$1,029,635Average Value$359Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes For Sale
Desert Uplands is in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains
On the far east side of Mesa, Desert Uplands stretches for miles in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains. Going by names like “The Crooked Top Mountains,” “Thunder Mountain” and “Mountains of Foam,” this 18-million-year-old range has been a source of folklore for the Apache people and a boom of wealth for gold miners in the 19th century. Today, these mountains bring in people looking to hike on its rocky paths or live in the gated communities surrounding the foothills. While the community is a bit removed from the retail and business districts in west and central Mesa, the natural surroundings remain a primary selling point.
The Desert Upland neighborhood stretches for miles surrounded by mountain ranges.
Desert Uplands is situated in a scenic part of the valley with its proximity to Superstition Mountains and other mountain ranges.
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Custom homes and gated communities in the Mesa desert
Desert Uplands comprises custom-built homes on private acreage and many gated communities, including Mountain Bridge and Thunder Mountain. Houses are spread across winding, narrow roads lined with cacti, and mountain views as a constant backdrop. Ranch-style, Spanish Revival, Mediterranean and Pueblo-style are the most common types of architecture. Ranch-style family homes sell for $400,000 to $500,000, and detached villas are $500,000 to $670,000. Most other houses in gated communities are $700,000 to $1 million, while a custom home can be $1 million to $3 million. Desert Uplands also has a low CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average score of 4.
Pueblo-inspired custom homes can be seen in the Desert Uplands neighborhood.
Desert Uplands is filled with large custom-built homes on private acreage.
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Usery Mountain, Salt River and Red Mountain District Park have countless outdoor activities
Desert Uplands juts up against Usery Mountain Regional Park, where over 29 miles of hiking trails stretch through the Usery Mountains and into the Superstition Mountains. The park also has archery ranges, campsites and equestrian routes. Usery Mountain hiking trails connect to the Lower Salt River, a popular spot for paddleboarding, fishing and bird-watching. “Those outdoor activities, that outdoor lifestyle, that’s where Mesa truly shines,” says Kelly Cook, a Realtor and team lead with Cook and Associates, who has lived in Arizona for over 20 years. “You have the Salt River you can float down, because who says you can’t have water activities in the desert? You can hike and bike in the mountains, and Usery Mountain is a great place to spend a day exploring.” On the opposite side of the mountains, Red Mountain District Park has over 1,100 acres of green space in the middle of the desert. The park, which surrounds Red Mountain Freeway, has an indoor recreation center, a softball and baseball complex, a dozen soccer fields, and a ring of ramadas around a lake. Half a dozen public and private golf clubs are within 6 miles of Desert Uplands, including Las Sendas, Mawson Creek and Longbow.
Red Mountain District Park includes many features like atheltic fields and a fishing lake.
Residents of Desert Uplands have access to a few golf courses like the Las Sendas Golf Club.
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Camping and Wild West attractions at Lost Dutchman State Park
Lost Dutchman State Park borders the Superstition Mountains on Apache Trail and brings the Old West to life. The park has hiking trails and over 100 campsites among rock formations and native plant gardens. The Lost Dutchman Museum has exhibits with model trains, memorabilia from Western films and century-old mining equipment. Goldfield Ghost Town, right across the street, has a historic Main Street, gold mine tours and dramatic reenactments.
Lost Dutchman State Park sits at the base Superstition Mountains and provides scenic campsites and hiking trails.
Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction is a reconstructed 1890s town that includes a museum and offers mine tours.
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Shopping on Red Mountain Freeway and restaurants on Main Street
While Desert Uplands has the scenery of the rural mountains, it is still close to shopping and dining in the rest of Mesa. Shopping centers like Ridgeview Plaza and Red Mountain Gateway line Red Mountain Freeway and have grocery stores, including Safeway, retail shops with furniture and craft supplies, and restaurants like Sunnyside Breakfast Lounge and What’s Crackin Café. Boulder Mountain Community Church, Generation Church and Red Mountain Community Church also surround the freeway. Main Street, which intersects with Red Mountain Freeway, has more local restaurants, such as Mexican and Latin eateries like Asi Es Mi Tierra and homestyle American diners like Mikey's Family Restaurant and Two Seasons Café.
Target in Mesa is a popular option for groceries and home goods.
Albertsons in Mesa offers groceries with a bakery and deli.
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Dual credits at top-rated Red Mountain High School
Local schools include Las Sendas Elementary, Zaharis Elementary and Fremont Junior High, which all have A-minus scores on Niche. Red Mountain High School has an A rating and offers dual credits in English, math, science and social studies at Mesa Community College on the opposite side of the city. "Red Mountain is one of Mesa’s largest high schools. It’s a whole complex with a stadium, it’s top-rated and right next to Red Mountain Park,” Cook says.
Zaharis Elementary is located next to Desert Arroyo Park in Mesa.
Mesa's Red Mountain High School is home of the Mountain Lions.
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Red Mountain Freeway connects to Mesa and Phoenix
Desert Uplands is on the far east side of Mesa, putting it 16 miles from downtown and 29 miles from Phoenix. Red Mountain Freeway, also called State Highway 202, connects Desert Uplands to the rest of the city. Valley Metro has bus routes between Mesa and Phoenix, and daily westbound routes travel on University Drive, Main Street and Broadway Road.
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 Desert Uplands neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Desert Uplands
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Desert Uplands Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Desert Uplands, Mesa sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Desert Uplands, Mesa over the last 12 months is $983,475, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Exceptional custom home on 1.19 acres in Mesa's Desert Uplands, offering 360 views of city lights, mountains, and the Usery Mountain Pass Preserve. This rare gem features a 1600 sq ft climate controlled workshop with 3 RV garages—perfect for a home business, creative space, or all your toys. Inside, warm Saltillo tile, wood beamed ceilings, a cozy beehive fireplace and natural light. The spacious
Spectacular single-level home in the upscale gated community of Estrella Vista at Mountain Bridge. This isn't just a home, it's a lifestyle, surrounded with some of the best hiking and biking trails in Arizona, the serene NE Mesa foothills plus all the amenities Mountain Bridge has to offer. This 4403 sq. ft. home blends elegance, comfort and style with seamless indoor-outdoor living. Featuring 5
This stunning residence is tucked inside the gated community of Saguaro Vista Estates. Offering over 4,000 sq ft of living space, this 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home combines elegance, comfort, and Arizona lifestyle living at its best. The chef's kitchen features granite counters, stainless appliances, and a spacious island opening to bright, inviting living areas. The expansive primary suite includes
Offering 2,290 sq ft in the main house, a 1,703 sq ft guest house, and a 288 sq ft studio within the detached 3-car garage, this distinctive residence offers space, no HOA, and extensive updates. Set on nearly an acre with a pool and convenient freeway access, the property combines privacy and versatility. Inside, vaulted ceilings and an open layout create a sense of scale, while the family room
David ArustamianRuss Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Beautiful home with a brand new roof on over an acre with stunning desert landscaping and more than 15 majestic saguaros creating a serene, natural setting. NO HOA! Inside, enjoy new flooring and plantation shutters throughout, offering a modern, airy feel. The updated kitchen features pull-out cabinet shelving, ample counter space, and stylish finishes—perfect for cooking and entertaining. The
Looking for your dream home? This gorgeous residence with pool in the gated Sanctuary at Mountain Bridge is the one! Offering 2 beds + den, 2.5 baths, well-manicured landscape, mountain views, & a 2-car garage w/paver driveway. Great curb appeal with brick veneer accents, paver driveway, and artificial turf. The interior exudes elegance throughout! Enhanced by layered crown molding, tall
Spacious home with 3 bedrooms, den, and a large kitchen that opens to great room. Great room has fireplace for those chilly nights. Master suite has a large master bathroom with double sinks, separate shower, tub and a walk in closet. Covered patio runs the length of the home with built-in BBQ and fire pit. Home backs up to a green belt. Mature landscaping front and back. Easy access to the
This stunning custom home is located in the private gated community of Thunder Mountain Estates. On a premium view lot you will enjoy mountain, sunset, sunrise and city lights views! Very quiet & private. This property has been tastefully renovated and caters to the sophisticated taste with a true gourmet kitchen featuring Thermador appliances and custom cabinetry as well as separate beverage
3 BEDROOMS 2.5 BATH, LARGE 2 CAR GARAGE, 1 CARPORT, HOME THEATER WITH A HUGE SCREEN, HOME HAS VIEWS FROM EVERY ANGLE, ENJOY THE FRESH AIR ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN OVERLOOKING SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS TO EAST, USURY PASS TO THE NORTH AND CITY LIGHTS TO THE SOUTH, MINUTES FROM SAGUARO LAKE AND OUT DOOR RECREATION, NATURE HICKES, BIKING ANS WALKING PATH, BOATING, 4 WHEELING, ATV TRAILS,, BRIGHT KITCHEN
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