Mesa, located about 20 miles east of Phoenix in the East Valley is a city with deep history and culture. Over 518,000 people call Mesa home as of 2019 according to the Census Bureau, making it one of the most populous cities in the United States. The City of Mesa offers a great deal of variation for both lifestyle and budget for anyone relocating to the Phoenix area.
With 33.4% of households having children under the age of 18, Mesa offers a great deal for any growing family. Home to over 2,280 acres of parkland within city limits, it’s easy to pack up the kids and spend a day outside. The largest park in Mesa is Red Mountain Park. Spanning over 1,146 acres, the park includes a lake, playgrounds, a basketball court, and a volleyball court.
Sports are huge in the Valley of the Sun and Mesa is home to numerous championship golf courses. These beautiful courses offer fun, exercise, and competition for many Mesa residents. More of a spectator? Mesa is the spring training home for both the Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs MLB teams.
Much like Scottsdale, the ancient history associated with Mesa has led to a great appreciation for the local culture. Mesa is home to multiple museums and archaeological sites celebrating the culture and history of the Hohokam people.
For someone seeking higher education or a good school for their children, Mesa could be a great option. There are many options for growing minds, including public, private, and charter. Home to Mesa Community College, the largest of Maricopa Community Colleges, students from all over Phoenix come to MCC to begin their goals of achieving higher education.
Mesa is in a unique position due to its proximity to other cities. Not only is there amazing dining available in Mesa, but all of the surrounding areas as well. Some of our favorite restaurants in Mesa include Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante and T.C. Eggingtons. Looking to grab some drinks? Check out Chupacabra Taproom!
Mesa City History:
Not much is known about the time between the disappearance of the Hohokam people and the arrival of Mormon pioneer Daniel Webster Jones. Having left Utah in March 1877, Jones had been asked by Mormon officials to direct a part of people in establishing a settlement in Arizona. Settling on the north side of the present Mesa Area, the settlement was initially known as Fort Utah. About this time, another group dubbed the First Mesa Company arrived from Utah and Idaho. Rather than settling at the Jones’ settlement, they moved onto the Mesa that now serves as the city’s namesake. July 1878, Mesa City was registered as a 1-square-mile townsite.
