The Citrus Sub-Area: Large Lots, Custom Homes & Unique Citrus Groves

What do these areas in Mesa have in common? Mesa Grande in northwestern Mesa. Central Broadway in west central Mesa. Williams Field in the southeast corner of Mesa. Falcon Field in eastern Mesa. The Desert Uplands in northeast Mesa. The Lehi area in north central Mesa. And finally, the Citrus Area in Northeast Mesa.

All have been designated as special sub-areas in the Mesa 2025 General Plan which aims to promote Mesa’s identity by encouraging the revitalization, preservation or development of the unique character or history of these seven locations. Today, we'll be focusing on the Citrus Sub-Area.

The approximately three square mile Citrus Sub-Area boasts of a rural citrus character owing to its history of farming which enjoyed steady growth until urbanization expanded in Mesa in 1980. The Mesa 2025 General Plan aims to preserve the citrus character of the area with a predominantly R1-35 zoning which allows for suburban low-density housing with a minimum lot size of 35,000 square feet or larger. This R1-35 zoning prevents urban and agriculture land use conflicts by providing a transitioning buffer between rural and urban residential land uses. This continued policy of low-density development and the strict retention of flood-irrigated citrus trees also helps in maintaining the Citrus Sub-Area's microclimate which is 10 to 15 degrees cooler at night than the nearby desert areas.

Area homeowners are also determined in preserving the identity of the Citrus Sub-Area complemented by its low-density residential development. Hence, they have an adamant position against retail and commercial developments such as gas stations and fast food businesses, which might increase noise and traffic congestion or decrease property values. Office development under the so-called O-S zoning are deemed acceptable but only under special conditions.

And to reflect the sub-area it now covers, the Northeast Mesa Homeowners Association which was formed in the late 1970's has recently changed its name to the Citrus Area Homeowners (CAH).

Two public schools are found within the Citrus Sub-Area, Ishikawa Elementary and Stapley Junior High, while Hale Elementary and Bush Elementary partially serve the sub-area. Although no high school is within the boundary of the sub-area, Mountain View High School is located close by the corner of Brown Road and Lindsay Road.

In addition, Mesa’s Falcon Field Airport is just outside of the Citrus Sub-Area as airport officials supported low-density development around the Airport for safety reasons.

A quiet single residential district of large lots and custom homes surrounded by unique citrus groves- definitely a sweet escape from the dense urban development you might've been used to. If this feels like home to you, then come see for yourself what the Citrus Sub-Area offers for you and your new life in the Valley!
 

The Citrus Sub-Area: Large Lots, Custom Homes & Unique Citrus Groves