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Desert Uplands

Desert Uplands

$1,029,635 Average Value
$359 Average Price per Sq Ft
26 Homes 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.
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.
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.
Pueblo-inspired custom homes can be seen in the Desert Uplands neighborhood.
Desert Uplands is filled with large custom-built homes on private acreage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Target in Mesa is a popular option for groceries and home goods.
Albertsons in Mesa offers groceries with a bakery and deli.
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.
Zaharis Elementary is located next to Desert Arroyo Park in Mesa.
Mesa's Red Mountain High School is home of the Mountain Lions.
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.

Delaney Murray
Written By
Delaney Murray
Eric Nagaran
Photography Contributed By
Eric Nagaran
Amon Parson
Video By
Amon Parson

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Transit

Airport

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway

25 min drive

Reviews

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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

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$1,092,500
Median Sale Price
$983,475
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,064,613
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$597,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
84
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-3%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$359

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,660
Number of Homes for Sale
26
Median Year Built
2002
Months of Supply
3.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,174
Significantly above the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,658
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
450
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,454

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Nov 1
    11am - 2pm

    9137 E Odessa St, Mesa, AZ 85207

    $1,275,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 3,307 Sq Ft
    • 9137 E Odessa St

    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

    Carter Heightsman My Home Group Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Nov 9
    10am - 1pm

    2255 N Hillridge, Mesa, AZ 85207

    $1,425,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 4,403 Sq Ft
    • 2255 N Hillridge

    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

    Lorraine Ryall KOR Properties

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  • Saturday, Nov 1
    10am - 12pm

    7555 E Laurel St, Mesa, AZ 85207

    $925,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 4,001 Sq Ft
    • 7555 E Laurel St

    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

    Pamm Seago-Peterlin Century 21 Seago

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
5,764
Median Age
50
Population under 18
19.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$145,803
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$169,144

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
49.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.1%
% Population in Labor Force
62.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
104°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

27 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

3 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Desert Uplands
Chris Lundberg
Redeemed Real Estate
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