Caleb Lehmann· Licensed REALTOR®, Arizona
Home › Phoenix Valley Guide › The Lakes
$$ · Tempe, AZ

The Lakes Homes for Sale & Neighborhood Guide (Tempe, AZ)

The Lakes is a 1970s–80s waterfront community in Tempe, with mid-century homes around a private lake used for sailing and paddling.

Template page — finish before publishing. The figures below are starting estimates from early-2026 market reports and must be verified against live MLS/IDX before this page goes live. Replace the description and amenity notes with Caleb's first-hand detail and original photos so the page is genuinely original. (See the workbook's EEAT & compliance tabs.)

The Lakes market snapshot

Source: [MLS/IDX feed], pulled [date]
$450K–$650KMedian price rangeEstimate — verify
$330–$400Price / sq ftEstimate — verify
40–60Days on marketEstimate — verify
$200–$450HOA / moEstimate — verify

The essentials

ZIP codes
85281
Price tier
$$
Housing stock
1970s–80s waterfront mid-century
New vs. resale
Mostly resale
Commute
~10 min to ASU / downtown Tempe
Walkability
Medium

Schools

This area is associated with Tempe Elem; Tempe Union HS. I don't rate schools in my own voice — fit depends on your family and the specific assigned campus for an address. Review current ratings and report cards from neutral sources:

Lifestyle & amenities

Dining
Lakeside neighborhood dining
Grocery
Safeway, Fry's
Recreation
Private lake, pools, tennis
Things to do
Private lake, sailing and paddling
Add Caleb's own photos of The Lakes here. First-hand media is a strong signal — stock photos hurt.

Short-term rentals

Short-term rental status here: Restricted — Tempe limits short-term rentals. These rules change and can vary by property and city, so confirm current requirements for a specific address before counting on rental income.

The honest trade-offs

Every area has them, and naming them up front saves everyone time:

Frequently asked

What's the median home price in The Lakes?
Based on early-2026 market reports, prices run roughly $450K–$650K, with price per square foot around $330–$400. These figures move with the market — verify against current MLS listings before relying on them.
What kind of homes are in The Lakes?
The housing stock is largely 1970s–80s waterfront mid-century (mostly resale).
Are short-term rentals allowed in The Lakes?
Short-term rental status here: restricted — tempe limits short-term rentals. These rules change and can vary by property — confirm current requirements for the specific address before buying.
Which schools serve The Lakes?
The area is associated with Tempe Elem; Tempe Union HS. Review current ratings and report cards through the Arizona Department of Education and GreatSchools, and confirm the assigned campus for a specific address.

Explore more

Helpful links: City of Tempe · School district · U.S. Census QuickFacts · Local crime statistics. For any question about crime, I'll point you to neutral third-party data rather than characterize an area myself.

Thinking about The Lakes?

I can pull current The Lakes listings as they hit the market and walk you through what's realistic for your budget.

See current listings & talk to Caleb →