Mesa, Arizona is the third-most populous city in Arizona, after Phoenix and Tucson, the 36th-most populous city in the U.S. It is home to boundless opportunities for exploration. Surrounded by the breathtaking expanse of the Sonoran Desert and natural beauty of Tonto National Forest, Mesa is a gateway to one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences. This regional recreation playground boasts an assortment of things to do for visitors with the welcoming communities of Apache Junction and Queen Creek nearby. Whether you're searching for unique cultural experiences, want a relaxing getaway, or are planning a family vacation, Mesa is the perfect place for your next adventure.
It is bordered by Tempe on the west, the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community on the north, Chandler and Gilbert on the south along with Queen Creek, and Apache Junction on the east.
At least ten colleges and universities are located in Mesa. The city is home to the largest relief airport in the Phoenix area, Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport, located in the southeastern corner of the city. In separate studies in 2014 and 2017, researchers determined Mesa to be "America's most conservative city".
Discover the community
Vibe
Known for its affordable housing and lower living costs compared to neighboring cities, Mesa attracts individuals and families seeking to stretch their dollars further. Safety is another critical consideration, and Mesa's lower crime rates, particularly in violent crime, make it a secure choice for many.
Abundant sunshine. Mesa enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, making it a haven for those who love warm weather and outdoor activities. The consistent sunny weather allows residents to enjoy year-round golfing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits.
Mesa, Arizona is a city that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, affordability, and a welcoming community. With its diverse job market, cultural richness, and family-friendly environment, it's no wonder that so many people are choosing to make Mesa their home.
Lifestyle
Mesa enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, making it a haven for those who love warm weather and outdoor activities. The consistent sunny weather allows residents to enjoy year-round golfing, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. For example, the Usery Mountain Regional Park offers excellent hiking trails with stunning desert views. Although constant sunshine is definitely a pro to living in this city, it does come with extreme heat in the summer months. More on this below.
Great museums and festivals
With numerous museums and cultural centers, Mesa has many opportunities that celebrate history and diversity. The Mesa Arts Center, for instance, is the largest comprehensive arts campus in the state and offers a variety of performances, exhibitions, and educational programs. The city also hosts several annual cultural festivals, such as the Mesa Music Festival, which attracts artists and visitors from all over the country.
Bike-friendly downtown
Mesa stands out as one of Arizona’s most bikeable cities, boasting a network of well-maintained bike lanes and scenic trails that cater to cyclists of all skill levels. From leisurely rides along the Salt River to challenging mountain bike excursions in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa offers abundant opportunities for cyclists to explore its diverse terrain.
Abundant recreational activities
Mesa is a haven for outdoor recreation, offering a plethora of activities amidst its stunning desert landscape. Residents can hike through the rugged trails of the Superstition Mountains, kayak along the serene waters of Saguaro Lake, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the city’s championship courses like Las Sendas Golf Club. With its year-round sunshine and diverse outdoor amenities, Mesa is a good place to live.
Proximity to natural attractions
Mesa’s location provides easy access to a variety of natural attractions, making it a great base for adventure. The city is just a short drive from the Tonto National Forest, where residents can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing. Additionally, the nearby Salt River offers opportunities for tubing and kayaking. This proximity to nature allows residents to escape the urban environment and enjoy the beauty of the Arizona landscape.
Housing Market
In July 2024, Mesa home prices were down 2.2% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $450K. On average, homes in Mesa sell after 44 days on the market.
Mesa, Arizona has many types of homes, including Mediterranean Revival, ranch, Tudor Revival, bungalow, mid-century modern, and contemporary.
Activities and attractions
Packed with excitement, the Mesa area offers visitors an explosion of educational, cultural and outdoor attractions. From interactive museums to Broadway musicals and old west towns, Mesa's got it all!
You'll have easy access to the area's most popular natural attractions, including Superstition Mountains, Apache Trail, Salt and Verde Rivers, Usery Mountain Regional Park and area lakes. Explore the mysterious Superstition Mountains or cruise Saguaro Lake aboard the Desert Belle and Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat.
There's no shortage of family fun in Mesa, either, with kid-friendly museums that will entertain the little ones - and your inner child, too! Hear the roar of the dinosaurs at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Let your imagination take flight by learning about vintage aircraft at the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona. Spark your child's creativity with a visit to the i.d.e.a Museum. Soar the Sonoran skies on a hot air balloon ride and get in touch with nature at the nearby Phoenix Zoo.
Schools
Almost all of the city of Mesa is served by public schools operated by Mesa Public Schools; however, the southern portion is served by Gilbert Public Schools, the Higley Unified School District and the Queen Creek Unified School District, and a small western portion is served by the Tempe Elementary School District and the Tempe Union High School District.
More than 40,000 students are enrolled in more than 10 colleges and universities located in Mesa. Mesa is home to Mesa Community College, the largest of the Maricopa Community Colleges, which enrolls over 24,000 full and part-time students, and Chandler–Gilbert Community College. The Polytechnic campus of Arizona State University lies in southeast Mesa. This satellite campus enrolls over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students in scientific and engineering fields. A. T. Still University operates an Osteopathic Medical School in Mesa.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
I.D.E.A Museum
Las Sendas Golf Club
Mesa Center For The Arts
Tonto National Forest
