Why Move to East Valley, Arizona? Your Ultimate Guide to Living in the Valley of the Sun

Posted by Anna on August 18, 2025

Real Estate

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If you’re considering moving to Arizona, the East Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area offers an unbeatable mix of suburban comfort, economic opportunity, excellent schools, and a vibrant lifestyle. The East Valley is more than just a collection of cities; it’s a region full of diverse communities, beautiful landscapes, and exciting possibilities.

From Mesa’s historic charm to Gilbert’s family-friendly neighborhoods, from Chandler’s tech-driven economy to Queen Creek’s spacious ranch-style living, the East Valley is a place where your dream home and lifestyle can become reality.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll discover why East Valley Arizona is attracting homebuyers, investors, and families from across the country. Let’s dive into the key reasons to consider making the East Valley your next home.

What is East Valley Arizona?

The East Valley is the eastern portion of the Greater Phoenix area. It includes these major cities and communities:

Mesa
Gilbert
Chandler
Queen Creek
Apache Junction
Tempe (sometimes considered part of East Valley)
Ahwatukee (southern Phoenix neighborhood often linked to East Valley)

These cities and towns are linked by common regional development, transportation infrastructure, and economic interdependence. Together, they form a thriving region known for livability and growth.

1. Thriving, Diverse Economy with Strong Job Opportunities

One of the main reasons people choose East Valley is the robust economy with diverse industries. Unlike some parts of the country reliant on a single sector, East Valley’s economy spans multiple thriving fields:

Technology & Semiconductor Industry

The East Valley is home to major semiconductor manufacturers, including Intel’s massive fabs in Chandler and Ocotillo, which employ thousands of high-skilled workers. This tech hub is a major draw for engineers, IT professionals, and skilled trades.

Healthcare

Healthcare is a cornerstone industry, with Banner Health, Dignity Health, and other medical centers providing numerous jobs. The region also has growing healthcare tech startups, combining medicine and technology.

Aerospace and Defense

Chandler and Mesa host facilities for aerospace giants like Boeing and Raytheon, supporting high-tech manufacturing and defense projects.

Education and Research

East Valley boasts campuses such as Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus in Mesa, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and multiple trade schools, helping fuel the local talent pipeline.

Retail and Services

With fast population growth, retail centers, restaurants, and service businesses flourish, creating many entry-level and managerial jobs.

Economic Development and Business Climate

Local governments actively encourage business growth, offering incentives, and supporting infrastructure improvements, making East Valley a hotspot for startups and established companies alike.

2. Cities and Communities: Distinctive Neighborhoods for Every Lifestyle

Mesa – The Heart of East Valley

As Arizona’s third-largest city, Mesa has a rich history and vibrant culture. Its downtown is undergoing revitalization, becoming a cultural hub with theaters, galleries, and a lively dining scene. Mesa is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and excellent public parks, like Red Mountain Park.

Mesa offers a mix of affordable homes and established neighborhoods with mature trees and schools. It appeals to first-time buyers and growing families who want space and amenities.

Gilbert – The Town with a Small-Town Feel

Gilbert is renowned for its suburban charm combined with rapid growth. Known as one of the safest cities in America, Gilbert has earned praise for its outstanding schools, award-winning parks, and community events like Gilbert Days.

Master-planned communities such as Agritopia (an agrihood with working farms and artisan markets) and Power Ranch make Gilbert a model for innovative residential living.

Chandler – A High-Tech Hub

Chandler balances suburban living with a thriving tech economy. It is home to Intel’s campuses, plus a strong retail scene with malls, restaurants, and entertainment centers. Chandler’s neighborhoods range from family-friendly to luxury golf course communities like Ocotillo.

The city also has great schools and amenities, with numerous community events that foster a strong sense of belonging.

Queen Creek – Spacious Living with a Rural Touch

For those who prefer larger lots, open space, and a quieter lifestyle, Queen Creek is ideal. This fast-growing town offers ranch-style homes, equestrian properties, and a strong agricultural heritage.

Despite its rural feel, Queen Creek is still close enough to East Valley job centers and shopping hubs, offering the best of both worlds.

Ahwatukee – A Mountain-Backed Neighborhood

Though technically part of Phoenix, Ahwatukee is often associated with the East Valley. Nestled at the base of South Mountain, it’s known for scenic views, hiking trails, and a cozy neighborhood atmosphere with excellent schools.

Ahwatukee offers many single-family homes and townhomes in planned communities, perfect for families and retirees.

Tempe – A College Town with Urban Vibe

Home to Arizona State University, Tempe is an energetic city blending student life, cultural attractions, and business. Tempe’s Mill Avenue district is a hotspot for nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. It attracts young professionals and academics alike.

3. Top-Rated Schools and Educational Opportunities

East Valley’s reputation for excellent education is a major draw for families. The region is served by multiple highly rated school districts, including:

Gilbert Public Schools: Known for high academic performance and extracurricular offerings. Many schools earn A+ ratings.
Chandler Unified School District: One of Arizona’s largest districts with STEM programs and award-winning schools.
Mesa Public Schools: Offers diverse academic programs and strong special education resources.
Queen Creek Unified School District: Growing with the town, known for innovative programs and community involvement.
Tempe Union High School District: Serves the Tempe area with well-ranked high schools.
Kyrene School District: Serves parts of Ahwatukee with a focus on student success and engagement.

Higher Education

East Valley is home to important institutions:

Arizona State University (ASU) – Polytechnic campus in Mesa offers cutting-edge engineering, business, and technology programs.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College – Provides accessible higher education and vocational training.
Other private and technical schools offer career-focused training programs.

4. Affordable Housing and Growing Real Estate Market

The East Valley’s real estate market provides a wide variety of housing options:

Single-family homes in established and new neighborhoods.
Master-planned communities with parks, pools, and walking trails.
Luxury estates and golf course homes in Chandler and Gilbert.
Townhomes and condominiums for low-maintenance living.
Ranch-style properties and larger lots in Queen Creek.

Compared to many other parts of the country, East Valley homes are affordable, with competitive pricing and strong potential for appreciation. The region’s steady population growth fuels demand for housing, making it attractive for both homeowners and real estate investors.

5. Outdoor Recreation and Natural Beauty

The East Valley’s location at the edge of the Sonoran Desert offers stunning landscapes and year-round outdoor activities:

Parks and Trails

Over 135 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and running.
Usery Mountain Regional Park and San Tan Mountain Regional Park provide hiking, picnicking, and nature observation.
Family-friendly parks with playgrounds, splash pads, and sports facilities.

Golf

East Valley features several championship golf courses:

Ocotillo Golf Club in Chandler.
Seville Golf & Country Club in Gilbert.
Numerous private and public courses for every skill level.

Water Recreation

Nearby lakes like Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake offer boating, fishing, and kayaking adventures.

Climate

East Valley enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine annually with mild winters, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

6. Safe, Family-Friendly Communities

East Valley cities consistently rank as some of the safest places in Arizona. Gilbert, for example, has repeatedly been recognized as one of the safest cities in the nation. These low crime rates, combined with family-focused amenities, create peaceful neighborhoods where children can play freely, and adults feel secure.

Communities emphasize neighborhood watch programs, community events, and city services focused on safety and wellbeing.

7. Convenient Location and Transportation

East Valley residents enjoy convenient access to major highways:

Loop 101 and Loop 202 connect East Valley cities internally and to Phoenix.
US-60 (Superstition Freeway) serves the area.
Easy access to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport within 20-30 minutes.
Expanding public transit options like Valley Metro Light Rail connect Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix.

This connectivity makes commuting straightforward whether you work in downtown Phoenix, Tempe

Prerana “Anna” Purohit

REALTOR^®

I am passionate about delivering outstanding service with the utmost professionalism to every client I work with. Whether you are buying, selling or simply exploring options, I am here to guide you every step of the way. I’m here to make your real estate journey as smooth and rewarding as possible!

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