Sunset Neighborhood Market Intelligence
Neighborhood Overview
Nestled in western Tempe, the Sunset neighborhood offers a perfect blend of established charm and modern convenience. Bounded by Southern Avenue to the north and Baseline Road to the south, this mature community developed during the post-World War II boom, creating a distinctive mid-century character that sets it apart from Tempe's more transient areas near ASU. With tree-lined streets and well-maintained properties, Sunset provides a stable, family-friendly environment that appeals to a diverse mix of residents seeking authentic suburban living.
Lifestyle and Community
Life in Sunset moves at a comfortable, suburban pace where neighbors know each other and community matters. The neighborhood's established nature means less turnover and more long-term residents who take pride in their homes and surroundings. Families appreciate the safe streets and quiet atmosphere, while young professionals enjoy the easy commute to major employment centers. The area's diversity reflects Tempe's multicultural character, creating a welcoming environment where different backgrounds and lifestyles blend harmoniously.
Real Estate Market
With a median home value of $333,600, Sunset represents excellent value in Tempe's competitive real estate market. The neighborhood primarily features single-family ranch-style homes from the 1960s and 1970s, many with the clean lines and open floor plans that define mid-century architecture. This "Main" tier market classification indicates a stable, moderately-priced area that attracts a broad range of buyers. Many properties have been thoughtfully updated while maintaining their original character, offering move-in ready options alongside renovation opportunities for those seeking to customize their space.
Local Amenities
Sunset residents enjoy convenient access to quality schools within the Tempe Elementary and Tempe Union High School Districts, including nearby McClintock High School. Recreation opportunities abound with Clark Park offering swimming, playgrounds, and sports fields, while the expansive Tempe Sports Complex provides additional facilities for active families. Shopping and dining are easily accessible along major corridors, with Arizona Mills mall nearby for entertainment and retail therapy. The neighborhood's strategic location provides quick access to:
- Multiple parks and recreational facilities
- Diverse dining options reflecting Tempe's multicultural community
- Convenient shopping centers and Arizona Mills outlet mall
- Quality schools at all levels
Transportation and Accessibility
One of Sunset's greatest strengths is its connectivity. Major arterials like McClintock Drive, Baseline Road, and Price Road provide seamless access throughout the Valley, while Loop 101 offers quick connections to Phoenix, Scottsdale, and beyond. Valley Metro bus routes serve the area, and the light rail system along Apache Boulevard connects residents to ASU, downtown Tempe, and the broader metropolitan area without the hassle of driving and parking.
Why Choose Sunset
Sunset offers the increasingly rare combination of affordability, character, and convenience in the heart of the Valley. Unlike newer developments that can feel sterile or older areas requiring extensive updates, this neighborhood provides that "just right" balance of established charm and modern livability. Whether you're a first-time buyer seeking value, a growing family needing space and good schools, or professionals wanting easy access to employment centers, Sunset delivers an authentic Arizona lifestyle without compromise.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $485,000 |
| Median Rent | $1,850/mo |
| Median Household Income | $82,500 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 28 |
| Price per Sq Ft | $285 |
| Average Home Size | 1,700 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 62.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.0% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 27.0% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 4.5% |
| Year-over-Year Change | +3.8% |
| Inventory Level | Low |
| Market Type | Seller's Market |
| Market Tier | Main |
| Primary ZIP | 85281 |
| Mortgage Originations (2023 HMDA) |
| Total Mortgage Originations | 477 |
| VA Loan Originations | 18 |
| VA Loan Share | 3.8% |
| Average VA Loan Amount | $387,222 |
| Conventional Loan Originations | 411 |
| FHA Loan Originations | 48 |
| Source | FFIEC HMDA Data Browser (2023) |
Selected Real Estate Professionals (14)
Arizona has over 220,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 14 agents serving Sunset who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 14 Agents
- Greg Raymond Reyes (5 stars, 250+ reviews, listed)
- William Nager (5 stars, 200+ reviews, listed)
- Karl Freund (5 stars, 80+ reviews, listed)
- Lou Rugolo (5 stars, 70+ reviews, listed)
- Amber Chang (5 stars, 60+ reviews, listed)
- Rosey Boston (5 stars, 60+ reviews, listed)
- Nicholas Stair (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Karyn Nelsen (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Aileen Noche Matias (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Alvin Chiu Lee (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Geremy Shigeo Yamamoto (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Jing Chen (4.8 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Ashlin Liu Truong (4.9 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Amanda Patrice Aviles (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
5 stars[2][3]
250+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1798730[1]
Richard Reyes Network
Contact
Phone: (714) 600-3334
Email: richard@richardreyesteam.com
Website: http://www.explore-homes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/rrnetwork
17+ years experience[1]
530+ career transactions[2]
60+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $11K to $1.9M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his exceptional quantifiable performance, including 545 career transactions and 267 five-star reviews. His 17 years of experience and recognition by realtrends.com further demonstrate his market expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
200+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #SA632171000[1]
My Home Group
Contact
Phone: (480) 227-1527
Email: ryannageraz@gmail.com
Website: http://www.ryannagergroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Ryan-Nager
16+ years experience[1]
880+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $340K to $2.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his elite industry recognition and community leadership roles, including YPN's Top 40 Under 40. He is a top performer with a 5-star rating from 215 reviews and 897 career transactions.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
80+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #BR586913000[1]
Kenneth James Realty
Contact
Phone: (480) 455-9003
Email: chargedbmw@gmail.com
Website: https://www.kennethjamesrealty.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Kenneth-James-Realty
22+ years experience[1]
550+ career transactions[2]
30+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $16K to $2.3M[4]
Why selected: Karl Freund is selected for his exceptional 5-star rating across 90 verified reviews, demonstrating consistent client satisfaction. His 22 years of experience and specialization as a Buyer's Agent and Listing Agent provide a deep, client-focused expertise in the Paradise Valley market.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
70+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #SA108489000[1]
eXp Realty
Contact
Phone: (480) 322-6404
Email: Louvis1@aol.com
Website: http://rugoloteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/louvis12
30+ years experience[1]
1000+ career transactions[2]
20+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $92K to $7.5M[4]
Why selected: Selected for their exceptional volume of over 1,500 transactions and 81 five-star reviews, backed by nearly 30 years of experience. Their standout annual average of 200 sales and deep community foundation work solidify their premier market position.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
60+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2191549[1]
ReMax 2000 Realty
Contact
Phone: (626) 800-7903
Email: sofiachang888@gmail.com
Website: http://linktr.ee/RealEstateInLA
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Sofia%20Chang%20Realtor
9+ years experience[1]
130+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $415K to $1.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community engagement as a bilingual professional serving diverse clientele, combined with strong performance including 146 transactions and 72 five-star reviews.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
60+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #SA656212000[1]
My Home Group
Contact
Phone: (602) 525-7034
Email: rosey@thejonesbostonteam.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/RoseyLBoston
10+ years experience[1]
10+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for strong community ties and professional distinction, evidenced by 71 five-star reviews, 2022 Top Agent Award, and nearly a decade of dedicated service. Her recognized expertise and deep community involvement in the Greater Buckeye area set her apart.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
40+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #BR656815000[1]
My Home Group
Contact
Phone: (602) 770-9419
Email: Nick@48REI.com
Website: http://www.BuildSt48.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/NIck-Stair
3+ years experience[1]
70+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for their consistent high performance, evidenced by a 5-star rating and over 200 successful transactions. Their unique expertise in both property sales and land development, combined with a personalized concierge service, distinguishes them in the market.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
40+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #SA654517000[1]
My Home Group Real Estate LLC
Contact
Phone: (928) 978-3246
Email: moderndayagent@gmail.com
Website: http://ModernDayAgent.Net
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ModernDayAgent
11+ years experience[1]
560+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for her perfect 5-star rating across 53 reviews and 571 career transactions, demonstrating exceptional volume and client satisfaction. Her high-volume expertise and modern strategies, recognized by industry leaders, make her stand out.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
40+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1786129[1]
Champions Real Estate
Contact
Phone: (626) 536-0306
Email: aileen.noche@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/realestatesangabrielvalley/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/aileenmatias
15+ years experience[1]
60+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $98K to $2.6M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community commitment and leadership roles, combined with a perfect 5-star rating across 53 reviews. Her strong professional credentials and comprehensive market expertise further distinguish her service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2123996[1]
Avalon Estate Corp.
Contact
Phone: (949) 415-4799
Email: alvina.chiu@compass.com
Website: http://www./
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ALJHOU
9+ years experience[1]
70+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $623K to $689K[4]
Why selected: Selected for his dedicated community involvement and leadership roles, combined with a perfect 5-star rating across 38 reviews. His 8 years of expertise in complex transactions further demonstrates his professional excellence.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1358062[1]
Meridox Real Estate
Contact
Phone: (626) 699-1650
Email: Geremyc21@myleads.io
Website: http://exploresocalhomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Yamamoto%20Brothers
23+ years experience[1]
230+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $280K to $1.5M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his 23-year community leadership and engagement, a critical factor in our ranking. He combines this with a perfect 5-star rating across 32 reviews and 244 career transactions, demonstrating proven, high-value expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.8 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #01911286[1]
Re/Max Champions
Contact
Phone: (626) 576-8811
Email: olay2255@hotmail.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Jing%20Chen
14+ years experience[1]
130+ career transactions[2]
20+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $500K to $1.5M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his active leadership roles and commitment to advancing the profession through advisory positions. He combines this with a 4.9-star rating from 150 reviews and recognition in major publications for his luxury market expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2100023[1]
Hot Homes L.A
Contact
Phone: (626) 688-2819
Email: kevintruong637@gmail.com
Website: http://www.hothomesca.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/KevinAtHotHomesLA
24+ years experience[1]
60+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $449K to $3.5M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her 20 years of community-focused service, Ashlin Liu Truong pairs this local engagement with a 4.9-star rating from 21 reviews, demonstrating consistent client satisfaction and professional excellence.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2085077[1]
Keller Williams
Contact
Phone: (714) 673-2515
Email: amanda.aviles@kw.com
Website: https://linktr.ee/amandaaviles
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AmandaAvilesSoCalRealtor
6+ years experience[1]
10+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $600K to $1.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her strong community involvement and leadership roles. She combines 20 five-star reviews with over five years of experience and unique expertise in real estate law and mortgage lending.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.