Mesa, AZ Community Information

Mesa is unique among cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area. While it has all the comforts of a big city, it's steps away from a variety of outdoor adventures, which include world-class ski resorts and more than 40 golf courses located within minutes from downtown. Mesa's near-perfect weather makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors year round.

The education system in Mesa includes public as well as a number of private and parochial school systems. Charter schools, magnet schools, international baccalaureate programs, numerous parochial, Montessori, and other options typify Mesa's commitment to education. The city's public schools are mainly operated by Mesa Public Schools, however a small southern portion is also served by the Gilbert Public Schools, while a small western portion is served by the Tempe Elementary School District and the Tempe Union High School District.

Mesa children attend one of Arizona's highest rated and largest public school systems. The Mesa Public Schools and Gilbert Public Schools recently received a gold medal designation in the Education Quotient (EQ) Ratings, which is published annually in Expansion Management magazine. The Gold Medal is the highest award given, a distinction that only 16 percent of the school districts evaluated receive. Mesa is also home to approximately 35 charter schools and 14 private schools.

Mesa consists of a well-established west end of town, with a slightly nostalgic downtown and older homes. Toward the center of town, the feel is more of a bedroom community with wide streets, larger lots and a mixture of one-story and two-story homes. The east end of the city has a rural feel, with horse properties interspersed with gated planned communities. The median price for a 4-bedroom home in Mesa is about $454,000. Two- and 3-bedroom homes range from $150,000 to $235,000. In 2006, Money magazine ranked the city No.3 in its Best Places to Live survey. So put on your sunglasses and start your Mesa real estate search today!

Sources and more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesa,_Arizona
http://www.mesachamber.org/about%20mesa.htm
http://www.mesacvb.com/