Moving to Mesa, Arizona: What You Should Know Before You Make the Move

If you’re thinking about moving to Mesa, Arizona, you may be surprised by just how much this East Valley city has changed—and how much it still has to offer.

I know Mesa from personal experience, not just from working in real estate.

I lived in Mesa for more than 20 years, in different areas of the city, and during that time I watched neighborhoods grow, new businesses move in, roads and communities expand, and an entirely new level of shopping, dining, recreation, and entertainment develop around me.

Even though I now live in Gilbert, I still spend a lot of time in Mesa helping buyers and sellers, and one of my favorite things is showing buyers around a city I know so well. Every time I’m back in some of the areas I used to live in, I’m reminded of just how much Mesa has evolved.

And that’s one of the reasons I think Mesa deserves a serious look if you’re considering moving to Arizona.

So, What Is It Really Like Living in Mesa?

Mesa is one of the largest cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area and currently has more than 515,000 residents. It covers about 138 square miles, which means there is no single “Mesa lifestyle.”

That’s important when you’re looking at Mesa real estate.

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when moving to Arizona is assuming an entire city will feel the same from one end to the other.

Mesa is a perfect example of why location matters.

You can find established neighborhoods with mature landscaping and long-time residents, newer communities, areas close to shopping and restaurants, homes with larger lots, neighborhoods closer to the mountains, and areas that offer easier access to major roads and employment centers.

So when someone tells me, “We’re thinking about moving to Mesa,” my next question is usually:

What kind of lifestyle are you looking for?

Because the answer to that question can completely change where I would recommend you start looking.

I’ve Watched Mesa Grow

Having lived in Mesa for more than two decades, I’ve had a front-row seat to a lot of that growth.

I remember when some of the areas that are now surrounded by shopping, restaurants, entertainment and newer development felt very different.

Today, Mesa has options that make everyday life much more convenient.

You have shopping centers such as Mesa Riverview, Superstition Springs and Dana Park, along with local shopping and boutiques throughout the city.

And the dining scene has changed dramatically.

Mesa now offers everything from casual family restaurants and local favorites to international cuisine and a growing food scene. Downtown Mesa has become a destination for dining, arts and entertainment, while Mesa’s Asian District offers an impressive variety of restaurants and flavors.

As someone who remembers Mesa before a lot of this development happened, it’s honestly pretty amazing to see.

Mesa Isn’t Just About Shopping and Restaurants

One of the things I love about the East Valley is that you don’t have to sacrifice recreation and outdoor activities just because you’re living in a larger city.

Mesa gives you access to parks, golf, hiking, biking, water activities and the Salt River, along with a variety of sports and recreational facilities.

Mesa also has a strong arts and entertainment presence, including the Mesa Arts Center, museums, community events and live entertainment. The city’s parks and recreation facilities host everything from baseball and soccer to tennis, aquatic activities and community events.

And if you’re a baseball fan, Mesa is also home to spring training, which brings another whole dimension to the city during the season.

That combination is something I think people sometimes overlook when they first start researching Mesa.

It isn't simply a place to buy a house.

It’s a place where you can build a lifestyle.

What About Mesa Neighborhoods?

This is where working with someone who actually knows the area can make a difference.

Mesa is big, and neighborhoods can vary significantly.

Some buyers want an established neighborhood with mature trees and a more traditional Arizona feel. Others want newer construction, community amenities or a more modern neighborhood.

Some people want to be closer to shopping and restaurants.

Others want more space, a larger lot or a quieter environment.

And some buyers are relocating from another state and don't yet understand how much the location of a home within the East Valley can affect their daily routine.

That’s why I don't believe in simply sending someone a list of Mesa homes and saying, “Let me know what you like.”

I want to understand what you’re actually trying to accomplish.

Mesa offers an incredible range of options because of its size, location, history and variety of neighborhoods.

That’s why I always encourage people who are moving to Arizona not to make their decision based solely on a Google search or a list of “best places to live. Come experience the communities. Drive the neighborhoods. Have lunch there. Go shopping.Look at the commute.

Most importantly, figure out what actually feels like home.

Is Mesa a Good Place to Move?

For many people, absolutely.

Mesa has grown tremendously, but it hasn’t lost the variety that makes it appealing to different types of buyers.

There are established neighborhoods, newer developments, shopping, restaurants, recreation, arts, sports and easy access to the rest of the Phoenix metro area.

And because Mesa is such a large and diverse city, there are opportunities for buyers at different stages of life and with different priorities.

But I think the most important thing to understand about moving to Mesa is this:

Don’t just choose a house. Choose the part of Mesa that fits the way you want to live.

After more than 20 years of living in different parts of Mesa, and now living in Gilbert and continuing to help buyers throughout the East Valley, I’ve seen firsthand how different communities can feel.

That personal experience is something I bring to my real estate clients.

If you're considering moving to Mesa, Arizona, or you're trying to decide between Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek or another East Valley community, I’d love to help you understand the differences.

And where you choose to live can make all the difference.

Thinking about moving to Mesa, Arizona? Let’s talk about what part of the East Valley might be the best fit for you.

Kellie Quinn