Gateway Area
Where Momentum Takes Flight, Opportunity Finds Its Address, and Retail Comes Alive
The Gateway Area, anchored by Mesa Gateway Airport and the master-planned communities of, Eastmark and Cadence, is one of Mesa’s fastest-growing districts. Arizona Athletic Grounds a major sports and entertainment complex, attracts millions of visitors annually for tournaments and events.
Rapid employment growth, driven by numerous industrial and advanced manufacturing projects, continues to fuel the area’s momentum. This rapidly growing employment hub brings thousands of workers, residents, and visitors to the area each day, creating strong demand for retail, dining, hospitality, and lifestyle amenities. Affluent young professionals and families are drawn to the area’s vibrant lifestyle, seeking walkable, day-to-night retail and dining experiences.
Real Estate Stats
107K
available retail (SF)
– CoStar Analytics, December, 2025
11.4%
vacancy rate
– CoStar Analytics, December, 2025
$29.01
market rent (PSF)
– CoStar Analytics, December, 2025
$372
market sales (PPSF)
– CoStar Analytics, December, 2025
Key Area Employers
500 employees
475 employees
431 employees
400 employees
150 employees
Source: Maricopa Association of Governments – July 2025
Demographics Trade Area*
*Dotted line indicates district trade area.
| 2026 | 231,905 |
| 2031 | 248,874 |
| Median Age | 36 |
| Average Age | 37 |
| 1 Mile | 15,922 |
| 3 Miles | 39,578 |
| 5 Miles | 122,286 |
| Average HH | $168,564 |
| Median HH | $132,476 |
Demographic and Traffic Count Sources: ESRI, City of Mesa – 2026
Visitor Highlights
$124K
Average income of visitors in Gateway Area
– Placer.AI 2025
188
Min
Average time spent at area shopping locales
– Placer.AI 2025
2M
Amount of Out of Market visitors annually
– Placer.AI 2025
10M
Unique visits annually to area shopping locales
– Placer.AI 2025
Major Retailers
Gateway Area Has a Place for You
A Ready Market
Southeast Mesa’s fast-growing population is matched by an increase in high-quality jobs, creating strong demand for retail, dining, and service businesses throughout the Gateway Area.
Placemaking Momentum
With established retail, sports, and entertainment destinations already in place and additional projects planned, the Gateway Area presents an exceptional opportunity for new and expanding concepts.
A Partner in Retail Growth
Mesa supports retail growth in the Gateway Area through direct collaboration with business owners, developers, and property managers. From site selection and permitting to operational support, the City helps businesses open, expand, and succeed.
We’re here to help businesses grow – with purpose and partnership.