Considering Living in Mesa, AZ? Here’s What You Need To Know

Ready to say goodbye to cold, snowy weather and hello to year-round sunshine? Then you’ll want to consider living in Mesa, AZ. But that’s not all the area has going for it. Whether it’s quality education for families with children, a growing economy for those looking to advance their careers, or a great place to spend your golden years, this thriving part of the greater Phoenix area has it all. Not to mention it’s an amazing place to live if you enjoy outdoor activities and easy access to parks, forests, and mountains.

Downtown Mesa is the cultural hub of Mesa, perfect for catching a drink to beat the heat, or enjoy date night.

Mesa at a Glance

• Mesa is located just east of Phoenix and has a population of 511,648.
• The city is large in size and takes up around 138 square miles.
• The median age in Mesa, AZ, is 36.7.
• Mesa and the surrounding area was originally inhabited by the Hohokam people who dug canals that are still visible today.
• Top-notch schools like Arizona State University (ASU) and Benedictine University are located nearby.
• Tonto National Forest — the largest national forest in the state — is just over 15 miles away and provides extensive hiking trails and camping options closeby.

Moving to Mesa, AZ — FAQs

Q: Is Mesa, Arizona, a good city to live in?
A: Yes, Mesa is a great city to live in if you’re looking for affordable amenities such as groceries and healthcare, lots of outdoor activities, and safe neighborhoods.

Q: What are the pros and cons of Mesa, Arizona?
A: Some of the top pros include wonderful sunny weather, lots of chances to explore the outdoors, and a vibrant cultural scene. Some of the cons include increased traffic during the winter months and extreme heat in the summer.

Q: What should I know before moving to Mesa, AZ?
A: You should be prepared for the heat during the summer months, but you can also look forward to having a top-notch dining/beverage scene as well as lots of ways for all members of the family to have fun.

Q: What is the nicest part of Mesa, AZ?
A: Northeast Mesa and Southeast Mesa have some of the nicest neighborhoods, including Eastmark and Las Sendas.

20 Things To Know About Living in Mesa, Arizona

If you’re interested in moving to Mesa, AZ, it’s best to make sure you’re confident that it’s the right place for you. That’s why it’s essential to take a look at all aspects of the city, from the ideal salary and neighborhood crime rates to the best restaurants and fun things you can expect to do as a resident. So let’s delve into our list of 20 must-know facts about living in Mesa, AZ.

1. Cost of Living in Mesa, AZ

The cost of living score for Mesa is 113, which is right in line with the neighboring metro of Phoenix but higher than the national index of 100 and the Arizona state average of 106.4. Compared to the cost of living in other cities out west, however, like San Diego and Los Angeles, Mesa is definitely considered an affordable place. That’s especially true when you consider that groceries and healthcare costs in Mesa are below the national average (with scores of 97.2 and 92.5, respectively). 

2. Salaries Needed in Mesa, AZ

According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, if you’re a family of four with two working adults, you should earn at least $120,000 in combined salaries before taxes. A young working professional or retiree living alone should aim to make at least $51,000, and two working people living together without dependents should make at least $70,000 before taxes to live comfortably.

3. Pros and Cons of Living in Mesa, AZ

Pro: Mesa Has a Lower Crime Rate

Even though it’s the third largest city in the state, Mesa has a relatively low crime rate and a lot of safe neighborhoods. In fact, NeighborhoodScout has found that the crime rate in Mesa is one of the lowest in the nation for its size. Like all large cities, there will be pockets of crime in certain areas, but residents by and large don’t feel unsafe when they’re out and about. 

Pro: Lots of Good Weather

Pro: Transportation Is Easy

The Mesa transportation grid was set up with ease of use in mind, and you’ll find that you can likely get to all of your destinations without too many turns. Thanks to this grid, Mesa is also a very bikeable city, and residents can get around without having to use their cars all the time. 

Con: Traffic Can Escalate

While the transportation grid may be straightforward, that doesn’t mean there isn’t traffic! This is especially true during the winter months, when lots of snowbirds flock to warmth for the winter. Like other warm states like Florida, Arizona sees an uptick in visitors during the colder months, so you can expect more traffic and more tourists from October to March. 

Con: Summer Heat Is Intense

Con: Unwanted Pests

Because Mesa is located in and near desert environments, you can expect to encounter desert-dwelling pests like spiders, scorpions, and snakes. While these aren’t too much of a bother in most homes, a lot of residents choose to treat their properties for protection against pests. 

4. The Mesa, AZ, Housing Market

The average home value in Mesa, AZ, is around $438,700, which is only slightly higher than the Arizona state average home value of around $430,700. It is more expensive than the national average of around $359,900, however.

There are a variety of homes for sale in Mesa, AZ, that offer unique features especially popular in this part of the country. Housing styles like pueblo revival, ranches, Spanish colonials, and southwestern are found in a lot of Mesa neighborhoods.

6. Best Places To Live in Mesa

If you’d rather find an apartment in Mesa, AZ, you’re in luck, because rental prices are also considered pretty affordable. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,500, and the average apartment size is 833 square feet. The majority of Mesa residents — 63 percent — own their own homes, while only around 37 percent rent. But whether you want to rent a home or live in an apartment building, Mesa has lots of options. 

Families will have an easy time finding a good place for the kids in Mesa.

Eastmark

Considered one of the best places to live in Mesa — especially for families — is Eastmark. Located in the eastern part of the city, you’ll have access to safe streets for kids to play on, parks like Eastmark Great Park (with basketball courts), and many walkable neighborhood parks. Families like the good school district, and the Legacy Sports Complex with soccer fields and baseball diamonds isn’t far away. 

Rancho Del Mar

Considered to be one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Mesa is the safe, gated community of Rancho Del Mar — perfect for retirees! The Kokopelli Golf Club is located just across Country Club Drive, as well as convenient shopping options like Costco and WinCo Foods. The Banner Desert Medical Center is also located close by for any of your healthcare needs.

Dobson Ranch

Whether you’re a student or young professional, you’ll appreciate convenient living in Dobson Ranch. This planned community is located right near Mesa Community College, making it a no-brainer if you’re looking for a short commute to class. And you’ll have easy access to all things in Mesa — and Tempe and Phoenix, for that matter — since this neighborhood sits right at the intersection of Route 101 and 60. Check out Dobson Ranch Park when you want to get outdoors, or enjoy an easy walk to nightlife at O’Kelley’s Sports Bar & Grill.

7. Transportation Options Throughout Mesa

We mentioned that it’s easy to get around Mesa with a car, thanks to the well-designed transportation grid (minus all the traffic!), but it’s also quite easy to bike around the city, too. 

There are over 40 miles of bike lanes, and if you’d rather ride share a bike, you can utilize the HOPR program. Additionally, Mesa has public transportation options like the Valley Metro Rail, which runs from Phoenix through Tempe and all the way to Mesa. And the Downtown BUZZ is a free bus that takes riders to major attractions like the Mesa Arts Center and the Mesa Library.

8. Mesa Schools and Higher Education

If you’re a family thinking about moving to Mesa, chances are you’re already aware of the quality education opportunities available here. It’s the largest school district in Arizona, so regardless of whether you go public or private, your children will get a quality education. Some of the top schools in the area include:

• BASIS Mesa
• Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies
• Learning Foundation - Stapely

There are also higher education options in this thriving Arizona city — you’ll find Mesa Community College and ASU Polytechnic University are close by. Not to mention Mesa is just 20 minutes from the ASU main campus in Tempe!

9. Sports Teams in Mesa

Not only does Mesa have thriving youth and teen sports leagues, thanks to the Mesa Parks Department, but you are also just a short drive away from the professional sports of Phoenix! Residents of Mesa can cheer on:

• Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
• Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
• Phoenix Suns (NBA)
• Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)

During spring training, you can also find 15 major league teams competing in the Cactus League in Phoenix, and the Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s call Mesa home during spring training.

10. Mesa, AZ, Weather

Mesa has a desert climate, so you can expect the summers to be very hot, balanced by mild winters. In the warmer months of May through September, expect an average daily high of above 97°F. From October to February, the average high still ranges between the 60s and 70s, while the lows dip into the 40s and 50s. 

There is almost no rain in Mesa, and you won’t have to worry about ice or snow. Mesa does not get tornadoes, and the only extreme weather you’ll need to worry about is the desert heat and high temperatures. Make sure to always have water and sunscreen!

11. Safety in Mesa

Residents of Mesa, AZ, consider their city to be safe, although like any larger metro, you will find crime in certain areas. Mesa has a total crime index score of 18, according to NeighborhoodScout, and your chances of becoming a victim of a crime are 1 in 44. Mesa’s violent crime rate of 4.31 is the same as the state median and falls just above the national average of 4. The Mesa property crime rate of 18.45 is less than both the state and national median rate. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Mesa include:

• Desert Village
• Thunder Mountain
• Desert Sage

12. Jobs in Mesa, AZ

There are great job opportunities in Mesa — many in growing industries like technology, healthcare, and aerospace. Mesa is also home to the Boeing Company, one of the country’s busiest airports (Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport), top-notch healthcare facilities like Banner Health, and a thriving educational scene. There are also lots of job opportunities in retail, tourism, and manufacturing.

The unemployment rate in Mesa sits at 3.4 percent, which is lower than the national unemployment rate but the same as the Arizona rate.

13. The Mesa Food Scene

While Phoenix might be the larger city, there is a fantastic variety of food options right in Mesa. You won’t have to go far to experience cuisines from all over the world, as well as some comfort food favorites. Some favorites include:

• Los Dos Molinos: Authentic Mexican food at its finest, customers keep coming back for chile rellenos and carne adovada ribs.
• Worth Takeaway: Keeping it casual but delicious is this fan-favorite sandwich shop in Mesa. Here you’ll find burgers, breakfast, and options like turkey bacon clubs.
• Board & Batten: This bistro serves new American cuisine in a beautiful setting perfect for date night. Favorites include halibut and veal Milanese.
• Hodori: Did you know there’s an Asian district in Mesa? That’s right! And there, you’ll find Hodori — a Korean eatery specializing in kimchi pancakes, bulgogi, and bibimbap.

14. The Cultural Scene in Mesa

There are plenty of ways to get some culture in the city, but the arts scene in Mesa starts at the Mesa Arts Center, where you can watch Broadway performances, see live music, and even take a hands-on class. You can also catch the Symphony of the Southwest for your classical music fix and head over to the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum to view the galleries, hear a lecture by an artist, or take a workshop.

Mesa will keep you busy, either in town where you can enjoy great breweries, or out of town exploring the natural rock formations. 

15. Top Things To Do in Mesa, AZ

There’s always something fun to do in Mesa, AZ, no matter what you’re in the mood for! Here are some of our top choices:

Visit a brewery and grab a bite to eat:

We know that there are all kinds of great restaurants in Mesa, but did you also know they have a host of fantastic breweries, too? If you’re in the mood to spend an afternoon relaxing with friends, consider checking out:

• 12 West Brewing
• Phantom Fox Beer Co.
• Oro Brewing Co.

Catch a spring training game:

One of the most popular things to do in Mesa in the springtime is enjoy watching the Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s play in the Cactus League. Head over to Sloan Park or Hohokam Stadium to see all your favorite players.

Go golfing: 

Golf is a big deal in Mesa, and there are 25 courses alone in the city limits. Lots of them are public, but some are a part of private clubs. And the best part is you don’t have to worry about bad weather ruining your tee time!

16. Free Things To Do in Mesa

If you want to experience Mesa without breaking the bank, you can definitely do that, as well.

• Do the Downtown Mesa Artwalk: Downtown Mesa offers a self-guided art tour that will take you to some beautiful murals and sculptures from a variety of local artists.
• Cycle around the city: Remember, Mesa is a very bikeable city, and there are miles of bike lanes and trails to enjoy with friends and family.
• Enjoy Riverview Park: With trails, picnic areas, plenty of shade, a lake, and play areas for kids, you can easily spend the day here.

17. Family-Friendly Things To Do in Mesa, AZ

If you’re looking for a way to keep the kids entertained — and even learn some interesting history — then you should consider checking out these family-friendly things to do in Mesa.

• The Apache Trail: Head out on the Apache Trail and take in the beautiful sites of the Superstition Mountains. Along the route you can stop at the Goldfield Ghost Town for a mine tour, or visit the Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake.
• Arizona Museum of Natural History: Spend the day learning about dinosaurs, native cultures, and the plants and animals that once inhabited this part of Arizona.
• i.d.e.a. Museum: This is a learning space dedicated to kids and helps them develop critical thinking skills, enjoy hands-on art exhibits, and spend quality time with their families and other children.

18. Traveling From Mesa, AZ

Mesa is in a convenient location, giving you plenty of opportunities to make day trips or longer excursions in the area. One of the top places to visit? The Grand Canyon. Just four hours from Mesa, it’s an unforgettable weekend getaway. The interesting town of Sedona is also only 2 hours from Mesa, where you can explore the natural beauty of the desert and learn about the area’s metaphysical properties. And you can always hop on a flight at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to be in Las Vegas or or Los Angeles in no time!

19. Retiring in Mesa

Thanks to the dry, warm weather, Mesa is a popular place for retirees. There are lots of great healthcare options available that can cater to changing needs, including Banner Healthcare and HonorHealth. And many neighborhood communities are master-planned and gated, ensuring the safety of all residents. Did we mention how much Mesa loves golf? If golf (or another sport like tennis or pickleball) is your retirement dream, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it in Mesa.

If you can take the heat, Monument Valley has beautiful, striking scenes of rock formations like the West Thumb.

20. Outdoor Activities Around Mesa, AZ

We know that Mesa has great weather, right? Well, that makes it a perfect place for those of all ages to stay active. Here are a couple of our favorite outdoor places to visit:

• Usery Mountain Regional Park: At this outdoor hotspot, visitors have plenty of beautiful hiking trails and horsebacking riding paths to explore, as well as an archery range and campgrounds.
• Tonto National Forest: You can explore the natural scenery on foot, on a bike, or on a Jeep tour. Not to mention you can go camping or take a ride down the Salt River on a kayak!

PODS has the know-how to help you move to your next home in Mesa. 

Start Living in Mesa, AZ, With the Help of PODS

If you’re ready to move to Mesa, AZ, for some fun in the desert, then why not choose the easy way with a portable storage container from PODS? They’ll deliver a container to your current home so you can load it up on your schedule. Just let them know when you’re ready to move, and a professional PODS driver will pick it up and drive it to your new Mesa home. From there, you can unload your belongings at your pace, or if you need more time, store it in a secure PODS Storage Center. The best part? One month of storage is included with each move.