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 ReviewsGet to know Mesa with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Mesa
Very Hot - 12/9/2008
In November of this year, 2008, we still had high temperatures in the 90's and 100's. That's just too
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many reasons why this area is Not for me. - 8/5/2008
there is a good amount of crime here. it is way too hot to be able to do much outdoor activities during the summer months. too much traffic with no great alternative transportation. many people have moved here because of the low cost of living but you do pay the price.
There definitely are pretty areas to explore but if you love the mountains and trees than you will not be so happy. It is hot and dry with some hills full of cacti.
Housing and gas are much lower than many other places
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one week until I leave. - 4/13/2008
My boyfriend and I have lived here for about a year. We have been counting down the days until we leave. No culture, no music scene. There is only so many f'n strip malls one can stand. But you gotta love all those trailer parks!! Did I mention zoning laws are practically nonexistent? Almost every day is sunny here but even that can not make up for the city its self. Golfing year around is a joke considering the golf courses are in general horrible condition. If you want to play a half way decent course you are paying triple digits. Even then the greens are nothing close to what you would find in other parts of the country. Worst choice of my life to live here. I feel like an outsider among these mindless drones that are considered my peers. Creativity in all realms are nonexistent here. I'll take Michigan's winter and crappy economy over this culture lacking, overpopulated, polluted hole in the
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good and not so good - 4/13/2008
People here are bubbly for the most part. Weather is nice from October to May, dry heat but extreme temperatures and lack of moisture causes things to literally melt, car paint, interiors etc. The valley area phoenix and vicinity offers much to do. Many trails to hike, sporting events, bars piled on top of each other throughout the valley and within reasonable distance to cooler temps in the north, coastal California and Las Vegas. However, if you are looking for living wage employment, something that allows you to live within reason of skyrocketing inflation.....forget this, unless you have a terminal degree and experience. The state has very little regulation on business practice (old west business mentality and consumers and employees take it in the rear when that is the case, very little real unionization in employment. Also, illegal workers were utilized to build up the area through cheap labor and lack of regulation and now are being thrown out because of public backlash and the
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COL-Weather - 10/8/2007
Cost of living is high. Weather is: HOT summers...very pleasant mild winters (55-75 degree days/35-50 degree
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Mesa is a little bit of heaven! - 8/25/2007
My mother grew up in Mesa but moved to another state soon after marriage to my father. She always said she wanted to move back to Mesa because it was a little bit of heaven. Several years later my father's career changed and he moved the family to Mesa. Sixty years later, I still agree with my mother--Mesa is a little bit of heaven! A great place to put down roots, raise a family, develop lasting friendships, and find the important things in life. Schools are terrific,shopping malls,restauarants,theatres,parks,churches,and medical facilities are plentiful. Streets are wide with a grid easy to understand and navigate. Housing is plentiful. Utilities and taxes economical! The population is growing--so are amenities and transportation. Yes, it gets hot--but everything is air conditioned and you adjust by staying indoors or finding a nice pool. Lakes and rivers are close by. Mountains and winter skiing are only 3 hours away. If your career path or social interests are not met here, you
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City of Mesa - 5/31/2007
Great accessibility to all areas of the Phoenix metro area via close access to a number of existing and planned
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Life in Mesa, AZ - 3/10/2007
A suburb of Phoenix, Mesa is approx. 20 miles east of Phoenix, AZ. Once home to retirees and orange groves, Mesa is the 2nd Largest city in AZ. Sprawling developments, strip malls and suburbia now rule Mesa.
A short drive east from Mesa are the Usury & Superstition Mountains . Great places to hike in the late Fall through early Spring. The Salt River is a popular place for the local pastime of "tubing". Floting on inner tubes down the lazy river in bathing suits, a favorite for college & high school students.
A much needed new arts center (Mesa Arts Center) has opened in dowtown Mesa bringing live performances & visual arts to very willing market.
Mesa is a great place for young families. I would not recommend it for couples without children as there are few adult venues to
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