University Heights Neighborhood Market Intelligence
Neighborhood Overview
University Heights offers the perfect blend of academic energy and residential charm in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. Nestled just west of Arizona State University and north of the scenic Salt River, this centrally located neighborhood has evolved from its mid-20th century roots into a vibrant community that attracts students, young professionals, faculty, and long-term residents alike. The area's ranch-style homes and contemporary developments create a diverse housing landscape that reflects both Tempe's history and its forward-looking spirit.
Lifestyle and Community
Living in University Heights means embracing an active, culturally rich lifestyle. The neighborhood pulses with the energy of nearby ASU, offering residents easy access to sporting events, concerts, lectures, and theatrical performances. The proximity to Mill Avenue puts world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment just minutes away, while the Salt River provides peaceful walking and biking paths for outdoor enthusiasts. This unique combination creates a dynamic atmosphere where academic pursuits meet everyday living, fostering a community that's both intellectually stimulating and genuinely welcoming.
Real Estate Market
With a median home value of $333,600, University Heights represents a stable "Main" market tier that offers excellent value for its prime location. The diverse housing stock includes everything from charming single-family ranch homes to modern condominiums and townhouses, catering to various lifestyle preferences and budgets. The strong rental market, driven by ASU's presence, makes this neighborhood particularly attractive for investors, while homeowners benefit from steady appreciation trends and the area's enduring desirability.
Local Amenities
University Heights residents enjoy exceptional convenience and connectivity. The neighborhood is served by quality Tempe school districts and offers easy access to:
- Valley Metro Light Rail and comprehensive bus routes for seamless transportation
- Mill Avenue District's extensive shopping and dining scene
- Tempe Marketplace for comprehensive retail options
- Salt River recreational opportunities and scenic pathways
- Quick access to Loop 202 and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
- Tempe Town Lake events and festivals throughout the year
Why Choose University Heights
University Heights stands out as one of Tempe's most strategically located neighborhoods, offering residents the rare opportunity to live at the crossroads of education, culture, and convenience. Whether you're a young professional seeking urban amenities, a faculty member wanting a short commute, or a family looking for a dynamic community, this neighborhood delivers. The area's walkable streets, diverse dining options, cultural attractions, and strong sense of community create an environment where residents can truly thrive. While the vibrant atmosphere means some evening activity, most residents find that the benefits of living in this energetic, well-connected neighborhood far outweigh any considerations, making University Heights a smart choice for those who value both convenience and community character.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $485,000 |
| Median Rent | $1,850/mo |
| Median Household Income | $82,000 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 28 |
| Price per Sq Ft | $315 |
| Average Home Size | 1,540 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 42.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 58.0% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 27.0% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 3.5% |
| 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 University Heights who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 14 Agents
- William Nager (5 stars, 200+ reviews, listed)
- Karl Freund (5 stars, 80+ reviews, listed)
- Baoying Wen (5 stars, 70+ reviews, listed)
- Lou Rugolo (5 stars, 70+ reviews, listed)
- Rosey Boston (5 stars, 60+ reviews, listed)
- Augustine Yeetharn Lin (4.9 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Babajide Samuel Ogunbiyi (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Nicholas Stair (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Karyn Nelsen (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Anson Y C Kong (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Aimee Lynn Gilliatt (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Andres Luis Claure (4.9 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Adam Mohamed Touni (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Ann Louise Amaral (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
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 #2155665[1]
Compass
Contact
Phone: (408) 835-6704
Email: chaowen.realtor@gmail.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/wenchaohome
210+ career transactions[2]
30+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $923K to $5.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her exceptional community involvement and leadership, combined with a perfect 5-star rating across 83 reviews. Her comprehensive market expertise and client-focused approach ensure outstanding results.
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 #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.
4.9 stars[2][3]
50+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2243809[1]
Heather Lin Real Estate Team
Contact
Phone: (415) 317-2188
Email: heather@heatherlinhomes.com
Website: https://www.heatherlinhomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/HeatherLin
17+ years experience[1]
160+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $598K to $7.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 4.9-star rating from 65 reviews since 2008 and proven expertise in complex residential and commercial transactions. He stands out by empowering clients with deep analytical knowledge on investment strategy and wealth preservation.
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 #2059624[1]
Coldwell Banker Realty
Contact
Phone: (408) 838-5738
Email: jide@jidehomes.com
Website: https://www.jidehomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/jideo
120+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $700K to $4.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for dedicated community service and professional excellence, demonstrated through performance, ranking in the top 1% with $787M+ in annual sales and 700+ 5-star reviews. As a Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® specialist, his expertise and client-first philosophy establish industry leadership.
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]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1401191[1]
Compass
Contact
Phone: (408) 221-7887
Email: anson.ip@compass.com
Website: http://www.ansonip.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ansonip
22+ years experience[1]
210+ career transactions[2]
30+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $810K to $5.8M[4]
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 5-star rating across 34 reviews and 15+ years of market experience. His unique dual expertise as a licensed agent and trained architect provides distinct analytical value to clients.
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 #1989856[1]
j & S Realty
Contact
Phone: (619) 642-4007
Email: aimeegilliatt@gmail.com
Website: https://jocelynrealestateteam.com/agents/Aimee-Gilliatt/8813860
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AimeeGilliatt
10+ years experience[1]
30+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $400K to $2.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community involvement and leadership roles. She also demonstrates exceptional client service with a perfect 5-star rating across 34 reviews and nearly a decade of professional experience.
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]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1309945[1]
COMPASS
Contact
Phone: (917) 755-3777
Email: yoky2167@gmail.com
Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/claire-liu/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Clarieliu
30+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $1.3M to $4.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his dedicated community involvement and leadership roles, Andres Claure also delivers exceptional client service with a 4.9-star rating across 33 reviews. His expertise in negotiation and strategic guidance establishes him as a trusted advisor.
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 #1880106[1]
The Resolve Group
Contact
Phone: (650) 336-8530
Email: adam@theresolvegroup.co
Website: http://www.theresolvegroup.co/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/theresolvegroupadam
30+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for his leadership as a founding member of The Resolve Group, which has achieved over $501 million in sales since 2019 and maintains an exceptional 81% repeat client rate.
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 #1229366[1]
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Contact
Phone: (619) 300-4400
Email: annsellssdhomes@gmail.com
Website: http://www.sdhomeowner.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Ann%20Amaral
28+ years experience[1]
90+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $530K to $2.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community involvement as a 26-year local resident, combined with 27 years of experience and a perfect record of 21 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.