Mesa, Arizona has seen tremendous growth in the past few years, making it the third largest city in Arizona. As an Associate Broker with West USA Realty, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless families discover what makes Mesa such an exceptional place to call home. This remarkable city offers an impressive blend of historic neighborhoods, modern developments, and diverse lifestyle options that cater to every family’s needs.
Mesa’s unique character stems from its rich historical foundation, dating back to 1878 when Mormon pioneers established the settlement. This gives Mesa a depth and authenticity that newer Phoenix suburbs simply cannot match. The city’s thoughtful development has created distinct districts, each with its own personality – from the revitalized downtown area to the growing Gateway corridor near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Mesa’s diverse housing market reflects decades of thoughtful development, with options ranging from affordable starter homes to luxury golf communities. The city currently boasts over 300 living communities, with close to 2,000 new homes ready for purchase and occupation, built by 111 different builders offering over 1,200 floor plans.
Toll Brothers continues to lead luxury development in Mesa, offering 7 Quick Move-In Homes Available with pricing from $516,995 in their premium communities. Their homes range from 1,907 to 3,132 square feet, perfect for growing families seeking upscale finishes and flexible floor plans.
Shea Homes maintains a strong presence throughout Mesa, sharing a personal commitment to the homes they build with multiple quick move-in options available. Their communities offer the perfect balance of suburban comfort and urban convenience.
Ashton Woods brings 25 years of design experience to Mesa, focusing on luxury homes with materials of the highest quality and practical features to make houses efficient and comfortable. Their communities are strategically located just 20 miles from Phoenix, offering quick access to downtown while maintaining a peaceful residential atmosphere.
Blandford Homes specializes in resort-style master-planned communities, including the Reserve at Red Rock in Northeast Mesa, featuring stunning views of Red Mountain in the Foothills of Northeast Mesa with homes in the high $800,000s.
Hughes Development has established itself as a premier custom home builder, having built over 1,200 new homes in Mesa across popular communities like Apache Wells and El Mirador. They specialize in creating maintenance-free, open, and friendly communities with competitive pricing.
Mesa’s commitment to outdoor recreation is evident in its extensive park system. Over 2,200 acres of the city is nothing but parkland. The crown jewel is Red Mountain Park, which takes up nearly half of it with facilities such as a volleyball court, a basketball court and playgrounds. It also has a lake. This 1,150-acre urban recreational park offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and spectacular desert scenery.
Mesa’s golf scene rivals any destination in the Southwest. Las Sendas Golf Club stands out as a highly-rated, challenging 18-hole golf course that winds through the Usery Mountains providing golfers with breathtaking views of the Phoenix skyline.
Longbow Golf Club, first opened in 1997 and located in North Mesa, is just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Old Town Scottsdale. This award-winning facility was honored as one of the “Top 100 Resort Courses in the Country” and ranked as “One of The Top 20 Best Courses You Can Play In Arizona” by Golfweek Magazine.
Red Mountain Ranch Country Club features the only Pete Dye Signature Course in the state of Arizona with 18 championship holes, fabulous elevations and contours, undulating greens, and challenging bunkers.
Golden Hills Golf Club (formerly Arizona Golf Resort) offers an 18-hole PGA-rated championship golf course with 6,601 yards, par 72 course that boasts a slope of 120 and a rating of 70.8.
Superstition Springs Golf Club has earned recognition among the best daily fee golf course properties in Arizona with its superb championship course and upscale amenities.
Mesa’s trail system connects neighborhoods to natural areas and recreational opportunities. The city maintains multiple trail systems, including the popular Park Lake Green Trail at Red Mountain Park, which offers 0.9 miles of paved concrete trail that is typically at least 6 feet wide and perfect for families.
For more adventurous outdoor enthusiasts, Desert Belle Cruises offers boat tours, while Salt River Tubing provides river rafting and tubing opportunities.
Mesa Public Schools (Mesa Unified School District) serves as the largest public school district in the US state of Arizona, with approximately 34,000 students. The district operates 82 schools, which includes 55 elementary schools, 9 junior high schools, six comprehensive high schools, and several alternative schools.
The district offers exceptional educational options including Montessori, International Baccalaureate, dual-language immersion, honors, and Advanced Placement courses. Notable high schools include Westwood High School, Red Mountain High School, Mountain View High School, Mesa High School, Skyline High School, and Dobson High School.
The proximity to Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus adds significant value to the community. The numerous higher education institutions such as the Polytechnic Campus of the Arizona State University have caused a large influx of youths boosting both the social and economical aspects of the city.
Mesa’s retail landscape is anchored by two major shopping destinations. Westcor has locked down the shopping market in both West Mesa and East Mesa. On the East they have the Superstition Springs Center while the Fiesta Mall is on the West. Both malls are home to big names such as Best Buy, Sears, Macy’s, JC Penney and Dillard’s.
Superstition Springs Center sits within the Superstition Springs Business Park which, apart from the mall, also has a community church and an outdoor amphitheatre that converts into a stage.
The city’s cultural offerings include the Mesa Arts Center, which serves as the perfect place for art enthusiasts, while unique dining experiences like Organ Stop Pizza provide amazing food and enchanting music.
Mesa’s economy thrives with major employers including Boeing, Walmart, Banner Health System, the Home Depot, and Fry’s Food and Drug. This economic diversity provides stability and career opportunities for residents.
Historical properties like the Sirrine House and Angulo-Hostetter House showcase Mesa’s rich heritage, while attractions like the Mesa Grande Ruins offer glimpses into the area’s ancient past.
Mesa represents one of Arizona’s most compelling real estate markets, combining historical charm with modern amenities and exceptional value. Whether you’re seeking a starter home in an established neighborhood, a luxury property in a master-planned community, or a custom home on your own lot, Mesa offers unparalleled options.
As an Associate Broker with West USA Realty and longtime Mesa area specialist, I understand the nuances of each neighborhood and can guide you to the perfect community match. From families drawn to top-rated schools to retirees seeking golf course communities, I’ve helped hundreds of buyers discover their ideal Mesa home.
Ready to explore Mesa’s exceptional communities? Contact me today at 602-617-4440 or visit /contact-carl-chapman to schedule your personalized tour. Let’s find your perfect Mesa home together.
Mesa's housing market offers exceptional diversity, with home prices ranging from the mid $200,000s for smaller properties to over $1 million for luxury estates in northeast Mesa. The city encompasses many distinct real estate submarkets, from historic downtown neighborhoods to newer master-planned communities like Las Sendas, Mountain Bridge, and Eastmark. Builders active in Mesa include national companies like Taylor Morrison, Lennar, and Pulte Homes, alongside custom builders creating luxury properties in premium neighborhoods. The real estate market has shown steady appreciation over the past decade, with particularly strong growth in revitalized central neighborhoods and premium eastern communities. Housing inventory varies significantly by area, with established neighborhoods typically having less availability than expanding eastern developments with ongoing construction. The price per square foot ranges widely from approximately $175 in central Mesa to over $300 in premium eastern communities like Las Sendas. Mesa's diverse housing stock provides opportunities for buyers at virtually every price point, from first-time homebuyers to luxury estate purchasers.
Mesa is primarily served by Mesa Public Schools, the largest school district in Arizona, offering diverse educational programs including International Baccalaureate, Montessori, and advanced STEM curriculums. Several highly-regarded charter school networks operate within Mesa, including BASIS, Great Hearts Academies, and Legacy Traditional Schools, providing additional educational options. Mesa is home to Mesa Community College, the largest of the Maricopa Community Colleges, offering associate degrees and certificate programs serving over 20,000 students. The innovative Mesa Arts Academy and Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies provide specialized public education options for students with specific interests and abilities. Higher education options include Arizona State University's Polytechnic Campus and the rapidly expanding Benedictine University Mesa, both offering four-year and graduate degrees. The city's educational landscape continues to evolve with new specialized programs emerging to prepare students for careers in technology, healthcare, and other growing sectors.
Mesa boasts an impressive parks system with over 2,280 acres of parkland, including the expansive Red Mountain Park and the scenic Riverview Park. The city manages an exceptional array of recreational facilities including aquatic centers, sports complexes, and the renowned Mesa Tennis Center. Cultural amenities include the world-class Mesa Arts Center, featuring four theaters, five art galleries, and numerous studio spaces for visual and performing arts. The Chicago Cubs' spring training facility at Sloan Park and Oakland Athletics' Hohokam Stadium bring Major League Baseball to Mesa every spring. Mesa's extensive trail system includes the scenic Consolidated Canal Path and connections to regional trail networks throughout the East Valley. The city maintains multiple senior centers, community centers, and specialized recreational facilities serving residents of all ages and interests.
Mesa features multiple shopping destinations including Superstition Springs Center, Village Square at Dana Park, and the outdoor Mesa Riverview shopping complex. The revitalized downtown area offers unique local shops, art galleries, breweries, and restaurants in a walkable historic setting. Diverse dining options span the city, from authentic international cuisine to innovative farm-to-table restaurants and family-friendly establishments. Entertainment venues include the Mesa Amphitheatre, Nile Theater, and numerous movie theaters, providing year-round performance and viewing options. The city hosts regular events including the Mesa Arts Festival, Merry Main Street holiday celebration, and weekly farmers markets in different neighborhoods. Mesa's central location provides easy access to additional shopping and entertainment options in neighboring Tempe, Scottsdale, and Gilbert.
Mesa benefits from excellent transportation infrastructure including direct access to three major freeways: US-60, Loop 202, and SR-87. The Valley Metro Light Rail system extends through western Mesa with six stations connecting to Tempe, Phoenix, and the broader metropolitan area. Commute times to downtown Phoenix typically range from 25-40 minutes depending on the starting point within Mesa's expansive boundaries. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport serves the southeastern portion of the city, offering convenient regional flights and continuing expansion of services. The city maintains an extensive network of bike lanes and multi-use paths, supporting alternative transportation options for residents. Mesa's transportation master plan continues to evolve with ongoing improvements to support the city's growth and changing mobility needs.
Mesa's crime rates have declined significantly over the past decade, with many neighborhoods enjoying safety statistics well below national averages. The Mesa Police Department employs approximately 800 sworn officers and utilizes community policing strategies to enhance safety and resident engagement. The city has implemented numerous safety initiatives including enhanced street lighting, park security features, and public safety education programs. Many newer communities feature gated entrances, neighborhood watch programs, and modern security systems enhancing resident safety. The Mesa Fire and Medical Department operates 20 stations strategically located throughout the city, ensuring rapid emergency response times. The city's Office of Emergency Management maintains comprehensive plans for addressing natural disasters and other potential emergencies.
Mesa is home to several major medical centers including Banner Desert Medical Center, Mountain Vista Medical Center, and Banner Baywood Medical Center. The city offers specialized healthcare through facilities like Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center and Banner Heart Hospital, providing world-class treatment options. Numerous medical office complexes house specialists in virtually every field of medicine, reducing the need to travel for specialized care. Emergency response times average under five minutes in most Mesa neighborhoods, thanks to the city's well-distributed fire stations. Several urgent care networks operate multiple locations throughout Mesa, providing convenient options for non-emergency medical needs. The healthcare sector continues to expand in Mesa, with new medical facilities under development particularly in the growing eastern sections of the city.
Mesa's location provides exceptional access to outdoor recreation, with the Tonto National Forest and Superstition Mountains just minutes from eastern neighborhoods. The city features multiple golf courses including the nationally recognized Las Sendas Golf Club, Longbow Golf Club, and Dobson Ranch Golf Course. Water recreation opportunities abound with proximity to Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, and the Salt River for boating, fishing, and tubing adventures. The Desert Arboretum Park and Usery Mountain Regional Park offer excellent hiking trails with spectacular desert landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. Mesa's climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, with residents particularly enjoying hiking, cycling, and golf during the pleasant winter months. The city maintains numerous sports complexes hosting league play for softball, baseball, soccer, and other team sports for both youth and adults.
Mesa's community calendar features signature events including the Mesa Arts Festival, Mesa Easter Parade, and the Arizona Celebration of Freedom. The downtown area hosts regular events including Second Friday art walks, farmers markets, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Community involvement thrives through numerous volunteer organizations, neighborhood associations, and interest-based clubs active throughout the city. The Mesa Historical Museum and Arizona Museum of Natural History offer engaging exhibits and educational programs celebrating local history and culture. Religious communities are well-established in Mesa, with the spectacular Mesa Arizona Temple serving as a landmark for the city's significant LDS population. Youth sports leagues, performing arts programs, and educational enrichment activities provide numerous engagement opportunities for families.
Mesa enjoys the characteristic Sonoran Desert climate, with approximately 330 days of sunshine annually and minimal rainfall throughout the year. Winter temperatures typically range from 65-75 degrees during the day, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities during this mild season. Summer brings sustained heat with temperatures regularly exceeding 105 degrees, though the low humidity makes conditions more tolerable than in humid regions. The "shoulder seasons" of spring and fall deliver ideal weather, with temperatures typically in the 70s and 80s, perfect for outdoor living. The minimal annual rainfall, averaging just nine inches, means few weather disruptions to daily activities or community events. Dramatic mountain views and spectacular sunsets characterize Mesa's landscape, with the Superstition Mountains creating a stunning eastern backdrop.
Mesa encompasses numerous homeowners associations, with regulations varying widely from minimal oversight in older neighborhoods to comprehensive guidelines in newer master-planned communities. The city's building codes emphasize desert-appropriate design, energy efficiency, and water conservation while ensuring safety and quality standards. Most of Mesa is not located within designated flood zones, though certain areas near washes may require specific insurance coverage. The city maintains comprehensive emergency management plans addressing potential natural disasters including monsoon storms, extreme heat events, and occasional flooding. Mesa's water resources are diversified through agreements with Salt River Project, Central Arizona Project, and the city's own well system. Zoning regulations promote appropriate transitions between commercial and residential areas while supporting ongoing revitalization efforts in established neighborhoods.
Mesa's economy has diversified significantly in recent decades, with growing healthcare, education, aerospace, and technology sectors. Major employers include Banner Health systems, Boeing, MD Helicopters, and Mesa Public Schools, providing thousands of jobs within city limits. The Elliot Road Technology Corridor has emerged as a significant employment center, attracting data centers, manufacturing facilities, and technology companies. Mesa's Gateway area continues to develop as an employment hub, anchored by Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and surrounding industrial and commercial development. The city's Economic Development Department actively recruits businesses through incentive programs, streamlined permitting, and strategic infrastructure investments. Educational institutions including Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus and Mesa Community College collaborate with employers to develop targeted workforce training programs.
Property taxes in Mesa remain moderate compared to national averages, with an effective rate typically around 0.8% of assessed value. Utility costs reflect the desert climate, with higher summer electricity expenses balanced by minimal heating requirements during mild winter months. Homeowners association fees vary dramatically from approximately $50 monthly in some neighborhoods to over $300 in premium communities with extensive amenities. The city offers numerous programs to assist first-time homebuyers, veterans, and qualified homeowners with housing costs and improvement projects. Mesa maintains responsible financial management with strong municipal bond ratings, allowing for continued infrastructure investment without excessive taxation. The diverse housing market provides options at virtually every price point, making Mesa accessible to households across the income spectrum.
Mesa operates under a council-manager form of government with a directly elected mayor and six district representatives on the city council. The city provides comprehensive services including police, fire, parks and recreation, libraries, museums, and utilities with generally high resident satisfaction. Mesa's public library system includes the Main Library and four branches distributed throughout the city, offering extensive physical and digital resources. The Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department manages more than 130 parks, 13 community and recreation centers, and numerous specialized facilities. Mesa maintains its own water and gas utilities, providing reliable service while generating revenue that supports other municipal services. The city's strategic planning process emphasizes sustainable growth, infrastructure maintenance, and quality of life enhancements for residents throughout Mesa's diverse neighborhoods.