Arizona’s third-largest city offers East Valley value, a revived downtown, and quick access to the Salt River, Usery and the Superstitions.
Population: about 510,000 · Vibe: Practical, spacious, outdoorsy · Best for: Value, families, retirees, outdoor lovers
Mesa is big and practical. West Mesa has established neighborhoods and a growing downtown arts district; East Mesa has newer homes, 55+ communities, and master-planned Eastmark and Cadence near Gateway Airport.
Highlights
- Salt River tubing, Saguaro and Canyon lakes
- Usery Mountain Regional Park
- Mesa Arts Center and Arizona Museum of Natural History
- Spring training at Sloan Park and Hohokam Stadium
Neighborhoods
Moving to Mesa
Mesa typically offers more house for the money than Chandler, Gilbert or Scottsdale, and East Mesa’s 55+ communities are popular with retirees. Electric is mostly SRP, with city utilities in parts of Mesa.
New to Arizona? Start with The Complete Guide to Moving to Arizona, then see Best Places to Live.
Get Your Personal Arizona Move Plan
Tell a local Arizona Realtor where you’re coming from and what matters to you. You’ll get a custom plan back: the 3 cities that fit you best, real home and rent prices, school notes, and a step-by-step moving timeline.
- Best-fit cities & neighborhoods for your budget
- Rent-vs-buy math for your situation
- License, utilities & registration checklist
- Off-market & new-build options before you arrive
Craig Citizen, REALTOR® · West USA Realty · Free, no obligation