Moving to Tempe? Located just east of Phoenix, Tempe is one of the best places to live in Arizona for families because of its high-quality schools, family-friendly attractions, outdoor recreation, and more. Here are the five best neighborhoods for families in Tempe!
Alta Mira
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- Home Price: $658,215 average purchase price; $1,825 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Tempe neighborhoods
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One of the best neighborhoods in Tempe for families to consider is Alta Mira. This premier neighborhood in Tempe offers a variety of ranches, townhomes, and Southwest-style homes along its walkable streets. Because of the Alta Mira Neighborhood Association, which puts together several community events like spring picnics, neighborhood garage sales, and bike parades, Alta Mira also has a strong sense of community. Families living in this Tempe neighborhood can enroll their kids in local schools like Kyrene del Cielo Elementary School, Kyrene Aprende Middle School, or Corona Del Sol High School for a quality education.
Things to Do in Alta Mira
Enjoy the nice Tempe weather by shooting some hoops on the basketball court, letting your kids explore the playground, or trying out the soccer field at Goodwin Park. Breathe in the fresh air while walking the trails or duke it out on the sand volleyball courts at Windmills West Park. Work out with the parcourse and fitness stations or host a grill-out at Estrada Park. Shop ’til you drop at outlet stores like Play It Again Sports, Harbor Freight Tools, and Peak Nutrition at the McClintock Fountains shopping area. Dive deep into history with a rotating set of exhibits, enroll your kids into Art Tots, and participate in Play Day at the Chandler Museum. Start the day off right with the Breakfadilla, Cowboy Breakfast, or the Bloody Vegan Burrito at Slim Thick Cafe. Fill up on fresh Mexican food in Tempe like Poco Chimichangas, Flautas, and Tamales at Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant. Try out delicious pizzas like the Hawaiian, The Beast, or the Bacon Cheeseburger at Zesty Zzeeks Pizza & Wings. Or munch on Chicken Skewers, Beer Cheese Pretzels, or a Tuna Sandwich at Zipps Sports Grill.
Dava-Lakeshore
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- Home Price: $475,620 average purchase price; $1,825 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Tempe neighborhoods
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Dava-Lakeshore is an area worth considering if you plan to move to Tempe with your family! This affordable neighborhood in Tempe offers ranch-style homes, townhomes, and Contemporary-style houses that are great for growing families. Many residents get involved in the community by volunteering with the Kyrene Foundation, an organization that provides funds to local initiatives like the Family Resource Center. Parents can feel confident in their kids’ education at nearby schools like Bridges Preschool, Kyrene de los Niños Elementary School, and the Autism Academy for Education & Development – Tempe Campus. Dava-Lakeshore also offers convenient highway access for a quick trip to Downtown Tempe, so residents can have easy access to all the eateries, boutiques, and entertainment options the city center has to offer.
Things to Do in Dava-Lakeshore
Keep the family active by heading outside to play HORSE on the basketball court, guard the pitch on the soccer field, and enjoy a family picnic at Corbell Park. Watch the latest blockbuster films at Pollack Cinemas. Go for the hole in one at the 18-hole public course, or practice your swing at the lighted driving range at Ken McDonald Golf Course. Travel out to Michelle Brooks-Totress Park to cool off in the shade of the Ramada, grill out for the family, and shoot some hoops on the basketball court. Order the Biscuits & Gravy, Breakfast Burrito, and Country Ham Steak at Biscuits. Feast on some of the best BBQ in Tempe like Brisket, Ribs, and Wings at Word of Mouth Grill, LLC. Satisfy your hunger with Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, and Thai Rolls at Yupha’s Thai Kitchen. Or devour the Grilled Jalapenos, Carne Asada Quesadilla, and Enchiladas at La Casa De Juan.
Meyer Park
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- Home Price: $433,238 average purchase price; $1,825 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 22% of Tempe neighborhoods
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Located south of Downtown Tempe, Meyer Park is an ideal neighborhood for families. Parents have good education options in the area, like the Bright Ideas Childcare and Learning Center, Meyer Montessori, and nearby McClintock High School. Families will also love unwinding at green spaces like Meyer Park with games of baseball, basketball, and soccer. Put down roots and find a variety of housing styles like ranch homes, Southwest-styles, and other single-family homes. Stay connected to this neighborhood’s community through the Meyer Park Neighborhood Association, which keeps residents in the loop on what’s going on in Meyer Park and the surrounding Tempe area.
Things to Do in Meyer Park
Have fun in Tempe and embrace the spirit of competition across 32 bowling lanes, race to the finish line in Mario Kart, and shoot your shot at billiards at AMF Tempe Village Lanes. Grab some popcorn and sit back to watch the latest film releases at Majestic Tempe 7. Dive into Tempe art by enjoying rotating exhibits and permanent collections of Latino and Latina artists, Contemporary art, and more at the ASU Art Museum. Leave the kids at home and go out for a date night in Tempe at places like Tempe Improv—which hosts local and nationally-touring comedians. Create your own Poke bowl or enjoy Steak Teriyaki and Shrimp Tempura at Pokedon. Try out the Fried Spring Rolls, Sesame Chicken, and Vegetable Fried Noodles at Old Town Taste. Feast on the Carne Asada Burrito, Beef Tacos, Cheese Quesadilla, and more at Los Favoritos Taco Shop. Or dig in to Indian cuisine like Garlic Rice, Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Curry, and more at Nandini Indian Cuisine.
Sandahl
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- Home Price: $691,120 average purchase price; $1,825 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of Tempe neighborhoods
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A residential neighborhood with commuter-friendly school options, cul-de-sacs, and parks, Sandahl is one of the best places to live for families in Tempe. Nearby Tempe schools include C. I. Waggoner Elementary School, Kyrene Middle School, and Dayspring Preschool and Kindergarten, among others, and are perfect for kids living in Sandahl. Families looking for a home in Tempe can find beautiful single-family, Spanish Revival-style homes with yards, or nestled in a circle—perfect for playing in nice weather. But the crowning jewel of this Tempe neighborhood for families is Waggoner Park, which provides eight acres of green space that’s perfect for dogs, picnics, walks, and kids wanting to practice soccer, kickball, and more.
Things to Do in Sandahl
Explore the playgrounds, basketball court, and soccer field at Waggoner Park. Take private and public swing dance lessons for all ages and skill levels at Desert City Swing, or indulge in a variety of dance styles at NRG Ballroom. Find out why hiking in Tempe is so popular when you walk the 10.4-mile Pima Canyon Trail, just 14 minutes outside the neighborhood. Parents can relax, take a deep breath, and work out in Ashtanga, Hot Vinyasa, and Yin Flow yoga classes, as well as go on hikes or get a massage at One Tribe Yoga & Wellness. Munch on the Green Tomatillo Breakfast Burrito, Steak & Eggs, and Ghost Ranch Breakfast at Ghost Ranch. Feel good when you try Tempe vegan food like Vegan Cheesebread, Vegan Picatta Pasta, Vegan BBQ Chicken Pizza, and more at Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen Tempe. Feast on the Crazy Noodle, Hot Stuff Chicken, and Homemade Bread Pudding at Yummy Thai. Or try out the Chicken Gyros, Greek Salad, Steak Shawarma, and more at King of Gyros.
Tempe Gardens
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- Home Price: $461,151 average purchase price; $1,825 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 64% of Tempe neighborhoods
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Tempe Gardens is one of the best places to live in Tempe if you’re moving to the area with kids! You’ll find good Tempe schools like Carminati Elementary School to make sure your kids get a good start in their education journey. But more than that, this Tempe neighborhood offers several housing styles to choose from, and you’ll see styles like ranch and Southwestern single-family homes and townhomes. Want to head out for some family fun? With convenient access to US-60, and with Mill Ave bordering the neighborhood, Tempe Gardens offers commuting and fun-seeking families alike quick access to major Tempe destinations—like Mountain American Stadium to catch an Arizona State University Sun Devils football game!
Things to Do in Tempe Gardens
Explore Tempe history through permanent and rotating exhibits like Building Our Community and Living Together at the Tempe History Museum. Borrow your next book or take advantage of youth-focused programming like Kids Cafe, Code Club, and more at Tempe Public Library. Travel to Palmer Park to compete on the softball field, tire your kids out on the playground, and play one-on-one at the basketball court. Unleash your inner artist with classes for all ages in ceramics, visual arts, and music at the Edna Vihel Arts Center. Start your morning off with a cup of House Roast Coffee, Croissant ‘Wich, Breakfast Club, and more at d’Lite Healthy on The Go. Satisfy your hunger with a California Burrito, Grilled Shrimp Taco, and Carne Asada Quesadilla at Tempe City Tacos. Taste unique pizza favors like Buffalo Spicy Chicken, Italian Stallion, Meat Lovers, and more at Venezia’s Pizzeria. And treat yourself to unique mochi-doughnut flavors like Matcha, Peanut Butter, and Black Sugar at Mochinut Tempe.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes, Zillow, and Rentable.
