Firstly why Mesa, Arizona?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Mesa
• State: Arizona
• Population: 508,958 people
• Mesa’s quick summary would be The largest city in Maricopa County, famous for its cultural institutions like the Mesa Arts Center.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 25,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 18,000 annually
• Net Migration: 7000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 10,000
• Number of Homeless people: 1,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it provides a diverse cultural scene and extensive outdoor activities attracting families and retirees

Perk #1: Mesa Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 56%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $65,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Mesa is $62,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-3000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Mesa’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 91 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,377
• Property Tax %: 1.03%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,150
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Mesa
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Mesa, Red-Mountain, East-Mesa, West-Mesa, and probably could include Apache-Junction
• Avg. Age of Homes in Mesa: 40 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Mesa’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Mesa are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Education
• Mesa Job Scene: diverse job market in healthcare retail and education
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech sector focused on aerospace, healthcare, and education-related technology
• Mesa Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Mesa: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 100 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Mesa

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $95 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 60 runs through Mesa providing regional access
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on Southern Avenue
• Transportation Score: 56 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Mesa: 230,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 15 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Mesa: azdot.gov/motor-vehicles
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Mesa’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Mesa is best described as has hot summers with temperatures reaching above 100°F and mild winters with cool nights
• Winter Weather in Mesa i’d describe as cool with sunny skies
• Spring Weather in Mesa can be described as warm with low humidity
• Summer’s in Mesa are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Mesa is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 112 days in summer
• Days in a row in Mesa below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 9 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality with pollution from vehicles
• Mesa Winter Air average air quality impacted by urban development

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Mesa Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Mesa 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Mesas’s city limits are 7
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Mesa Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Mesa Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Mesa only Doctors is about 210
• Local Hospitals here is  10
• Full-time Mesa only Police Officers is about 800
• Crime Rate Index: 35/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Mesa’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Mesa’s Monthly Gym Membership: $38
• Mesa’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Mesa

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: large city with a vibrant arts scene and access to natural beauty
• You might enjoy performances at the Mesa Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Mesa  features a vibrant arts scene with theaters live music venues and various eateries for enjoyable nights out

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Mesa

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Has a wide variety of ethnic foods and local dining spots
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 150 scattered around Mesa
• The Popular Sports Team is New Mexico State Aggies
• Top Level Political Climate in Mesa can be described as diverse political viewpoints with a mix of urban and suburban issues
• Mesa’s Longer standing religious establishment is Redemption Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Mesa Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Mesa has 50 Parks?
• Red Mountain Park is Mesa’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Mesa Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Cycling, hiking, and picnicking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Mesa Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Mesa can be described as busy suburban center with diverse shopping and dining options
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Mesa going to local festivals hiking in the mountains camping excursions
• The Cities people commute to from Mesa are Phoenix 20 miles away Chandler 10 miles away Gilbert 8 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Mesa or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on Southern Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Mesa’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Mesa is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Mesa are Phoenix 20 miles away Chandler 10 miles away Gilbert 8 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Mesa has 0 days in a row below freezing and 112 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Mesa people have an average (positive or negative) $-3000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,000 homeless people living in Mesa. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse political viewpoints with a mix of urban and suburban issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Mesa.

Retiree & Senior Life in Mesa

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for tax deferral programs reducing immediate tax liabilities
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale East Mesa
• Mesa Active Adult Center offers diverse programs including classes and social activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Mesa, Arizona?

If Mesa, Arizona ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Mesa, Arizona, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!