Home of the mighty Sun Devils of Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, is a great place to live, work, and get a college education. If you are moving here or plan to, read ahead as we discuss some of the top activities in Tempe. Besides watching the Sun Devils’ play, there are many other fun things to do in Tempe, so without further ado, let’s take a look at all of them!
What is Tempe, AZ, Known For?
Tempe, AZ, is known for the many art and cultural attractions you can find here, as well as being the home of the aforementioned Arizona State University. It’s also known as a fantastic college town with sunny weather throughout the year.
Top Things to Do in Tempe, AZ
1. Watch the Sun Devils Play at Desert Financial Arena
With just shy of 11,000 seats, the Desert Financial Arena is a fantastic place to watch several different college sports, including basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. The arena also has several shows and concerts throughout the year.
2. Marvel at the magic of Nature in the Desert Botanical Garden
About 10 minutes from the center of Tempe, you’ll find the Desert Botanical Garden, an oasis of green and many other colors. You’ll find over 50,000 desert plants here, and the natural fragrance in the air can be intoxicating.
3. Shop Till You Drop at the 6th Street Market
An open-air market like no other, the 6th Street Market in downtown Tempe has something for everyone. Local food, arts and crafts, food trucks, live music, you name it! Keep in mind that the market is only open on Sundays from October through April.
4. Walk to the Top of Hayden Butte
Known as “A” mountain, Hayden Butte is minutes from downtown Tempe and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to climb. Your reward? A spectacular view of the surrounding area, including ASU, downtown Tempe and the entire Valley of the Sun!
5. Ride a Swan on Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is a veritable oasis of water smack in the middle of this sprawling metropolis, where you can rent a paddle boat shaped like a swan! There are also paddleboards, bikes, kayaks, and even electric boats to rent and have a fun afternoon in the Tempe sun!
6. Enjoy Contemporary Art at the ASU Art Gallery
Located in the ASU Art Museum, the ASU Art Gallery features contemporary art from various artists, focusing on Latin America and, more specifically, Cuba. Plus, it’s free for everyone!
Planning a Trip to Tempe, AZ
If you’re planning on visiting Tempe and planning a trip, you should know a few things before you arrive. That way, when you get here, you’ll be ready to take advantage of the sunny weather and see, do, and experience everything Tempe offers! Below are a few excellent tips to follow when visiting Tempe.
If you’re flying in, make plans well in advance. The earlier you book your flight, the cheaper the tickets.
- Book tickets to Tempe plays, shows, and events in advance. The last thing you want is to arrive and realize the concert or event you want to attend is sold out.
- Bring light clothing, summertime clothing that covers your skin. The sun is brutal here in Tempe; if you’re not covered up, you could get a nasty sunburn.
- Bring a light jacket for at night when it gets cool.
- Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. You’re going to need both!
- Bring your golf clubs. Tempe is a golfer’s paradise!
- Bring excellent walking or running shoes. You can walk to almost everything in Tempe, so a good pair of comfy shoes is necessary!
Best Time of Year to Visit Tempe, AZ
Unless you truly love the heat, the months of June, July, August, and most of September should be avoided. The rest of the year is cooler and has a bit more rain. (Not much, but a bit.) March, April, May, and October are the best months overall to visit the Valley of the Sun.
Factors to Consider if Moving to Tempe, AZ
Like any city, there are certain factors you need to know and consider before moving to Tempe, AZ. We’ve got the most important of them for you below.
The Weather
Sweltering summer heat is the biggest issue in Tempe and demands proper planning, especially with water. If you plan well, though, you can spend time outdoors throughout the year.
The Cost of Living
With an overall cost of living index of 113/100, Tempe is more expensive than similar cities but not nearly as bad as Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, or Miami. Groceries and healthcare are slightly more affordable, while transportation, at 108/100, is slightly more expensive.
The Schools
The public school system in Tempe gets a B+ from Niche, thanks to many of the schools being in the Top 10 statewide. There’s also ASU in Tempe, making the city one of the best in terms of basic and continuing education.
Recreation Opportunities
There are more than enough recreational opportunities in Tempe, from hiking and biking to boating, climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and much more. Tempe has many events throughout the year as well and is known for being a dog-friendly city.
Real Estate Prices
The housing cost index in Tempe is where things get a little dicey. It’s 138/100, nearly 40 points higher than the national average. The median home cost is $427,000, almost $100,000 more than the U.S. average. It’s not terrible by any means, but it isn’t the cheapest place to buy a home, either.
Let Storage Solutions Help you Plan Your Move to Tempe, AZ
If you’ve just arrived in Tempe and need to find storage, Storage Solutions should be first on your list. Not only do we cover all the storage basics, but our storage facilities in Tempe offer the top features and best benefits, including our month-to-month rental leases! Storage Solutions in Tempe also offers RV storage and storage for almost any other type of vehicle. (Boats, too!) Reserve your storage unit in Tempe today, and it will be ready and waiting when you and your movers arrive!