A centrally located suburb between Mesa and Gilbert
Located between the downtown areas of both Mesa and Gilbert, Central Mesa is a sought-after community known for its wide variety of homes, public transportation and access to restaurants and nightlife. “The neighborhood is more mature, with a little more character than your typical tract homes. They have more of a custom feel,” says Bryce Henderson, a Realtor with Four Peaks Brokerage Company who’s sold homes in the area for 12 years. “It draws a lot of people who grew up in the area and want to move back.” Several shopping centers are nearby, and commuters making the 20-mile trip to Downtown Phoenix can hop on the Valley Metro’s light rail to avoid traffic. The area's many houses of worship include Without Walls Church, Sant Nirankari Spiritual Center and the Islamic Education Foundation of Arizona.
Little Mesa Cafe in Central Mesa has been serving American comfort food since 1983.
India Oven in Central Mesa has a popular buffet and bar with a vibrant, worldly feel.
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From manufactured to custom homes
Set close together along sidewalk-lined streets, most homes here are 1980s ranch-style, though buyers can also find Mediterranean and Craftsman-style new traditional homes built between the 1990s and 2020s. Yards are large enough for an ornamental tree and a two-car paved driveway, where basketball hoops are a common sight; some backyards have in-ground pools, for cooling off in the desert heat. Layouts range from 1,000 and 3,600 square feet with two to five bedrooms, and prices range from $330,000 to $775,000, depending on size and renovations. Central Mesa's largest homes have layouts between 2,800 and 4,400 square feet, and are generally either 1980s brick ranch-style houses or 2010s Mediterranean-style custom designs. These mini estates sit on roughly half-acre lots, and often have guest houses, pools and horse privileges. Prices range from $850,000 to $1.4 million, depending on a home's size and amenities. Throughout the neighborhood, two- and three-bedroom townhouses have Mediterranean-style details like clay-tiled roofs and stucco exteriors. Layouts range from 800 to 1,600 square feet, with prices of $250,000 to $400,000, plus monthly homeowners association fees of $70 to $200 that cover ground maintenance and roof repairs.In the north, 55-plus communities have manufactured homes built between the 1970s and 2020s; these typically have carports, and layouts range from 400 to 1,500 square feet. Prices vary by size and age, ranging from $15,000 to $215,000; however, many homeowners will have to lease their land, which can cost an additional $500 to $1,000 each month.
Manufactured homes in Central Mesa make up a large portion of the area.
Central Mesa offers townhomes and condos for alternate housing choices.
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“Carry on” at Mesa High
Local kids can attend schools in the Mesa Unified School District, which earns an A-minus from Niche and is a school choice district. Depending on where kids live in the neighborhood, they might attend the A-rated Franklin at Brimhall Elementary or the B-plus-rated Porter Elementary. They might continue to the B-rated Taylor Junior High before attending the B-plus-rated Mesa High. The high school’s motto, “Carry on,” comes from former student and football player Zedo Ishikawa, who was accidentally shot the night before the football team’s 1932 opening game. In his final words, he said he wanted the team to “carry on” and play. His memory is honored today in the lyrics of the school’s song and in the annual Ishikawa Award, given to Mesa High’s top athletes.
Porter Elementary is located just north of State Route 60 in Mesa.
The new entrance at Mesa High School in Mesa offers some new flare to an older school.
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Along Highway 60
Highway 60 passes through the neighborhood’s south, leading 20 miles west to Downtown Phoenix. Downtown Mesa is roughly 4 miles west on Main Street, and Downtown Gilbert is a 3-mile trip south on Gilbert Road. The Valley Metro’s light rail stops in the neighborhood’s northwest, offering a traffic-free route to Downtown Phoenix; the Valley Metro’s bus stops throughout the neighborhood. Dedicated bike lanes, the multi-use Sun Circle Trail and sidewalks make the area bike and pedestrian friendly. Dignity Health AZ General Hospital Emergency Room is to the southwest, and Banner Gateway Medical Center is around 3 miles east. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, which has domestic commercial flights, is around 16 miles southeast, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a 15-mile trip.
Central Mesa has paved sidewalks and crosswalks for residents to get around easily.
Central Mesa has bus stops along all major roads.
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Off-leash dog area at Countryside Park
There are lots of neighborhood options for getting outside. At the 30-acre Countryside Park, kids can burn off some energy on the shaded playground or join Superstition Little League, which plays on the park’s two lighted baseball fields. The park also has a fenced-in dog park where pups can run around off-leash. The 20-acre Greenfield Park is also popular, offering a shaded playground, stocked fishing lake and exercise stations. Cyclists can hop on the paved Sun Circle Trail to bike around the Phoenix metro area. On hot days, residents might cool off at the Mesa Aquatic Complex, which has a lazy river and eight-lane pool, or head to Fat Cats Gilbert, an indoor entertainment center with bowling, mini-golf and movie theaters.
Dogs at Countryside Park enjoy a huge gated field with two sides for large and small dogs.
Countryside Park has numerous large fields for kids to run free and explore.
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Homemade fruit pies at Little Mesa Café
“Areas around Central Mesa and downtown are getting totally rejuvenated,” says Kevin Weil, Realtor and Team Leader at Re/Max Excaliber who lives close by. “A lot of mom-and-pop places. Lots of breweries, too. There’s a dynamic where you have more modern entertainment but, at the same time, a lot of family-type businesses who have been there for 50 years. A great combination of new and old.” The locally owned Little Mesa Café has been serving chicken fried steaks and homemade fruit pies since 1985. India Oven is known for its lunch buffet with a wide variety of Indian entrees. Nearby chain restaurants include Fruitlandia and Pita Jungle. Downtown Mesa is around 4 miles west, where diners can get a sandwich from Worth Takeaway or unwind at 12 West Brewing. Stores like The Home Depot and Target are close by, and nearby grocery stores include Fry’s and Trader Joe’s.
Nando's Mexican Cafe in Central Mesa is a popular eatery with plenty of space and a large bar.
Central Mesa is close to Downtown Mesa with West Brewing Co being a major draw.
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Live music at the Mesa Arts Center and Mesa Amphitheatre
Downtown Mesa is home to several museums and performance venues. The Mesa Arts Center hosts touring Broadway plays, classical music performances and concerts by renowned musicians like Samara Joy and André 3000. The Mesa Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue with more opportunities to see live music. The Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum has a permanent collection of local and international artists, and the Arizona Museum of Natural History offers a glimpse of Arizona’s past, with a collection of dinosaur skeletons and artifacts from ancient cultures.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Central Mesa neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central Mesa
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central Mesa Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Mesa, Mesa sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Mesa, Mesa over the last 12 months is $400,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful turnkey home that was recently updated from top to bottom with brand new flooring, carpets, designer chef's kitchen complete with granitecountertops, and stainless-steel appliances, new water heater, brand new windows throughout the home, new sky dome and blackout curtain, brand newA/C plus a brand new mini split a/c in the nursery/office. It has an excellent Security/Alarm
Beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome in Mesa with access to the highly sought-after Gilbert School District! This move-in ready home features updated flooring, a refreshed kitchen, upgraded bathrooms, and modern finishes throughout. The bright, open floor plan offers 1,476 square feet of comfortable living space, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy a private patio
Come see this charming and well kept 2 bedroom/2 bathroom home in the Dorado Canyon 55+ mobile home park gated community. Stay cool indoors with the 2025 HCAV unit or take a dip at the community pool. The community also offers a game room/pool tables and library. Pickleball anyone??? Have fun like you mean it! This home can substitute as your winter getaway/escape or come make it your primary and
Welcome to this beautifully updated Mesa home in the highly sought-after Gilbert School District, just south of the US-60! Rare natural gas service powers the gas cooktop and 99% efficient fireplace--an increasingly hard-to-find feature in the area. Stunning remodeled kitchen features a massive 91'' Corian island seating 6-8, refurbished cabinetry, Bosch dishwasher, double wall ovens, stainless
6 year old home, shows like new. This wonderful home sits in a friendly 55+ community! The kitchen and baths shine with newer cabinets, countertops, and fresh finishes. Everyone always worry about the mechanicals. Don't worry about the roof, AC, and water heater. Even the windows are double pane for added comfort. Located in central Mesa, this smaller community features one of the lowest land
Spacious two bed+ Sunroom in 55+ Park in Mesa, AZ! Welcome home to the community that offers top-notch amenities including a new clubhouse, pool, hot tub, pickleball, bocce ball, a fire pit, BBQ grills, and a fenced pet park. With base lot rent at $1,050/month, this pet-friendly, active community is a must-see. Quick closing available for cash buyers. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity!
Welcome to your new home in the heart of the vibrant Sunspire 55+ community! This bright, spacious, and newly refreshed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Cavco manufactured home offers comfortable living, ideal for a single person or couple. Step inside to find an open floor plan filled with natural light and fresh updates throughout. Whether you're enjoying a quiet morning coffee or entertaining friends,
Located in a Premier Resort 55+ Community, this Park Model is located close to the Community Center. There is an Epoxy carport with two pull-down sunshades, privacy screens, and a gutter system. There is plenty of room for a car & outdoor living space. Interior Features: a ceiling fan, vertical blinds, drapes, and access to a front water spigot, China hutch, Laminate floors, Sofa sleeper and
Stylish 2 Bed / 2 Bath Home in Mesa Village 55+ Community - Fully Furnished Welcome to easy, comfortable living in the desirable Mesa Village. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is beautifully maintained and fully furnished, offering a move-in ready opportunity-just bring your suitcase and start enjoying the Arizona lifestyle. The interior is neatly decorated with tasteful style, creating a warm and
Located on a corner lot, with a painted carport and steps to the front door. Sliding glass door with screen. The patio awning has outdoor lights, screens, a fan, outdoor furniture, and a flatscreen outdoor TV. This unit has three sliding glass doors with screens. Finished AZ room has high ceiling, blackout curtains, blinds, dark tint on the windows, L-shaped sofa sleeper, flatscreen TV, full-size
Beautifully Updated & Move-In Ready Home in a Highly Desirable 55+ Community This pristine, updated home in the sought-after 55+ community at 2600 E. Allred offers exceptional value and resort-style living. The interior is bright, clean, and refreshed with modern updates throughout, making it truly move-in ready. Located in a well-maintained community known for its amenities, residents enjoy a
Welcome to your new home in paradise! This beautifully updated 2018 Cavco manufactured home is nestled in a vibrant 55+ active community with resort-style amenities, making it perfect for remote-working baby boomers or Midwest snowbirds looking to enjoy the best of retirement living. This 13x60, 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a light and airy open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, and energy-efficient
Move-in ready with a private pool on a quiet Stonegate Estates cul-de-sac.New carpet and fresh interior paint throughout mean you unpack and relax from day one. This single-owner home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2-car garage, with a spacious master bedroom that gives you real room to spread out.Out back, the pool is your own spot to cool off all summer and the natural gathering
Beautiful community, with a crystal blue pool, playgrounds, walking paths, lush grounds, and mature trees. New HVAC in 2021. All bedrooms are upstairs with a nice loft in the middle (which could be a 4th bedroom). Good-sized master w/ceiling fan & 2'' wood blinds throughout. The remodeled master bath has dual sinks and a stylish vanity, a private toilet room, a beautiful tiled shower with a glass
Welcome to easy desert living in the highly desirable Palm Gardens 55+ Community in Mesa! This charming 1 bedroom, 1 bath park model with casita offers the perfect lock-and-leave lifestyle for seasonal residents or full-time living. Step inside to find a clean, well-maintained home that comes fully furnished-making your move effortless. Just bring your toothbrush and start enjoying the Arizona
Atlas Mesa offers modern luxury living in a dynamic East Mesa setting surrounded by the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. This upscale community of 4-story walk-up apartments features 394 residences across four buildings with convenient tuck-in parking. Inside, refined interiors and premium finishes create an oasis that feels both elevated and inviting. Whether hosting friends, relaxing at home, or
Welcome to Villas on Hampton Avenue, a fantastic place to call home! Located between Southern Avenue and Superstition Freeway (US 60) on Higley Road, Villas on Hampton Avenue offers large apartment homes with spectacular amenities: plank flooring, arched doorways, ceiling fans w/ lights, built-in desks and shelves, walk-in closets, and washer/dryer. Spectacular amenities include pool w/ spa,
The Hamptons in Mesa, AZ has all the ingredients for a vibrant lifestyle. The community is located less than a minute from US 60 and Gilbert Road. Our apartment homes are bright, tastefully finished and pet-friendly. You can stay active at our fitness center and enjoy the sunshine from our pool. The picnic area is perfect for grilling up a meal with family and friends. For your convenience, the
Welcome to Dana Park Apartments in Mesa, AZNestled in the heart of Mesa, Dana Park Apartments offers comfortable and convenient living. Whether it be a relaxing night of beautiful Mesa views or a night out on the town, Dana Park Apartments gives you the neighborhood you're looking with the conveniences you want.We offer pet-friendly one and two bedroom floor plans just minutes
Indulge in a charming living journey at The Vance Apartments. Nestled in Mesa, AZ, our apartments offer a seamless blend of style, comfort, and convenience, ideal for residents who value efficiency and innovation. With smart home technology, desirable leisure nooks, and a coveted location, our community caters to your modern lifestyle while ensuring the tranquility you deserve. Just imagine
Welcome to Garrett Mesa Modern Apartments, where vibrant design and everyday convenience redefine apartment living in the East Valley. Ideally located at 1340 South 48th Street, Mesa, AZ 85206, our community places you minutes from Superstition Springs Center, top dining and entertainment, and outdoor recreation across the Sonoran Desert. With quick access to US-60 and Loop 202, commuting to
Discover the perfect apartment home at Saltera in Mesa, Arizona. Our community offers a convenient and accessible location with easy access to a bus line, US 60, and Loop 202, allowing you to easily explore all the amazing things the city has to offer. With an abundance of nearby restaurants, shopping destinations, and entertainment options just minutes away, you can truly live your best life at
Escape the mundane and make your move to Envision, our beautifully renovated apartment community in the heart of Mesa, AZ! We’ve considered every detail in this extensive redesign, from our thoughtfully laid out floor plans, to our lifestyle rich community amenities. Whether your tastes favor the contemporary or lean more towards rustic charm, our contemporary one, two and three-bedroom
Making Portola East Mesa your home is the first step to a life of relaxation in the ideal Mesa location! This restyled community provides easy access to US 60 and AZ Loop 202 and is just minutes away from AZ Loop 101, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and many resorts. Residents enjoy the convenience of the Valley Metro Light-Rail expansion plus the wide variety of shopping at Mesa Grand and Mesa
Ideally situated on Val VistaDrive just North of US60, Gentry's Walk offers spacious 1 & 2 bedroom floorplans. Our community features a fully equipped fitness center, a sparkling pooland spa, a playground, a dog park, and outdoor BBQ grills, providing thecomfort and convenience you seek. With updated amenities, covered parking, andin-unit full-size washers and dryers, your
Bringing together a convenient location, a serene environment, thoughtful amenities, and spacious 1- and 2-bedroom floor plans, Stone Canyon provides the very best in Mesa apartment living! From relaxing evenings with friends around the fire pit to our large pet park and expansive, well-manicured grounds, your furry family members will love taking strolls around Stone Canyon just as much as you
Welcome to The Craft at Gilbert & Baseline, a modern apartment community where style and sophistication come together in the heart of Mesa, Arizona. Here, you'll experience refined living with access to the vibrant energy of The East Valley. Thoughtfully designed homes, upscale amenities, and a prime location allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds: urban convenience paired with a tranquil
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