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Reagan Martinez
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Freelancers in Mesa - how's it going?
Long time reader, first time posting. Born and raised Mesa. Never left. Anyone else feel the same?
6 upvotes
32 Replies
Delilah Baker
Night shift worker - Mesa at 3am is underrated. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}..
49 upvotes
Ellie Brooks
Worked in tech here for 3 years. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. The market is decent right now if you're in that field.
49 upvotes
John K.
Homeowner in Dana Park since 2022. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Property values have been flat which is surprising honestly.
45 upvotes
Rebecca W.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Mesa guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Stapley: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Sunland Village: family-friendly with good parks
Tier 2 (best value):
- Red Mountain: underrated and affordable
- Superstition Springs: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Mesa is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over walkability, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider San Francisco.
DM me if you want more details.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Stapley: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Sunland Village: family-friendly with good parks
Tier 2 (best value):
- Red Mountain: underrated and affordable
- Superstition Springs: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Mesa is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over walkability, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider San Francisco.
DM me if you want more details.
44 upvotes
Michael C.
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Dobson Ranch, Red Mountain, and currently in Eastmark. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Dobson Ranch: /mo for a 1-bed
- Red Mountain: about /mo
- Eastmark: /mo but improving
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Mesa really clicks.
I've lived in Dobson Ranch, Red Mountain, and currently in Eastmark. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Dobson Ranch: /mo for a 1-bed
- Red Mountain: about /mo
- Eastmark: /mo but improving
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Mesa really clicks.
43 upvotes
zoe_living
I've lived in both Falcon Field and Val Vista Lakes. Completely different vibes. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
42 upvotes
William
Stapley local here. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
41 upvotes
Grace C.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Mesa guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Dana Park: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- Las Sendas: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Eastmark: best value in the city
- Dobson Ranch: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: underrated compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. Mesa is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Seattle.
Good luck!
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Dana Park: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- Las Sendas: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Eastmark: best value in the city
- Dobson Ranch: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: underrated compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. Mesa is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Seattle.
Good luck!
40 upvotes
Barbara M.
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. The city has evolved a lot.
37 upvotes
Scarlett Lee
As someone who lives in Alta Mesa, The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. That said, your experience might vary by neighborhood.
37 upvotes
tucsonchef2020
Yep.
33 upvotes
mountain_kaylee69
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Downtown Mesa, Mesa Grande, and currently in Dana Park. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Downtown Mesa: /mo for a 3-bed
- Mesa Grande: about /mo
- Dana Park: /mo but hit or miss
The parks system here is underrated.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Mesa really clicks. DM me if you want more details.
I've lived in Downtown Mesa, Mesa Grande, and currently in Dana Park. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Downtown Mesa: /mo for a 3-bed
- Mesa Grande: about /mo
- Dana Park: /mo but hit or miss
The parks system here is underrated.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Mesa really clicks. DM me if you want more details.
29 upvotes
Julian Watson
Renter's perspective: I could find cheaper but love the neighborhood. I'm in Mesa Grande and it's decent. Definitely shop around though.
29 upvotes
emma_guy
Totally agree.
19 upvotes
Delilah Robinson
Word.
17 upvotes
Jeffrey R.
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in Mesa is hit or miss. Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here..
16 upvotes
Kayden
Needed to hear this.
14 upvotes
Eugene M.
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If career growth matters most, then yeah Mesa is great. But if you need walkability, might want to look at Riverview instead.
13 upvotes
Emily Diaz
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Mesa guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Dobson Ranch: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Sunland Village: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Falcon Field: underrated and affordable
- Downtown Mesa: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: improving compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. Mesa is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Miami.
Hope that helps!
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Dobson Ranch: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Sunland Village: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Falcon Field: underrated and affordable
- Downtown Mesa: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: improving compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. Mesa is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Miami.
Hope that helps!
12 upvotes
Ruby Hughes
Parent of two in Downtown Mesa. Schools are excellent here. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.
12 upvotes
Ariana Cook
I've been in Mountain Bridge for 8 years and People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.
10 upvotes
Ella Hill
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a young professional in Riverview. Been here since 2016. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now..
Neighborhood-wise, Riverview has really transformed in the past few years. Red Mountain is the up-and-coming spot right now. Superstition Springs is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for government: pretty good. For government: growing.
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
I'm a young professional in Riverview. Been here since 2016. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now..
Neighborhood-wise, Riverview has really transformed in the past few years. Red Mountain is the up-and-coming spot right now. Superstition Springs is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for government: pretty good. For government: growing.
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
10 upvotes
Naomi Jackson
Night shift worker - Mesa at 3am is improving. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}..
8 upvotes
Kaylee L.
Big facts.
7 upvotes
Jonathan W.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Mesa guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Downtown Mesa: best food in the city
- Stapley: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Superstition Springs: great community feel
- Sunland Village: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Mesa is pricey but it's not for everyone. If you value space over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Atlanta.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Downtown Mesa: best food in the city
- Stapley: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Superstition Springs: great community feel
- Sunland Village: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Mesa is pricey but it's not for everyone. If you value space over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Atlanta.
6 upvotes
Serenity Turner
As someone who lives in Mountain Bridge, Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. That said, it's not for everyone.
6 upvotes
Cora N.
I'd highly recommend checking out Riverview. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Plus the food options around there are great.
5 upvotes
Josiah Bailey
Following because I'm curious too.
4 upvotes
Justin J.
As a local, yes.
3 upvotes
Robert Howard
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. The city has changed a lot.
3 upvotes
Caleb Johnson
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Mesa Grande, Val Vista Lakes, and currently in Dana Park. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Mesa Grande: /mo for a 3-bed
- Val Vista Lakes: about /mo
- Dana Park: /mo but hit or miss
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Mesa really clicks.
I've lived in Mesa Grande, Val Vista Lakes, and currently in Dana Park. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Mesa Grande: /mo for a 3-bed
- Val Vista Lakes: about /mo
- Dana Park: /mo but hit or miss
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Mesa really clicks.
2 upvotes
Anna Ross
Just to add another data point - we moved from San Francisco about 2 years ago. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. No regrets so far.
1 upvotes