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

5 Best Movers for Moving from Phoenix to Tempe

If you relish the vibrant arts scene and the walkability of Roosevelt Row, you'll find a similar vibe in the Maple-Ash neighborhood, known for its local art gatherings and community events. For those drawn to the upscale and tranquil ambiance of Arcadia, Mitchell Park East offers charming historic homes surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene environment. Meanwhile, Downtown Phoenix aficionados looking for that blend of urban living and vibrant nightlife will feel right at home in Downtown Tempe. This area buzzes with engaging activities, ranging from live music venues like Marquee Theatre to cultural hotspots such as the Tempe History Museum, ensuring there's always something exciting to discover.

Moving to Tempe, AZ, presents an opportunity to enjoy a more vibrant cultural scene and an active outdoor lifestyle. For instance, Tempe is home to Tempe Town Lake, a perfect spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, offering respite from the desert heat. The city's walkability means you can easily explore its eclectic range of restaurants like Culinary Dropout or local coffee shops without the need for a car. Neighboring areas like the Arizona State University campus add to the diverse cultural experiences with art exhibitions, theater productions, and live music events, making Tempe an ideal location for those seeking a blend of suburban charm and urban amenities.

In Phoenix, the Sonoran Hot Dog showcases the city's love for bold flavors and hybrid culinary traditions, reflecting its rich cultural tapestry. Places like Pizzeria Bianco and Durant's offer a glimpse into Phoenix's diverse dining scene. Meanwhile, Tempe caters more to the health-conscious and vegan crowds, with its higher scores in vegan-friendliness and abundance of food trucks. Tempe’s House of Tricks and Culinary Dropout highlight the city's inventive and vibrant food culture. Each city presents a unique culinary experience, from street food essentials to high-end dining, aligning with the tastes and lifestyle preferences of its residents.

For those who cherish the seamless blend of cuisine and atmosphere found at Phoenix’s Barrio Café, La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar in Tempe unfolds as a splendid continuation of culinary excellence, encapsulating both comfort and sophistication. Meanwhile, breakfast aficionados grieving the distance from Matt's Big Breakfast will discover a new morning sanctuary at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, where innovative dishes and a spirited atmosphere bring every sunrise to life. Lastly, lovers of a vibrant nightlife scene, a hallmark of Roosevelt Row, will find a kindred spirit at Four Peaks Brewing Company, where craft beers and hearty meals foster community and cheer in Tempe's own lively setting.

While the median home price and monthly rent are higher in Tempe, the city compensates with a stronger emphasis on walkability, bikeability, and an urban lifestyle, scoring higher in these aspects when compared to Phoenix. The typical architecture in Tempe includes modern styles, reflecting its vibrant, youthful atmosphere, partly due to the influence of Arizona State University (ASU). On the other hand, Phoenix offers a more affordable living with a preference for ranch and Spanish colonial homes, catering to a variety of lifestyles and preferences. Whether you prioritize cost or lifestyle, there's a fitting choice between these two cities.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Tempe, AZ

While the weather in Phoenix and Tempe is remarkably similar, due to their close proximity in the Valley of the Sun, some subtle differences are worth noting. For instance, Tempe enjoys slightly more days of sunshine annually and a bit more rainfall, which can slightly alter the local microclimate, affecting everything from landscaping to outdoor activities. Understanding these nuances will help you adjust your lifestyle and routines seamlessly after the move.

Moving from Phoenix to Tempe, you'll find subtle differences in living costs and economic characteristics. Although Tempe has a slightly higher cost of living index, indicating marginally more expensive day-to-day expenses, the city compensates with its vibrant technology and education sectors, providing numerous job opportunities. Even as the average household income in Tempe falls a bit short compared to Phoenix, Tempe's dedication to innovation and higher education supports a moderately high level of affluence among residents. Importantly, homelessness is less prevalent in Tempe, reflecting the city's effective social programs and higher employment rates.

If you're moving from Phoenix to Tempe, you'll find that both cities welcome a diverse array of political beliefs and religious practices, yet Tempe tends to lean more liberal, especially in local governance and community engagement. This reflects in its progressive policies and highly active community groups. Meanwhile, the religious landscape is broad in both cities, with numerous establishments supporting faith-based activities and community services. Whether you lean more into politics or religion, or perhaps both, you're likely to find a community in Tempe that fits your interests.

While Phoenix and Tempe are relatively close, moving from one city to the other can noticeably change your experience with daily commutes. In Tempe, with an average commute time that’s five minutes shorter and slightly less traffic congestion, getting from point A to B can feel less strenuous than in Phoenix. Another significant advantage in Tempe is the higher availability of public transit, making it considerably more convenient for residents to get by without a car. In contrast, while it’s not impossible to manage without a vehicle in Phoenix, it often presents more of a challenge due to the city's larger size and the less-extensive public transit system.

Popular Phoenix, AZ to Arizona Moving Routes