Mesa is the one of the largest cities in the state of Arizona and is a suburb located about 20 miles east of downtown Phoenix. Home to about 500,000 people, Mesa has a land area of more than 130 miles; locations are often referred to as being in East Mesa or West Mesa. It is a great place to live for families, retirees, and college students alike, with great weather, relatively low cost of living, and lots of restaurants, landmarks, and events to enjoy.
Residents and visitors like Mesa’s warm, sunny days and low humidity. However, temperatures during the summer can be scorching; the area averages more than 100 days per year when the temperature tops 100 degrees. Thousands of people from across the nation choose to relocate and make Mesa their home each year. The city enjoys a lower cost of living compared to other large American cities, with residents having a higher average household income.
Mesa is home to several large employers and institutes of higher education, including Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus. Mesa Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the state, serving children in preschool through 12th grade. Several Valley freeways serve the area, connecting Mesa residents with downtown Phoenix and the rest of the Valley of the Sun.
There is a wide variety of fun things for Mesa residents to enjoy when they’re not at school or work. Every February, professional baseball teams journey to Mesa for Spring Training, welcoming thousands of fans to state-of-the-art stadiums. Hiking trails and other natural attractions beckon to those who love the outdoors. Mesa is a premier golf destination, with many highly ranked golf courses located throughout the city. The Mesa Arts Center is a cultural hub, with plays and concerts for those who love the arts.
When it’s time to get out of town, Mesa residents have two airport options available. Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the nation’s busiest airports with more than 1,000 flights daily; it’s located about 10 miles west of Mesa near downtown Phoenix. There’s also the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, a smaller, regional airport.
Whether you are a long-time Phoenix resident or recent transplant, there is a neighborhood in Mesa that’s right for you. We’ll give you our picks for the best places to live in Mesa. You can also customize your search based on population size, home/rental price, education, crime, weather, and more to find the best place in Mesa.
