The once-thriving orange groves of Mesa, Arizona, are rapidly disappearing—giving way to housing developments, industrial parks, and child care centers.
Key Takeaways:
- Dramatic Decline in Citrus Acreage:
- In 2002, Arizona had 28,290 acres of citrus groves. By 2024, only 3,100 acres remained.
- Maricopa County alone dropped from 7,042 acres in 2002 to just over 2,000 in 2007.
- Recent Conversions and Closures:
- Former groves have been cleared for Brightpath Childcare, Greenfield Industrial, and subdivisions like Tyler Ranch.
- The historic B&B Citrus and Burden Orchards have closed or sold land for residential use.
- Remaining Pockets of Tradition:
- The Freeman family’s Orange Patch has been downsized repeatedly and may shrink further as land is listed for sale.
- The Orange Grove, a 5-acre family-run operation, is now more focused on agritainment, drawing snowbirds and community volunteers.
- Economic Pressures:
- Rising costs for water, labor, and fertilizer are pushing owners to sell.
- Lack of local packing facilities and labor shortages add to the challenges.
- Future Outlook:
- Mayor Mark Freeman noted that Mesa still owns 80 acres of citrus near Falcon Field Airport, primarily as a safety buffer.
- Even dedicated families like the Harbertsons are unsure how long they can hold out.
For Real Estate Investors:
- Land Use Shift: Mesa is a textbook case of agriculture making way for residential and commercial growth. This signals development potential.
- Agritainment Demand: There’s still interest in small-scale, experience-driven citrus operations, which could represent niche investment opportunities.
- Timing the Market: As more groves are sold off, land scarcity could drive up prices. Investors eyeing infill opportunities should act soon.