Las Sendas

What Kind of Place Is This?

Las Sendas occupies 1,800 acres of Sonoran Desert terrain in northeast Mesa, pressed against the western flank of the Usery Mountains. The name means "the paths" in Spanish, and the community's 14 internal trails thread through preserved desert washes and saguaro-studded hillsides. The elevation sits at roughly 1,800 feet above sea level, approximately 550-600 feet above the valley floor, which translates to cooler temperatures (by a few degrees) and sweeping views of the metropolitan area below.

The community contains over 40 individually gated enclaves with more than 3,400 homes. Architecture ranges from production-built homes in the mid-$400,000s to fully custom estates exceeding $3 million. Styles lean heavily toward Southwestern and Mediterranean, with stucco exteriors, tile roofs, and earth-tone palettes that blend with the surrounding desert. Lot sizes vary dramatically, from compact patio homes to multi-acre custom parcels in the upper enclaves.

The Physical Environment

Homes range from 1,130 to 9,500 square feet. Construction spans from the mid-1990s through the 2020s, with several enclaves still adding new inventory as recently as 2024. The terrain is hilly, with significant elevation changes between neighborhoods. Streets wind through natural desert corridors, and many homes have unobstructed views of the Superstition Mountains to the east or the Phoenix valley lights to the west. The community is entirely car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 9 out of 100.

Who Thrives Here?

• Residents who want serious desert golf: The Las Sendas Golf Club is an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. design consistently ranked among Arizona's top 10 courses. Membership options range from social to fully refundable, and the course is open for public play as well.
• Residents who prefer gated privacy with community access: The multi-enclave structure means each neighborhood has its own gate, while shared amenities (pools, trails, fitness, dining) are available to all Las Sendas homeowners.
• Residents who want trail access from their front door: Fourteen internal trails connect to the adjacent Usery Mountain Regional Park, which offers another 29+ miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails.
• Residents who want on-site dining without a club membership requirement: The Patio & Grille serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is open to the public, not just members.
• Residents who want a range of price points within one community: The $400K-to-$3M spread means buyers at different budgets can access the same amenity set and location.
• Families with school-age children: Las Sendas is served by Mesa Unified School District. Zaharis Elementary (9410 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207) serves part of the community; specific school assignments vary by address. Use ChooseMesa.org for boundary lookup.

Social Temperature

Las Sendas runs approximately 30 community-wide events per year, including Food Truck Fridays, bingo nights, drive-in movies, and holiday celebrations. Resident-led clubs cover a range of interests: the AZ Corvettes of Las Sendas (driving events and socials), a book club, American Mah Jongg (Thursdays at the Trailhead), Samba card games, and the Ladies of Las Sendas networking group. The community publishes a monthly events email on the first of each month covering all upcoming programming.

Newcomer Integration

The HOA and management company (CCMC) facilitate orientation for new residents, and several clubs explicitly welcome newcomers. That said, with 3,400+ homes spread across 40+ enclaves, the social experience varies significantly by neighborhood. Some enclaves are tightly connected; others are quieter. The sheer size of the community means you will not know most of your neighbors unless you actively participate in clubs and events.

Seasonal Dynamics

Las Sendas does experience seasonal population shifts, though less dramatically than dedicated 55+ communities since it is an all-ages community. During peak season (October through April), programming and amenity usage increase noticeably. Summer months see reduced participation in outdoor activities and events, consistent with the broader East Valley pattern.

Governance Reality

Las Sendas Community Association has a layered governance structure: the master association covers community-wide infrastructure, while individual sub-associations govern each of the 40+ enclaves. Assessments are paid quarterly (due January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1), and fees vary by enclave based on the specific amenities and maintenance obligations of each neighborhood.

Management transitioned to CCMC (Community Association Management, founded 1973) on April 1, 2021. This was a significant change. Prior to professional management, the association experienced operating losses that required borrowing more than $600,000 from reserve funds. Under CCMC, the reserve fund has been rebuilt to approximately $10 million, held in investment accounts with a return target of CPI + 0.5%.

Short-Term Rental Controversy

The most significant governance action in recent years was the 2022 vote to ban short-term rentals. After Arizona's 2016 legislation invalidated the community's original six-month minimum lease policy (because it was in a "good neighbor" policy rather than the CC&Rs), short-term vacation rentals proliferated. The HOA spent $50,000 campaigning for a CC&R amendment to impose a 31-day minimum lease. In May 2022, over 75% of the 3,090 votes cast approved the amendment (2,604 in favor, 486 opposed). This remains a divisive topic, with opponents arguing it infringes on property rights.

Rule Enforcement

Architectural modifications require ARC (Architectural Review Committee) approval. On-street parking is restricted under CC&R Section 3.17, requiring a waiver for any street-parked vehicles. RV, trailer, and boat parking is prohibited in fire lanes and cul-de-sacs.

Fee Trajectory

Quick Stats

Amenities

Location & Medical Access

Medical Access Assessment

Banner Gateway Medical Center, a full-service hospital at Higley Road and US-60 in Gilbert, is approximately 7 miles (12 minutes) from the community entrance. Banner Desert Medical Center in central Mesa provides a second option about 12 miles (18 minutes) away. Mayo Clinic's Scottsdale campus is roughly 25 miles (30 minutes) via the Loop 101/Loop 202 interchange. For emergencies, Banner Gateway is the clear choice given its proximity and full ER capabilities.

Walk Score & Accessibility

With a Walk Score of 9 out of 100, Las Sendas is entirely car-dependent. There is no meaningful public transit access. The nearest grocery stores (Fry's, Safeway) are located along Power Road and Signal Butte Road, about 3-5 miles from the community gates. The community's hillside terrain includes significant grade changes between enclaves, which is worth noting for anyone who prioritizes flat, walkable routes for daily errands.

Summer Reality Check

The honest answer to the question you're afraid to ask: What does July actually feel like in Las Sendas?

Mesa averages 40+ days per year above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Las Sendas sits slightly higher than the valley floor, which means temperatures may run 2-3 degrees cooler than downtown Phoenix on any given day, but make no mistake: July and August are brutal. Expect highs of 108-115 degrees and overnight lows that rarely drop below 85.

Golf course operations shift to dawn tee times in summer, with the first groups out before 6 AM to finish before the worst heat. The Patio & Grille continues year-round service. Pool facilities remain open and see heavier use in summer months, as they become the primary outdoor amenity. Community events shift indoors or to early morning/evening time slots.

Estimated summer electricity costs for a typical Las Sendas home (2,000-3,000 square feet) run $300-$450 per month during June through August, driven primarily by air conditioning. SRP (Salt River Project) provides electricity to this area and offers time-of-use rate plans that can reduce costs if usage is shifted to off-peak hours. Water service is provided by the City of Mesa Water Utility (480-644-2221).

Seasonal departure rates are moderate. Las Sendas is an all-ages community, so the percentage of residents who leave for summer is lower than in dedicated retirement communities, though it is still noticeable.

The First Summer vs. The Second Summer

First-summer residents typically underestimate the cumulative effect of 90+ consecutive days above 100 degrees. The novelty of pool access and early-morning golf wears off when the car steering wheel is too hot to touch at 3 PM. By the second summer, most residents have adjusted their routines: outdoor activity before 8 AM and after 7 PM, errands consolidated to minimize car trips, and an acceptance that June through September is an indoor season. Many second-year residents report that the October-through-May stretch, which is genuinely spectacular, justifies the summer trade-off.

Best For

Residents who want a top-tier desert golf course, mountain-adjacent trails, and gated privacy within reach of the East Valley.

Las Sendas delivers a combination that is hard to replicate elsewhere in the East Valley: a Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course ranked among Arizona's best, direct trail access to Usery Mountain Regional Park, on-site dining, and a multi-enclave gated structure across a wide price range ($400K to $3M). Compared to Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club in Gold Canyon, Las Sendas offers more accessible pricing and a closer commute to Mesa and Scottsdale. Compared to Red Mountain Ranch, Las Sendas has superior golf and newer construction, but at a higher price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Compare Las Sendas

See how Las Sendas stacks up against comparable communities in the Phoenix metro:

• Full comparison table: All communities rated and compared
• Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club — Two Jack Nicklaus courses (private only) and higher price floor, but 20 minutes farther from metro Mesa and Scottsdale.
• Red Mountain Ranch — Similar East Mesa location and gated community with golf, but smaller scale, older construction, and lower price range.
• Eagle Mountain — Comparable golf community in Fountain Hills with mountain views, but smaller (900 homes) and a longer commute to Mesa amenities.
• Sunridge Canyon — Fountain Hills golf community with similar desert terrain and pricing, but without the multi-enclave gated structure.
• Encanterra — Trilogy-branded golf community in San Tan Valley. Lower price point and newer construction, but significantly farther from metro services.
• Firerock Country Club — Smaller gated golf community in Fountain Hills with comparable home quality, but only 450 homes and a more exclusive price range.

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Last updated: March 7, 2026 · Data sources: Maricopa County Assessor, ARMLS, community records, resident forums, Google Reviews (12 sources total)