Ready to find your next home in Mesa, Arizona? The city is a real gem, with a huge variety of communities and homes that can fit just about any lifestyle you can imagine.
But where do you even start looking? It can be overwhelming. To cut through the noise, we created the Gluch’s Neighborhood Livability Score. It's our unique way of ranking the very best places to live in Mesa, so you can focus your home search where it matters most.
Our score is based on seven key factors we believe are the most important when you’re house hunting:
- Fun: What's there to do for a night out or a weekend with the family?
- Affordability: We’re talking about more than just a home price. What does it really cost to live here?
- Walkability: Can you get your morning coffee or walk the dog without needing your car keys?
- Schools: Do the schools have a good reputation?
- Crime: How safe is the neighborhood, really?
- Appreciation: Are homes holding their value and going up?
- Market Heat: How tough is the competition for a good home?
We scored each neighborhood from 1 to 10 on these points, with 10 being the best you can get. Then, we crunched the numbers to give you a single, easy-to-understand Livability Score. It's like having a local expert’s opinion right in your hand as you start your search.
Mesa's BEST Neighborhoods
1. Eastmark
This isn't your average subdivision. Eastmark is a newer, master-planned community that has become a leading choice for families. The whole place was designed with one thing in mind: creating a "live-work-play" environment where you barely have to leave.
- Fun: You'll find an amazing amount of green space here. We're talking over 40 neighborhood parks, a community pool that feels more like a resort, a skate park for the kids, and a massive network of trails for walking and biking. Plus, they're always hosting events, so it’s got a really strong, family-friendly vibe.
- Affordability¹: Since it's a newer, sought-after community, you can expect home prices to be higher than the city average. The median home price is around $569,400.
- Walkability: This place was built for getting around. The paths connect everything—from homes to parks and amenities—so it’s incredibly walkable and bike-friendly.
- Schools²: The schools here are highly-rated, and it shows. Eastmark High School and Basis Mesa are consistently ranked among the best in the state. And you’ve got other charter school options nearby, too.
- Crime: You can sleep easy at night in Eastmark. It’s known for its exceptionally low crime rate and a very secure environment.
- Appreciation: The value of homes here generally moves right along with the rest of Mesa.
- Market Heat: With everyone wanting to live here, the market is pretty competitive. You have to be ready to act fast.
2. Dobson Ranch
Dobson Ranch has a well-deserved reputation as a lively, established community. People here love it for the endless amenities and a deep sense of togetherness.
- Fun: What's not to love? There are multiple lakes, a golf course, pools, and a bunch of parks. The community centers are always buzzing with activities and events for everyone.
- Affordability: This is a great value. It’s a lot more affordable than the newer communities, with a median home price of around $430,000.
- Walkability: The community was designed to be easy to get around on foot, making it more walkable than many other neighborhoods in Mesa.
- Schools: You can't go wrong here. The schools are part of a top-rated district and are very well-regarded.
- Crime: This neighborhood is known for being safe, with a low crime rate.
- Appreciation: Home values in Dobson Ranch are appreciating consistently with the city's average.
- Market Heat: It's a desirable and well-established spot, so the market is steady and balanced.
Neighborhood Ranking Summary
| Neighborhood | Fun11 | Affordability13 | Walkability7 | Schools13 | Crime12 | Appreciation13 | Market Heat13 | Neighborhood Livability Score |
| Eastmark | 9 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 3 | 7 | 7.0 |
| Dobson Ranch | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 6.4 |
| Downtown Mesa | 10 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6.4 |
| Red Mountain Ranch | 8 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 6.3 |
| Las Sendas | 9 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 6.1 |
| The Groves | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 5.9 |
| Alta Mesa | 7 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 5.9 |
| Superstition Springs | 8 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5.4 |
3. Red Mountain Ranch
Tucked right up against the base of Red Mountain, this neighborhood is all about luxury, scenic views, and having a ton of outdoor fun right out your back door.
- Fun: You’ll find a private country club, a fantastic 18-hole golf course, and easy access to all the hiking and biking trails you could want in the surrounding desert.
- Affordability⁴: With a median sale price of around $571,250, this is definitely a more expensive area to live in.
- Walkability: This is a spread-out neighborhood with big homes, so you're going to need a car to get around.
- Schools: The community is part of an excellent school district.
- Crime: It’s considered one of the safest spots in all of Mesa.
- Appreciation: Home values here generally follow the city's overall upward trend.
- Market Heat: Its beautiful location and great amenities keep the market stable and desirable.
4. Las Sendas
This is a luxury, gated community located in the foothills of the Tonto National Forest. If you're looking for an upscale lifestyle surrounded by stunning scenery, this is your place.
- Fun: It’s an outdoor lover's paradise, with extensive hiking trails and a world-class golf course.
- Affordability⁵: With a median listing price of $732,500, Las Sendas is one of Mesa’s most expensive neighborhoods.
- Walkability: Due to the hilly terrain and a spread-out design, you’ll be pretty dependent on your car.
- Schools: It’s well-known for having a strong school system.
- Crime: Being a gated community, it is considered extremely safe with a very low crime rate.
- Appreciation: The home values here appreciate right in line with city-wide data.
- Market Heat: This is a highly desirable area, so the market is very competitive.
5. Downtown Mesa
Downtown Mesa has gone through an amazing revitalization. It’s now a bustling cultural hub that gives you a vibrant, urban living experience with a cool mix of historic charm and modern amenities.
- Fun: Downtown is the city's cultural heart, with attractions like the Mesa Arts Center, a variety of museums, and tons of great restaurants and boutiques.
- Affordability⁶: It's one of the more affordable areas in Mesa, with a median home price of around $340,000.
- Walkability⁷: With a Walk Score of 75, Downtown is the most walkable neighborhood in Mesa. You can get a lot done on foot here.
- Schools: The schools are part of the well-regarded Mesa Unified School District.
- Crime: The crime rate is a little higher than in the suburban neighborhoods, which isn't a surprise for a busy downtown area.
- Appreciation: All the revitalization efforts suggest there’s a lot of potential for future home value growth, though current trends align with the city's average.
- Market Heat: The market is active because of all the ongoing development and its appeal to a younger, more urban crowd.
6. Alta Mesa
Alta Mesa is an upscale but incredibly peaceful neighborhood on the northeast side of Mesa. Its main feature is the central golf club and the quiet, tranquil environment.
- Fun: The centerpiece is the Alta Mesa Golf Club, which offers a private, championship-level course. Its calm atmosphere also makes it perfect for quiet strolls and family-friendly activities.
- Affordability⁸: With a median sale price of around $429,500, it's a moderately priced, upscale community.
- Walkability: This is pretty much a car-dependent neighborhood.
- Schools: The community is served by a well-regarded school district.
- Crime: It’s considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Mesa, with a very low crime rate.
- Appreciation: Home values here align with the general city-wide trend.
- Market Heat: Alta Mesa maintains a stable and desirable market.
7. The Groves
Often called a "hidden gem," The Groves is a charming, well-established neighborhood known for its spacious, tree-lined streets and that classic, close-knit community feel.
- Fun: The Groves is centrally located with easy access to many local parks and amenities. Residents enjoy a peaceful, classic suburban lifestyle.
- Affordability⁹: You can find large homes here at a price that's more affordable than in the newer luxury communities. The median sale price is around $502,000.
- Walkability: The big, sprawling streets are great for a walk, but you’ll probably need to drive for most of your errands.
- Schools: It’s served by highly-rated schools and is known for its family-friendly environment.
- Crime: The Groves has a low crime rate and a reputation for being a very safe place to live.
- Appreciation: Trends here align with the general city-wide trend.
- Market Heat: This is a desirable, established neighborhood with a steady market.
8. Superstition Springs
Superstition Springs is a lively community that’s become a hub for shopping and convenience. It’s got everything you need right there.
- Fun: The main attraction is the Superstition Springs Center, a big shopping mall with all sorts of entertainment and dining options. It’s also home to the Superstition Springs Golf Club.
- Affordability¹⁰: The neighborhood offers a wide range of housing, with a median home value of approximately $471,970.
- Walkability: While parts are walkable, its large, commercial-focused design means it’s generally a car-dependent neighborhood.
- Schools: Superstition Springs is served by a solid school system.
- Crime: The crime rate is a little higher than in quiet suburban areas, but that's normal for a commercial hub.
- Appreciation: Home values here follow the general city-wide trend.
- Market Heat: The presence of a major retail center and constant new development keeps the market active and competitive.
Finding your ideal Mesa neighborhood is a big decision. While our Livability Score is a great starting point, the best way to truly find the right fit is to talk with someone who knows the area personally.
At The Gluch Group, we've got a deep understanding of the Mesa and greater Phoenix real estate market. We're here to offer you a more personalized look at these neighborhoods and help you find a place that truly feels like home.
Ready to start the conversation?
Call or Text: (480) 378-6700
Email: contact@gluchgroup.com
References
- Realtor.com. Homes for Sale near Eastmark High School. Realtor.com. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Mesa_AZ/schools/Eastmark-High-School-075815121.
- Niche.com. Mesa Unified School District. Niche.com. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.niche.com/k12/d/mesa-unified-school-district-az/.
- Redfin. Dobson Ranch, AZ Housing Market. Redfin. Published July 2025. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.redfin.com/neighborhood/102779/AZ/Mesa/Dobson-Ranch/housing-market.
- Redfin. Red Mountain Ranch, AZ Housing Market. Redfin. Published July 2025. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.redfin.com/neighborhood/98934/AZ/Mesa/Red-Mountain-Ranch/housing-market.
- Realtor.com. Las Sendas, Mesa Homes for Sale & Real Estate. Realtor.com. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Las-Sendas_Mesa_AZ.
- Homes.com. Downtown Mesa, Mesa Real Estate & Homes for Sale. Homes.com. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.homes.com/mesa-az/downtown-mesa-neighborhood/.
- ApartmentGuide. The 10 Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Mesa, AZ. ApartmentGuide. Published April 2, 2024. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/most-walkable-neighborhoods-in-mesa-az/.
- Redfin. Alta Mesa, AZ Housing Market. Redfin. Published July 2025. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.redfin.com/neighborhood/351084/AZ/Mesa/Alta-Mesa/housing-market.
- Redfin. The Groves, AZ Housing Market. Redfin. Published July 2025. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.redfin.com/neighborhood/100434/AZ/Mesa/The-Groves/housing-market.
- Zillow. Superstition Springs Mesa, AZ Housing Market. Zillow. Published July 2025. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.zillow.com/home-values/417935/superstition-springs-mesa-az/.
- Visit Mesa. Mesa, Arizona: Official Travel Guide. Visit Mesa. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.visitmesa.com/.
- Niche.com. Crime and Safety Grade. Niche.com. Accessed August 20, 2025. https://www.niche.com/about/methodology/safest-places/
- Data compiled from sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
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Media Contact
John Gluch
Gluch Group
3333 Hayden Rd Suite 4, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
contact@gluchgroup.com
https://gluchgroup.com/mesa/best-places-to-live/
newsroom: news.38digitalmarket.com
Source: 38 Digital Market News
Release ID: 1876248
Source published by Submit Press Release >> Mesa's BEST 8 Neighborhoods Ranked (New Data)
