Set in the heart of the Phoenix metro area, Tempe offers a lively desert lifestyle shaped by Arizona State University, Tempe Town Lake, Mill Avenue, and easy access to outdoor recreation throughout the Valley. Known for its walkable downtown, arts and entertainment, employment centers, and established neighborhoods, Tempe blends urban convenience with Sonoran Desert scenery. Its central location provides quick access to Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Sky Harbor International Airport, and major freeway corridors, making it an appealing setting for custom homes, infill residences, remodels, and long-term primary homes.
Why People Are Building In Tempe, AZ
Mosscreek, the Right Designer
Building a MossCreek designed home creates the perfect way to live in harmony with your surroundings. Every home is designed to fit carefully within its natural setting while offering the best in contemporary living. See “Custom Design” in our menu above to learn more about us and how we can help you realize a MossCreek designed home.
Finding a Builder
MossCreek has a network of builders that we regularly work with and would be glad to introduce you to them. We are also happy to work with the builder of your choice.
Build Here for Scenic Beauty and More
People are building homes in Tempe for its central location, mature neighborhoods, proximity to major employers, and access to lakefront recreation, desert parks, arts venues, and university energy. The area attracts professionals, families, students, retirees, and investors who value convenience, year-round sunshine, cultural amenities, and short commutes across the East Valley. With historic neighborhoods, South Tempe custom-home pockets, lake-adjacent redevelopment, and infill opportunities near downtown, Tempe offers diverse homesites for contemporary desert living.
Nearby Natural Gems:
Fishing
Tempe offers convenient urban fishing through stocked community waters, with Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Lake, and nearby ponds providing accessible fishing close to neighborhoods, parks, restaurants, and trails.
Top-rated fishing outfitters and guides:
- Arizona Game & Fish Department – Tempe Town Lake
- Arizona Game & Fish Department – Kiwanis Lake
- City of Tempe Fishing Information
Popular fishing locations:
Museums and Galleries
Tempe has a strong arts and cultural scene supported by Arizona State University, local galleries, historic institutions, and performance venues.
Highlights include:
Hiking
Tempe provides quick access to desert hiking, lakefront paths, buttes, and regional mountain preserves throughout the Phoenix area.
Popular hiking trails:
- Hayden Butte Preserve: Short but scenic climb overlooking downtown Tempe, ASU, and Tempe Town Lake.
- Papago Park Trails: Easy desert trails, red sandstone formations, and access to Hole-in-the-Rock.
- Tempe Town Lake Paths: Waterfront walking and biking routes near downtown amenities.
- South Mountain Park and Preserve: Extensive desert trail system with views across the Valley.
- Usery Mountain Regional Park: Sonoran Desert hiking with mountain views east of Tempe.
Shopping
Tempe offers a mix of walkable downtown shopping, regional retail, local boutiques, farmers markets, and entertainment-focused destinations.
Top shopping destinations:
Restaurants
Tempe’s dining scene reflects its university-town energy, downtown nightlife, regional Southwestern flavors, and expanding lakefront and campus-area development.
Standout restaurants:
Where People Are Building In Tempe, AZ
Where People Build in the Tempe Area
Located between Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Chandler, Tempe offers a rare combination of central metro access, established neighborhoods, lakefront activity, and university-driven culture. Buyers building or renovating in Tempe often look for infill lots, tear-down opportunities, mid-century neighborhoods, modern townhomes, and larger South Tempe homesites close to schools, parks, and employment corridors. Whether you are drawn to Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake, ASU, quiet residential streets, or easy freeway access, Tempe provides a flexible backdrop for custom living in the East Valley.
Developments in and Around Tempe
New Developments
- Novus Innovation Corridor: Mixed-use redevelopment near ASU, Sun Devil Stadium, and Tempe Town Lake with residential, office, retail, dining, and walkable urban amenities.
- Rio Salado and Lakefront Redevelopment: Ongoing infill and mixed-use projects near Tempe Town Lake, downtown, and major employment centers.
Growing Neighborhoods
- Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue District: Walkable urban living with access to restaurants, entertainment, ASU, transit, and cultural venues.
- South Tempe and Kiwanis Park Area: Established neighborhoods, larger lots, parks, schools, and custom-home potential.
Other New Construction Opportunities
- Infill Lots and Remodel Opportunities: Build or renovate within mature neighborhoods close to ASU, downtown, and freeway access.
- Transit-Oriented and Urban Living Sites: Opportunities near light rail, streetcar stops, downtown Tempe, and major employment corridors.
Choosing A Location
- For walkability and nightlife: Consider Downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue, and ASU-adjacent neighborhoods.
- For lake access and urban amenities: Look near Tempe Town Lake, Rio Salado Parkway, and the Novus Innovation Corridor.
- For established residential living: Explore South Tempe, Broadmor, Meyer Park, and Kiwanis Park-area neighborhoods.
- For regional convenience: Choose locations with quick access to Loop 202, US 60, Loop 101, I-10, and Sky Harbor International Airport.
Where People Build in Surrounding Areas
The East Valley and central Phoenix metro area offer additional opportunities for custom homes, infill building, new construction, and larger residential lots near Tempe.
Communities and towns to consider include:
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Mesa, AZ
- Chandler, AZ
- Phoenix, AZ
- Gilbert, AZ
- Ahwatukee, AZ
- Paradise Valley, AZ
- Queen Creek, AZ
- Fountain Hills, AZ
Both urban infill opportunities and larger suburban homesites are available throughout the region for custom residences, remodels, and estate-style living.
