Living in Mesa
Mesa covers a broad swath of the East Valley, stretching from its border with Tempe near the Salt River east to the desert foothills facing the Superstition Mountains. That long east-west reach gives Mesa unusual variety: a light rail-connected downtown with the largest arts center in Arizona at one end, spring training baseball and a major recreation park near the west side, and regional desert parks and mountain views at the other end.
What Is There to Do in Mesa?
Downtown Mesa and the Mesa Arts Center
Downtown Mesa runs along Main Street, and its centerpiece is the Mesa Arts Center at Center and Main, the largest arts center in the state. The campus brings professional performing arts, visual art exhibitions and arts education programs together in one place, and the Valley Metro light rail stops directly across the street, making downtown an easy trip from Tempe and Phoenix.
Spring Training at Sloan Park
Sloan Park, the Chicago Cubs' 15,000-seat spring training ballpark, sits inside Riverview Park on Rio Salado Parkway, one of Mesa's main recreation destinations. The surrounding Riverview area adds shopping and dining, so the district stays busy well after the spring season ends.
Desert Parks and the Superstitions
On the city's east side, Usery Mountain Regional Park, part of the Maricopa County park system, offers more than 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Trails in the park look out across the Salt River Valley toward the Superstition Mountains, the rugged range that defines Mesa's eastern skyline.
What Is It Like to Live in Mesa?
Life in Mesa depends on which part of the city a home sits in. West Mesa and downtown have older grid neighborhoods close to light rail, Riverview and the arts district, with many daily needs a short drive or ride away. Moving east, neighborhoods spread out along wide arterial roads, and the far east side trades city blocks for desert lots, mountain views and quick access to regional parks. That range gives Mesa both an urban core and room to spread out.
Getting Around Mesa
Valley Metro light rail runs between Mesa and Downtown Phoenix, with stops along Main Street through downtown Mesa. The freeway system links Mesa with Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler and Phoenix, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in southeast Mesa offers commercial flights from the East Valley.
Mesa Real Estate
Mesa's housing reflects its size. Near downtown, older bungalows and mid-century ranch homes sit on established streets alongside newer infill townhomes. Central Mesa holds a broad mix of detached homes from several eras. In east Mesa, newer master-planned communities and custom homes take advantage of desert terrain, and properties with views toward the mountains are collected in the Mesa homes near the Superstition Mountains search. Many communities have homeowners associations. To see listings from Riverview to the city's eastern edge, browse all Mesa homes for sale.
Schools in Mesa
Much of Mesa is served by Mesa Public Schools, and other districts serve parts of the city. Confirm the assigned district for any address.
Connect With an Agent in Mesa
From HOA rules in east Mesa communities to utility setup on larger desert lots, every Mesa listing has its own details. The Gilbert office of CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills serves Mesa and can walk through what matters for any property. Call 480-776-0001.
Mesa FAQ
The Cubs train at Sloan Park, a 15,000-seat ballpark inside Riverview Park in Mesa.
Yes. Valley Metro light rail runs between Mesa and Downtown Phoenix, with stops along Main Street in downtown Mesa, including one across from the Mesa Arts Center.
The Mesa Arts Center in downtown Mesa is the largest arts center in Arizona, combining performing arts, visual arts and arts education on one campus.
Usery Mountain Regional Park on Mesa's east side has more than 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Much of the city is served by Mesa Public Schools, with other districts covering some areas. Assignments depend on the address.
Yes. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in southeast Mesa offers commercial service for the East Valley.
Find Your Home in Mesa
CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills brings local knowledge and personal attention to every East Valley move. Browse Mesa homes for sale, compare neighboring Gilbert and Tempe, or read the guide to buying a home in Arizona. To save searches and get new listings, create a free account, or call the Gilbert office at 480-776-0001 to move forward with confidence.
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