The Differences Between Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

If a move to Arizona is in your future, you may be considering some of these well-loved cities. Here are some comparisons to determine what city is the best fit for you and your lifestyle. 

Mesa, Arizona 

Voted one of the best places to live in Arizona, Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona, just twenty miles east of Phoenix.  It has a population of 500,000 and is in Maricopa County.  Mesa has a dense suburban feel, with stunning views of the Superstition Mountains and a beautiful desert climate. The amazing weather allows for an active lifestyle, with big city life in the comfort of a suburb. There are highly rated public schools, which attract many families and young professionals. The median home price is $330,000 and rent averages between $580 to $775, dependent upon the neighborhood. There are many recreation opportunities, such as Dobson Ranch Golf Course; but this city screams for baseball fans as it holds Hohokam Stadium, host of the Oakland A’s Spring Training; and Sloan Park, host of the Chicago Cubs Spring Training. So, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a baseball fanatic, Mesa is calling your name. 

Tempe, Arizona 

Situated in the Salt River Valley, near the northern edge of the Sonoran Desert sits Tempe.  Tempe has a population of 187,500 and is home of one of the longest-standing arts festivals, the Tempe Festival of the Arts.  Tempe is known for its affordability in the Phoenix area, with a cost of living just 2% higher than the national average. There is budget-friendly housing available with a median price of $219,900 to own a home and a median rent of $985. Tempe was rated number one as the best college town in the nation, according to research by Livability analysts. Tempe is the home of the main Arizona State University campus. It has ample amounts of support for student academics, many opportunities for unique entertainment experiences and a variety of opportunities for cultural engagement. Arizona State has over 51,000 in-person attendees, with a total enrollment of over 90,000. Whether you’re an art connoisseur, have an up-and-coming college-bound student, or want to enjoy the perks of college town living, Tempe is a fabulous place to settle down. 

Scottsdale, Arizona  

Rated one of the nation’s most desirable communities to live in, Scottsdale has a population of 250,000.  At the foot of the scenic McDowell Mountains, bordered by Phoenix to the west and Tonto National Forest to the north, Scottsdale is loved for its sprawling luxurious resorts, bountiful golf courses, high-end boutiques, and historic Old Town Scottsdale. This is a great place to raise a family, as it is a safe suburban area with a low crime rate and some of the best schools in the state.  Nature lovers are drawn to the trails around the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in northern Scottsdale, which is the largest urban wilderness area in the United States and features more than 60 miles of trails through scenic desert terrain. But, you’ll pay for these perks, as Scottsdale housing expenses are 44% higher than the national average.  The residents tend to be well-educated and earn a higher income resulting in higher salaries, higher median home prices, more private schools and art galleries and fewer fast-food restaurants. However, if you’re willing to expend the higher costs, Scottsdale is well-known and loved for so many reasons. 

There are clearly differences between the sports-minded and outdoorsy feel of Mesa, the art-loving and budget-friendly college town of Tempe, and the high-end feel of Scottsdale but each of these cities has something different to offer. Now the question lies with you and what area is beckoning you.