Tempe

Tempe, located right in the heart of the East Valley in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, is a well-established with a rich history, vibrant economy, and multitude of entertainment for visitors and residents alike. Tempe covers approximately 40.2 square miles and is land locked by surrounding municipalities. Surrounding municipalities bordering Tempe include Phoenix, Guadalupe, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa. Tempe has immediate access to the 202 Red Mountain, 101 Price, and US 60 Freeways, in addition to being minutes away from Sky Harbor Airport. Tempe is also home to Arizona State University, historic Hayden Flour Mill, and multiple corporations.

Despite Tempe’s agrarian past it is now a a bustling city center and an active entertainment and commerce center.

History

Like much of the Phoenix Metropolitan area, Tempe was initially inhabited by the Hohokam who utilized the area to farm by establishing an intricate and advanced canal system (some of which is still utilized today). The establishment of Fort McDowell fostered establishment of towns and settlements to be built along the Salt River. Two integral settlements constructed for Tempe were Hayden’s Ferry and Hayden Butte. Both settlements became key river crossings in the area.

In 1879 Tempe’s name was officially adopted, after Darrell Duppa suggested the city’s name after comparing the area to the Vale of Tempe in Greece. In 1885, Tempe was selected as the home of Territorial Normal School, which would eventually become Arizona State University. From that point forward Tempe continued to experience growth and expansion to develop into the prime municipality that it is today.

Employment

Tempe is home to many recognizable and established companies that call Tempe home. Some of those companies include US Airways (now owned by American), Insight Enterprises, Limelight Networks, LifeLock, First Solar, Salt River Project, Circle K, Fulton Homes, and Mobile Mini. In addition to these companies, the presence of Arizona State University has done much to further employment and commerce in the area. Tempe continues to have a developed economy that draws off of its well established location and high skilled labor force in the area.

Entertainment

Tempe has much to offer in terms of entertainment to both its residents and visitors. With the presence of the Arizona State Sun Devils there is almost always a football, basketball, baseball, or sport game to watch. Additionally, Tempe is home to Gammage Auditorium and the Tempe Center for the Arts.

Tempe’s Center for the arts is a publicly owned performing and visual arts center offering a wide range of productions and performances.

Along the historic Mill Avenue district there are seemingly limitless options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Additionally, just a few miles away Tempe Marketplace, a nearly 1.3 million square foot open air shopping center, is located and home to major national and local retailers. Also, Tempe is home to one of Arizona’s largest shopping malls, the Arizona Mills. In addition to all the shopping venues, Tempe hosts the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Block Party every New Year’s Eve, which is one of the nation’s largest New Year’s Eve parties. Therefore, with its college campus atmosphere, skilled labor force, prime location in the Valley, and multitude of entertainment options, Tempe is definitely a desirable area to call home.