Desert Uplands, Mesa,AZ

If you’re considering a move to Mesa, AZ, the Desert Uplands neighborhood in the southeast part of the city is definitely worth checking out. This community offers a wonderful blend of suburban comfort and scenic desert beauty, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. Known for its peaceful streets and well-maintained homes, Desert Uplands provides a welcoming atmosphere where neighbors truly feel like friends. Plus, residents enjoy convenient access to beautiful parks, hiking trails, and golf courses, all of which highlight the natural charm of the area.

One of the standout attractions in Desert Uplands is the nearby Red Mountain Park, a sprawling green space perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you love biking, jogging, or simply picnicking under the Arizona sun, this park offers something for everyone. For those who appreciate a bit of culture and community, the Mesa Arts Center, just a short drive northwest, hosts regular performances and art exhibits that enrich the local scene. Additionally, local shopping and dining options are plentiful, including some great family-friendly restaurants and cozy coffee shops that give the area a warm, small-town vibe.

While Desert Uplands feels like a quiet retreat, it’s surprisingly close to Downtown Mesa, making it easy to enjoy all the amenities of city life without sacrificing tranquility. The downtown area is only about a 15-minute drive away, where you’ll find a bustling arts district, farmers markets, and a variety of entertainment venues. This proximity means residents can quickly hop into the heart of the city for work or play, then return to the calm, spacious surroundings of Desert Uplands. For anyone relocating to Mesa, this neighborhood offers the perfect balance of convenience, comfort, and natural beauty.

In Desert Uplands, 23% of residents aged 16 and older are married, which is notably higher than the national average. This could point to a more settled, community-driven neighborhood where long-term residents and homeowners are common. It’s the kind of place where stability, and a close-knit atmosphere make it especially appealing to families and couples looking to put down roots.

With only 23% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Desert Uplands demographics offer valuable insights into the character and lifestyle of the neighborhood, helping you understand who lives there and what daily life might feel like. Home to only about 4,615 residents, Desert Uplands is notably smaller than many other Mesa neighborhoods, creating a more peaceful and community-oriented atmosphere. Its lower population can translate to quieter streets, a more relaxed pace of life, and easier access to local amenities — all without sacrificing the vibrant urban lifestyle the city is known for.

With a lower than average population density of 1,221 people per square mile, Desert Uplands offers a more open and spacious environment compared to many other Mesa neighborhoods. This often means quieter streets, less congestion, and a relaxed atmosphere — all while still providing access to the amenities and conveniences of city living.

Home to a population with a higher-than-average age of 47, this area offers a calm and refined atmosphere shaped by experience and tradition. The neighborhood’s more mature demographic fosters a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and an environment that’s both welcoming and well-established — making it an especially appealing choice for retirees seeking comfort, stability, and connection.

The Desert Uplands crime map offers a clear, data-driven look at how crime is distributed throughout the neighborhood, using block group data to highlight both safer areas and potential hot spots. The color-coded map makes it easy to see where crime is more concentrated and where it occurs less frequently, helping residents and prospective buyers better understand local safety patterns. It’s important to note that darker or red zones on the map don’t necessarily mean those areas are unsafe — locations near busy transit hubs, shopping districts, or popular attractions often show higher activity simply due to larger crowds and increased foot traffic.

Housing costs often reflect the desirability and overall character of a neighborhood. In Desert Uplands, home prices come in around $582,775, which is higher than many other areas. This elevated pricing points to a sought-after location with strong demand, well-maintained properties, and access to premium amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life. Historical home price trends and appreciation rates in Desert Uplands can serve as a window into the neighborhood’s economic strength and future potential. By understanding how the market has performed in the past, buyers and investors can better evaluate whether the area offers promising opportunities for growth and long-term value.

With an average rent price of $1,765, rental rates in Desert Uplands are higher than many other neighborhoods. This reflects the area’s desirability and strong demand, often accompanied by well-maintained properties, premium amenities, and a high quality of life.

School quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like Desert Uplands. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in Desert Uplands offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.