50. Mesa, AZ

Surviving the Desert Bloom

Mesa, AZ: Surviving the Desert Bloom

Mesa, Arizona just might be the biggest city you’ve never heard of. Founded by Mormon pioneers in 1878, and with more people in it than Cleveland, Miami or Minneapolis, the desert city has one of the best natural disaster risk factors in the country; that is, nature’s wrath is least likely to get you in Mesa. But what might take you down is the city’s polluted air—it ranks 46th out of 50 in our survey. You might also be disappointed if you’re looking for fresh, local produce; Mesa scores 46th here too. Arizona’s third largest city is fortunate to have Arizona State University’s polytechnic campus right in town; it can partner with the school’s environmental technology management program to plan for a sustainable future.

(Photo by Kevinzim)

Mesa, AZ: City Chart
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Green Biz in Mesa

I Am The Center

I Am The Center

Organic Bistro providing organic tea, coffee, glass of wine.

2 star rating Review by Surprise S.

The honest to god swear on my life truth!

actually in reality, while there are a few good points to the center bistro, mostly it fails to meet the standards of excellence and goodness that TRULY organic and nourishing restaurants provide... more »

Sunflower Market

Sunflower Market

Storefront offering organic and all-natural products.

5 star rating Review by Melissa C.

Wrong address

This place is awesome. I wouldn't do all of my regualar shopping here, because of the prices, but whenever I need something special, like lamb, I go here. more »

Downtown Phoenix Public Market

Downtown Phoenix Public Market

Producers market featuring Arizona-grown foods, bakeries, flowers and herbs.

5 star rating Review by Jennifer W.

Best Phoenix Market

I grew up going to farmers markets in California and didn't think Arizona had much in the way of farmers markets. I was wrong. The Downtown Phoenix Market is wonderful. It is full of local produce... more »

Cities Compared
Cities Compared: Coastal vs. Inland Cities

Cities Compared: Coastal vs. Inland Cities

How does being near a coast affect how cities perform? Take a look at how coastal cities compare to inland ones.

My grandfather rode on a camel, my father rode in a car, I ride in a jet, my children will ride in cars, my grandchildren will ride on camels. —Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum; Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates from 1979 to 1990 and Emir (Ruler) of Dubai

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