West Tempe

West Tempe sits in the heart of the Phoenix Metropolitan area and has managed to retain its residential charm over the years as the city has blossomed around it.

One major development that influenced West Tempe’s growth was the Tempe State Bridge, also known as the Ash Avenue Bridge. Completed in 1913, it was the first major highway bridge crossing the Salt River and was considered the first dependable crossing between Phoenix and Tempe for wagons and automobiles.

More farmers started coming to the West Tempe area as it became home to raising alfalfa and grains for feeding livestock, especially as the network of irrigation canals expanded rapidly. For years, West Tempe was known as a small agricultural community until after World War II. The city came to be through annexation and by the 1980s, many of the local farmlands gave way to Arizona State University, businesses, and residential neighborhoods.

Today, West Tempe is known for its centrally located proximity to major businesses and the university while keeping its agricultural and historical roots.

Tempe has a variety of home styles, from historic bungalows along palm tree-lined streets to newer, more modern home builds. In certain portions of the city, homes span a few acres and are horse properties, a charming and nostalgic characteristic of residential Tempe.

Residents can live in one of the many designated historical homes neighborhoods, such as Maple-Ash, that are renowned for their post-war architecture. The Date Palm Manor neighborhood, for example, features custom-built homes in mid-century ranch-style architecture.

As a landlocked community, Tempe experienced much of its booming home growth in the 1980s and 1990s. These communities are largely track home style, single-family homes.

Arizona State University (ASU) sits right next to West Tempe. It’s a world-class university that’s one of the largest public universities in the nation by enrollment numbers.

Mill Avenue District, which sits in Tempe and borders ASU, is a popular destination for restaurants, nightlife, and events. Other popular spaces in Tempe include Arizona Mills, several golf courses, hotels, and resorts.

Tempe is also an excellent destination for mountain biking, hiking, and gorgeous parks.

Mill Avenue District is the destination for some of West Tempe’s biggest events. The Tempe Festival for the Arts and Tempe Mill Avenue Fantasy of Lights are two events that residents look forward to every year.

Many major bands and musical acts visit the area as well. West Tempe also hosts several athletic events annually, including the Ironman and Rock and Roll Marathon and Half Marathon.

Parks are a large part of Tempe’s culture, largely because of the city’s agricultural history. Several parks in town, like Svob Park and Peterson Park, give nods to the city’s founders and historical significance.

Tempe parks are also largely important to the City of Tempe, which has committed funds and resources to Tempe’s parks and improvements for years to come.

This area is known not only for its scenic parks, but also for having excellent public schools along with a wide variety of religious-based and specialty private schools.

Tempe Union School District and Kyrene School District, both of which operate in Tempe’s borders, are consistently on top schools lists and earn high marks for academic, athletics, and leadership in its schools.

Tempe is a popular place to both live and work. Major organizations have set up operations in Tempe, including Bank of the West, Honeywell, Intel, and Target. In addition, Arizona State University is a major employer in Tempe.

The city’s proximity to major Tempe-based businesses, along with being a short drive away from Downtown Phoenix, make West Tempe an ideal location for individuals who commute.

Commuting is easy for West Tempe residents with the nearby Interstate 10 and the 202 freeway that offer convenient routes to other parts of the Phoenix valley.

A typical commute from West Tempe to Downtown Phoenix is 20 minutes. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is also close by, only about 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Video By

Scott Wiggins