Mesa is Arizona’s third-largest city, with about 513,700 residents (2025 Census estimate) and a Census median home value of $408,000. Light rail runs through downtown Mesa to downtown Phoenix. Mesa is home to Arizona’s largest school district, and it has its own commercial airport at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway.
I get asked about Mesa a lot, usually by buyers who’ve already read my Gilbert vs. Chandler vs. Mesa comparison and want to know what day-to-day life there actually looks like. Here’s how I explain it, from someone who works across the East Valley every day.
How big is Mesa, AZ?
Bigger than most people expect. Mesa had 504,258 residents at the 2020 Census and an estimated 513,656 by July 2025 [1]. That makes it the 38th-most populous city in the U.S., larger than several well-known metros [2]. It was founded in 1878 by Mormon pioneers [2], and the historic downtown still reflects that older street grid.
Because Mesa is so large, “living in Mesa” can mean very different things. It could be a walkable spot near Main Street, an established neighborhood in the west or central part of the city, or newer construction out toward the southeast. When we start a search, I always ask which Mesa you’re picturing.
What does it cost to live in Mesa?
Here’s what the U.S. Census Bureau reports [1]:
| Mesa | |
|---|---|
| Population | 513,656 (July 2025 estimate) |
| Median home value (2020–2024) | $408,000 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 64.4% |
| Median household income | $82,752 |
| Residents 65 and older | 17.5% |
| Residents under 18 | 22.5% |
| Average commute | 24.7 minutes |
Census medians are multi-year averages and trail today’s market. For current pricing, see my East Valley Market Update, or ask me to pull comps for the streets you’re interested in.
The age mix stands out to me. Mesa has plenty of families and a solid share of retirees, so you’ll find everything from starter homes to 55+ communities to move-up homes in the same city.
Can you take light rail from Mesa to Phoenix?
Yes, and it’s one of Mesa’s most underrated perks. Valley Metro’s A Line runs from downtown Phoenix east through Tempe into Mesa, ending at Gilbert Road and Main Street [3]. About four miles of the line run through Mesa, with stations along Main Street from Sycamore through downtown to Gilbert Road [2][3]. The Gilbert Road extension opened in May 2019 [3].
For buyers who work downtown, go to ASU games or just don’t want to drive to Sky Harbor, living near a Main Street station is a real lifestyle difference. That’s rare in the East Valley.
What are the schools like in Mesa?
Mesa Public Schools is the largest public school district in Arizona, with more than 57,000 students (2023–24) across 82 schools [4]. That size means a lot of choice: neighborhood schools, specialty programs, and junior highs and high schools with a wide range of offerings. Some parts of Mesa are also served by neighboring districts.
My advice is the same for every family I work with: confirm the assigned schools for the exact address before you write an offer, and look up each school’s data on the Arizona Department of Education’s report cards. Boundaries don’t always follow city lines. My guide to moving to the East Valley goes through the rest of the out-of-state checklist.
For after high school, Mesa Community College is the largest of the Maricopa Community Colleges, with more than 24,000 students, and ASU’s Polytechnic campus is in southeast Mesa [2].
Does Mesa have its own airport?
It has two. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, in southeast Mesa, is the former Williams Air Force Base and a base for Allegiant Air [5]. For family visiting from the Midwest, that can mean flying into a small, easy airport instead of Sky Harbor. Falcon Field, in northeast Mesa, is a busy general aviation airport [2].
What is there to do in Mesa?
- Downtown Mesa and the Mesa Arts Center: the city’s performing arts hub, anchoring a downtown you can reach by light rail [2].
- Cubs spring training: Sloan Park is the Cactus League spring home of the Chicago Cubs [2]. In March, the whole city feels it.
- Desert and water: north and east Mesa put you close to the Salt River and Saguaro Lake for tubing, kayaking and weekend escapes.
- The east end: if you want even more mountain and less city, keep driving. My guide to Apache Junction and Gold Canyon picks up where Mesa leaves off.
Who does Mesa fit best?
- Buyers who want city amenities without the Phoenix price tag. Mesa’s Census median home value sits below several of its East Valley neighbors.
- Commuters who want options. You can use the Loop 202, US 60 or light rail, depending on the part of town.
- Families who want school choice within the state’s largest district.
- Retirees and snowbirds who want spring training, golf and easy flights home.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa bigger than Scottsdale?
Yes. Mesa has more than 500,000 residents and is Arizona’s third-largest city, behind Phoenix and Tucson.
Does the light rail go to Mesa?
Yes. Valley Metro’s A Line runs from downtown Phoenix through Tempe to Gilbert Road and Main Street in Mesa.
What school district is Mesa, AZ in?
Most of Mesa is served by Mesa Public Schools, the largest public school district in Arizona. Some areas are served by neighboring districts, so confirm the assigned schools for each address.
What airport is closest to Mesa?
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, in southeast Mesa, offers commercial flights and is a base for Allegiant Air. Phoenix Sky Harbor is also within reach by freeway or light rail.
Thinking about Mesa?
Mesa is big enough that the right neighborhood matters more than the city name. Browse my Mesa community page, or reach out. I’ll walk you through which part of Mesa fits your commute, your schools and your budget, and I’ll tell you honestly if a neighboring city fits better.
Sources: [1] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Mesa city, Arizona. [2] Mesa, Arizona (Wikipedia, citing the U.S. Census Bureau and City of Mesa). [3] A Line (Valley Metro Rail), Wikipedia. [4] Mesa Public Schools, Wikipedia. [5] Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport, Wikipedia.
