Mesa

Located in Maricopa County in the heart of the Southeast Valley, Mesa is one of the preeminent cities and suburbs of the Greater Phoenix Metro area. Bordered by Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Mesa is well positioned with convenient access to major Valley thoroughfares, Sky Harbor, Phoenix Mesa Gateway, and Falcon Field, and access to a multitude of shopping, dining, and employment hubs. Spanning over 133 square miles Mesa has experienced much growth and economic success and is well poised and positioned for future growth. Mesa currently boasts an current estimated population around 440,00 people.

Golfing and scenic trails with views are just a few of the reasons life is good in Mesa.

History

Mesa’s history is one that is rich and deeply rooted with beginnings dating back to around 2,000 years ago when the Hohokam people originally inhabited what is today Mesa. The Hohokam people built hundreds of miles of intricate canal systems that provided water across the Sonoran desert, and some of those canal systems are still in place and utilized today. The Hohokam people vanished before settlement of the area and little is known today about their disappearance.

In July 17, 1878 Mesa City was registered as a townsite, and in 1883 was incorporated with a population of around 300 people. Mesa really began to gain traction with the opening of Falcon Field and Williams Field in the early 1940’s, which brought more development and military personnel into the area. Over the years Mesa has continued to grow and expand beyond its original agricultural and military roots, and is a thriving city and economy.

Employment

Mesa boasts a strong employment base with the presence of both Banner Health and Boeing. Additionally, the presence of Mesa Community College continues to foster job growth in the area.

Mesa, being served by two local airports and a major international airport, has seen increased growth and attention from companies locating to the area. Even throughout tough economic times Mesa has continued to grow and seen continued job growth in healthcare, education, construction, and sales jobs.

Below is a breakdown per the City of Mesa/MAG Employer Database of top employers within the municipality.

Entertainment

Mesa is home to the Fiesta mall that is anchored by Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sears, Best Buy, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Continued rehab and expansion projects have continued on the mall throughout the past years as well. Additionally, Mesa is home to Mesa Riverview, an outdoor destination retail facility that will include 1.3 million square feet of retail space. Further out in East Mesa, Superstition Springs Center is located and contains about 1.2 million square feet of retail space.

In addition to major shopping facilities Mesa is home to HoHoKam Park which hosts games in the Cactus League, an MLB spring training season, which is currently home to the Chicago Cubs. Further Mesa is home to the Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Amphitheatre, and numerous museums, libraries, and historic areas. Mesa definitely contains much in the way of shopping, dining, and entertainment for its residents and visitors.