Tell Me About Mesa, AZ

[onewhippedpuppy]

For those that missed it, I was hit in a mass layoff on 4/23 when my department was essentially eliminated after a takeover. Thread here: Laid Off Today

I have a promising opportunity in Mesa with a former boss, doing work that is right up my alley. I know we have a lot of AZ folks on the forum, what can you tell me about the Mesa area? I have three young kids so schools and family friendly are huge factors. We spend a ton of time outside (boating, sports, etc) so that is of major interest as well, particularly youth sports. I'd like to know areas to look at vs areas to avoid, high traffic areas, etc. I've spent a lot of time outside on an air-base ramp in the peak of summer heat, so yes I know it gets hot in AZ. If this pans out I will be working in the NE part of town near Falcon Field Airport.

[KNS]

Mesa is okay, I lived there for a couple of years, probably more retired folks than in surrounding communities. Some areas to avoid like any town. Close to Mesa are also Scottsdale, some very nice places to live and even more upscale the further north you go. Fountain Hills in not too far north of Mesa. Couldn't comment on schools, sorry to say. Boating on the lakes not from Mesa. There are some nice neighborhoods up in east Mesa towards Usery Pass (minutes from Falcon).

Of Course Boeing and MD helicopters are in Mesa. I can't remember which but I think Cessna and Embraer (I think) have service centers at Mesa Gateway airport. I believe there is some other smaller aerospace companies in Mesa or the nearby areas.

[RANDY P]

Fountain Hills claim to fame is that giant fountain in the middle of town.

The other claim to fame is get this- no streetlights....Yes, you read that correctly, every night it looks like the town lost power. Being a pizza delivery guy in Fountain HIlls must suck. Whooevr thought that was a cool idea to delete street lights needs a swift kick in the nuts.

Stay out of Mesa, it's kind of Ghetto, I'd do Gilbert- a bit nicer, and if you have allergies, stay out of AZ, period.

Google "Haboob" to see what I mean..

[RANDY P]

PS Stay away from "Higley High" AKA Boeing Mesa.... Too much drama there.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Do it. It's great out here and we need more of your kind moving in (instead of Kalifornia refugees).

PS Randy, you don't know ghetto. Visit Guadalupe some time!

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by KNS

Mesa is okay, I lived there for a couple of years, probably more retired folks than in surrounding communities. Some areas to avoid like any town. Close to Mesa are also Scottsdale, some very nice places to live and even more upscale the further north you go. Fountain Hills in not too far north of Mesa. Couldn't comment on schools, sorry to say. Boating on the lakes not from Mesa. There are some nice neighborhoods up in east Mesa towards Usery Pass (minutes from Falcon).

Of Course Boeing and MD helicopters are in Mesa. I can't remember which but I think Cessna and Embraer (I think) have service centers at Mesa Gateway airport. I believe there is some other smaller aerospace companies in Mesa or the nearby areas.

AZ schools are typically in the bottom 20% in terms of ranking.... Not a strong suit.

rjp

[KNS]

There some good schools in AZ but like our kids, they had to go out of district because the local high school doesn't offer an IB program. Some areas of Mesa I would definitely avoid but as mentioned look into Chandler and Gilbert as well.

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

Do it. It's great out here and we need more of your kind moving in (instead of Kalifornia refugees).

PS Randy, you don't know ghetto. Visit Guadalupe some time!

Fo Sho.....

When I first got to Mesa I was on the corner of Gilbert and Main. People used to come up to me out of nowhere asking me if I had any weed or knew anywhere I could get some dope....

it's a different world.

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by KNS

There some good schools in AZ but like our kids, they had to go out of district because the local high school doesn't offer an IB program. Some areas of Mesa I would definitely avoid but as mentioned look into Chandler and Gilbert as well.

Chandler +1 forgot about that place, or scottsdale if u are a balla.

rjp

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by RANDY P

When I first got to Mesa I was on the corner of Gilbert and Main.

You could say the same about any other crappy area of any city. Head west a few miles and you can watch ASU chicks all day.

[sammyg2]

I heard it can get warm there.

[porsche4life]

Matt we live in Gilbert, literally 5 miles south of falcon field. I would say that would be closest you would want to be, and it gets you in a much nicer area and better schools. Give me a shout and we cal talk about it. Between tweeze and I we can fill you in.

[356racing]

Gilbert or the Las Sendas development in East Mesa are probably your best bet with kids. Las Sendas get's you a little closer to Saguaro Lake but be warned, the desert lakes get very busy on weekends if you have a regular M-F schedule.

[KNS]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

I heard it can get warm there.

June, July, Aug, and September are bloody hot, it sucks - no sugar coating it. But we don't put our P cars away (although you may have to hit the early morn if no AC).

The other eight months of the year here are pretty nice. Having grown up in California I miss living with the NorCal and Socal weather, no question. But fall, winter and spring in AZ are very nice. In the summer, the cool mountains are a couple hours drive.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by RANDY P

When I first got to Mesa I was on the corner of Gilbert and Main. People used to come up to me out of nowhere asking me if I had any weed or knew anywhere I could get some dope....

it's a different world.

Maybe you should have put your bong down?

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Maybe you should have put your bong down?

LOL the 1st time it happened it was late at night, and I was parking my car under the carport- 2 guys in trucks parked behind me, I stepped out with a pistol in hand when the guy started asking me for dope..

Funny thing is, he didn't flinch...

rjp

[techweenie]

I hear it's a dry heat...

[Arizona_928]

Like anywhere there are good parts, and bad parts. Stay away from country club between the 60 and the 202...

[Jeff]

I live in the Ahwatukee/ Foothills area. Wonderful schools & a very nice area. Hiking & biking in near by South mountain. Racetrack very close also.

Your commute would be against traffic both ways during normal rush hour times.

[JavaBrewer]

I have never lived in PHX area but have visited many times. If I were you I'd plan to rent for the first 6-12 months until you get your bearings and settle into the new job. Lots of desirable areas that quickly become not so desirable within a few blocks.

The climate is going to be a big adjustment too. Don't underestimate that. Starting late June through late September you might experience temps over 105F that don't really go down much at night. I have been in PHX where it was still over 100 at midnight. For folks like me who like the outdoors and have issues with AC it would be a major adjustment. The winter/spring months are awesome though of course the air is very dry. Monsoons are really cool as long as you don't have to drive in them.

Best of luck on your new (hopefully) job Matt!