Mesa is a popular suburb of Phoenix thanks to a vibrant downtown and a booming economy (including a possible expansion for a second light rail system). Mesa was also named one of the safest cities in the U.S. The area is bursting with health-conscious residents taking advantage of countless outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, golfing, and kayaking in the Sonoran rivers.

When working to maintain an active lifestyle, it isn’t always easy to find restaurants that provide healthy options. Luckily, there are neighborhoods in Mesa with many establishments that focus on healthy eating. If you’re looking for areas with like-minded residents and health-conscious eateries, these might be for you. 

Dana Ranch

Photo courtesy of Nekter Juice Bar 

Ideally located near Superstition Freeway with homes typically ranging between the high $100s and the low $400s, theDana Ranchneighborhood has multiple options for healthy eating within several blocks.

Mad Greens at Dana Park Village Shops is a counter-service eatery offering soups and salads prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Their website provide a nutrition calculator for their delectable dishes like the Buddha Bowl (spinach, pumpkin seeds, edamame, and tofu coated in a Portuguese spice rub made from crushed red chilies and sweet paprika). Seed Shack offers American/Asian fusion vegan cuisine with seasonal herbs and ingredients. Try their Beet Burger with guacamole and sweet potato fries. For a little more upscale, Rodizio Grill is a gourmet Brazilian steakhouse with a salad bar offering over 30 salads made fresh daily. Or if you’re just looking for a light pick-me-up after workout, head to Nekter Juice Bar for specialty drinks, juice cleanses, and health-conscious snacks.

Dobson Ranch

Mediterranean dish / shutterstock

Dobson Ranch is a colorful master-planned community offering residents single-family homes and condos between $70,000 and $498,000 with waterfront views. The community refers to itself as “The Best Place to Live,” thanks to a collection of amenities for active residents. The community also happens to be in a great location for healthy dining.

Fresh Millions offers a variety of hot bowls, wraps, salads, and vegan options. Green Corner serves Mediterranean cuisine with vegetarian dishes like their plate of falafel, hummus, tabouleh salad, baba ghannoug, and stuffed grape leaves for $8.99. In a hurry, use the drive-thru at Salad and Go to grab a quick wrap or salad (try their Mixed Greens and Apple salad or the Caprese salad). And for modern riffs on Vietnamese staples, head to one of many health-conscious Asian eateries in the area. Pho Number One has an impressive selection of Asian salads and vermicelli bowls for under $10.00.

Las Sendas

Vegan burgers / Shutterstock

Boasting a high-ranking golf course, community centers, parks, and trailheads, La Sendasis a luxury community with homes currently listed between $263,990 and $2,820,000. Despite plenty of big chain restaurants offering healthy sandwich options, it’s the locally owned restaurants with the freshest ingredients that make this neighborhood stand out.

Zushi Japanese Bistro offers bento box specials for lunch and vegetarian options like Vegetable Teppan. What’s Crackin Cafe serves all-day brunch with full vegan and vegetarian menus offering options like southwest fare, traditional breakfasts, vegan burgers, and fresh salads. Thai Patio offers gourmet salads, a variety of vegetarian dishes, and hearty soups. Those preferring spicy dishes should try their Spicy Eggplant or Spicy Basil entrees.

Leisure World

Asian vegetarian dish / Shutterstock

Though this community accepts residents as young as 45, the majority are 55 and over. Leisure World is known for it’s small-town feel with homes ranging between $115,000 to $475,000, but the residents also have a large appetite for action, which can be seen daily at one of the 12 man-made lakes or the tennis, pickleball, bocce, and basketball courts. With quick access to Route 60 and Loop 202, the dining options are exponential. However residents don’t need to stray too far, since healthy options are just down the street.

Cafe 8 is popular for there gluten-free options as well as their Mediterranean dishes and memorable soups. Green Tea and Thai Plates Cuisine both offer Asian vegetarian fare. And for ambiance, head to Annabelle’s for a variety of salads, appetizers, soups, and vegetarian options while overlooking lush green fairways.

Fuller Ranch

Sea-food dish / Shutterstock

This established neighborhood offers homes between $238,000 and $274,900, and Fuller Ranch is surrounded by multiple parks, making this a great neighborhood for young families. Centrally located, the neighborhood also has many healthy dining choices available.

To the south Sekai Sushi offers Japanese bites made with fresh ingredients while India’s Oven offers over a dozen vegetable-based dishes. Further south, you can try Flaming Kabob for many vegetarian dishes, from Spinach Pie to Gallaya[3] . And to the north, Seafood-lovers will appreciate Salvadoreno Restaurant offering Salvadorian spiced dishes, like their Ceviche de Camaron, and many salads to choose from.