Dobson Ranch, Mesa.
A 1973 lake community
on an old cattle ranch.
Dobson Ranch is a planned lake community in Mesa, built from 1973 on land that was a Dobson family cattle ranch in the early 1900s. Its homeowners association calls itself the largest in Mesa and runs two recreation centers, La Casita and Saratoga.
Dobson Ranch on the map
Boundary from the City of Mesa neighborhoods and HOAs map (Dobson Ranch Association). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
A planned community built around lakes
Dobson Ranch is a planned community in Mesa. Its homeowners association says homes and lakes were built starting in 1973, and that it became the largest homeowners association in Mesa.
Housing includes single-family homes, condominiums and townhomes, laid out around a lakes theme. A condominium is a unit in a building where the owner holds title to the unit and a share of the common areas. A townhome is an attached home on its own lot.
The association marks its 50th anniversary and runs two recreation centers, La Casita and Saratoga.
The Dobson ranch
The association says the land was a large cattle ranch in the early 1900s, managed by Wilson Wesley Dobson and John Henry Dobson.
The City of Tempe's history museum records that Wilson Wesley Dobson arrived in the Salt River Valley in 1886, homesteaded 160 acres near Mesa and later built his holdings to 640 acres. He was president of the Utah Canal Company, an original incorporator of the Salt River Valley Water Users Association, and served in the Fourth Arizona Legislature, 1919 to 1920.
The Arizona Department of Transportation notes that Dobson Road is named for Cliff Dobson, who co-owned the Baseline Cattle Company and the Sheep Springs Sheep Company, both started in the early 1900s.
Golf, a library and two recreation centers
The association notes a municipal complex inside the community with a police substation, a fire station, a library branch and a lakeside park.
- Dobson Ranch Golf Course, 2155 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, AZ 85202.An 18-hole, par 72 course of 6,712 yards, open to the public since 1974. The City of Mesa lists it under Activities and Culture with Mesa Parks and Recreation as the contact. Course site
- Dobson Ranch Library, 2425 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, AZ 85202.A Mesa Public Library branch. Library page
- La Casita and Saratoga recreation centers.The association's two recreation centers, which host its classes and events.
Distances to nearby landmarks
Distances below are straight-line miles from Dobson Ranch Golf Course, using coordinates published by the City of Mesa. Driving distances are longer. The association notes the community sits next to two freeways.
Arizona State University, Tempe
About 4 miles.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
About 9 miles.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
About 14 miles.
Dobson Ranch, answered
Where is Dobson Ranch?
Dobson Ranch is a planned community in Mesa, Arizona. The Dobson Ranch Golf Course at 2155 S. Dobson Rd. sits inside it.
When was Dobson Ranch built?
The homeowners association says homes and lakes were built starting in 1973.
Why is it called Dobson Ranch?
The land was a cattle ranch in the early 1900s managed by Wilson Wesley Dobson and John Henry Dobson. Wilson Wesley Dobson arrived in the Salt River Valley in 1886.
What kinds of homes are in Dobson Ranch?
Single-family homes, condominiums and townhomes, laid out around a lakes theme.
Is there a golf course in Dobson Ranch?
Yes. Dobson Ranch Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 course at 2155 S. Dobson Rd., open to the public since 1974.
Is there a library in Dobson Ranch?
Yes. The Dobson Ranch Library, a Mesa Public Library branch, is at 2425 S. Dobson Rd.
Does Dobson Ranch have an HOA?
Yes. The Dobson Ranch homeowners association runs the La Casita and Saratoga recreation centers and says it is the largest homeowners association in Mesa.
How far is Dobson Ranch from Sky Harbor Airport?
About 9 miles in a straight line from Dobson Ranch Golf Course.
Looking at Dobson Ranch?
Build year, lot size and whether a home is a condo, townhome or detached house all sit in the county records. Send me the addresses and I will pull them. Text 480-485-4261.
Own a home in Dobson Ranch? See what the county has on file and get a real value. Looking? Search homes for sale.
Sources: Dobson Ranch homeowners association, Tempe History Museum, Wilson Wesley Dobson, Arizona Department of Transportation, How some US 60 cross streets got their names, Dobson Ranch Golf Course, City of Mesa, Dobson Ranch Golf Course event page and coordinates, Mesa Public Library, Dobson Ranch Library, coordinates for Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and the ASU Tempe campus from Wikipedia. All checked 28 October 2026.