Mesa

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Mesa, AZ

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A rich history and natural attractions allure renters to the desert

Suburban Commuter Desert Affordable Outdoors Family-Friendly Historic

Less than 20 miles east of Phoenix, the city of Mesa is Arizona’s third-largest city and is home to nearly half a million residents. The low cost of living, affordable apartments, and family-friendly environment make Mesa a highly sought-after suburb in Arizona’s suburban desert. Although Mesa sits within a short distance of Phoenix – making it the ideal location for commuters – many residents work inside the city of Mesa itself for local employers in the medical, aerospace, and retail industries.

Mesa locals take advantage of the city’s constant sunshine, whether they’re catching a Cactus League ball game at Hohokam Stadium or tubing down the Salt River. The surrounding desert landscape is extremely popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and campers. The scenery is truly unbeatable, especially in the sprawling Tonto National Forest to the northeast.

This town is rather quiet, with a focus on community and local history, rather than a bustling nightlife scene. However, Mesa is home to an array of top-notch restaurants and shopping centers. After you find your affordable apartment in Mesa, be sure to check out the Arizona Museum of Natural History, Usery Mountain Regional Park, the Mesa Arts Center, and Golfland Sunsplash.

Explore the City

The gorgeous sandstone buttes of Monument Valley

The Brins Mesa Rim

Rent Trends

As of November 2024, the average apartment rent in Mesa, AZ is $1,099 for a studio, $1,302 for one bedroom, $1,544 for two bedrooms, and $2,064 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Mesa has decreased by -1.2% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,302/month
682 Sq Ft
House
$2,729/month
1,731 Sq Ft
Condo
$1,732/month
1,004 Sq Ft
Townhome
$2,133/month
1,249 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Mesa, AZ

Transportation

46

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

25

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

60

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Franklin at Brimhall Elementary

Public

Grades PK-6

768 Students

10
out of 10

Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Public

Grades 4-9

410 Students

10
out of 10

Franklin At Alma Elementary

Public

Grades PK-8

341 Students

10
out of 10

Hale Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-6

515 Students

9
out of 10

Canyon Rim Elementary

Public

Grades PK-6

849 Students

8
out of 10

Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies

Public

Grades 4-9

410 Students

10
out of 10

Franklin At Alma Elementary

Public

Grades PK-8

341 Students

10
out of 10

Franklin Junior High School

Public

Grades 7-8

269 Students

10
out of 10

Highland Jr High School

Public

Grades 6-8

979 Students

7
out of 10

Stapley Junior High School

Public

Grades 7-8

978 Students

6
out of 10

Red Mountain High School

Public

Grades 9-12

3,448 Students

7
out of 10

Mountain View High School

Public

Grades 9-12

3,372 Students

5
out of 10

Desert Ridge High

Public

Grades 8-12

2,284 Students

5
out of 10

Dobson High School

Public

Grades 9-12

2,370 Students

4
out of 10

Skyline High School

Public

Grades 9-12

2,248 Students

4
out of 10

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
  • Arizona Museum of Natural History
  • i.d.e.a. Museum
  • Red Mountain Park
  • Usery Mountain Recreation Area

Commuter Rail

Airports

  • Phoenix-Mesa Gateway
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International

Top Apartments in Mesa

Houses for Rent in Mesa

Property Management Companies in Mesa, AZ

Living in Mesa

Restaurants

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With amazing restaurants at every corner, you’ll never go hungry in Mesa. Starting with the Mall, you can find places like Applebees, Blue Adobe Grill, and a fully loaded food court. When it comes to dining out, Mesa has places such as Buca di Beppo, Rockin Ranch, Mammoth Steak House at Goldfield Ghost Town, Mesa Amphitheatre, and Matta’s Grill and Cantina. You will also find places such as Olive Garden, Denny’s and Red Lobster. Other places to eat are located in the malls all throughout Mesa. These include the Fiesta Mall and the Outlets nearby in Chandler.

One of the most popular places to eat in Mesa is located in East Mesa, the Mining Camp Restaurant & The Dutchman’s Hide Out. This is a local favorite and has live shows, cowboy themed events and décor, and really brings the western aspect of Mesa to life. Mining Camp and Dutchman’s Hide Out are open year-round. The food is great and people are always smiling having a good time. You will love the hospitality and service.

Shopping

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You can find every store possible in Mesa, AZ. There are friendly and fun shopping centers all over the city with the largest being Superstition Springs Shopping Center. At Superstition Springs Mall you can find Sears, Express, Rue 21, Aeropostale, Dillard’s and Famous Footwear. There are plenty of places to eat as well in the Mall and it is open 7 days a week. Mesa also has shopping in the Downtown Mesa area with art events that allow you to buy unique gifts.

Some of the best shopping in Mesa is at its Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. Far in East Mesa there are a lot of desert shops that cater to western clothing, Indian jewelry, and the history of Mesa and its mountains. There are little shops along Main Street that offer family crafted gifts, often done by hand.

Highlights

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Mesa's sister city is Burnaby, BC, a large city on the east side of Vancouver in British Columbia.

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