Nestled in the heart of Tempe, the Maple-Ash Neighborhood is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved residential areas. Bounded by University Drive to the north, Mill Avenue to the east, Thomas Lane to the south, and Ash Avenue to the west, the neighborhood is a rare blend of history, character, and community in an urban setting.

Maple-Ash began to take shape in the early 1900s, during a time when Tempe was still a modest agricultural town centered around the Tempe Normal School—now Arizona State University. The neighborhood’s first homes appeared in the 1910s and 1920s, featuring a mix of adobe cottages, Craftsman bungalows, and later, mid-century ranch homes.

Its organically developed layout—unlike the more uniform tracts built in later decades—helped foster a close-knit, walkable environment where diverse architecture and towering shade trees define the streetscape. Over the years, Maple-Ash became home to educators, artists, students, and longtime residents drawn to its welcoming atmosphere and proximity to downtown Tempe.

Today, Maple-Ash is known not only for its historic charm but also for its progressive spirit, creative energy, and strong neighborhood identity. Preservation efforts continue to honor the area’s past while supporting a sustainable and inclusive future.