The streetcar drives along the rails with two large glass buildings directly behind it.

Aerial view of ASU Research Park with sign out front and a fountain leading to a lake.

Front entrance sign for Tempe Marketplace with a five-story apartment complex in the background

A view of the Tempe Skyline at night from A mountain with dirty trails in the foreground.

Tempe’s Business Districts: Connected, Diverse and Built for Growth

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Tempe’s business districts reflect the city’s unique blend of innovation, accessibility and community character.

Each district offers distinct advantages from waterfront mixed-use hubs to manufacturing corridors, research parks and walkable urban centers, all ensuring businesses of every size can find the right fit. Strategically located at the heart of Greater Phoenix, Tempe’s districts combine excellent transportation access, a strong customer base and proximity to Arizona State University’s talent and research.

Whether you are launching a small neighborhood shop, expanding advanced manufacturing, or establishing a corporate headquarters, Tempe’s districts provide the infrastructure, amenities and supportive business environment to help you start strong and grow with confidence.

Why this Matters to Business

Understanding where your business fits within a city is just as important as choosing the right region. Tempe’s business districts each offer distinct advantages, from urban, transit served office environments to innovation hubs, industrial corridors and mixed use centers. By outlining the characteristics, locations and benefits of each area, this page helps companies align their operational needs, workforce preferences and growth plans with the district that best supports long term success.

SMITH DISTRICT: Tempe's East Valley Gateway

The Smith District is a 302-acre mixed-use innovation corridor located just west of the Loop 101 and 202 interchange. Once a traditional industrial zone, it is now evolving into a dynamic hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics, construction and mixed-use development. Home to over 230 companies and 4,700 employees, the district offers unmatched regional access and flexible zoning within a designated Opportunity Zone.

Supported by new infrastructure investment and transit-oriented plans, the Smith District is positioned for long-term, market-driven growth. Its walkability, multimodal connections and proximity to Tempe Marketplace and Mesa Riverview make it an ideal location for live-work-play development.

MAKER DISTRICT: Live-Work-Create in the Heart of Tempe

The Tempe Maker District is a 600-acre innovation zone redefining light industrial and mixed-use space. Located between I-10, US 60, and Loop 202, the district supports creative manufacturing, adaptive reuse, and workforce-driven development.

With flexible zoning, state and federal incentives, and designation as an Opportunity Zone, the Maker District is designed for entrepreneurs, makers, and developers seeking modern space in a connected urban environment. Pedestrian improvements and nearby entertainment add to its appeal as a future live-work-create hub.

LAKE DISTRICT: Tempe’s Urban Waterfront Destination

The Lake District is Tempe’s largest business area, spanning from McClintock Drive to SR-143 along Tempe Town Lake. This district blends culture, commerce, and sustainability in a premier mixed-use environment.

Anchored by two miles of waterfront, the area is designed for vertical development, multimodal transit and landmark architecture. With access to Tempe Beach Park, event spaces, and green infrastructure, the Lake District offers a unique opportunity for investment in Tempe’s urban core.

EMERALD DISTRICT: Tempe’s Gateway for High-Impact Development

The Emerald District is a prime mixed-use corridor along Warner Road and I-10, offering unmatched visibility and access. Anchored by IKEA, home to several industry leaders, and surrounded by large, freeway-fronting parcels, it is ideal for master-planned commercial, hospitality and office development.

With few large sites remaining in Tempe, this district presents a rare opportunity for signature projects in a high-traffic, high-profile location connected to Phoenix, Chandler, and Sky Harbor Airport.

DISCOVERY DISTRICT: Tech Meets Opportunity-an ASU Innovation Zone

An ASU Research Park Innovation Zone

The Discovery District is a 460-acre innovation hub in South Tempe, that includes an ASU Innovation Zone, ASU Research Park. The unique area is home to 6,000 employees and 2.2 million square feet of tech and R&D space. It is a proven center for corporate headquarters, light industrial and emerging mixed-use development.

Located near Loop 101 and supported by ASU leadership and wrap-around benefits, the district offers shovel-ready sites, green design and strong links to the East Valley’s tech talent pipeline.

NOVUS DISTRICT: Innovation Meets Urban Living-an ASU Innovation Zone

An ASU Innovation Zone

The Novus District is part of the ASU Innovation Zone collection. It is a 355-acre, master-planned urban redevelopment adjacent to Tempe Town Lake and Arizona State University. This mixed-use corridor combines research space, high-rise offices, residential living and world-class sports venues in a walkable, connected environment.

Designed for long-term growth, Novus integrates rooftop solar, sustainable transit and performance-based partnerships. It offers investors and developers unique benefits and a rare opportunity to shape a modern, amenity-rich innovation hub at the center of Tempe’s future.

DOWNTOWN DISTRICT: Tempe’s Hub in Urban Energy, Opportunity, and Access

Downtown Tempe is the Phoenix area’s most vibrant urban center, combining Class A office space, major employers, cultural venues and a walkable lifestyle district. Anchored by historic and iconic Mill Avenue and adjacent to Arizona State University, this dynamic area attracts creative firms, corporate offices and startups seeking visibility, amenities and workforce access.

With light rail, streetcar, bike infrastructure and direct freeway connections, Downtown Tempe offers unmatched mobility and access to talent. The district features restaurants, waterfront parks, hotels and arts venues within walking distance, creating a true live-work environment for businesses ready to thrive in the urban core.

For advisory services and business support, fill out our quick Tempe360 for rapid assistance.

Tempe360 is an action-oriented business success program that connects businesses with valuable resources, partners and programs to facilitate a thriving, resilient local economy.