Three Sides of Mesa, Arizona: West, Central and Gateway

Mesa is too large to judge as a single neighborhood. West Mesa, central Mesa and the eastern Gateway area offer different housing, travel patterns and services. Here is a useful way to start comparing them.

West Mesa: access and established shopping

Western Mesa sits closer to Tempe, ASU and parts of Phoenix. Light rail connects portions of the area, while Dobson Road and the Mesa Asian District offer a strong mix of markets and restaurants. Some neighborhoods are established, so inspect the home’s systems and maintenance carefully.

Central Mesa: mature neighborhoods

Central Mesa has a broad range of existing houses and amenities. In an older home, the roof, HVAC, plumbing and energy efficiency may matter more to your budget than a cosmetic update. Compare street by street; condition and lot character vary widely.

East Mesa and Gateway: newer development

Near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and ASU Polytechnic, newer communities and employment sites have expanded. Eastmark is one example of a master-planned setting. State Route 24 can help regional travel, but test your drive to your workplace rather than assuming every East Mesa address has the same access. Airport activity is another consideration for nearby homes.

Mesa also puts outdoor destinations such as the Salt River, Saguaro Lake, Usery Mountain Regional Park and the Superstition Mountains within reach, though drive times vary.

Choose a few addresses in each part of the city and compare monthly costs, errands, commute and home condition. That is far more informative than comparing Mesa’s overall averages with another city.

Suzy Huang | Arizona REALTOR®