Certainly, Arizona State University gives Tempe a unique profile in the Greater Phoenix area. When people are looking for places to live in Tempe, it is wise to consider that areas close to ASU and nearby dorms not only tend to have a young and transient population, but also that crime is relatively high there. This is an urban living environment. Other parts of Tempe, to the south and east have more typical neighborhoods for this area in all price ranges.
Tempe is unique in that its borders are all defined and have been since 1974; Tempe is landlocked. Growth is now occurring upward, with high rises being built to accommodate the growing population.
Near the university in downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue is one of the nicest and most interesting walking neighborhoods in the Valley of the Sun, with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, retail and entertainment. Some of the largest festivals in the area and in the Southwest are held here, and Mill Avenue and the surrounding streets may be closed to vehicular traffic during these events.
Tempe Town Lake, also in downtown Tempe, takes up 220 acres, and was created as part of the Rio Salado Project. It was dedicated in 1999, along with an enlarged and remodeled Tempe Beach Park. Tempe Town Lake offers fishing and boating in the midst of an urban setting. Tempe Beach Park often hosts weekend festivals, many of which involve music/bands.
Kiwanis Park covers 125 acres, and boasts one of the world's largest indoor/outdoor wave pools.
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City of Tempe Official Web Site
