Just east of Phoenix sits the fantastic city of Mesa, Arizona. Because it’s so close, living in Mesa gives you all the amenities of a big city with fewer problems like traffic, higher crime rates, and higher rents. This city of nearly 500,000 residents has excellent schools, fantastic winter weather, and a high level of diversity. Mesa is also an excellent place chock-full of outdoor adventures. If you’re moving to Mesa and need some pointers, tips, and advice, the information below will be perfect! It’s everything you need to know about moving to Mesa, AZ, in a quick and easy guide!
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
What’s the Cost of Living in Mesa, AZ?
You’ll be pleased to know that the cost of living in Mesa is only slightly above the national average at 108.4. Several major cost indices in Mesa are below the national average, but most hover right around it. However, housing and transportation are the main reasons Mesa is less affordable.
Speaking of housing, the median home cost in Mesa is $425,900, and the housing index is 121.3, about 21 points higher than the US average. That’s not great, but it is better than major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, or Atlanta.
How is the Education System in Mesa?
The school system in Mesa is one of the best in the state. According to Niche, public schools in Mesa get an A-, a grade any student will tell you is excellent. Of the 320 schools in Mesa, 25 get an A+, and many others get an A or an A-.
Horizon Honors Elementary School, for example, is the #26 best public elementary school in the state. Then there’s Gilbert Classical Academy High School, Arizona’s #16 best public high school. Several more schools in Mesa are ranked extremely high; many get A’s and B’s. In short, you should have access to excellent schools in most Mesa neighborhoods.
The 8 Best Neighborhoods in Mesa
There are 131 constituent neighborhoods in Mesa, which isn’t surprising when you consider it the third-largest city in Arizona. While the 8 neighborhoods below are considered the best, there are many more that are very nice, safe, clean, and quiet. Many are also wonderful places to raise a family, so do look around before making your final choice
1. Alta Mesa
If safety concerns you and your family, Alta Mesa is a good choice. It’s considered the safest neighborhood in the city and has a top-rated private golf club, the Alta Mesa.
2. Augusta Ranch
Augusta Ranch is possibly the best community for families in Mesa and boasts excellent schools and two large malls within a 20-minute drive. Six neighborhood parks round out this fantastic, family-oriented community.
3. Desert Uplands
One of Mesa’s lowest crime rates combined with excellent schools is what you’ll find in Desert Uplands, a highly desirable neighborhood just southeast of Las Sendas. Most of the homes in this community are built on spacious lots that are great for big families.
4. Dobson Ranch
Dobson Ranch is one of the largest neighborhoods in the city and offers affordable homes constructed during the 1970s and 1980s. It’s a very popular community for young families with plenty of shopping, culture, and family attractions.
5. Eastmark
Considered by many to be Arizona’s best master-planned community, Eastmark has award-winning schools and amenities.
6. Las Sendas
Las Sendas Is the community to live in if you’re a golf fanatic. It’s also a great community that’s rather exclusive and comes with exclusive home prices.
7. Red Mountain Ranch
Many consider Red Mountain Ranch to be the best place to live if you enjoy green spaces and local parks. This safe and affluent community also has excellent shopping, culture, and art.
8. The Groves
The Groves is your best choice when you want to live near the action, including outdoor activities, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. It’s also close to many playgrounds and community parks, which makes it an excellent community for families.
The Best Things to Do in Mesa
There’s no lack of fun, engaging, exciting, and enjoyable things to do in Mesa! Below are some of the best, but after living here for a while, you will likely find a few of your favorites.
Arizona’s Fresh Foodie Trail
Find out why Mesa is known as one of the best cities for foodies in the United States!
Mesa Arts Center
A feast for the senses is what you’ll find at the Mesa Arts Center.
Boating, Fishing, Kayaking, and Canoeing
There are 3 lakes and 2 rivers within half an hour of Mesa, allowing you to enjoy any type of boating you can imagine!
Downtown Mesa Art Walk
If enjoying art is your passion, the Downtown Mesa Art Walk will be your favorite past time!
Usery Mountain Regional Park Nature Center
Nearly 3700 acres of unique and scenic desert await your exploration!
Golf, Golf, and More Golf
More than a few people retire to Mesa, Arizona, specifically for the excellent golf and plethora of golf courses.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Voted one of the best natural history museums in the United States.
Store Your Valuables with Storage Solutions
When you need to store your valuables safely, securely, and quickly, Storage Solutions in Mesa is your best choice. Storage Solutions offers a wide range of storage unit sizes and secure storage in Mesa at our 4 self storage facilities. If you’ve just arrived in Mesa, or you’ve been living here for years and need extra storage space, click the link to reserve your storage units in Mesa, Arizona, today!