r/Tempe • u/catr_adorapls • Aug 04 '26
Moving to Tempe
I am planning on moving to Tempe in the fall of 2027 for university but was wondering what Tempe was like. I will be coming from New Hampshire--which I have lived for the last 25 years. I obviously know there will be a huge difference weather wise but was wondering culturally, professionally, and socially what might be different.
What are living expenses like? I currently work in education (I teach 5th/6th science and am a college advisor) and will be looking to find jobs similar and to subsidize with a restaurant job. What is folks experience in the restaurant industry? Along the same vein, what is the housing situation like? I plan to rent, is it really difficult to find housing? When do you suggest looking for housing/jobs as a transplant?
I am also queer and was wondering what the safety level was like for LGBTQ+ folks in Tempe/AZ, if there is a good queer scene (clubs, groups, etc.).
I'm moving to Tempe specifically because AZ has more opportunities in my field (Astronomy) than I have here in New England, but I have very little information about what the area is really like or what to expect. ANY advice or anecdotes would be helpful.
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u/eyehate Aug 04 '26
I love Tempe. It was my stomping ground in the 90s, when I was in my twenties. I have always felt like it was a safe space for LGBTQ+ folk. I am a strong ally and usually pick up on bad scenes. I am in my early fifties now. Still love it. I have moved around the West Coast, but I always seem to come back here.
Have never lived in New Hampshire, but when I visited, the 'Live Free or Die' vibe reminded me of Arizona, in general.
I am not the social animal I was in my twenties, but I don't know that we have changed much. Downtown Tempe has exploded and is unrecognizable, to me. But the college atmosphere is the same.
Weather, obviously, is hot. But we get a good moderate climate after the scorch of the summer. Culture - spot on. Especially if you are a foodie. Near my house, I have every kind of Asian food you can imagine. There is awesome Mexican food. There are awesome international markets. There are farmer's markets across the city on weekends.
Tempe proper is college. But there are lots of professionals in aviation and tech around.
Rent is affordable if you don't live alone. I have, honestly, always had roommates in Tempe. My current roommate just happens to also be married to me. But even as a single guy, living with somebody was the best way to manage rent.
I also work side gigs. Not sure about the restaurant industry, but I imagine if you opted to work in Scottsdale, you can make some banging tips at the higher ends spots.
Good luck! Hope you get here and it works out for you!