With scenic parks, beautiful shopping centers, and countless opportunities for entertainment, it is no surprise that Mesa is one of the fastest growing cities in Arizona.
From its origins as a home to the Hohokam people and the first canal system to its current bustling city life with over 484,500 people, Mesa has truly seen it all. Now people from all over the United States move to Mesa to experience its rich culture, family-friendly atmosphere, and unique attractions.
Here are a few reasons why people pack their bags and move to Mesa:
1. Mesa is great for families
People with kids move to Mesa for the countless family-friendly activities it has to offer. Children love exploring thousands of acres of parks and lakes, learning through hands-on exhibits at museums, and watching their favorite baseball teams.
Here are some Mesa attractions that will provide fun for the whole family:
Kids That Rip
Kids That Rip is an indoor action sports playground where kids from preschool to high school learn skateboarding, free running, gymnastics, cheer, and parkour. Visitors are also able to jump on trampolines, train on a ninja warrior course, participate in a dodgeball league, and learn how to climb a warped wall.
i.d.e.a. Museum
The i.d.e.a. Museum inspires kids of all ages to think critically and creatively as they participate in hands-on art and science activities and workshops, view rotating exhibitions, and discover new ways to learn. From hosting birthday parties, field trips, or just a day of fun with the kids, this museum is great for families.
Uptown Jungle Fun Park
Children have the time of their lives when they visit Mesa’s Uptown Jungle Fun Park. At this indoor park, kids have fun using trampolines, obstacle courses, climbing walls, giant play structures and slides, miniature zip lines, and other unbelievable attractions.
The Arizona Museum of Natural History
Home to over 58,000 objects and artifacts, The Arizona Museum of Natural History helps visitors learn about archeology, paleontology, and the history of the Southwest. Kids love the visual learning stations, puzzles, and hands-on activities in the Kid’s Corner. Imagine what life would have been like when dinosaurs roamed the earth at this museum.
2. Mesa hosts incredible events and festivals
Wingstock
Known as the festival where “music and chicken meat,” Wingstock is an annual experience where Mesa residents listen to live music, drink delicious beer, and taste incredible wings from the area. This festival also hosts a wing eating contest and a hottest wing contest.
Baseball spring training
Baseball enthusiasts can watch over 200 Major League baseball games in 30 days during Arizona’s Cactus League Spring Training in Mesa. Thousands of families gather each year to watch the Oakland A’s play America’s favorite game.
Suds and Slides
This annual Mesa event features giant inflatable waterslides, life-sized foosball, giant beer pong, and more activities for residents 21 years of age or older. This event offers plenty of activities for adults to enjoy while they drink margaritas, local craft beer, and mixed drinks.
Arizona Celebration of Freedom
People who live in Mesa love celebrating Independence Day in a huge way with the Arizona Celebration of Freedom. This event has live music, fireworks, a patriotic superhero stunt show, war re-enactments, beer gardens, and an all-American food court.
Dog parks
Peoria has five major dog parks. Pet owners go to Sunnyslope, Parkridge, Scotland Yard, Alta Vista, or Pioneer Community Park when they want to spend the day with their furry friends. These parks have designated off-leash dog areas and other dog-friendly amenities.
3. Mesa has amazing food
People who value a great dining experience head to Mesa for the trendiest and tastiest food in the Southwest.
Lucky Lou’s
Lucky Lou’s is the go-to spot for anyone looking to take a load off after work. Eat a tender chicken sandwich or a juicy burger and enjoy a refreshing cold beer. Lucky Lou’s is a Mesa treasure that its residents hold dear.
Mangos Mexican Cafe
For some of the best, authentic Mexican food in the Southwest, Mesa residents flock to Mangos. Try their chile rellenos with beans and rice and top off the meal with an unforgettable homemade flan.
The Original Blue Adobe Grill
Mesa is home to The Original Blue Adobe Grill which specializes in New Mexico style cuisine. Try unique specialties like Ancho chile rubbed salmon or shrimp quesadilla pizza while enjoying house margaritas and a lively atmosphere.
4. Mesa is perfect for outdoor recreation
Located in the Sonoran Desert, Mesa is the perfect place for outdoor activities. Adventurers enjoy kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, and exploring canyons and parks.
Here are a few outdoor recreation gems Mesa offers its residents:
Dobson Ranch Golf Course
This championship golf-course has over 6,700 yards of fairway for Mesa golfers. Mesa residents are able to take PGA level golf courses or participate in free junior clinics to expand their skills and grow in their love of the sport.
Usery Mountain Regional Park
This park features over 29 miles of trails available for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. People of all experience levels take in spectacular views as they have fun outdoors.
Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch
Fun for all ages, this ranch offers kayaking in the Lower Salt River, river tubing, bird watching, fishing, and trail riding. Nature enthusiasts in Mesa love spending the weekend taking in the sun and participating in outdoor recreation at this ranch.
Choosing Mesa
People who live in Mesa never run out of activities to help them unwind, appreciate nature, and spend time with their families. Fans of unforgettable food, fun festivals, and the great outdoors should look for homes for sale in Mesa so they can take advantage of the attractions this great town provides its residents.