Dobson Ranch

Mesa, AZ

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$468,806 (Feb 2025)
Median Home Price
55–60 (car-dependent but bikeable, some walkable pockets)
Walkability Score
Public schools rated average to above average; Franklin at Alma and Summit Academy are highly regarded.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Baseline Rd (north), Guadalupe Rd (south), Alma School Rd (east), Price Fwy/Loop 101 (west)

Zip Codes

85202

Market Data Summary

Price Range$400,000–$550,000 for most single-family homes; condos/townhomes from $250,000+
Price per Sq Ft$258 (June 2025)
Inventory Levels102 homes for sale (Apr 2025), up from 95 in Mar 2025; 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom inventory rising, 3-bedroom slightly down[2].

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family detachedTownhomesCondosPatio homes

Architectural Styles

RanchContemporary SouthwestMid-century modern (select homes)

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.15–0.25 acres for single-family homes
Home Age RangeBuilt 1970s–1980s, some updated/remodeled
Construction QualityGenerally solid, established builds; many homes updated with modern finishes.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of families, professionals, and retirees; strong community engagement.

Community Vibe

Active, welcoming, and established; pride of ownership is evident.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees
  • Long-term residents

Family Friendly

Very family-friendly, with parks, lakes, and community events.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Dobson Ranch Park
  • Lakes and greenbelts
  • Community pools
  • Tennis and pickleball courts

Dining Options

  • Casual dining (Mexican, pizza, Asian)
  • Chain restaurants
  • Local cafes

Shopping Centers

  • Dobson Ranch Shopping Center
  • Fiesta Mall area (redevelopment ongoing)
  • Grocery stores (Fry’s, Safeway)

Local Businesses

  • Dobson Ranch Golf Course
  • Local coffee shops
  • Fitness centers
  • Medical offices

Education & Schools

Public schools rated average to above average; Franklin at Alma and Summit Academy are highly regarded.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Washington Elementary
  • Franklin at Alma Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Rhodes Junior High

High Schools

  • Dobson High School

Private Schools

  • Summit Academy
  • St. Timothy Catholic School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Valley Metro bus routes along Dobson Rd, Alma School Rd, Baseline Rd

Major Roads

  • Dobson Rd
  • Alma School Rd
  • Baseline Rd
  • Guadalupe Rd
  • Loop 101 (Price Fwy)

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–25 min to downtown Tempe, 25–35 min to downtown Phoenix, 10–15 min to ASU Main Campus.
WalkabilityModerate; most errands require a car, but parks and schools are accessible by bike or foot in some areas.
ParkingAmple street and driveway parking; most homes have garages.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Move-up buyers
  • Young families
  • Retirees downsizing
  • Investors seeking stable cash flow

Key Selling Points

  • Established community with mature landscaping
  • Access to lakes, parks, and recreation
  • Strong rental demand
  • Central location with easy freeway access

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively due to increased inventory; updated homes command premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Homes are older and may need updates.

Response Strategy:

Highlight recent remodels, solid construction, and potential for value-add improvements.

Objection: HOA fees and restrictions.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize the amenities and security provided by the HOA, and compare fees to similar communities.

Objection: Some areas have traffic noise.

Response Strategy:

Show homes on quieter streets or with upgraded windows/landscaping for noise mitigation.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate; stable long-term growth with recent slight price softening, but strong fundamentals due to location and amenities[1][4].

Rental Demand

Consistently strong, especially for updated homes and those near parks/schools.

Buyer Competition

Moderate; more inventory in 2025 has eased bidding wars, but desirable homes still move quickly.

Best For

  • Long-term investors
  • Owner-occupants seeking community amenities
  • Families

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may need updates
  • HOA fees and rules
  • Some homes near busy roads

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage community events and HOA resources to connect with buyers.

2

Emphasize Dobson Ranch’s unique lakes and recreation in marketing.

3

Prepare for questions about home age and HOA—have update/fee info ready.

4

Network with local schools and businesses to attract relocating families.

5

Stage homes to highlight indoor-outdoor living and community amenities.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Eastmark
  • Red Mountain Ranch
  • Alta Mesa

Market Positioning

Best value for established amenities and location in Mesa; appeals to buyers seeking community feel over new construction.

Competitive Advantages

  • Central location
  • Mature landscaping and lakes
  • Lower price point than newer master-planned communities

Price Comparison

Dobson Ranch median ($468,806) is below Eastmark and Red Mountain Ranch, which have higher price points and newer homes[1].

Investment Metrics

4.5–5.5% for single-family rentals (2025 est.)
Cap Rates
5–6% gross yield for updated homes
Rental Yields
~17–19 (favorable for buy-and-hold investors)
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible with 20% down on updated homes; best for long-term holds.
Cash Flow
Modest 2–3% annual appreciation expected over next 3–5 years, barring major market shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Affordable entry point, strong community, but may need to budget for updates.

Move-Up Buyers

Larger lots and homes, access to amenities, good schools.

Downsizers

Low-maintenance options (condos, patio homes), active social scene.

Investors

Strong rental demand, stable returns, value-add opportunities in older homes.

Relocators

Central location, easy freeway access, established neighborhood culture.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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