1. Tempeans Like To Par-TAY
Arizona State University may be the most well known party school in the nation, so that means every Friday and Saturday night Mill Avenue looks a little like Mardi Gras, but perhaps with even more alcohol.
The area, including nearby Tempe Town Lake, is a local hotspot for events and music festivals like the New Year’s Eve Block Party, so feel free to get down while you’re in town.
2. And When They Aren’t Partying, Tempeans Are Sweating Off Those Weekend Calories
After a night of bacchanalian indulgence, the average Tempean can be found working off those cocktail calories by paddle boarding on Tempe Town Lake, biking on the more than 175 miles of local bikeways or hiking and climbing the mind-altering rock formations at Papago Park.
Really, it makes sense for the locals to be a healthy bunch—it’s almost more difficult to stay indoors in a city this active.
3. People From Tempe Are All Looking For Investors
Spend a day hanging out in the coffee shops and hookah bars of Tempe in business attire and you’re bound to get hit-up for seed money by a smooth-talking student entrepreneur or two.
Seriously, though, ASU has produced big business names like Arizona Diamondbacks President Derrick Hall and Fashion Mogul Kate Spade.
No surprise, though. The city itself also serves as headquarters to a handful of big-time companies like US Airways and GoDaddy. Make MONEY!
4. Tempeans Are Single And Ready To Mingle
One night of drinking on Mill Avenue and it will become clear—the local bars are a haven for singles looking to (sings in a very sexy falsetto) get a lil bit closer, baby.
It’s statistical—only about 30 percent of adult Tempeans have ever taken the plunge into marriage, compared to just over 50 percent nationwide.
5. In Sun Devil Country, Football Is King
Saturdays in Tempe when the pigskin is flying, you better not be caught wearing anything other than maroon and gold.
The city is basically a ghost town during game time, except for inside the stadium and bars. Still, you can hear the rumblings of 71,000 fans in Sun Devil Stadium from just about anywhere in the city.
6. Nobody In Tempe Is Afraid To Geek Out
No wonder the biggest turnout at the Phoenix Comic-Con is always Tempe super-nerds—Arizona State University works directly with NASA in their efforts to get to Mars, for one.
And for two, where else are you going to find a “Center for Science and the Imagination,” whose explicit mission is the pairing of scientists and artists for creative collaboration?
Tempe is a place where nerd is often the norm.
7. Though Not All Tempeans Live In The Lap Of Luxury, They Sure Like To Visit It
The median household income in Tempe is right about average for the state, perhaps even a little lower.
But due in part to the presence of the university campus and its proximity to regional fashion capital Scottsdale, Tempeans know how to stay fly. Even if that means choosing a rockin’ outfit from Scottsdale Fashion Square over eating for a week or so.
8. In Tempe, You Party Hard, But Work Even Harder
It’s true that Tempe is home to a number of big time businesses, a major research institution and college, and all of the executives that come with those industries, but there are as many sales, hospitality, and office workers as there are management and administrative professionals in this suburb.
Tempe living is truly the perfect medium between slow-speed Mesa life and that of flashy, high-priced Scottsdale. Said Goldilocks to the real estate agent, “This one’s just right—now, which way to the pool?”
9. Tempeans Don’t Mind Getting Close To Each Other
Take a ride on the light rail at rush hour, spend New Year’s Eve on Mill Avenue, or any given Friday or Saturday (and sometimes Sunday-Thursday) night downtown drinking and dancing, and what do they all have in common?
Standing-room only capacities and body-to-body contact.
Tempeans don’t mind getting close to each other—real close, even—from time-to-time. It’s got a super-high population density at about 4,000 people per square mile.
But if you find yourself nuzzling up with your neighbors at an event or dance party, just don’t get weird with it. Seriously. Nobody wants to be the creepy one.
10. Nobody Ever Meant To Live In Tempe Forever
Face it—Tempe is not one of those places, like Hawaii, that people come to on vacation and say, “I think I’d like to live here forever!” It’s just not. Most of the residents are transplants, here for a job or an education, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an incredible place to be.
It grows on you. Or you grow on it. Either way, it’s cozy in Tempe; there’s a lot to do here and a constant optimistic energy. So yeah, it’s a pretty good place to end up.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think of Tempe in the comments below! 
