Living in the East Valley: Best Neighborhoods for Families & Retirees
The East Valley—encompassing vibrant cities like Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley—has become one of Arizona’s top destinations for both growing families and active retirees. With beautiful weather, excellent schools, and a mix of new developments and established communities, it offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
Here’s your local guide to the best neighborhoods in the East Valley for raising kids or enjoying retirement.
👨👩👧👦 Top Neighborhoods for Families
1. Eastmark (Mesa)
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Why Families Love It: Award-winning community planning, tons of green space, and its own K–12 schools including BASIS Mesa and Sequoia Pathfinder Academy.
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Amenities: Splash pads, community events, skate park, and The Mark community center.
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Bonus: Easy access to the 202 and 60 for commuting parents.
2. Power Ranch (Gilbert)
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Why Families Love It: A master-planned community with lakes, trails, and excellent Gilbert schools.
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Amenities: Multiple clubhouses, pools, playgrounds, and year-round family-friendly events.
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Bonus: Consistently ranked one of the top neighborhoods in Arizona for families.
3. Layton Lakes (Chandler/Gilbert Border)
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Why Families Love It: A quiet, upscale community with scenic walking paths and high-performing schools nearby.
-
Amenities: Splash pads, sport courts, greenbelts, and pet-friendly parks.
-
Bonus: Close to great dining and shopping while still feeling suburban and calm.
4. Queen Creek Station (Queen Creek)
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Why Families Love It: New builds with large lots, newer schools, and a growing list of local amenities.
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Amenities: A family-focused atmosphere with plenty of parks and proximity to Schnepf Farms and the QC Olive Mill.
-
Bonus: Queen Creek’s small-town feel with modern conveniences.
🌅 Top Neighborhoods for Retirees
1. Sunland Springs Village (Mesa)
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Why Retirees Love It: A 55+ golf course community with active social clubs and low-maintenance living.
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Amenities: Fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis, and pickleball.
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Bonus: Close to shopping and medical centers with beautiful views of the Superstition Mountains.
2. Trilogy at Power Ranch (Gilbert)
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Why Retirees Love It: One of the East Valley’s premier 55+ communities with a resort-style lifestyle.
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Amenities: Clubhouses, golf course, cafes, and wellness programs.
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Bonus: It's gated, quiet, and packed with social events for residents.
3. Encanterra® Country Club (San Tan Valley)
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Why Retirees Love It: Though technically open to all ages, many 55+ buyers are drawn here for its resort-style vibe and high-end amenities.
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Amenities: Alvea Spa, La Casa clubhouse, fine dining, and a private golf course.
-
Bonus: Lock-and-leave options make it perfect for snowbirds or travel lovers.
4. Solera at Johnson Ranch (San Tan Valley)
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Why Retirees Love It: Affordable and peaceful, Solera offers everything from mountain views to community events.
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Amenities: 18-hole golf course, fitness center, craft clubs, and walking trails.
-
Bonus: Surrounded by nature and far from the city hustle—but still within reach of conveniences.
🌵 Why the East Valley Appeals to Both Families & Retirees
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Great Healthcare Access: From Banner Gateway to Mercy Gilbert, hospitals and specialists are readily available.
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Outdoor Living: Golf, hiking, biking, and fresh farmers markets make for a healthy, vibrant lifestyle.
-
New Developments: Plenty of new construction options with modern features and energy-efficient homes.
-
Affordability: Compared to Scottsdale or North Phoenix, the East Valley offers more space and value.
-
Community Feel: People are friendly, events are frequent, and there's a strong sense of pride across neighborhoods.
🏁 Ready to Make a Move?
Whether you're starting a family or starting the next chapter of your life, the East Valley has a neighborhood that’s just right for you.
👩💼 At Sold Realty Group by Kristi Damon, we specialize in helping families and retirees find homes that match their lifestyle—whether that’s a quiet cul-de-sac or a bustling community with pickleball and potlucks.
Let’s explore East Valley living together!
📍 www.soldrealtygroupaz.com
📞 (480) 309-4322
✉️ [email protected]
The East Valley—encompassing vibrant cities like Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley—has become one of Arizona’s top destinations for both growing families and active retirees. With beautiful weather, excellent schools, and a mix of new developments and established communities, it offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
Here’s your local guide to the best neighborhoods in the East Valley for raising kids or enjoying retirement.
👨👩👧👦 Top Neighborhoods for Families
1. Eastmark (Mesa)
-
Why Families Love It: Award-winning community planning, tons of green space, and its own K–12 schools including BASIS Mesa and Sequoia Pathfinder Academy.
-
Amenities: Splash pads, community events, skate park, and The Mark community center.
-
Bonus: Easy access to the 202 and 60 for commuting parents.
2. Power Ranch (Gilbert)
-
Why Families Love It: A master-planned community with lakes, trails, and excellent Gilbert schools.
-
Amenities: Multiple clubhouses, pools, playgrounds, and year-round family-friendly events.
-
Bonus: Consistently ranked one of the top neighborhoods in Arizona for families.
3. Layton Lakes (Chandler/Gilbert Border)
-
Why Families Love It: A quiet, upscale community with scenic walking paths and high-performing schools nearby.
-
Amenities: Splash pads, sport courts, greenbelts, and pet-friendly parks.
-
Bonus: Close to great dining and shopping while still feeling suburban and calm.
4. Queen Creek Station (Queen Creek)
-
Why Families Love It: New builds with large lots, newer schools, and a growing list of local amenities.
-
Amenities: A family-focused atmosphere with plenty of parks and proximity to Schnepf Farms and the QC Olive Mill.
-
Bonus: Queen Creek’s small-town feel with modern conveniences.
🌅 Top Neighborhoods for Retirees
1. Sunland Springs Village (Mesa)
-
Why Retirees Love It: A 55+ golf course community with active social clubs and low-maintenance living.
-
Amenities: Fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis, and pickleball.
-
Bonus: Close to shopping and medical centers with beautiful views of the Superstition Mountains.
2. Trilogy at Power Ranch (Gilbert)
-
Why Retirees Love It: One of the East Valley’s premier 55+ communities with a resort-style lifestyle.
-
Amenities: Clubhouses, golf course, cafes, and wellness programs.
-
Bonus: It's gated, quiet, and packed with social events for residents.
3. Encanterra® Country Club (San Tan Valley)
-
Why Retirees Love It: Though technically open to all ages, many 55+ buyers are drawn here for its resort-style vibe and high-end amenities.
-
Amenities: Alvea Spa, La Casa clubhouse, fine dining, and a private golf course.
-
Bonus: Lock-and-leave options make it perfect for snowbirds or travel lovers.
4. Solera at Johnson Ranch (San Tan Valley)
-
Why Retirees Love It: Affordable and peaceful, Solera offers everything from mountain views to community events.
-
Amenities: 18-hole golf course, fitness center, craft clubs, and walking trails.
-
Bonus: Surrounded by nature and far from the city hustle—but still within reach of conveniences.
🌵 Why the East Valley Appeals to Both Families & Retirees
-
Great Healthcare Access: From Banner Gateway to Mercy Gilbert, hospitals and specialists are readily available.
-
Outdoor Living: Golf, hiking, biking, and fresh farmers markets make for a healthy, vibrant lifestyle.
-
New Developments: Plenty of new construction options with modern features and energy-efficient homes.
-
Affordability: Compared to Scottsdale or North Phoenix, the East Valley offers more space and value.
-
Community Feel: People are friendly, events are frequent, and there's a strong sense of pride across neighborhoods.
🏁 Ready to Make a Move?
Whether you're starting a family or starting the next chapter of your life, the East Valley has a neighborhood that’s just right for you.
👩💼 At Sold Realty Group by Kristi Damon, we specialize in helping families and retirees find homes that match their lifestyle—whether that’s a quiet cul-de-sac or a bustling community with pickleball and potlucks.
Let’s explore East Valley living together!
📍 www.soldrealtygroupaz.com
📞 (480) 309-4322
✉️ [email protected]
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