Moving to Tempe

Neighborhoods

Downtown Tempe & Mill Avenue District – Highly walkable, close to dining, cafés, nightlife, Tempe 

Town Lake, and community events.

Tempe Town Lake / Rio Salado corridor – Modern apartments near paths, parks, and festivals, with easy access to transit and cycling routes. 

South Tempe – Quieter, residential vibe with parks, retail centers, and more space.

Housing

Budget for rent, utilities, parking, renter’s insurance, and internet. Consider roommate 

arrangements to save. 

Founder’s Hall

Through a partnership with the University of Advancing Technology (UAT), Sonoran University students may apply to live in UAT’s on‑campus residence hall, located 7.2 miles from the Sonoran University campus. Each residence hall room houses two students, and each student signs an individual lease. For more information, please connect with an admissions advisor.

City of Tempe Affordable Housing Programs offer navigation and voucher programs for qualifying

Residents. 

What students are seeing right now (citywide averages): 

• Studio: ~$1,325 

• 1BR: ~$1,485 

• 2BR: ~$1,793 

• 3BR: ~$2,523

(RentCafe, Nov 18, 2025; averages vary by neighborhood and property.) 

Additional market snapshots: 1BR ~$1,429 and 2BR ~$1,689 (Apartments.com, Dec 2025); 1BR ~$1,299–$1,329; 2BR ~$1,575–$1,600 (Zumper medians, Nov/Dec 2025). 

Utilities & Internet Setup 

Electricity (SRP): 

• SRP approved residential pricing changes effective November 2025. For an average household using ~1,117 kWh/month, the change was ~+$5.61/month (~3.5% on the bill). SRP also announced a tiered monthly service charge by dwelling type and froze enrollment in several legacy plans, introducing new TOU options. 

Water/Wastewater/Stormwater (City of Tempe): 

• Tempe publishes current fixed charges and volumetric rates (e.g., single‑family tiered water pricing; wastewater based on 80% of winter average usage with a cap; stormwater fee is $3/month). The City’s Cost of Service Report (2025) estimates annual water and wastewater for a typical household at ~$1,038 (consumption assumptions apply).

• The City’s “How to Read Your Utility Bill” page explains each line item and helpful billing details.  

Internet (typical options & price points): 

• Cox: ~$55/month for 300 Mbps; $80 for 500 Mbps; $95–$115 for 1–2 Gbps, with prepaid and low‑income programs (ConnectAssist, Connect2Compete) available. Offer terms vary. 

• CenturyLink Fiber (availability varies by address): up to ~940 Mbps around $75/month, generally no contracts and no data caps. 

Valley Metro Smart Fare (bus, light rail, Tempe Streetcar): 

• One‑ride local fare: $2. 

• Daily cap: $4, weekly cap: $20, monthly cap: $64 — when you use the Copper card or Valley Metro app (pay‑as‑you‑go “Smart Fare”). Reduced fare available for youth/seniors/Medicare/disability with proper ID. 

From PHX to Tempe: 

• Typical drive/rideshare times: ~10–15 minutes to core Tempe; indicative Uber estimates ~$22 (7 miles) depending on traffic.

• Rail: PHX Sky Train → Valley Metro Rail (e.g., 44th St/Washington to Tempe stations) ~$2 and ~27–37 minutes depending on route. 

Biking: 

• Tempe is a Gold‑level Bicycle Friendly Community with 220+ miles of bikeways, and great canal/river paths (e.g., Rio Salado, Crosscut Canal in Papago Park). The City provides bike maps, safety guidance, and active transportation resources. 

Tempe Town Lake & Tempe Beach Park – Biking, running paths, paddleboarding, kayaking, and festivals. 

Hayden Butte (‘A’ Mountain) – Short scenic hike with panoramic views.

Papago Park & Desert Botanical Garden – Iconic red rock vistas and desert flora.

Downtown Tempe – offers seasonal festivals, live music, galleries, and public art.

Mill Avenue District and Tempe Marketplace – for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Free/Low Cost Family Activities – Indoor

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Thrive to Five, Tempe Family Resource Center

Movies in the Park (Tempe)

Kiwanis Indoor Pool

Culture Pass (Phoenix Public Library)

Phoenix Public Library

Mesa Arts Center

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Arizona Capitol Museum 

Wiggle Worms (Gilbert Parks)

EOS Gym Membership

Free/Low Cost Family Activities – Outdoor

Heard Museum 

Minor League Baseball (AZ Complex League)

Family Bike Rides (South Mountain Park)

Singh Meadows

Local Trails

AZ Cardinals Training Camp

Salt River Tubing

Camelback Mountain Hiking Info

Phoenix Public Market

Splash Pads – Check local city websites

Japanese Friendship Garden

First Fridays Art Walk

Heritage Square

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Checklist 

• Secure housing and plan your move-in date.
• Set up utilities andinternet.  
• Apply for fare discounts or transit passes.
• Map your nearest light rail, streetcar, Orbit stops, and bike routes.
• Explore local parks, trails, and community classes.

Suggested Moving Timeline 

6–8 weeks out 

• Compare neighborhoods and secure housing (verify lease terms, utility responsibility, parking). 

• If eligible, apply for Valley Metro reduced fare Copper card. 

• If you need budget internet, explore Cox assistance programs or CenturyLink availability. 

2–3 weeks out 

• Schedule SRP electricity start; set up City of Tempe water/sewer/solid waste; confirm internet installation date. 

• Plan airport transfer (ridehare, shuttle, or Valley Metro Rail route from PHX).

Arrival week 

• Pick up Copper card or load the app; review Tempe bike resources and campus routes. 

• Save nearby medical contacts (HonorHealth Tempe Medical Center) and campus safety info. 
   

• Tempe Tourism Visitor’s Guide

• Get Around Downtown Tempe (Transit, Streetcar, Bike Info)

• City of Tempe Youth Transit Pass

• Valley Metro Youth/Student Fares

• City of Tempe Classes & Leagues

• Affordable Housing Programs (City of Tempe)