Quick answer
Tempe has 5 notable neighborhoods. Median 1BR rent is $1,450/mo citywide. Top picks: Downtown / Mill Avenue, South Tempe, Tempe History District.
Neighborhood Guide · 2026
Best Neighborhoods in Tempe
5 areas ranked by vibe, walkability, and affordability. Median 1BR rent: $1,450/mo. State income tax: 2.5%.
All 5 Neighborhoods
Downtown / Mill Avenue
Walkable, college town energy, bars and restaurants, shops, young professionals and students mix. Vibrant, sometimes rowdy weekends, $1,500-1,700 for 1BR, central location.
South Tempe
Family-friendly, quiet, good schools, parks, larger homes, tree-covered streets. Suburban feel, $1,600-1,900 for 1BR, peaceful, car-dependent away from town center.
Tempe History District
Older homes, craftsman architecture, established residents, walkable to downtown. Character, $1,400-1,700 for 1BR, feels like an actual neighborhood with roots.
West Tempe
More affordable ($1,200-1,500), diverse, some blocks less polished, younger gentrification. Real neighborhood feel, less trendy than downtown, more affordable.
East Tempe
Residential, quiet, families and established residents, away from college scene. $1,400-1,700, peaceful, car-dependent, genuine community feel away from downtown chaos.
Tempe at a Glance
Median 1BR
$1,450
Median home
$520K
Walk score
71/100
State tax
2.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best neighborhoods in Tempe?
Tempe's top neighborhoods include Downtown / Mill Avenue, South Tempe, Tempe History District. Walkable, college town energy, bars and restaurants, shops, young professionals and students mix. Vibrant, sometimes rowdy weekends, $1,500-1,700 for 1BR, central location.
What is the safest neighborhood in Tempe?
Tempe safety varies by area. For up-to-date crime data by neighborhood, check the Tempe police department's public crime map. Generally, established residential areas with lower vacancy rates tend to have lower crime rates.
How much does it cost to rent in Tempe?
City-wide median 1BR rent in Tempe is $1,450/mo, 2BR is $1,850/mo. Prices vary by neighborhood — central and trendy areas run above the median, outer residential areas below.