Tempe is an east valley city in the Phoenix metro area, and home to Arizona State University. It is a city of over 175,000 that are extremely proud residents. Tempe has recently been linked to it to Mesa and Downtown Phoenix by the Light rail, which is another in a long list of attributes which adds to the air of its residents as a progressive city with its own identity distinct from other Phoenix metro area suburbs. The city’s motto is “Think
Tempe First” and the city planners work diligently to that end. Locally, the Mill Avenue District in the heart of downtown Tempe, is a primarily pedestrian district, known for its eateries, coffee shops, eclectic clothing boutiques and nightlife. Vacant store fronts are rare on this popular stretch of the street, proving residents do “Think Tempe First”, as it is seemingly recession-proof.
Tempe Town Lake, adjacent to the Mill Avenue District is a great place to spend the day at or on the water. Activities offered are boating, rowing, fishing, volleyball, walking paths, and picnic facilities. Tempe also offers many organized events at the Lake. Some of the events include Fourth of July Fireworks Shows, the Circle K Tempe Music Festival, Insight Bowl and Block Party, Ironman Arizona, the Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade and the PF Chang’s Rock-N-Roll Marathon.
For those who just can’t get enough of the lake, you can live at the lake. The Edgewater and Bridgewater at Hayden Ferry Lakeside offers luxury condominiums unlike any others, prices range from the mid 300s to over one million. For those who prefer a single family residence, Tempe has several private lake communities, or you may prefer to live on a golf course and there are several of those as well.
If you desire to be a bit more frugal, there are many well maintained older neighborhoods with nice homes on larger lots, mature trees, and often a diving pool in the backyard. Although less prevalent and certainly a bit pricier, Tempe also has equestrian estates. Tempe is an extremely desirable city for those who move there for the great reputation of the Kyrene School District which serves many areas of Tempe.
Tempe residents even "Think Tempe First" when taking a mini vacation. The Buttes, a Marriott Resort is also located in Tempe, and a place where locals love to indulge in weekend getaways. Set atop a valley landmark the views are stunning. The rooms are equipped with all the conveniences you would expect from a three diamond resort. Tequila on the Rocks is a great place to have dinner and enjoy live entertainment on a Saturday evening, after an afternoon of golf on the resort’s championship course. And you can’t stay the weekend and miss the Sunday Champaign Brunch at the Top of the Rock Restaurant, the food is wonderful and the panoramic views are simply incredible.
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