Thinking of moving to Mesa? Known as the “Valley’s Gateway” and a top Phoenix suburb, Mesa stands out as an exceptional city in its own right—with a growing economy, amazing schools, exciting opportunities for bikers and hikers, and much more. Check out these 16 things to know about living in Mesa, AZ!
Appreciate Affordable Arizona Living
One of the reasons to live in Arizona’s third-largest city is Mesa’s reasonably priced housing, with a median home price of $245,500 and median monthly rent of $1,105. Nearby Phoenix suburbs Gilbert, Tempe, and Scottsdale have higher home and rent prices, making Mesa a more affordable option with similar amenities. While Mesa’s overall cost of living is slightly above the national average, lower healthcare and utility expenses help balance it out. Plus, a higher median household income can make living here more affordable than it seems!
Find Your Dream Job
In addition to being a great place to live, Mesa remains the top major city in the U.S. for post-pandemic economic growth, creating a wealth of job opportunities! The key Mesa industries include healthcare, education, aerospace, and tourism—with aerospace being one of the largest, thanks to top employers in the area like The Boeing Company. Other major employers include Banner Health‘s multiple healthcare facilities and corporate center, as well as the Mesa Unified School District. Bingham Equipment Company and Empire Cat are also headquartered in Mesa and provide plenty of jobs to residents.
Attend Great Mesa Schools
If you’re considering raising a family in Mesa, you’re in luck—Mesa Public Schools is the largest school district in Arizona, providing an array of resources, including a distance learning program. You can also benefit from higher education at colleges and universities in Mesa. Earn a certificate in African-American studies or ceramics, or pursue a degree in forensic science at Mesa Community College, the largest institution in the Maricopa Community College District. Enroll in a private Catholic school to explore majors such as accounting and entrepreneurship at Benedictine University Mesa, which is an extension of the university’s main campus in Lisle, IL. Gain a bachelor’s degree in air traffic management or history, or get your master’s in software engineering from Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus—or travel to ASU’s main campus in Tempe, just 15 minutes away. Start your career in healthcare with four specific career programs at Arizona College – Mesa. Or master the art of flying at one of the best aviation colleges in America at CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy in Mesa.
Retire in Mesa
Mesa attracts retirees for the same reasons it draws snowbirds—beautiful weather and an active lifestyle with golfing, hiking, swimming, and much more. Its close proximity to Phoenix offers easy access to big-city amenities while allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle in the suburbs. The area is also home to numerous resort-style 55+ communities, like Las Palmas and Bella Vista, perfect for those ready to embrace retirement. If you’d like to expand your knowledge in your golden years, Mesa Community College offers a lifelong learning program, and museums like the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum provide informative exhibits. Plus, with Banner Desert Medical Center—one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in Arizona—Mesa is an excellent place to retire for peace of mind about your health!
Take in Warm Weather Year-Round
One of the best things about living in Mesa is the weather! Located in the Sonoran Desert, the city enjoys an average annual high of 86 degrees, allowing for warm weather and outdoor activities year-round—with no snow or ice in the winter. However, summers can get extremely hot, with temperatures reaching around 106 degrees. Be sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take advantage of Mesa’s many pools, splash pads, and waterparks to cool off. The city also offers heat relief resources when needed!
Utilize Mesa Public Transportation
Public transportation in Mesa makes it easy to get around the city and nearby Phoenix suburbs. Ride on dozens of routes around the city and even into rural areas with the Valley Metro buses. Hop a train to travel from east Mesa, through Tempe, and all the way to northwest Phoenix on the Valley Metro Rail. Travel all over Downtown Mesa for free on the Mesa Downtown BUZZ—or explore the walkable and bikeable downtown area on your own schedule. Catch flights to numerous U.S. states from the Mesa Gateway Airport, or book trips to international destinations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, located just 20 minutes away.
Cycle Through the City & Beyond
Mesa is known as “Cycle City” because the residents love to bike, and the city offers plenty of cycling opportunities for all kinds of riders! With over 40 miles of bike lanes and a Bike & Pedestrian Program that offers safety classes, resources, and fun events, you can ride as much as you like. Choose from a variety of Mesa bike trails, like road lanes for easier cycling or off-road options for a more challenging ride. Follow bike paths that connect to nearby areas, providing gorgeous views and public art around the historic Arizona Canals. Go mountain biking in Tonto National Forest. Bike Hawes Mountain paths such as the 15 mile Hawes Route and Hawes Sisters route on the Hawes Trail Network. Tackle adventurous trails through the Superstition Mountains on the scenic Tortilla Flats Bike Ride. And enter your kids in the Bike Rodeo, create Bicycle Spin Art, see the BMX Stunt Show, and much more at the annual Cyclo Mesa Festival!
Check Out Mesa’s Outdoor Recreation
The Valley’s Gateway has quite a few things to do outdoors in its attractive desert setting. Hike the trails, practice archery, and learn about wildlife in the Nature Center at Usery Mountain Regional Park. Bring your boat to cruise, go tubing, or camp along the Salt River. Head out on the water for kayaking and jet skiing, then grab a dockside meal at the restaurant at Saguaro Lake Marina. Learn about the history and culture of the Hohokam people while seeing the preserved temple mound and replica ball court at Sce:dagi Mu:val Va’aki, formerly known as Mesa Grande Cultural Park. Splash in the spray ground or go fishing in Riverview Park, and play basketball or take your kids to the playground at Eastmark Great Park. Or drive Arizona’s most scenic route with views of spectacular mountains, lakes, forests, and more, all of which you can hop out of the car to enjoy in person along the Apache Trail Scenic Drive.
Go Hiking in Mesa
One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of the area is on Mesa’s hiking trails! Grab your hiking boots to see the popular Wind Cave on Wind Cave Trail. See more of the Sonoran Desert on a moderately challenging route on Pass Mountain Trail. Opt for an easy hike and bring your dog along to the Hawes Ridge Loop. Travel just east of Mesa for a simple one-mile walk on Merkle Trail. Challenge yourself to a hike through the Superstition Mountains for some relaxing solitude in Lost Dutchman State Park. Or head a few minutes east to choose between over 150 trails, including Red Hills Trail and Bobtail Trail in Tonto National Forest.
Play Mesa Golf Courses
With 20 golf courses in Mesa and warm weather year-round, you can golf any time you want. Improve your game with personalized instruction, or play a round on the championship course at the public Longbow Golf Club. Book a tee time for an open-to-the-public course designed by Pete Dye, one of the world’s most famous golf course architects, at Red Mountain Ranch Country Club. Participate in a league or play a 9-hole solo game at the public Royal Palms Golf Course. Become a member to play golf in the Usery Mountains and participate in challenging tournaments at Las Sendas Golf Club. Practice your swing on the driving range, then play 18 holes on an award-winning course at Augusta Ranch Golf Club. Or join the club for golfing, tennis, swimming, and more at Mesa Country Club.
Pursue Fun for the Whole Family
Whether you have kids of your own or your extended family is visiting, there are a bunch of fun things to do in Mesa! Beat the Arizona heat with giant water slides, a wave pool, and a toddler pool, as well as a mini golf course at Golfland Sunsplash. Don’t miss the live music, boutique vendors, and food trucks—with goodies such as Asian fare, tacos, and ice cream—at Mesa Feastival every Saturday in Pioneer Park. Whiz around on rides, play carnival games, and go bowling at Jake’s Unlimited. Make artwork in Creativity Cove, be a lighting and sound technician in the idea Lab, and help your little ones (up to age four) engage with safe activities in ArtVille at the kid-centric idea Museum. Discover Southwestern history with rotating exhibitions like Arizona Through Time, permanent exhibits including Dinosaur Hall, and collections in archeology and ethnology at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Or immerse yourself in Mesa history with rotating exhibits such as Return of the Buffalo, permanent collections like Play Ball: The Arizona Spring Training Experience, and a replica of an Adobe Schoolhouse at the Mesa Historical Museum.
Slide Into Sports, Especially Baseball
Baseball fans will love living in Mesa, as the city hosts two Major League Baseball teams for spring training as part of the Cactus League. Watch the Chicago Cubs (MLB) train for their upcoming season at Sloan Park. Gather with other fans at Hohokam Stadium to enjoy America’s pastime by attending spring games for the Oakland Athletics (MLB). Delight in more baseball in other Phoenix suburbs—including Scottsdale, Goodyear, and Peoria—which also host teams for MLB Spring Training. Cheer on your favorite out of the eight participating college teams at the annual WAC Baseball Tournament. And sign your kids up for baseball, soccer, volleyball, and more through the booming Mesa Youth Sports.
Be Part of the Arts Scene
The Mesa arts scene is varied, with something for everyone! See Broadway productions like Dear Evan Hansen, performances by the Phoenix Symphony, and famous live speakers such as Alton Brown at Mesa Arts Center. Admire student artists in plays like Sister Act, see their work in art shows, and attend jazz and orchestra concerts at the MCC Performing Arts Center. Laugh the night away at improv shows, join in one yourself, and take free improv classes at The Bridge Improv Theater. Step into a converted 1920s theater to see live music by artists like Soulja Boy and Young Dubliners, and shows including Metalcore Night at Nile Theater. Experience outdoor concerts from local and big names such as recent performers Willie Nelson, Sabrina Carpenter, and The Offspring at the Mesa Amphitheater. And connect with physical art via rotating exhibitions like Posthistoric Evolution, collections in mediums including paper, metals, and ceramics, and special events such as art workshops at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum.
Explore Fun Events & Festivals
The Valley residents know how to enjoy themselves, hosting a number of vibrant festivals and events in Mesa. Browse fresh coffee, locally-grown produce, art, and much more at year-round Mesa Farmers Markets. Bask in three days of music with local bands, industry speakers, and excellent food vendors at the Mesa Music Festival. Marvel at fireworks displays, a Revolutionary War Reenactment, and a laser light show at Mesa’s 4th of July Arizona Celebration of Freedom. Join cinephiles from around the world and pick from over 100 films to watch—including shorts, feature-length movies, and music videos—at the Mesa International Film Festival. Celebrate the lives of lost loved ones with an altar competition, cultural performances, and by creating your own art at Dia De Los Muertos in Mesa. And meet Santa, ice skate, and attend holiday shows in November and December at Merry Main Street.
Dig In at Mesa Restaurants
Foodies will love exploring all the best restaurants in Mesa. Start your day with breakfast or brunch and a Bagel Sandwich, a Red Mountain Burger, or a Strawberry Fusion Smoothie at Sunnyside Breakfast Lounge. Chow down on a homemade Pulled Barbecue Chicken Sandwich, Smoked Baby Back Ribs, or Cajun Shrimp at Bobby-Q. Order to go or sit and relax with a Vegetarian Burrito, Breakfast Sammy, or a Seasonal Sangria from Worth Takeaway. Try Korean food with dishes such as Goon Mandu, Soon Tofu Hot Pot, and Bulgogi at Hodori. Sit in the garden to eat Half Herb Roasted Chicken or Pork Chop Siciliano with Grandpa Potatoes at Board & Batten. Or devour fresh Mexican favorites like the Bisteck Ranchero, Burro Enchilada Style, or Pastor Quesadillas at Taquitos Jalisco.
Get Some Weekend Plans Brewing
This growing city is home to a trendy craft brewing scene, so check out some of the fantastic taprooms and breweries in Mesa! Order a craft IPA or stout, then head to the B.R.I Taproom to play pinball and arcade games at The Beer Research Institute. Drop in for a drink made with traditional Scottish brewing methods such as The Selkie, a Fusilier Lager, or Porter from Lochiel Brewing. Grab a craft beer like a Scorpion Dust IPA or Stoutstanding, or order a glass of red or white wine at Chupacabra Taproom. Sample gold-medal winners of the Arizona Craft Brewer’s Guild awards, including the King Gus, Hopiphany, and the Trigo Suave at Oro Brewing Company. Support a veteran-run and owned bar with a Private Palmer cider or Bunkerita cocktail and a slice of Myke’s pizza at Cider Corps. Or chill out on the two-tiered patio with a Zona Pils or Imaginary Penguin paired with Chicken Wings or Fish and Chips at 12 West Brewing Co.
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