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Mesa, AZ

Mesa is a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. It is the third-most populous city in Arizona, after Phoenix and Tucson, the 36th-most populous city in the U.S, and the most populous city that is not a county seat (except for independent cities Washington, D.C. and Baltimore which are not part of any county). The city is home to 504,258 people as of 2020. It is the most populous city in the East Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area. It is bordered by Tempe on the west, the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community on the north, Chandler and Gilbert on the south along with Queen Creek, and Apache Junction on the east.

At least ten colleges and universities are located in Mesa. The city is home to the largest relief airport in the Phoenix area, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, located in the southeastern corner of the city. In separate studies in 2014 and 2017, researchers determined Mesa to be "America's most conservative city".

The history of Mesa dates back at least 2,000 years to the arrival of the Hohokam people. The Hohokam, whose name means "All Used Up" or "The Departed Ones", built the original canal system. The canals were the largest and most sophisticated in the prehistoric New World. Some were up to 90 feet (27 m) wide and 10 feet (3.0 m) deep at their head gates, extending for as far as 16 miles (26 km) across the desert. By AD 1100, water could be delivered to an area of over 110,000 acres (450 km2), transforming the Sonoran Desert into an agricultural oasis. By 1450, the Hohokam had constructed hundreds of miles of canals, many of which are still in use.

After the disappearance of the Hohokam and before the arrival of the early settlers, little is known; explorers did not venture into this area. By the late 19th century near present-day Mesa, U.S. Army troops relocated the Apache, opening the way for settlement. On July 17, 1878, Mesa City was registered as a 1-square-mile (2.6 km2) townsite.

Due to Mesa's long east-to-west travel distance, over 18 miles (29 km), and large land area of 133.13 square miles (344.8 km2), locations in Mesa are often referred to as residing within either West Mesa or East Mesa.

Mesa employs a grid system for street numbering that is different from that used in Phoenix and other portions of the metropolitan area. Center Street, running north to south, bisects Mesa into eastern and western halves and serves as the east and west numbering point of origin within Mesa. Streets west of Center St., such as W. University Drive or W. Main St. are considered to be in West Mesa, whereas streets east of Center St., such as E. University or E. Main St., are considered to be in East Mesa.

Mesa Drive, running north to south and bisecting Mesa into east and west sections, is located 0.5 miles (800 m) east of Center Street and serves as the zip code boundary between the 85281, 85201, 85202, and 85210 zip codes of Western Mesa and the 85203, 85204, 85205, 85206, 85207, 85208, 85209, 85212, 85213, 85215, 85220, and 85242 zip codes of Eastern Mesa.

Mesa gives priority to the health and wellness of its residents. Its sole hospital is the Valleywise Health Medical Center. The Spa at the Battle House is located in Mobile, this spa offers a variety of health and wellness treatments including massages, facials, body wraps, and nail services. Birch Tree Day is situated in Hoover, this spa is known for its luxurious amenities and relaxing atmosphere. They offer massages, skincare treatments, and more. Escape Day Spa is located in Birmingham, this spa offers a range of services including massages, body treatments, facials, and nail care. The Spa at Grand National is found in Opelika, this spa provides a tranquil environment for massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services. Spa Bleu is situated in Huntsville, this spa offers a variety of massages, skincare treatments, body wraps, and nail services. 

Top sites in Mesa, AZ are Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, and Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum.

Population: 511,648 (2023). ZIP codes: 85200-85299. Area codes: 480, 602. Elevation: 1,326 ft (404 m). Area: 139.42 sq mi (361.09 km2)

FAQs

Is Mesa, AZ a good place to live?

Mesa is a haven for outdoor recreation, offering a plethora of activities amidst its stunning desert landscape. Residents can hike through the rugged trails of the Superstition Mountains, kayak along the serene waters of Saguaro Lake, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the city's championship courses like Las Sendas Golf Club. With its year-round sunshine and diverse outdoor amenities, Mesa is a good place to live.

Is it expensive to live in Mesa, AZ?

To live comfortably in Mesa, Arizona, a minimum annual income of $81,720 for a family, and $58,800 for a single person is recommended. A typical home costs $425,900, which is 26.0% more expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 4.5% more expensive than the average Arizona home, at $407,400. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Mesa costs $1,750 per month, which is 22.4% more than the national average of $1,430 and 11.4% more than the state average of $1,550.

What makes Mesa, AZ popular?

Mesa, Arizona is a vibrant city with activities and attractions for all ages. Visit the Arizona Museum of Natural History or take in a show at the Hohokam Stadium. Head out to Usery Mountain Regional Park and explore some of the most stunning views in Arizona, or stay downtown and experience Mesa's culture and nightlife. Whether you're looking for outdoor recreation, history, culture, or a relaxing retreat from city life, Mesa will surely provide it all!

Sources

City of Mesa

Wikipedia

redfin

Valleywise Health Medical Center

The Spa at the Battle House

Birch Tree Day

Escape Day Spa

Spa at Grand National

Spa Bleu

Arizona Museum of Natural History

Mesa Arts Center

Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.