Mesa Apartments and Rentals

Mesa, AZ, offers an affordable selection of apartments and rentals for people relocating to the Phoenix metropolitan area. Although Mesa is an independent city, it is a suburb of nearby Phoenix. Like its neighbor, Tempe, these suburbs are within the "Valley of the Sun," as metro Phoenix is called.

The Valley of the Sun was originally inhabited by the Hohokam people. They disappeared in the 15th century after nearly 2,000 years of living and farming in the area. The ruins of their extensive canal system left a blueprint for European settlers in the 1800s. Present day Mesa was originally settled by two groups of Mormans. The first was at the northern edge of Mesa and called Lehi. The second group set their encampment on the top of the mesa that led to the city's name. The new city was incorporated in 1883 with 300 residents.

With World War II, two air bases opened in Mesa, Falcon Field and Williams Field, which brought many military personnel to the community. Post-war, many returned and continued the area's emphasis on farming. At late as the 1960s, half of Mesa's residents were still involved in agriculture. Today, Mesa is referred to as a "bedroom community" and seen as a suburb for Phoenix. That overlooks the size and importance of this community, which is the third largest city in Arizona. More than 430,000 people make their home in Mesa. Popular Mesa neighborhoods include: Harrison Acres, Downtown, KLeinman Park, Fiesta and The Groves.

Mesa may be a suburb of Phoenix, but it still offers many employment opportunities of its own. The city's biggest employers are the Mesa Public Schools, Banner Health, Boeing, city and county government, and Mesa retailers, among others. Of course, many residents opt to commute into Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler or another community for employment.

Although the main campus of Arizona State University (ASU) is located in nearby Tempe, the university maintains its Polytechnic Campus in Mesa. Originally known as ASU East, it opened in the late 1990s on what had been an air force base. Forty different degree programs have attracted more than 8,000 students to this campus. The former air base also is home to other educational institutions, including Mesa Community College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Chandler-Gilbert Community College. As part of the Phoenix metro area, Mesa is just a freeway ride from additional employment and educational opportunities around the Valley of the Sun.

The cost of living in Mesa is only slightly above the average for the U.S. Rental prices in Mesa have become more affordable in recent years following the turbulence in the U.S. economy. The most affordable option is a studio apartment, which is Mesa starts at $400 a month. For just a little more monthly, starting at $450, you can rent a one-bedroom. More upscale buildings offer larger units beginning at $715 and going up to $1,050. The area also offers condos, townhomes and houses for rent.

There are lots of things to do and see in Mesa, some of which are popular with tourists as well. The Commemorative Air Force Aircraft Museum at the former Falcon Field restores, preserves and displays vintage combat aircraft from the U.S. and other countries. Unlike many air museums, at this one you can take a ride in a vintage aircraft. In fact, there are seven to choose from. During certain times of the year you can ride in a B-17 or a B-25, or a Boeing PT17 or a Beechcraft C-45, among others.

Other attractions in Mesa include the Arizona Museum for Youth, the Mesa Arts center, the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the Mesa Historical Museum. The city also features plenty of outdoor recreation venues, including hiking, biking and horse trails, and of course, golf courses.

Sports fans can enjoy Chicago Cubs spring training at Hohokam Park. For shopping there's Fiesta Mall and the more upscale Superstition Springs Center and the newest shopping destination, Mesa Riverview.

Mesa holds a number of special events throughout the year for residents and visitors alike. The Southwest Ambulance Arizona Celebration of Freedom at the end of June honors veterans and includes fireworks, classic cars and motorcycles, beer garden, art walk, music, games and more. There's also the ever popular Dia De Los Muertos Spirits Connect celebration in late October at the Mesa Arts Center. And the Mesa Arts Festival in December features local, regional and national artists, as well as live entertainment and more at the Mesa Arts Center.

If you are looking for a new home in Mesa, AZ, you can search for rental properties, including apartments and homes at Rent.com®.