Tempe is located in Maricopa County on the southern city limits of Phoenix between Phoenix and Mesa along Interstate 17. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 167,622, an increase of 25,629 since 1990.
Tempe is part of the Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona metro area.
Tempe, Arizona's fifth largest city, has successfully blended the dynamics of a high-tech business center and the fun and excitement of a resort city. Tempe began as a small agricultural community, but by 1960, the last of the local farms were quickly disappearing as Tempe grew to become a large modern city. The town boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine a year and the city's small college has grown and in 1958 the institution was renamed Arizona State University.
Old Town Tempe is a cultural center as well as the City's principal business district. The area offers premier cultural, shopping, and entertainment.