Tempe, Arizona
Tempe, Arizona is located right in the heart of the Greater Phoenix area and is the home of Arizona State University. The city is enriched with the energy that you would expect from a bustling college town and the type of engaging attractions you would expect from a top-rate vacation destination. Today, the City of Tempe hosts a stable local economy based on technology, commerce and tourism, as well as one of the most popular colleges in the country.
History:
In 1872, Mexican immigrant settlers founded a town called San Pablo east of Tempe Butte. Not long after, another settlement known as Hayden's Ferry, urbanized west of Tempe Butte. Both settlements grew rapidly and soon formed one city. In 1879 that town was named Tempe. Built in the late 1880s, the Maricopa and Phoenix Railroad crossed the Salt River at Tempe, linking the town to the country's expanding transportation system. The Tempe Land and Improvement Company was formed soon after to sell land in the budding town. Not long after, the City of Tempe, Arizona became one of the most significant business and shipping hubs of the area. After World War II, the city began growing at a fast rate as veterans and other travelers moved to the western city. The last of the local farms quickly disappeared, and Tempe grew into a modern city. The city's small teachers college also grew, and in 1958, the institution became Arizona State University.
Economy:
The City of Tempe offers one of the country’s most diverse business communities. Tempe hosts a large number of businesses within the city, creating a solid local job market for residents to enjoy. One of the city’s key economic areas is in advanced business services, such as investment banking, credit and mortgage sales. These businesses are fundamental to keeping the community maintained. There are more than 3,000 finance, insurance and real estate companies and over 7,000 advanced business service companies bringing in over $7 million per year to the city’s local economy. Top business services providers in the city include the regional headquarters for Chase Manhattan Bank, the headquarters for Edward Jones and Wells Fargo Loan Services. Tempe’s easy accessibility to freeways and the Sky Harbor International Airport make the city a natural choice for nearly any business. In addition, Arizona State University provides a constant flow of educated employees to the city’s local job market.
Tourism:
Outdoor recreation options such as hiking, biking and kayaking are always close by in Tempe. Take in one of the city’s many amateur, collegiate and professional sports. From its baseball spring training sites to the Ford Ironman Tempe triathlon, Tempe offers something for every sports fanatic. Next, head over to Arizona State University where you and your group will enjoy more than 20 free museums and galleries. The city’s nightlife offers blocks of happening hot spots to enjoy: Visit Tempe Marketplace, Mill Avenue and the streets surrounding the college for bars, late night dining options dueling pianos and interesting street performers. Before the night ends, consider catching a flick, shop at one of city’s unique boutiques or enjoy a nice quiet diner at one of the city’s late night restaurants.
Colleges/Universities:
• Arizona State University
• University of Advancing Technology
• Rio Salado Community College
Interesting Facts:
• Tempe’s atmosphere is perfect for festivals, which is why the city is known for hosting some of the finest in the county. Some of these festivals include the Tempe Festivals of the Arts, the New Year’s Eve and dozens of others held throughout the city every year.
• Block Party and dozens of others held throughout the city every year. There are 44 hotels and motels in Tempe with a combined 5,330 rooms.
• Tempe is named after the legendary Vale of Tempe in Greece.
Helpful Links:
• Tempe Real Estate
• Tempe Storage Facility
• Tempe Insurance
• Tempe Dental Offices
• Tempe Moving Companies