Apartments for Rent in Mesa, AZ - 401 Rentals available

Renter's Guide to Mesa

Mesa, AZ's combination of natural beauty, amenities, schools, and affordability make it one of the best places in the country to raise a family. It also rates among the top cities for accommodating people with disabilities.

With a size of 133 square miles, Mesa is only about 25% as big as Phoenix, AZ or Los Angeles.

If you've always wanted to take a road trip to Las Vegas, well, it’s just 313 miles from Mesa. Or you can take a short ride to Tempe or Phoenix, which are only 7 and 20 miles away, respectively.

Mesa has a desert climate. What does that mean? Hot and dry, of course. Summer temperatures have an average low of 77°F and an average high of 106°F. Winters are cooler but still mild, falling between 41 and 67°F. Rain, and even clouds, are scarce pretty much year-round.

Cost of Living in Mesa, AZ

If you are going to move somewhere, you'll want to know how much it costs, right? Fortunately, Mesa is pretty affordable. Dinner for two at a decent, mid-range restaurant will set you back about $50, and you can wash it down with domestic beers for around $3.50 a bottle.

Utilities, including electricity, water, heating, and waste collection average out at roughly $162 per month.

Mesa's public transportation system, Valley Metro, features both buses and a light rail—fares for both are $2. The rail runs from Mesa through Tempe to Phoenix, providing a cheap and convenient option if you don't feel like driving.

Living in Mesa

What is there to like about Mesa? As it turns out, there's plenty.

It has some of the lowest property taxes in the country, which will save you a lot of money in the long run if you decide to buy a home. There's an abundance of ways to explore nature, whether it's the nearby river or hiking through a national park. Oh, and folks here love golf and sports in general.

Unfortunately, with all that nature comes... critters. Like snakes, spiders, and scorpions. And many people would rather stay inside in the air conditioning than venture outside, given the sometimes intense heat.

Things to do in Mesa

There are tons of fun things to do in Mesa.  We already mentioned golf and sports. The reality is, there are few locations in the country that offer the kinds of sporting options Mesa and the surrounding area has.

Just 10 minutes away in Tempe is Arizona State University's main campus, which hosts their incredible sports teams, from football to basketball and baseball. But it gets better.

Within 30 minutes of Mesa, you have the stadiums for the Arizona Cardinals NFL team, the Arizona Diamondbacks MLB team, and the Phoenix Suns NBA team. They even have a very successful WNBA team, the Phoenix Mercury.

If that wasn’t enough, one of Major League Baseball's two spring training leagues is held here annually.

And that's not to mention all the great golf courses nearby. Even if you're not the best golfer, you can have a little family fun at the Golfland Sunsplash minigolf park.

But if you'd rather just unwind in nature, there's the Usery Mountain National Park, Riverview Park, the Mesa Grande Cultural Park, plus river rafting and plenty of boating options.

For something a little more laid back, there's the Arizona Museum of Natural History, the Commemorative Air Force Museum, and the Mesa Arts Center, which features several theaters and art galleries. Music lovers will want to check out the Mesa Music Festival, which hosts over 100 musicians and bands each year.

Then grab a bite to eat and cool off at the Fiesta Mall or Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Employment and Economy in Mesa, AZ

Mesa specializes in manufacturing, specifically aeronautics and automobiles. The city has its very own Boeing plant, where planes and even helicopters are built and tested.

The city is also home to numerous flight training courses, both from Boeing and other companies.

Golf is also a big industry in Mesa—and we're not just talking courses. Arizona State University has a Swing Analysis Lab that's helping advance the technology of the sport.

Top Colleges in Mesa, AZ

Mesa is home to the Polytechnic campus of Arizona State University, which specializes in engineering and scientific courses. And ASU's main campus is just minutes away, in Tempe.

For students who are more interested in a two-year degree, there's Mesa Community College.

And for the younger ones in the family, Mesa's public schools are some of the best in the country.

Tips for Renting in Mesa

Are you convinced yet that Mesa's the place for you? Well then, you'll want to know a little about the renters’ rights.

Most landlords will require you make a security deposit, but this deposit should be a maximum of one-and-a-half-months' rent. The landlord is required to provide a form that documents any damage to the property when you first move in.

If your landlord fails to provide you essential services, like electricity or water, you can either arrange for the services yourself and deduct it from the rent, take them to court, or stay somewhere else until it's fixed—and you won't be liable for paying rent in the meantime.