Are you considering moving to Tempe? This suburb of Phoenix is not only a thriving college town, but it also offers affordable housing and plenty of things to do! Plus, the warm year-round Tempe weather makes it the perfect home for people who love outdoor recreation. If you’re planning to settle down in this Arizona city, here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Tempe to consider!
Alta Mira
- Home Price: $535,000 median purchase price; $1,825 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Tempe neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
If you’re looking for a safe neighborhood in Tempe, then Alta Mira is a great option for you. This upscale neighborhood offers large homes in various styles from Mediterranean to Southwest ranches that are perfect for families. Alta Mira residents can find community activities organized by the Alta Mira Neighborhood Association, such as the Alta Mira Food Drive, seasonal holiday festivities, garage sales, and picnics. Parents living in this Tempe neighborhood can also enroll their children at schools like Kyrene del Cielo Elementary School, Kyrene Aprende Middle School, or Corona Del Sol High School for an excellent education.
Things to Do in Alta Mira
Customize your favorite crayon color, create melted wax spin art, and more at the Crayola Experience. Take the kids down to Goodwin Park for a picnic or to play on the soccer field, basketball court, or playground. Explore the rotating arts, culture, and history exhibits at Chandler Museum. Sign up for martial arts classes at Sandoval Freestyle Karate‘s Tempe/Chandler location. Make a reservation at Drink Me! Tea Room to enjoy organic tea, cocktails, and sweet or savory treats in an Alice in Wonderland-inspired Tea Room. Fill up on a Breakfadilla, Cowboy Breakfast, or Bloody Vegan Burrito at Slim Thick Cafe. Savor Asian cuisine like the Mongolian Stir Fry, Thai Fried Rice, or the Massaman Curry served up at TOTT’s Asian Diner. Savor Japanese dishes like the Sea & Land Bowl, Muscle Cobb Bowl, or a crunchy Tempura Poke bowl at Lomi Poki. Or get a taste of authentic Italian food in Tempe at RigaTony’s with their Deep Dish Lasagna, Lobster Ravioli, or Eggplant Parmesan.
Cyprus Southwest
- Home Price: $298,300 median purchase price; $1,164 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of Tempe neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Residents love the affordable ranches and Mediterranean-style homes available in Cyprus Southwest. This safe Tempe neighborhood is also ideal for college students because of its budget-friendly rental options and short ten-minute commute to Arizona State University. Parents living in Cyprus Southwest will also appreciate the proximity of high-quality Tempe schools like Joseph P. Spracale Elementary, Tempe Prep Academy, and McKemy Middle School. But that’s not all the area offers! Waterfront neighborhood The Lakes is only about five minutes away, providing activities like sand volleyball and swimming that are perfect for nearby family outings.
Things to Do in Cyprus Southwest
Head to Hollis Park to shoot hoops, play soccer, and more. Sip on coffee at the cafe, borrow a new book, or check out the used bookstore at Tempe Public Library. Immerse yourself in history with permanent exhibits like Tempe: Distinct, Diverse, Dynamic, family-friendly music events, and more at Tempe History Museum. Tap into your creative side with classes in visual arts, ceramics, dance, music, and theatre at Edna Vihel Arts Center. Start your morning with a Honey Vanilla Latte, Iced Spice Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, Hope Dealer Mocha, or Cinnamon Roll Latte at Brick Road Coffee. Find cuisine from Northern India like Lamb Pasanda Nawabi, Goat Biryani, and Yogurt Curry Pakora at India’s Flame. Order delicious Thai food in Tempe like Pho Nam, Pho Chay, or Com Chien Tom at Vina’s Kitchen. Or visit Urban Craft to try their Grilled Pork Tenderloin Medallions, Lemon Rosemary Chicken with Pan Jus, or Roasted Salmon Salad.
Dava-Lakeshore
- Home Price: $281,100 median purchase price; $1,359 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Tempe neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
If you’re thinking of relocating to Tempe with kids, consider Dava-Lakeshore! The neighborhood is safe for growing families and offers affordable ranch-style homes. You can find opportunities to get involved in the community at the Kyrene Foundation, a local organization that funds programs like the Family Resource Center, offers scholarships, and awards grants. Additionally, Dava-Lakeshore has great local schools like Bridges Preschool, Kyrene de los Ninos Elementary, New Horizon Little Learners, and the Autism Academy for Education & Development, so kids can get their education off to a great start!
Things to Do in Dava-Lakeshore
Practice your swing at Ken McDonald Golf Course on the 18-hole public course or the lighted driving range. Catch showings of new releases and old classics for an affordable price at Pollack Tempe Cinemas. Bring the kids down to Corbell Park to run around on the playground or play basketball on the courts. Try unique croissant breakfast flavors like Spinach & Feta, Chicken & Green Chili, and Bacon, Cheddar & Jalapeno at P Croissant. Fill up on The Rocky Balboa Burger, Prime Rib Philly, or Ginger Shoyu Salmon at Philly’s Sports Grill. Choose from a variety of authentic Italian dishes like Capellini Campagnola, Maccheroni al Forno, or Gnocchi Pomodoro at Vincitorio’s Restaurant. Munch on classic bar fare like a Boston Burger or Steak & Shrimp while watching the game on one of the 60 screens at Boston’s Bar & Grille. Or stop by Buttered Up Bakery for baked goods like Mini Savory Pies, Churro Cookies, and Vegan Raspberry Croissants.
Kyrene-Superstition
- Home Price: $220,200 median purchase price; $1,173 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 16% of Tempe neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Kyrene-Superstition is one of the best places to live in Tempe for those looking for an easygoing community. With outdoor recreation spots like Oasis Water Park and Pima Canyon Trail, as well as Tempe’s World of Illumination—a drive-through animated light show that starts in the late fall—there are all kinds of family-friendly activities available nearby. Additionally, this commuter-friendly area is about 12 minutes away from Downtown Tempe, so residents have quick access to the dining, shopping, entertainment, and jobs in Tempe’s city center.
Things to Do in Kyrene-Superstition
Experience the Ultimate Indoor Lego Playground with the Kingdom Quest Ride, Merlin’s Apprentice Ride, and more at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona. Visit SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium to see the Sea Turtle Rescue Reef, Bay of Rays, and an Interactive Touchpool where kids can touch a real baby shark! Shop for personal engravings and personalized stationery at Desert Plume Calligraphy. Check out the historical Queen Anne-styled brick home that honors the history of Tempe at the Petersen House Museum. Fill up on breakfast food like Sparky’s Chicken Fried Pork and Eggs, a Garden Omelette, or the State 48 Pastrami Hash Skillet at Netta Chetas. Eat fantastic food like Miso, Vegetarian, or Tonkotsu Ramen at Azusa Ramen. Dig into specialty pies like the Italian Stallion, Bianco, and Pitchfork Pizza at Venezia’s Pizzeria. Or satisfy your sweet tooth at Honeymoon Sweets Bakery and buy their Classic Chocolate Eclairs, Lemon Raspberry Cake, or Apple Caramel Tarts.
Optimist Park SE
- Home Price: $290,600 median purchase price; $1,491 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 78% of Tempe neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Nestled alongside three other Optimist Park neighborhoods, Optimist Park SE is ideal for families looking for safe neighborhoods in Tempe with tight-knit communities. Locals can get involved with the Optimist Park Neighborhood Association and participate in local events and other residential improvement initiatives. Residents of Optimist Park SE are also close to outdoor recreation spots like Carriage Lane Park and Golfland Sunsplash. Plus, there are top-notch academic options for local kids at Fuller Elementary School and James Madison Preparatory School. And whether you’re looking for work or more fun, commuting into other parts of Tempe and beyond is easy thanks to this neighborhood’s close proximity to Arizona’s Loop 101!
Things to Do in Optimist Park SE
Learn to waltz, swing, and more with the Arizona Ballroom Champions—or join dancers at Kaleidoscope Dance Space to learn line dancing, West Coast Swing, and even international folk dancing. Tee up solo or with friends out on the 18-hole range at Dobson Ranch Golf Course. Take the family to Optimist Park for a picnic, fun on the playground, or a game of soccer. Browse an assortment of flower arrangements and house plants to decorate your home at Watson’s Flowers. Pick up a Cappuccino, Chai Tea Latte, or Cold Brew at Steve’s Espresso. Find authentic Indian food in Tempe like Aloo Tikki Chaat, Matar Paneer, Chole & Bhatura, and more at Little India Chaat & Restaurant—or order in a dinner of Lamb Vindaloo, Awadhi Chicken Curry, or Chicken Saag from Chutney’s Indian Cuisine. Enjoy Chinese dishes like Yu Shang Lamb, Chicken Egg Foo Young, or Peking Chow Mein made with high-quality ingredients at Golden Gate Chinese Restaurant.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes, Redfin, and Rentable.
