typical desert climate. With little precipitation throughout the year, the region sees a regular rainfall of only 9.3 inches annually.
Tempe Neighborhoods
Bordered by Scottsdale to the north and Chandler to the south, the Phoenix suburb has dozens of distinct neighborhoods. With Arizona State University in North Tempe, the district is dense and heavily populated by students. South Tempe is less occupied with more open space, making it a more family-friendly sector.
A Tempe neighborhood directory and map is offered through the town website so new residents can get a feel for the area to better decide exactly what district to reside in. Preserving all the area neighborhoods, the Tempe Neighborhood Services Division, founded in 1987, focuses on keeping families connected with city officials in an effort to encourage strong community relations. Each year, Tempe acknowledges area leaders who keep regional relationships strong by handing off awards to them. This sense of camaraderie is sure to make Tempe a considerable town to move to.
Registering Your Car
With a convenient location in Tempe, the Arizona Department of Transportation is where new residents must visit to obtain a state license and registration. According to Arizona law, you must immediately apply for a license as soon as you move to the area. An adult license averages $25 and can usually be issued without taking a written or driven test as long as you present your former state license. A vision test is required for all new residents.
The identification needed to apply for a license includes any of the following: a previous state driver's license, birth certificate, marriage certificate, U.S. passport, social security card, credit and bank card or medical insurance ID.
Depending on the make, model and year of your car, registration prices will range from $15 and up. Specialized license plates are available for $25 and must be renewed annually for the same price. To obtain Arizona plates you must present your out-of-state title, former license plates and pass a vehicle inspection.
Tempe Schools
The Tempe Elementary School District is comprised of 20 schools that educate 11,739 students. There is one preschool and special needs site, 4 elementary, 3 middle and 2 K-8 schools in the district. With 767 educators, the student to teacher ratio is strong, giving Tempe students a top-notch public education.
The Tempe Union High School District includes six facilities including the Corona del Sol, Desert Vista, Marcos de Niza, McClintock, Mountain Pointe and Tempe High Schools. The Tempe Campus has a Baccalaureate program, and there is also a non-traditional high school, Compadre Academy, and a school that serves gifted students, Peggy Payne Academy. If you desire to send your child to any of Tempe's private schools in the district, there are dozens to choose from.
Arizona State University is the most popular college in the town of Tempe, with more than 60,000 students on site. While the four-year campus offers fantastic educational opportunities, the contiguous Maricopa Community College District provides students many subjects to major in at any of the 10 separate two-year schools.
Tempe Employment
With an unemployment rate of 5.8%, almost two points down from the national average, Tempe's top two employers are educational institutions. Arizona State University employs more than 11,000 staff members, and the Maricopa Community College District employs more than 4,500 workers. Other top employers in the area that have more than 3,500 workers on site are Wells Fargo, Safeway and the Salt River Project.
To gain employment at any of these businesses, simply contact them through their websites to see what positions they are offering. If you are interested in working elsewhere and are unsure where to apply, contact one of Tempe's several staffing agencies or check out the local classified in the areas most popular news source Arizona Central.
Living Costs in the City
With a 5% cost of living lower than the state average and a 3.3% cost of living lower than the national average, the town of Tempe is an affordable area to settle in. CNN Money gages the median cost of living at $67,337and the median home price at $130,000.
A high-end apartment with luxury accommodations in the area could cost as much as $1,600 a month for two bedrooms, where a lower-end apartment without any amenities can run as low as $800. The cost of utilities in Tempe will total differently depending on family size and service usage. Since Tempe is a desert dwelling, the area calls for the air conditioner to run longer each year, making the service slightly higher than in east coast states. If you like to garden, water costs may also be a bit higher depending on usage since the area sees slight precipitation throughout the year.
Tempe Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Tempe, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Arizona. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Tempe Transportation
With major freeways running through Tempe, motorists conveniently move about the area. Loops 101 and 202, Interstate 10 and Route 60 are the most traveled paths, getting residents from point A to B in a timely manner. The Valley Metro system offers a light rail system and busses that travel all around Tempe. The public transportation system is affordable with a one-day pass priced at $4 and a monthly ticket totaling $64.
If you are short funds, don't freight since Tempe offers a free bus service for residents. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and Jupiter are five routes that run through Tempe on the Orbit bus system. The University of Arizona also offers free transportation on campus and to the Mill Avenue District with FLASH (Free Local Area Shuttle). And if free or paid public transportation is not your thing, any local Tempe cab service will take you from your front door to your destination for a fair price.
Culture & Contemporary Life
Life in Tempe can be very tempting. With so much to do on and off one of the nation's largest universities, students and residents often mingle, making the community a collective hub of happenings for younger and older adults.
Mill Avenue District draws thousands of residents to some of the best area restaurants and shopping sites. With dozens of informal and fine dining eateries and countless low-scale or high-end retail shops, residents can stay within their budget while balancing work and play with weekly entertainment. Residents can also get together for a little competition at one of the collegiate events held at Arizona State University.
Constant area art and cultural events in the community make Tempe a terrific town to spend a night out in. Whether you're watching ballet under the stars at the Tempe for the Center Arts Amphitheater or staring at the stars in the Arizona State University Planetarium, you are sure to find some fun almost anywhere you turn in town.
Tempe Relocation Tips
- Tour Tempe on a visit and see if the town is a location you would like to live with your family. While you are there, check out the classifieds and research local real estate and employment opportunities.
- Research the school system and decide what institution you want your child to attend. Living close to schools and your place of business makes for a more efficient schedule during a busy work week.
- Research volunteer opportunities in the area. Serving a non-profit organization in the region is a great way to make new friends and create a sense of purpose in your new place.