Mesa City Guide
In 1878, Mormon farmers known as the Mesa Pioneers established a townsite on a flat-topped bluff about three miles north of the Salt River. In 1881, the U.S. post office rejected the town’s original name, Mesaville, since it was claimed by another town in Pinal County. So, the community called itself Hayden, and later changed it to Zenos. When the Mesaville post office closed in 1888, the farmers renamed their town again to Mesa, the Spanish word for “table.” As the town grew, city planners laid out the community with an eye toward the future. By the time automobiles arrived on the scene, Mesa was the only town to have streets wide enough for modern-day traffic.
During the Valley’s explosive growth between 1983 and 1987, Mesa established itself as one of the fastest growing cities in America and expects to have a population of 500,000 by century’s end. Agriculture has been replaced by high-tech industries. Today, Mesa’s Spanish colonnade sidewalks and palm tree lined streets give it a quaint, relaxed ambiance. The Valley’s second-largest city is also host to the Chicago Cubs for Spring Training each year.
Mesa ATTRACTIONS
Arizona Temple and Visitor Center. Built in 1927, this striking structure remains Mesa’s most noted landmark. (480) 964-7164.
Champlin Fighter Aircraft Museum. Fighter aircraft from World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are the subject of displays in this popular museum. (480) 830-4540.
Mesa Southwest Museum. A miniature “Smithsonian” museum that effectively captures Mesa’s southwestern folklore. (480) 644-2230.
A Few Facts About Mesa
Mesa is currently the third-largest city in Arizona. Mesa was founded in 1878 and incorporated in 1883. Transcribed the word Mesa comes from the Spanish word for “tabletop.” This word described the flat-topped or raised area. The first settlers in the area began to build their homes on a mesa above the surrounding area and the Salt River. Mesa is actually known as one of America’s fastest-growing cities. Mesa was initially developed and grew around the agricultural industry. Since it was one of the first cities to develop outside the Phoenix city limits it is rich in Arizona history. The city was surrounded by Native American canals some of which are still in use today.
While its downtown in under a revitalization program its old town feels like the downtown with new amenities such as Arizona’s largest arts complex, The Mesa Arts Center. Many merchants and family-owned stores and cafes encompass the main street.
Mesa is only 15 minutes to downtown Phoenix and about 10 minutes to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. As of 2012 Mesa is the farthest point of the light rail. The light rail offer resident of Mesa a straight shot to the airport, Tempe, and even to Downtown Phoenix. The City of Mesa has an estimated population of 396,375. Mesa offers great weather all winter long with an average temperature of 71.2 degrees from Nov-March during our winter months. While it is a little warmer in the summer months this makes Mesa a great winter vacation destination for many cold-weather visitors. Mesa has approx 175,717 households with an average household size of 2.68 people.
Mesa has a wide span of family-owned restaurants, family-owned businesses, and great golf course and spa resorts. Here are a few areas to consider visiting while house hunting in Mesa: Mesa Amphitheater, Mesa Convention Center, East Valley Children’s Theater, Mesa Arts Center, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Symphony of the Southwest, Arizona Museum for Youth, Hohokam Park, Parks of the Canals, Mesa Golfland Sunsplash, Southwest Desert Adventures and plenty more to explore! If you need a short-term rental while you are house hunting, try these Mesa Vacation Rentals.
Mesa City Guide
In 1878, Mormon farmers known as the Mesa Pioneers established a townsite on a flat-topped bluff about three miles north of the Salt River. In 1881, the U.S. post office rejected the town’s original name, Mesaville, since it was claimed by another town in Pinal County. So, the community called itself Hayden, and later changed it to Zenos. When the Mesaville post office closed in 1888, the farmers renamed their town again to Mesa, the Spanish word for “table.” As the town grew, city planners laid out the community with an eye toward the future. By the time automobiles arrived on the scene, Mesa was the only town to have streets wide enough for modern-day traffic.
During the Valley’s explosive growth between 1983 and 1987, Mesa established itself as one of the fastest growing cities in America and expects to have a population of 500,000 by century’s end. Agriculture has been replaced by high-tech industries. Today, Mesa’s Spanish colonnade sidewalks and palm tree lined streets give it a quaint, relaxed ambiance. The Valley’s second-largest city is also host to the Chicago Cubs for Spring Training each year.
ATTRACTIONS of Mesa AZ
Arizona Temple and Visitor Center.
Built in 1927, this striking structure remains Mesa’s most noted landmark. (480) 964-7164.
Champlin Fighter Aircraft Museum.
Fighter aircraft from World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are the subject of displays in this popular museum. (480) 830-4540.
Mesa Southwest Museum.
A miniature “Smithsonian” museum that effectively captures Mesa’s southwestern folklore. (480) 644-2230.