The East Valley is home to one of Arizona’s largest suburban cities, Mesa. Mesa is just southeast of downtown Phoenix and has quickly become one of America’s fastest growing cities. It is home to over 400,000 people and has grown by 37 percent since the 1990’s.

Mesa is a prosperous industrial industry, as it is home to many companies like Boeing and AT&T. It has become a great tourist destination with a strong, growing economy that have lured many companies and professionals to live and work there.

History of Mesa, Arizona

Mesa was originally inhabited by Native Americans and Spanish explorers and became a U.S. territory after the Mexican American War. It was then founded by 1878 by Mormon pioneers and the Mormon population in the city has since grown to become 25 percent.

Mesa was a major Air Force trailing center during World War II at Falcon Field Airport and Williams Air Force Base. This has resulted in the permanent settlement of many air force families in the city.

Culture of Mesa

Downtown Mesa is the Arts and Culture District and is also home to the Mesa Arts Center, the Mesa Southwest Shakespeare Company, the Mesa Southwest Museum, art galleries, dance companies and theaters. Mesa is also home to the Mesa Amphitheater, one of the Valley’s best outdoor music venues. Mesa’s culture is rich in art and history.

Mesa Sports and Leisure

There are only two states in the nation that are home to baseball’s spring training season, Florida and Arizona. Mesa is home to the Chicago Cub’s spring training facility. With its perfect spring weather, spring training games are one of the state’s residents’ favorite spring activities. All of Arizona’s professional sports teams’ facilities aren’t far away either.

Outdoor Activities in Mesa

The Phoenix-metro area is home to over 100 golf courses, making it a golfer’s paradise. There is also great hiking nearby and excellent nightlife and night time attractions.