Here in Tempe, we love our pets! Tempe, Arizona, is located in the East Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area, and it is bordered by Phoenix, Guadalupe, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa. Tempe enjoys mild winters, but the summer becomes very hot, typically beginning in May each year. The average high temperature throughout the year is 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
With such hot summers, many people turn to indoor activities until the winter approaches. Tempe has a thriving music scene that offers many opportunities to enjoy live music throughout the year, and the Tempe Music Walk honors musicians and bands on Mill Avenue. Tempe’s Mill Avenue is the bar district in town, and it is not far from the Arizona State University campus.
Tempe is considered an inner suburb because it is located between Phoenix and the rest of the East Valley. At the same time, Arizona State University offers a somewhat urbanized environment. The population density decreases as you move away from the campus. With this diverse backdrop, it is only natural that you can spend your time in Tempe watching Cactus League Spring Training games, paddling in Tempe Town Lake, and attending the Arizona Aloha Festival. The Tempe Festival of the Arts fills downtown with hundreds of artists selling their wares. Live entertainment, beer gardens, and delicious food create a positive atmosphere for all.
The major industries in Tempe are centered on technology and education. Arizona State University has a lot to do with the local economy. Several Fortune 500 companies make a home in Tempe, including Insight Enterprises, LifeLock, Limelight Networks, and the Salt River Project. The top employers in Tempe include Arizona State University, State Farm, SRP, Wells Fargo, and ABM Industries.
Tempe was initially inhabited by the Hohokam people, who built canals to grow food. While most left the area in the 1400s, their legacy remains. In 1865, Fort McDowell was established along the Salt River, and several other settlements followed. One of the pioneers, Darrell Duppa, is said to have suggested the name Tempe, a reference to the Vale of Tempe near Greece’s Mount Olympus. In 1894, Tempe, now an economic hub, was incorporated.
Tempe residents range from snowbirds to college students. With so many lively bars and shopping opportunities, it makes sense that many tourists to Phoenix work their way up to Tempe. Plus, the pure amount of sunshine makes the city a fantastic place to explore in the winter.
As of 2010, Tempe, Arizona, is home to nearly 162,000 people. With about 26% of the city’s population being over the age of 45, Tempe has a youthful vibe that continues to grow.