Mesa, AZ Reviews


61 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Mesa

Mesa, Arizona is a city located in Maricopa County with a population of approximately 500,000. It is known for its beautiful desert landscapes and warm weather. As a popular retirement destination, Mesa also attracts young families and professionals. The following user reviews give insight into what it's like to live in this city.

According to Sarah H., "Mesa has a great small-town feel with all the amenities of a big city. It's affordable and has a strong sense of community." Many reviews mention the affordable cost of living in Mesa, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money or start a family.

However, as Rachel S. notes, "The hot summers can be unbearable and there isn't much to do in terms of entertainment." The desert climate of Mesa can be a downside for some, especially during the summer months.

On the other hand, Mike T. shares, "I love the outdoor activities available in Mesa. There are plenty of hiking trails, golf courses, and parks to enjoy." Mesa's location in the Sonoran Desert provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, making it a dream for nature lovers.

Lastly, Emily M. highlights the diversity of the city, stating, "Mesa is a melting pot of cultures and has a strong Hispanic influence. I love experiencing all the different cuisines and traditions." With a significant Hispanic population, Mesa offers a rich cultural experience for its residents. Overall, user reviews indicate that Mesa is a welcoming and affordable city with plenty of outdoor activities, but the hot summers may not be for everyone.

 based on 61 Reviews
Get to know Mesa with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Mesa

Mesa Explosion - 2/27/2006
Moved from Washington State two years ago and have seen the local real estate prices go through the roof. Housing is not worth what is being asked right now in my Read More

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Thanks Anne , I appreciate that :) - 2/21/2006

I heard Gilbert is a very nice place too .if I need more information I'll let you know , Thanks again ,  Read More

Roof rats - 2/20/2006
I never heard of roof rats in Mesa. I have heard of then in Glendale and Paradise Valley. It is not a common thing. I wouldn't worry about that at all. Sounds bad but really not common.

Don't listen to that nonsense about that guy saying Mesa and Gilbert and Chandler are the same. He's whacked. Gilbert is really the nicest of all. Less crime and better schools for sure. Mesa had some very bad areas. I don't think Mesa is ultra conservative it's got all kinds. Gilbert is conservative and Chandler and Tempe have the libs that includes the Ahwatukee Read More
Andy | ,  | Reply | No Replies

Senior Parks - 2/20/2006
My mother lives in a senior park called Cypress Estates, it's a pretty nice place. It's in Mesa it has a clubhouse they have activities and it's gated a night. They have never had any problems there. The mobile homes are reasonably priced. My mother bought a nice double wide complete furnished for 15,000. I think the park rent is something like 450.00 it includes water, sewer and garbage. Utilities and cable you need to pay for. Their are others but they can get expensive. It depens what your price range is. She has lived in 3 diferent parks and this one is the cheapest and she likes it the best. Let me know if you need more info I can get the Park ph# from her.Read More
Andy | ,  | Reply | No Replies

Roof Rats - 2/17/2006
I've heard that Mesa and other areas around Phoenix are infested with Roof Rats . That they get in your attic and go down the walls and chew through , drywall , metal or whatever , then get in your house . I've heard this now a number of times , and also read some articles in your local Newspaper. Being from the mid-west where we never heard of Roof Rats , this is a little shocking . Can anyone Read More

Do you know of any nice 55+ retirement Mobile Home - 2/13/2006
Either in Mesa or Gilbert or that area ? Thanks !!! I think Waynesville is in Florida near Kokomo and the other attractions . That movie "Waynes World " was filmed Read More

Mesa is a Phoenix suburb - 2/12/2006
For those considering moving to Mesa, please be advised that it is a flat, non-descript suburb of Phoenix. The area has grown tremendously and is spreading to the south and east, further away from Phoenix. Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and other suburbs are virtually identical. (Note: I don't know about the schools, taxes, crime, etc.) Mesa is ultra-conservative and has little diversity. For a city with over 450,000 people, it has no core, no downtown, no center. There's probably only 10 buildings greater than 3 stories tall in the whole town! All of the familiar complaints of suburbanites can be found here. People seem to be complaining about life in the suburbs and it's no different in Arizona. If you want CITY amenities, you can't live in the suburbs! Mesa has virtually no tree-lined streets because it's only been around for 50 years and before it was a "city" (a term I use loosely), it was irrigated farmland. If you're white, conservative and have no need to drive Read More

Choose Gilbert instead - 1/14/2006
Yeah where is Waynesville? If you are serious about moving to Mesa I would be careful on which area you choose. Southeast Mesa is fine and is in the Gilbert school district. I would consider Gilbert too. I would suggest nothing north of Baseline rd and nothing east of Signal Butteand you can go as far south as you like. I currently live in Gilbert and would probably not move anywhere else here. Our schools here in Az leave much to be desired so stick with the Gilbert school district. The houses are priced a little higher in this area but well worth it, Mesa schools are not the best. I moved here from NY 18 years ago and I have really enjoyed it, I like the weather and the heat does not bother me ,however we are thinking about heading out soon to Raleigh Read More
Andy | ,  | Reply | No Replies

Moving from Waynesville? - 1/3/2006
I live in Mesa now, and for the last 12 years or so. I am starting a family and getting the heck out of Arizona before the kids start school. The crime rate here is high, there is a lot of violence against children - horrible crimes. If you are Hispanic, it is great - the schools are full of illegal, border-crossing immigrants, and your kids will be bi-lingual in no time. The traffic is unbelievable, and the highway department can not keep up with demand. (Our highways are ALWAYS under construction with half the lanes blocked off). The summers are unbearable and last 6 long months, and just when you think you have earned a reprieve...the snow birds descend upon us like locusts - swarming anywhere that samples are being given out and clogging grocery store aisles with their rascal scooters. Arizona is also a virtual cultural wasteland. We have Indian art, period. Forget about a Little Italy, Chinatown, anything like that.
On a positive note - we never have rain delays, don't pay Read More

Expensive houses - 11/6/2005
Where is waynesville? Mesa in general is a nice place to live. There are ALOT of snowbirds in the winter months and its sooooooooo HOT in the summer its unreal. The crime where we live is not bad at all. There are plenty of shopping, resturants ect. If you love the "green places" Mesa is not the place for you. We dnt have grass in our yards we have rocks and cactus! If you have children Arizona is rated 48th as far as education. (pretty BAD considering how big are we are) We dont like it we are looking to move out soon. Its getting to bad crime in other parts of the valley and the traffic is just like LA now. Good Read More

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