The Best College Town In Arizona
Tempe, located just 12 miles east of the state capital of Phoenix, has a lot going for it. Settled by farmers in the mid-1800s, it was the creation of a ferry service across the Salt River in 1871 that was to ultimately lead to the town’s growth and its eventual establishment as Arizona’s leading college town.
Fast forward to today, and now more than 189,000 people call Tempe “home,” as do the thousands of students who enroll in Arizona State University (ASU) each year. Not only does ASU boast one of the largest student bodies of any public university in the United States, but it also ranks highly in areas of innovation, even beating out MIT and Stanford for the coveted #1 spot.
The History of Arizona State University
Arizona State University began its journey in 1885 when the Arizona Territorial Legislature chose Tempe as the site for a new institution dedicated to teacher education. Known then as the Territorial Normal School at Tempe, it officially opened its doors on February 8, 1886, enrolling just 33 students spread across four classrooms.
The selection of Tempe was certainly no accident. Already an important center of commerce and agriculture in the Salt River Valley, townsfolks were eager to invest in the promise of higher learning. Over the years, key figures like John S. Armstrong lobbied vigorously to expand the institution’s scope, resulting in a steady transition to its becoming a fully-fledged state college in 1945. The institution achieved university status in 1958 and took on the name Arizona State University, a name chosen by voters across the state.
Today, ASU consistently ranks among the top universities in the nation and is widely recognized for its forward-thinking programs. It’s also celebrated as one of the world’s most innovative public universities, with renowned majors available in fields as diverse as engineering, business, journalism, and sustainability (teaching degrees are also still available). Over the decades, enrollment has soared, and the Tempe campus now welcomes 181,000 students each year.
ASU has also produced numerous notable alumni, too. Among those who have passed through its doors are well-known figures such as talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, comedian David Spade, baseball legend Barry Bonds, and music icon Linda Ronstadt.
ASU’s Impact on the Community
It’s for good reason that locals refer to Tempe as “The Heart of the Valley.” Not only is this a nod to its central location, but it also serves as a reminder of the vital role ASU continues to play in shaping the region’s cultural, educational, and economic life. Pay a visit to Tempe and it’s clear that ASU’s evolution from a small school into one of the country’s largest and most successful universities has had a profound effect, fueling waves of economic and social change that stretch back well over a century.
Even in its formative years, the presence of aspiring teachers and academics sparked an interest in arts and culture, and as enrollment grew, so, too, did the region’s economy. From bookstores and cafés to tech startups and research facilities, businesses eager to cater to each fresh wave of young academics continue to flourish. In fact, ASU’s state-wide economic impact exceeds $32 billion per year, taking into account the 56,000 jobs and spending by students, faculty, and staff.
ASU’s impact, though, goes far beyond dollars and cents. Sports events draw fans from across the region, with the university football team, the Sun Devils, drawing large home crowds. Cultural offerings also thrive, with the university’s performing arts venues hosting everything from concerts to theater productions that enrich the town’s cultural fabric. Unique traditions such as the traditional repainting of the huge letter “A” on Tempe Butte by incoming students also stand out, emphasizing the close bond between “Town and Gown.”
Must-See Campus Highlights
A popular starting point for a self-guided tour of the ASU campus is the Old Main building. Constructed in 1898 and the oldest structure on campus, this elegant red building is much-loved for its traditional architectural style and inviting courtyard. Guided tours of Old Main’s magnificent interior are also available and are highly recommended.
If art’s your thing, the ASU Art Museum is a major highlight. Located in a superbly designed contemporary building, it houses an impressive collection ranging from modern American works to Latin American folk art; rotating exhibits ensure there’s always something new to see. The Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium is famous as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s final designs and continues to host musicals, concerts, and high-profile speakers throughout the year.
Sports lovers are also well-catered to. Mountain America Stadium, also known as Sun Devil Stadium, has been home to the university team since 1958 and can hold crowds of up to 75,000 people. On game days, the energy in and around the stadium is infectious as fans cheer on the Sun Devils.
Things To Do in Tempe
Tempe itself boasts plenty of fun things to see and do. Topping the list is checking out Tempe Town Lake, a waterfront recreation area created from the Salt River. It’s a popular spot not just for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, but also for a pleasant stroll along its lakeside pathways. It’s just a short walk from here to Downtown Tempe and the Mill Avenue District with its boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy coffee spots and bars.
Nature lovers should explore “A” Mountain (officially named Tempe Butte) for its short yet scenic hiking trails. While reaching the top only takes about 20 minutes, the views from the lookout of the campus, downtown Tempe, and distant mountains will make you want to linger. Papago Park, shared with neighboring Phoenix and located on the north shore of the Salt River, offers desert trails that wind past distinctive red sandstone buttes, along with attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo.
Given the many things to do in town and on campus, if you’re planning a trip to ASU and Tempe, consider making a weekend getaway of it. In addition to well-known hotel chains that are convenient for those attending campus events, accommodations near all the downtown action include AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe Downtown and the ritzy Tempe Mission Palms.
The Final Word
There’s no denying Tempe’s identity and reputation are inseparable from those of Arizona State University. The growth of ASU has not only spurred business development, but it has also fostered a spirit of innovation and progress that permeates every corner of Tempe. From the early days when a handful of students walked through Old Main’s doors to today when tens of thousands of students call Tempe home, even for just a short while, there’s little doubt Arizona’s best college town will continue to prosper thanks to the presence of Arizona State University.
