Central Mesa - Mesa, AZ

After the Hohokam people disappeared from the land, Mesa, Arizona, was first settled in the late 1800s. Mormon families began moving into the area from Utah and took advantage of the agricultural landscape the Salt River provided. In the middle of the 20th century, Falcon Field and Williams Field brought aviation to the area. With aviation came industry, and with industry came population growth.

Neighborhoods such as Casa Mesa II and Alma Meadows began sprouting up in the 1950s and 1960s, and today, Mesa sits as the 38th largest city in the United States with a population of roughly 450,000. Big businesses such as Boeing and Banner Health have supported a large number of Mesa’s inhabitants over the years and continue to do so to this day.

Affordable ethnic cuisine has a strong presence in the Casa Mesa II and Alma Meadows communities, though you might have to venture out a bit further for fine dining options. There are several local watering holes nearby, but residents typically head to Tempe, Scottsdale or downtown Phoenix if they are looking to get dressed up and go clubbing.

On the southwest corner of Mesa Drive and Dobson Boulevard, Mekong Plaza boasts several Asian cuisine options in one convenient locale. Thai Spices sits on the southern end of the plaza, and as the name suggests, it offers a full menu of flavorful Thai dishes at very reasonable prices. From the pumpkin tofu curry to the crazy crab puffs, the menu provides something for every diner. A simple yet refined atmosphere rounds out the truly comfortable Thai Spices dining experience.

Los Dos Molinos might be the most famous New Mexican cuisine spot in the valley, and it rests right between these neighborhoods on Alma School Road. Named after two chili grinders, the restaurant serves dishes that notoriously pack a serious, chili-powered kick. Traditional southwestern fare served up in a relaxed and casual environment leaves you satisfied and coming back for more, once you stop sweating from the delicious heat.

Head east on Main Street toward the heart of Mesa to find Il Vinaio. With a name that literally means "the wine merchant," this locale is a great place to pair your favorite dish with a vast assortment of fine wines. Offering a blend of New American and Mediterranean cuisines, Il Vinajo offers antelope burgers and pasta vinaio, allowing you to walk away with a full belly and a wide grin. Il Vinaio serves a delicious brunch on both Saturday and Sunday and has gluten-free options for those with special dining requirements.

Kay's Place, Groggy's and The Woodshed II are all great local dive bars close to Casa Mesa II and Alma Meadows and act as favorites for those looking for a cheap drink in an ultra-casual atmosphere. If you are dying for an excuse to put on that new dress or fancy shirt, head north on the 101 to Old Town Scottsdale, where dozens of bars, clubs and lounges await. For a younger crowd, head west to Mill Avenue, which serves as the main drag for Arizona State University students looking to let loose.

Casa Mesa II and Alma Meadows are walking distance to the Sycamore St. Valley Metro light rail stop, currently the end of the line. From this stop, residents have easy access to downtown Tempe and downtown Phoenix. Bus route 96 takes you north-south along Dobson Rd. into Chandler, and Route 45 extends east-west along Broadway Rd., connecting west Tempe with east Mesa.

As with most areas in the valley of the sun, the car tends to be the most-used mode of transportation for residents in these communities. Taxis typically don’t enter these neighborhoods if not in service, so hiring an Uber driver or calling a local cab company is your best bet to obtain driver services.

Plenty of free public parking in the area, both in commercial lots and along residential streets, makes owning and driving an convenient option for residents in the area.

While there aren’t any parks explicitly in the confines of these neighborhoods, Mesa has an expansive and varied selection of parks nearby. Fitch Park has a large grassy area, great for families and perfect for pets to roam around. Several ramadas are in place to protect you from the elements, but bringing extra sunscreen proves to be a wise move no matter where you are in the valley.

Mesa Riverview Park, the brand new Chicago Cubs spring-training facility, lies just northwest of these communities. If you are looking for a perfect way to spend quality family time in a fun and friendly atmosphere, Mesa Riverview always delivers.

Head just east of the Mesa city limits and get transported to a time long ago at the annual Arizona Renaissance Festival. Watch the jousting competitions while eating a massive turkey leg or just people-watch the festive patrons will be dressed head to toe in old-tyme fashion.

You find both of these neighborhoods offer affordable accommodations relative to the surrounding area. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment typically runs between $500 and $650 a month. Heading into downtown Phoenix on the light rail has a $2 one-way fee, and a bus pass will set you back the same. Grabbing a cold one at Kay’s Place ranges from $2 to $4, and gas prices in the area average around 11 percent lower than the national average cost.

Typically, residents of Casa Mesa II and Alma Meadows head to nearby Scottsdale, downtown Phoenix or Tempe to find high-end clothing options. Located just south of the massive Mesa Riverview shopping complex and within a quick drive to the equally large Tempe Marketplace, these communities have a great location to obtain life’s essentials.

If you are looking to bring that contemporary look into your home, cross the border into Tempe and visit the furniture showroom at Copenhagen Imports. Modern, sleek and stylish decor greets you at every turn as you walk the floor. Copenhagen brings a slice of European flavor to these southwestern communities with a touch of class and sophistication. Redecorate every room, or start small and add to your collection piece by piece. Either way, you are sure to love watching your home transform before your eyes.

Head east on US-60 to find Junky Trunk Boutique, and never have a need for a new boutique clothing shop again. Located on the Mesa-Gilbert border on Baseline Rd. and Val Vista Dr., patrons love this one-stop-shop for purchasing their fresh, new and stylish attire. Ranging from fashionable dresses to funky boots, odds are you won’t leave empty handed. The kind of place that goes the extra mile to make you feel special; it even offers a punch card to reward their loyal customers.

You find a Fry’s marketplace on the corner of Alma School and Main street, which provides both communities with a convenient location to get all of their major grocery shopping done. Venturing southwest into Tempe, some residents make the extra effort to find Trader Joe's at the McClintock and Guadalupe intersection.

From October to May, residents in these neighborhoods head into downtown Mesa every Friday and partake in the Mesa Community Farmer’s Market where fresh local produce, jams and salsas can be picked up quickly and conveniently. Free parking and free admission makes this an easy alternative to the larger grocery stores.