Less than 7 minutes from Arizona State University, Hughes Acres is perfect for families, couples, and young professionals looking for an urban setting. With homes priced between $200,000 and $400,000, Hughes Acres offers suburban-like spaces in the heart of downtown Tempe.
The Area
Due to its proximity to the wide range of amenities offered by downtown Tempe and the university, Hughes Acres offers little of its own extras outside the home. The neighborhood is within walking distance of several shopping and dining opportunities. A park is only minutes away by car, in addition to the main ASU campus. Cheer on the Sun Devils at a Saturday football game, see a performance at Gammage Theater, or run a marathon in downtown Tempe. For those nights out on the town, Hughes Acres is close enough to downtown Tempe for reasonable cab fare after a little too much to drink at one of the area’s many night clubs or bars.
The Schools
Children living in Hughes Acres attend either Imagine Elementary, Broadmor Elementary, Curry Elementary, Connolly Middle, Tempe High School, or McClintock High School. Out of the three elementary schools, Broadmor is highly rated, while both Curry and Imagine Elementary schools are poorly rated. However, Connolly, Tempe, and McClintock are each highly rated. While Tempe High’s graduation rate is undisclosed, the school offers International Baccalaureate classes, technical school training, and a program specially designed to assist minority students in preparing for college. Tempe High also offers a diverse selection of clubs and athletic opportunities. On the other hand, McClintock High is one of the top rated schools in Arizona, but nevertheless continues to challenge its students and raise its standards. Offering a wide selection of electives, including dance, McClintock promotes well-rounded lifestyles with students excelling in extracurricular clubs and athletics in addition to academics.
If parents wish to send their children to private school, they can choose from the four Christian schools in the surrounding area of Hughes Acres. However, if they are willing to travel more than 10 minutes to take their children to school, they can choose from over 70 private schools in Tempe.
With Arizona State University located less than 7 minutes away, residents of Hughes Acres can easily continue their education. ASU offers a wide selection of degrees for a competitive price. Children living this close to ASU will also surely benefit from the university, considering the events open to the public and student volunteer projects throughout the community.
The Economy
Home to US Airways, Insight Enterprises, LifeLock, First Solar Project, ASU and University of Phoenix, Tempe is the center for business in Arizona. ASU, Maricopa Community College District, and the Salt River Project are the city’s top employers. The median income for a Tempe family is $55,237 according to the 2006 census.
The average price of a home in Tempe is approximately $311,000, meaning that Hughes Acres offers both less and more expensive options. Tempe housing prices have increased by $40,000 since last year to a median of $177,150. Hughes Acres is certainly in the less expensive portion of Tempe, which is closest to the university.
Tempe’s price-per-square-foot increased by 34% this year to $129. Only 36% of re-sales in Tempe are for foreclosures, while the rest of Arizona’s were 62% in 2010. While remainder of the state has consistently improved since then, these statistics speak volumes for Tempe’s secure market.
Is Hughes Acres for You?
Yes, if you want a house, but don’t want to be stuck in suburbia. Hughes Acres proximity to downtown Tempe makes it perfect for individuals that want