AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Tempe, AZ — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Tempe neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,650/mo
Median Rent
180,587
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Arizona State University
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Tempe? What Renters Need to Know

Tempe averages around $1,650 per month, reflecting its desirability as a walkable, ASU-anchored city. The Tempe Town Lake area commands $1,900-$2,000, while West Tempe and the ASU campus area offer more affordable options around $1,400-$1,500.

Quick Facts

Population 180,587
Median Rent $1,650/mo
Top Employer Arizona State University
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,650 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Tempe median rent is $150 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Tempe is Arizona State University, making the Mill Avenue District area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Tempe

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Mill Avenue District

Score: 82/100
Safety B
Walk Score 88
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 6/10
#2

South Tempe

Score: 86/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,850
Schools 8/10
#3

West Tempe

Score: 74/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 50
Avg Rent $1,450
Schools 5/10

Ready to find your perfect neighborhood?

Get Your Full Report — $19
#4

Tempe Town Lake

Score: 85/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $2,000
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings
#5

McClintock Area

Score: 80/100
Safety B
Walk Score 58
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings
#6

ASU Campus Area

Score: 76/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 82
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 6/10
Unlock full rankings
#7

Kyrene Corridor

Score: 84/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 8/10
Unlock full rankings
#8

Rural Road Corridor

Score: 78/100
Safety B
Walk Score 55
Avg Rent $1,550
Schools 6/10
Unlock full rankings

See All 8 Tempe Neighborhoods Ranked

Get the full report with detailed scores, rent comparisons, commute maps, and personalized recommendations.

How It Works

How ListWise Scores Tempe Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Tempe renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Tempe.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Tempe properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Tempe

What is the average rent in Tempe?

Tempe averages around $1,650 per month, reflecting its desirability as a walkable, ASU-anchored city. The Tempe Town Lake area commands $1,900-$2,000, while West Tempe and the ASU campus area offer more affordable options around $1,400-$1,500.

Is Tempe a good place to live after college?

Tempe is popular with young professionals who want urban walkability, proximity to major employers in the Phoenix metro, and an active social scene without Phoenix's sprawl. Mill Avenue and the Town Lake area offer restaurant and nightlife density unusual for the Valley.

What are the job opportunities in Tempe?

Arizona State University is the dominant employer, but the greater Phoenix tech corridor is accessible from Tempe. State Farm, Silicon Valley Bank, and Discount Tire maintain Tempe headquarters. The city is centrally located in the Phoenix metro making most major employers commutable.

How walkable is Tempe compared to other Phoenix suburbs?

Tempe is the most walkable city in the Phoenix metro, with Mill Avenue and the ASU campus area achieving walk scores above 80. The light rail connects Tempe to downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa, making car-free commuting genuinely feasible for those near the line.

What are summers like in Tempe?

Tempe summers are extreme by most standards — temperatures regularly exceed 110°F from June through August. Monsoon season brings brief intense storms from July through September. Residents adapt through early morning activities, pool culture, and air-conditioned indoor life during peak heat.

Ready to Find Your Tempe Apartment?

Stop scrolling 47 Zillow tabs. Tell us what matters and get a ranked list of Tempe apartments that actually fit your life.

Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.