Retiring to Mesa, AZ

Explore Communities in Mesa, AZ

Mesa has 4 retirement communities on our site, with homes ranging from the mid $300ks to over $700k. The city spans 140 square miles, so community location matters a lot depending on what part of Mesa suits your lifestyle.

What Makes Mesa a Great City to Retire To

Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and part of the broader Phoenix metro area, which means you get big-city amenities without actually living downtown Phoenix. The East Valley location puts you close to Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert, with easy access to the 202 and US-60. It’s a car-dependent city, but most destinations are 10 to 20 minutes away.

The city has invested heavily in senior-friendly infrastructure. The Mesa Arts Center draws national touring shows. Downtown Mesa has a walkable stretch of restaurants, coffee shops, and galleries along Main Street. And if you like spring training baseball, nine MLB teams have facilities within a short drive.

For a broader look at the state’s tax and retirement climate, see our Arizona retirement guide.

Cost of Living

Mesa runs about 16% above the national average overall, with housing as the main driver. The median home sale price was around $473,000 in late 2025, up slightly year over year. That’s below Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, but meaningfully above the national median.

Arizona does not tax Social Security income, and the state has a flat 2.5% income tax rate as of 2024. Property taxes in Maricopa County are moderate. Expect to pay roughly $1,100 to $1,600 per year per $100,000 of assessed home value depending on your property classification.

Climate and Weather

Mesa has a classic low-desert climate: hot summers, mild winters, about 300 days of sunshine per year. Summer temperatures regularly hit 108°F to 115°F from June through September. If you’re not coming from the Southwest, that takes adjustment.

The upside is winter. November through April is legitimately beautiful here: clear skies, temperatures in the 60s and 70s during the day, cool evenings. Humidity stays low year-round. Monsoon season (July to September) brings brief afternoon thunderstorms that break the heat temporarily. The heat is manageable with AC, but outdoor activity in summer is mostly limited to early morning.

Healthcare

Mesa has strong healthcare infrastructure for a city its size. Banner Desert Medical Center is a 615-bed tertiary hospital in central Mesa and is rated high-performing by U.S. News for stroke, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, and several other conditions. Banner Baywood Medical Center is a 342-bed hospital in the East Valley with a nationally recognized orthopedic program, relevant for the hip and knee replacement needs of an older population. Banner Heart Hospital, one of the largest freestanding cardiac hospitals in the country, is also in Mesa.

Veterans have access to the Phoenix VA Health Care System, which operates multiple outpatient clinics across Maricopa County. For most specialty needs, you’ll find what you’re looking for within Mesa or in neighboring Gilbert and Scottsdale without a long drive.

Things to Do in Mesa for Retirees

The Mesa Arts Center hosts Broadway touring productions, concerts, and visual arts exhibitions throughout the year. Usery Mountain Regional Park is a 3,648-acre preserve with 29 miles of trails, great for early morning hikes October through April. The Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, the world’s largest natural travertine bridge, is about 90 minutes north.

Golf is everywhere. Longbow Golf Club and Dobson Ranch Golf Course are solid local options. Red Mountain Ranch Country Club is a private option worth looking into. The Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s hold spring training at Sloan Park and HoHoKam Stadium, both in Mesa, which means a season’s worth of affordable baseball from February through late March. Old Town Scottsdale and downtown Chandler are both under 30 minutes away for dining and shopping.

Who is Mesa, AZ Best For?

Mesa works well for retirees who want metro convenience at a price point below Scottsdale, with access to excellent healthcare and plenty of activity options. The summer heat is a real factor. If you can handle (or avoid) June through September, the rest of the year is hard to beat. It’s less suited for people who want a small-town feel or walkable neighborhoods. Mesa is suburban, car-centric, and big. If that’s fine with you, the infrastructure and amenities are genuinely excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring to Mesa, AZ

Is Mesa, AZ a good place to retire?

For retirees who want a warm climate, strong healthcare, and easy access to metro Phoenix amenities, Mesa is a solid choice. It’s one of the most affordable options in the East Valley. The summer heat is the main trade-off.

What is the cost of living in Mesa?

About 16% above the national average, driven mostly by housing. The median home price was around $473,000 in late 2025. Arizona’s flat 2.5% income tax and no Social Security tax help offset overall costs.

How hot does it get in Mesa in the summer?

Very hot. July averages around 106°F, and temperatures above 110°F occur regularly from mid-June through August. Most residents adapt by shifting outdoor activity to early mornings and staying inside midday. Heat-related illness is a genuine risk for older adults who aren’t acclimatized.

Is Mesa close to Scottsdale and Phoenix?

Yes. Downtown Scottsdale is about 15 miles west, and downtown Phoenix is 20 miles west. Most major shopping, medical centers, and entertainment venues in the East Valley are within 20 to 30 minutes of most Mesa addresses.

All 4 Retirement Communities in Mesa, AZ

• Apache Wells — Mid $200ks - Mid $700ks
• Casa de Paz — Mid $200ks -
• Sunland Village — Mid $200ks - Mid $400ks
• Verde Groves — High $200ks - Low $400ks