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, it has warm weather year-round, making 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 to consider!
Alta Mira
Photo via @jacobsoldit
- Home Price: $341,650 median purchase price; $1,919 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! 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 Coffee. 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
Photo via @mtg101_wvlaura7
- Home Price: $174,100 median purchase price; $1,919 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 field, 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 at Tempe History Museum, where you can find permanent exhibits, family-friendly music events, and unique events like Lunch Talks. 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 at India’s Flame, where you can try Lamb Pasanda Nawabi, Goat Biryani, and Yogurt Curry Pakora. Order 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
Photo via @buytempe
- Home Price: $173,500 median purchase price; $1,919 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, and New Horizon Little Learners, 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 new releases at Pollack Tempe Cinemas, which has been voted one of the coolest movie theaters in America. 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. Visit Philly’s Sports Grill to fill up on their Prime Rib Philly, The Rocky Balboa Burger, or Ginger Shoyu Salmon. Choose from a variety of authentic Italian dishes like Capellini Campagnola, Maccheroni al Forno, or Gnocchi Pomodoro at Vincitorio’s Restaurant. Order The Green Monster, Boston Burger, or Steak & Shrimp at Boston’s Bar & Grille. Or stop by Squarz Bakery & Cafe for baked goods like Mini Savory Pies, Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough, and Vegan Blueberry Croissants.
Kyrene-Superstition
Photo via @shannadayteam
- Home Price: $143,600 median purchase price; $1,919 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. Additionally, this commuter-friendly area is about 12 minutes away from Downtown Tempe, so residents have quick access to the dining, shopping, entertainment, and job opportunities in the 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. 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! Sign up for one-on-one calligraphy lessons or shop for personal engravings and personalized stationery at Desert Plume Calligraphy. Check out the historic Peterson House Museum, a Queen Anne-styled brick home that honors the history of Tempe. Fill up on breakfast food like Sparky’s Chicken Fried Pork and Eggs or the State 48 Pastrami Hash Skillet at Netta Chetas. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Honeymoon Sweets Bakery and buy their Classic Cheesecake, Lemon Raspberry Cake, or Fresh Baked Apple Pie. Eat fantastic food like Miso, Shio, or Tonkotsu Ramen at Azusa Ramen. Or dig into specialty pies like the Italian Stallion, Bianco, and Pitchfork Pizza at Venezia’s Pizzeria.
Optimist Park SE
Photo via @ryannagergroup
- Home Price: $245,600 median purchase price; $1,919 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 or James Madison Preparatory School.
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. Take the family to Optimist Park for a picnic, fun on the playground, or a game of soccer. Visit Bobbie’s Flowers to pick from an assortment of flower arrangements and house plants. Pick up a Cappuccino, Chai Tea Latte, or Cold Brew at Steve’s Espresso. Find authentic Indian food at Little India Chaat & Restaurant, where they serve Aloo Tikki Chaat, Bhalpuri, Dahibada, and more. Enjoy Chinese dishes like Yu Shang Lamb or Peking Chow Mein made with high-quality ingredients at Golden Gate Chinese Restaurant. Or pick up dinner from Sacred Pi Love + Pizza and choose from the toppings of the day to create your own pizza or calzone.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes and RentCafe
