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Ava Lee
housing
Moving from Downtown Mesa to Mountain Bridge - good idea?
Been meaning to post this. I just moved to Las Sendas from Tampa.
20 upvotes
16 Replies
Ruby Peterson
Couldn't have said it better.
49 upvotes
Adeline King
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If cultural diversity matters most, then yeah Mesa is great. But if you need walkability, might want to look at Alta Mesa instead.
45 upvotes
Madelyn Edwards
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):
- Alta Mesa: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Mountain Bridge: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Downtown Mesa: underrated and affordable
- Sunland Village: newer development, modern amenities
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 feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. Mesa is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Tampa.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Alta Mesa: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Mountain Bridge: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Downtown Mesa: underrated and affordable
- Sunland Village: newer development, modern amenities
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 feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. Mesa is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Tampa.
38 upvotes
sd_dominic
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):
- Riverview: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Stapley: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Alta Mesa: hidden gem, locals only know
- Red Mountain: newer development, modern amenities
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:**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Mesa is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value community over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Boston.
Good luck!
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Riverview: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Stapley: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Alta Mesa: hidden gem, locals only know
- Red Mountain: newer development, modern amenities
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:**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Mesa is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value community over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Boston.
Good luck!
37 upvotes
Chloe Wood
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. The city has evolved a lot.
33 upvotes
Noah R.
Falcon Field local here. I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
32 upvotes
Adeline Morris
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a family with kids in Las Sendas. Been here since 2020. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
Neighborhood-wise, Las Sendas has really evolved in the past few years. Sunland Village is the up-and-coming spot right now. Mesa Grande is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for construction: solid. For logistics: affordable.
The parks system here is underrated.
I'm a family with kids in Las Sendas. Been here since 2020. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
Neighborhood-wise, Las Sendas has really evolved in the past few years. Sunland Village is the up-and-coming spot right now. Mesa Grande is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for construction: solid. For logistics: affordable.
The parks system here is underrated.
30 upvotes
Julian
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Mesa.
Background: 51, empty nester, moved from Baltimore 12 years ago for a fresh start. Currently in Mesa Grande.
**Housing:**
The market is pretty good right now. We went with Mesa Grande because the price was right. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Superstition Springs - it's pricey and the value is better.
**Work:**
tech jobs are tough here. I was worried coming from Baltimore but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 5 months were tough. Then I found my people through a board game night. Now I have a solid group. Mesa people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. For young professionals, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 51, empty nester, moved from Baltimore 12 years ago for a fresh start. Currently in Mesa Grande.
**Housing:**
The market is pretty good right now. We went with Mesa Grande because the price was right. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Superstition Springs - it's pricey and the value is better.
**Work:**
tech jobs are tough here. I was worried coming from Baltimore but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 5 months were tough. Then I found my people through a board game night. Now I have a solid group. Mesa people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. For young professionals, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
28 upvotes
Patricia T.
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Red Mountain, Dobson Ranch, and currently in Val Vista Lakes. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Red Mountain: /mo for a 2-bed
- Dobson Ranch: about /mo
- Val Vista Lakes: /mo but hit or miss
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Mesa really clicks.
I've lived in Red Mountain, Dobson Ranch, and currently in Val Vista Lakes. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Red Mountain: /mo for a 2-bed
- Dobson Ranch: about /mo
- Val Vista Lakes: /mo but hit or miss
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Mesa really clicks.
27 upvotes
Jonathan L.
Worked in education here for 9 years. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. The market is solid right now if you're in that field.
26 upvotes
Hudson
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a empty nester in Mountain Bridge. Been here since 2021. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}..
Neighborhood-wise, Mountain Bridge has really transformed in the past few years. Red Mountain is the up-and-coming spot right now. Downtown Mesa is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for nonprofit: improving. For legal: lively.
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.
I'm a empty nester in Mountain Bridge. Been here since 2021. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}..
Neighborhood-wise, Mountain Bridge has really transformed in the past few years. Red Mountain is the up-and-coming spot right now. Downtown Mesa is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for nonprofit: improving. For legal: lively.
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.
21 upvotes
Carter
I've been in Falcon Field for 8 years and I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.
16 upvotes
Ariana
I'd highly recommend checking out Eastmark. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. Plus the food options around there are hit or miss.
15 upvotes
Charlotte Cox
I've lived in both Falcon Field and Downtown Mesa. Completely different vibes. The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
14 upvotes
melanie_local
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Alta Mesa from Nashville about 2 years ago. Initially I questioned my decision. But after settling in, The suburbs vs city debate here is real..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Alta Mesa and Riverview for housing
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was nightlife. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. Overall I'd give Mesa a 7/10 for retirees.
I moved to Alta Mesa from Nashville about 2 years ago. Initially I questioned my decision. But after settling in, The suburbs vs city debate here is real..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Alta Mesa and Riverview for housing
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
The biggest adjustment was nightlife. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. Overall I'd give Mesa a 7/10 for retirees.
8 upvotes
minneapolislife2024
Been here 1 years, can vouch for this.
4 upvotes