Mesa, AZ Summary

photo by gusto

Arizona’s third-largest city, Mesa, sits on a plateau (hence its name, which is the Spanish word for “tabletop”), 12 miles southeast of Phoenix off US-60. Since its founding in 1878, it has become one of the state’s fastest-growing cities, with an economy fueled by at least 30 Fortune 500 companies, as well as manufacturers of electronics products, automotive safety and aerospace products, and heavy equipment. It is the retail center for Maricopa County. In winter, its population soars by an estimated 135,000 part-time residents who come south to enjoy the milder climate.

Residents find a range of recreational opportunities in the five large lakes that lie an hour’s drive away, as well as in the mountainous national forests to the north. The Arizona Museum for Youth lets children view, create, and explore a range of art forms. The Champlin Fighter Museum, at Falcon Field, is home to the American Fighter Aces Association, with exhibits covering the history of fighter pilots and aircraft from World War I.

Commercial flights to Mesa are available at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; rail and bus service go from Phoenix.