So, Been living here since 2020. Household incomes average around $78,779 in Mesa. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
53 upvotes
9 Replies
brooklyn_living
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much developing but now it's decent.
40 upvotes
Lori C.
couldn't agree more
32 upvotes
Colton Gray
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Baltimore about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
John Mendoza
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Weston Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 45, moved here 14 years ago from Houston. I've lived in East and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
27 upvotes
Janice N.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 5 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Property taxes are high. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Olivia Hall
Moved here from Austin about 10 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to dating scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Maverick Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 24, moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
2 upvotes
Samuel B.
I work in retail here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is excellent. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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