Downtown Mesa. (Phoenix, Tempe, Cave Creek: 2014, centers, move to)

[Maroon197]

Originally Posted by d.ramos

@Maroon197, what's cool about downtown Mesa? You must be seeing something I'm not. What's the intention of the trolley? It ends east of downtown and doesn't go anywhere beyond that. The only thing I can come up with is it must be there so people can leave Mesa and head to Tempe or downtown Phoenix. Nothing to see around here.

It has live music venues, breweries, coffee houses, an art center, the natural history museum, restaurants, bookstores, farmers markets, light rail access, and soon will have more than one university campus which is sure to attract even more development in the future. Comparatively, downtown Gilbert just has a bunch of cheesy sterile chain restaurants and almost nothing else.

[CCS414]

Nothing new. Did the OP not check city data before going to down town Mesa???? There's already plenty of threads on the lack of culture in Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert.

[ajonesaz]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

and a live talk by Stacey Abrams -- all in downtown Mesa within the past six months.

Wow. DT Mesa really does sound unpleasant.

Honestly, downtown Mesa has good bones, just hasn't become anything. A lot of historic buildings and interesting old homes in the area. Outside of that it is a little rough. I have been waiting for that areas revival for several years. It should be a lot more than it is. If Gilbert can accomplish in 6 years what they did, so can Mesa.

[wilberry]

yes, parts of Mesa look like a forgotten 1960's Maint street. which is the main street. lots of old beat up houses, Apts, 50 ranches, occasional fully tree-lined 70 homes and streets up towards the north 202 and Gilbert rd, it is the mobile home capital of the world! there are Mobil home RV resorts for miles and these are not cheap rundown places. it is an odd mix of old and new in Mesa. Lemon orchards still inside the city limits next to Businesses and churches

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by ajonesaz

If Gilbert can accomplish in 6 years what they did, so can Mesa.

A lot of what has come to Gilbert is additional locations of restaurants that originated in other parts of the metropolitan area (e.g. Postino, Lolo's Chicken & Waffles, Clever Koi). That's good, but I think Mesa has done even better, albeit at a slower pace, with mostly one-of-a-kind places that are unique to that city's downtown.

[john3232]

If the Phx metro continues to grow so will gentrification in West Mesa. I think it's the only place left in the Phx. metro where you can still get a 4 bed 2 bath 2000 sq ft home under 300k.

[Sno0909]

Originally Posted by Maroon197

It has live music venues, breweries, coffee houses, an art center, the natural history museum, restaurants, bookstores, farmers markets, light rail access, and soon will have more than one university campus which is sure to attract even more development in the future. Comparatively, downtown Gilbert just has a bunch of cheesy sterile chain restaurants and almost nothing else.

First positive thing you've posted on this forum. So I guess that means we've nailed down where you live.

[Sno0909]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

I really appreciate your constructive, positive outlook and the abundant factual information you've shared.

Meanwhile, I've enjoyed museum visits, great meals, unique shopping, two concerts, and a live talk by Stacey Abrams -- all in downtown Mesa within the past six months.

Wow. Now this is a "must do" on all the Phoenix tourism lists. A live talk by an overweight, leftist lunatic....sounds like music to my ears.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by Sno0909

Wow. Now this is a "must do" on all the Phoenix tourism lists. A live talk by an overweight, leftist lunatic....sounds like music to my ears.

I'm not into fat shaming, but "leftist lunatics" sounds like a great band name. I think they're playing soon at the Nile Theater, another worthwhile destination in downtown Mesa.

[wilberry]

One of the nicest boutique hotels I have stayed in is in Downtown Mesa " The Azure " which is very close to a large municipal-looking building and Park which might actually be a Mormon Temple. The local food scene is pretty good too .