Anchorage to Tempe Moving Guide - Unlike Any You've Ever Read (2024)

5 Best Movers for Moving from Anchorage to Tempe

If you're leaving the historic, walkable neighborhood of South Addition in Anchorage, you'll feel right at home in Tempe's Maple-Ash neighborhood, known for its charming historic homes and pedestrian-friendly streets. Enjoy browsing local businesses and dining at unique eateries, much like you did in Anchorage's Spenard area, by moving to Broadmor in Tempe, where an artsy vibe and strong community feel await. For those appreciating the waterfront and community-oriented lifestyle of Bootleggers Cove, Mitchell Park East in Tempe offers a similar atmosphere, fostering a tight-knit community with plenty of local activities. Whether it's enjoying the scenic tranquility of Hillside East, which finds its match in Tempe's Alta Mira with spacious lots and scenic views, or seeking a more bustling, central environment like Midtown, mirrored by Tempe Gardens, these comparisons are designed to make your transition as smooth as possible.

When considering a move from Anchorage to Tempe, it's not just about trading snow for sand; it's about adapting to a significantly different lifestyle. Anchorage offers breathtaking natural beauty with vast wilderness at your doorstep, something that's harder to find in Tempe. However, Tempe isn't without its charms. The city boasts a rich arts scene centered around places like the Tempe Center for the Arts, and vibrant outdoor life can be enjoyed at Tempe Town Lake and Papago Park. Its warmer climate offers year-round sunshine, making it ideal for those who prefer milder winters. Plus, the cost of living in Tempe is generally more affordable than Anchorage, allowing for a different allocation of your budget, perhaps towards exploring the diverse dining scenes or the many shops and amenities that make urban living in Tempe convenient and exciting.

Moving from Anchorage to Tempe introduces you to a vastly different culinary landscape. While Anchorage is famous for its seafood delicacies such as King Crab and Reindeer Sausage, Tempe’s cuisine is deeply influenced by its Southwestern location, offering a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes like the Sonoran Hot Dog and Carne Asada. Tempe's food scene shines with an abundance of food trucks and vegan options, reflecting its higher scores in vegan friendliness and the presence of food trucks. Must-visit spots in Tempe include House of Tricks for a quaint dining experience and Four Peaks Brewing Company for local brews. Both cities offer unique dining experiences reflective of their local cultures, but Tempe stands out with its vibrant street food scene and more health-conscious options, making it an exciting new culinary adventure for those moving from Anchorage.

For those missing the unique flavors and ambience of Anchorage's Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria, Tempe's Oregano's Pizza Bistro offers a comparable culinary experience with creative pizza options and a welcoming atmosphere. Meanwhile, fans of Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill will find House of Tricks in Tempe to provide a similarly upscale yet casual dining environment, focusing on meticulously crafted American dishes. If the thought of leaving behind the cozy vibe and flavorful brews of Glacier Brewhouse has you pondering your move, fear not. Four Peaks Brewing Company in Tempe stands ready to fill that void with their award-winning craft beer selection and comforting pub fare, ensuring you'll find a new local favorite to call your own in Arizona.

When examining the housing market details between Anchorage and Tempe, notable differences emerge, particularly in lifestyle and architecture. For instance, Tempe's better walkability and bikeability scores indicate a more urban, active lifestyle, supported by the city's diverse outdoor and community spaces like Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Marketplace. In contrast, Anchorage offers a unique blend of modern and ranch style homes that reflect its natural, rugged landscape, appealing to those who cherish privacy and nature. The prevalence of pools and outdoor living spaces in Tempe listings underscores the city's warm climate and social atmosphere, contrasting with Anchorage's emphasis on views and garages, necessities in its colder, more solitary environment.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Tempe, AZ

Transitioning from Anchorage's colder, more variable climate to Tempe's arid desert conditions involves considerable adjustment. In Tempe, you'll enjoy significantly more sunny days and much warmer temperatures throughout the year, with summer highs that can exceed 100°F. However, the humidity in Tempe is much lower, which some find makes the heat more tolerable. The lack of snow in Tempe means winter months are milder and outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round, but the summer heat adds a unique challenge, necessitating strategies for cooling and hydration. Understanding these climatic differences will help you prepare for outdoor activities, clothing choices, and potential health concerns associated with each city's climate.

Moving from Anchorage to Tempe introduces significant financial and economic adjustments. While you might enjoy a higher average household income in Anchorage, the cost of living there is also higher compared to Tempe. This disparity is partly offset by Alaska's absence of state income and sales taxes, potentially offering more disposable income despite higher living costs. Conversely, Arizona's graduated income tax system, coupled with Tempe's lower average income and higher sales tax, may affect your overall financial planning. However, Tempe's more affordable property taxes and cost of living might balance the scales, presenting a different but potentially advantageous economic landscape.

While Anchorage represents a blend of conservative and liberal views with a mix of Republican and Democrat influences, Tempe is known for its liberal leanings and predominately Democratic political climate. This could mean a shift in the community initiatives and local government policies you'll encounter. Religion in both cities offers a diversity of faiths and practices, though Tempe is distinguished by a relatively larger non-religious demographic, reflecting its diverse cultural composition. Understanding these aspects can help you better integrate into your new surroundings and connect with the community.

Moving to Tempe, you'll find public transit more readily available and efficient, making it feasible to commute without a car, thanks to the Valley Metro Rail and bus services. However, if you're relocating from Anchorage, where public transportation options are fewer and the landscape often demands a vehicle, particularly for exploring the beautiful surroundings, you might find this an adjustment. Although traffic congestion in Tempe is notably higher, the average commute time only slightly exceeds that of Anchorage. This indicates that while you'll be in traffic more, the overall impact on your daily commute might not be as significant as expected.

Popular Anchorage, AK to Arizona Moving Routes