Tempe Real Estate
The area that is now Tempe was once settled by the Hohokam Indians several thousand years ago. When they left in the 15th century, there were no permanent settlements here until the pioneers arrived. It was not until Fort McDowell was built in 1865 at the eastern end of the Salt River valley, that this area was safe for settling. Two settlements, Hayden's Ferry and San Pablo grew quickly to become one community. The town got it's name when Englishman Darrell Duppa suggested it reminded him of the Vale of Tempe in ancient Greece. The city grew very quickly after World War II. There was a small teacher's college that grew as well. In 1958, the institution became Arizona State University. Tempe has become the 5th largest city in Arizona, while Arizona State University became the largest university in the nation.
The City of Tempe has a special aura about it. City Hall is a unique inverted pyramid made out of bronze and glass. Gammage Auditorium, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is among the largest university-based presenters of performing arts in the world. Tempe Papago Park is a beautiful desert oasis of almost 300 acres and is notable for its many distinctive rock formations. Tempe Town Lake is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike with boating, walking, biking, golfing and fishing.
Sporting activities are highlighted by ASU and the annual Insight Bowl, the Ford Ironman Triathlon, and P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. The Cactus League in Tempe is the spring training home to the Los Angeles Angels. Hiking and biking are popular at the largest municipal park in the United States, South Mountain Park/Preserve.
Interested in shopping and dining? The Mill Avenue district is downtown Tempe's unique pedestrian-friendly showplace. The red brick sidewalks and turn of the century buildings serve as a backdrop to many shops and restaurants. Arizona Mills has over 175 specialty stores, entertainment venues, and restaurants under one roof. The IKEA Tempe Home Furnishings store is the largest IKEA west of the Mississippi.
This is just a sampling of what Tempe has to offer. What would you expect? It's a college town to the largest university in the country.
