Downtown Gilbert
The Heritage District combines locally known restaurants, nightlife, the Hale Centre Theatre, farmers markets and the town's agricultural roots in a compact destination.
Ask a local expert
Moving to Arizona · East Valley
Find your East Valley.
Compare eight East Valley cities and towns, from established downtowns to desert-edge communities. Explore housing, home-sale prices, schools and the everyday tradeoffs.
Explore 8 communities Photo: Existing ADT Realty site imageThis guide groups Apache Junction, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Tempe. East Valley is a regional label, not a government boundary. Apache Junction and Queen Creek extend into Pinal County. San Tan Valley is nearby but entirely in Pinal County and is shown separately.
One county. Many ways to live.
Explore East Valley.
Search for a community, or open the map. Tap a city or town for photos, home-sale prices and local details.
Explore the mapTap a place to open its guide
Numbers match the list. Zoom with +/−; drag the map to pan. Pins mark approximate representative locations, not downtowns or municipal boundaries. Leader lines separate close neighbors.
County outline: U.S. Census Bureau (2017), generalized via U.S. Atlas. Place points: Census incorporated-place internal points. Some municipalities cross county lines.
A starting point, not a valuationCompare home-sale prices.
Open the city comparison ↓
These are dated market snapshots, not asking prices or the value of a particular home. Property mix and reporting periods matter. Open a source for its exact geography and methodology; do not compare a small sample with a large city as if they were identical.
| City or town | Median sale price | Coverage & period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apache Junction | $415,909 | Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026 | Market data ↗ |
| Chandler | $517,254 | Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026 | Market data ↗ |
| Fountain Hills | $699,667 | Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026 | Market data ↗ |
| Gilbert | $584,722 | Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026 | Market data ↗ |
| Mesa | $454,733 | Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026 | Market data ↗ |
| Queen Creek | $640,694 | Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026 | Market data ↗ |
| Scottsdale | $889,576 | Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026 | Market data ↗ |
| Tempe | $474,274 | Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026 | Market data ↗ |
After the moving truck leavesDowntowns, desert trails & golfOpen the East Valley lifestyle guide ↓
Check current schedules, public access, reservations and trail conditions directly before visiting.
After the moving truck leaves
What will your weekends look like?
Downtowns and districts
Five places locals actually gather.
Downtown Chandler
Historic storefronts, restaurants, breweries, public art and the Chandler Center for the Arts give downtown a walkable core that continues to add events and new development.
Old Town Scottsdale
A larger district spanning galleries, restaurants, nightlife, museums, resorts and Scottsdale Fashion Square—with a very different rhythm by day and after dark.
Downtown Mesa
Light rail, the Mesa Arts Center, museums, restaurants and live music anchor an increasingly active downtown corridor.
Tempe & Town Lake
Mill Avenue, ASU, Tempe Beach Park and Town Lake create the East Valley's most urban mix of events, dining, recreation and transit.
Golf in the Valley
You could play a different course every week.
Resort layouts, desert target golf, traditional parkland courses and municipal options are spread throughout the metro.
TPC ScottsdaleWe-Ko-Pa Golf ClubTalking Stick Golf ClubOcotillo Golf ClubWhirlwind Golf ClubLas Sendas Golf ClubLongbow Golf ClubKierland Golf ClubThe BouldersSan Marcos Golf Course
Signature events
Put these on the calendar.
- Chandler Ostrich FestivalRawhide Western Town & Event Center
- Cactus League Spring TrainingStadiums throughout the Valley
- WM Phoenix OpenTPC Scottsdale
- Barrett-JacksonWestWorld of Scottsdale
- Scottsdale Arabian Horse ShowWestWorld of Scottsdale
- Tempe Festival of the ArtsDowntown Tempe
Sports and concerts
The entire Phoenix metro is part of the lifestyle.
The Valley has hosted multiple Super Bowls, college football national championships and NCAA basketball championships, along with major bowl games, NASCAR weekends and the Cactus League. Some of the largest venues sit west of the East Valley, so event-day drive time matters when comparing locations.
State Farm Stadium
Arizona Cardinals, major concerts and national sporting events
Chase Field
Arizona Diamondbacks and large-scale events
Phoenix's downtown arena
Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and arena concerts
Desert Diamond Arena
Touring concerts, shows and special events
Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Large outdoor concert tours
Arizona Financial Theatre
National touring music and comedy
Mesa Amphitheatre
Outdoor concerts in downtown Mesa
Mullett Arena
ASU sports, hockey and live events in Tempe
Spring-training favorites near the East ValleySloan Park · Scottsdale Stadium · Salt River Fields · Hohokam Stadium · Tempe Diablo Stadium
Outside is a big reason people move here
Mountains, desert trails and water are closer than they look.
Beyond the city limits
A short list for your first year.
Desert and trails
McDowell Sonoran Preserve, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Usery Mountain and South Mountain offer hiking, running, biking and trail riding.
Lakes and rivers
Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake and the Lower Salt River open the door to boating, paddling, fishing and seasonal tubing.
Arts and culture
Mesa Arts Center, Scottsdale Arts, Chandler Center for the Arts, museums and ASU performances bring year-round programming.
Day trips
Sedona, Prescott, Payson and Tucson make practical weekend escapes when you want a change in scenery or temperature.
A second airport worth knowing
Mesa Gateway can save a long drive.
For Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek and San Tan Valley, Mesa Gateway Airport (formerly Phoenix-Mesa Gateway) can be considerably more convenient. It serves fewer destinations than Sky Harbor, but southeastern East Valley residents should check both airports before booking.
The complete city directoryAll communities, at your pace.
Open the text-only city directory ↓
All city profiles are available below, including without JavaScript. Use the map’s pop-up profiles for a quick comparison, or open a city here to read at your own pace.
Apache JunctionEast Valley
Apache Junction combines an established Apache Trail downtown with desert open space and newer master-planned development at Blossom Rock. Its city parks and nearby Superstition-area trails are useful reference points when comparing locations.
Housing
Compare established Apache Trail neighborhoods with newer Blossom Rock development. The city general plan describes conventional homes alongside manufactured-home and RV communities; verify property type, land ownership and community terms.
Commute & access
Compare routes toward Mesa, US 60 and your actual workplace. Check both Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway flight options; no single drive time applies to the whole city.
Schools
District examples: Apache Junction Unified School District. Confirm the exact address with the school district. Municipal and mailing boundaries do not determine school assignment; use the linked county maps and Arizona School Report Cards.
Places to know
- Painted Sky Park — A public park with a fishing lake, walking paths, adventure playground, dog park and game courts.
- Silly Mountain and city open-space trails — The city identifies Silly Mountain's desert trails and multi-purpose trails on its east and north sides; check heat and trail conditions before setting out.
- Apache Creek Golf Club — A desert-style course in Apache Junction that also hosts city adult golf leagues.
Keep in mind
- Apache Junction extends into both Maricopa and Pinal counties; verify the parcel county and city boundary for a specific property.
- The popup covers the whole municipality, including its Pinal County portion; the map point is not the Maricopa-only portion.
- The sale median reflects Redfin’s market boundary and the mix of homes sold; it is not an individual-property valuation or a current asking price.
- Verify property-level HOA terms, utilities, flood information and permitted uses before committing. Golf access and fees must be confirmed with the operator.
$415,909 median sale price · Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026. Source and market boundaries →
City voting information: Pinal and Maricopa county polling places ↗Concentrated Downtown Master Plan Update 2024 ↗Painted Sky Park ↗New Resident Page ↗Apache Creek Golf Club ↗City youth and adult sports ↗City schools directory ↗Apache Junction General Plan 2020-2050 ↗Arizona Department of Education: School Report Cards ↗Phoenix Sky Harbor: Maps and Directions ↗Mesa Gateway Airport ↗Maricopa County school district maps — verify the exact address ↗AZ511 — current road conditions ↗U.S. Census — 2025 representative place coordinates ↗Redfin Apache Junction market — three months ending september 2026, all home types ↗
Explore buying power in Apache Junction →ChandlerEast Valley
Chandler offers a historic downtown, distinct employment districts and outdoor destinations such as Veterans Oasis Park. Compare the downtown area, Price Corridor and other city districts against your own daily destinations.
Housing
Compare the downtown area with locations near Price Corridor and other employment districts. Existing home condition, association fees and the route to work can matter more than a citywide median.
Commute & access
Map your workplace within Price Corridor or the wider Valley first. Compare the local-street portion of each route as well as freeway access and Sky Harbor directions.
Schools
District examples: Chandler Unified School District; Kyrene School District; Tempe Union High School District; Mesa Public Schools; Gilbert Public Schools. Confirm the exact address with the school district. Municipal and mailing boundaries do not determine school assignment; use the linked county maps and Arizona School Report Cards.
Places to know
- Veterans Oasis Park — Wetlands, a community fishing lake and trails offer birding and outdoor recreation in southeast Chandler.
- Downtown Chandler — Explore local shops, dining and city-center gathering places; check individual venues for current hours.
- Ocotillo Golf Club — A 27-hole course in Chandler with public tee-time booking.
Keep in mind
- Maricopa County.
- The sale median reflects Redfin’s market boundary and the mix of homes sold; it is not an individual-property valuation or a current asking price.
- Verify property-level HOA terms, utilities, flood information and permitted uses before committing. Golf access and fees must be confirmed with the operator.
$517,254 median sale price · Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026. Source and market boundaries →
Downtown Chandler ↗Employment and Business Districts ↗Veterans Oasis Park ↗Ocotillo Golf Club ↗Chandler General Plan 2026 Existing Conditions Report ↗Chandler Municipal Airport ↗Arizona Department of Education: School Report Cards ↗Phoenix Sky Harbor: Maps and Directions ↗Maricopa County school district maps — verify the exact address ↗AZ511 — current road conditions ↗U.S. Census — 2025 representative place coordinates ↗Redfin Chandler market — three months ending september 2026, all home types ↗
Explore buying power in Chandler →Fountain HillsEast Valley
Fountain Hills is organized around its namesake fountain and park, with downtown public art, walking spaces and nearby desert recreation. Golf and mountain scenery are part of the town's visitor landscape.
Housing
Compare locations near Fountain Park and downtown with properties farther from the center. For hillside or golf-adjacent homes, check access, maintenance, association rules and any course-related restrictions.
Commute & access
Test trips toward Scottsdale or your other regular destinations from the actual property. Terrain and local-street access can affect the beginning and end of a drive.
Schools
District examples: Fountain Hills Unified School District. Confirm the exact address with the school district. Municipal and mailing boundaries do not determine school assignment; use the linked county maps and Arizona School Report Cards.
Places to know
- Fountain Park — Walking paths, public art, playgrounds and disc golf surround the lake; fountain operation is weather dependent.
- Public Art Walks — Explore the Centennial Circle, Avenue of the Fountains and Fountain Park public-art routes.
- Desert Canyon, Eagle Mountain & Sunridge Canyon — The town's tourism site lists these local golf options. Confirm booking rules and seasonal closures with each course.
Keep in mind
- Incorporated municipality in Maricopa County.
- The sale median reflects Redfin’s market boundary and the mix of homes sold; it is not an individual-property valuation or a current asking price.
- Verify property-level HOA terms, utilities, flood information and permitted uses before committing. Golf access and fees must be confirmed with the operator.
$699,667 median sale price · Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026. Source and market boundaries →
Town of Fountain Hills — Fountain Park ↗Town of Fountain Hills — Public Art ↗Experience Fountain Hills — Downtown ↗Experience Fountain Hills — Golf ↗Town of Fountain Hills — Schools ↗Arizona Department of Education School Report Cards ↗Phoenix Sky Harbor — Maps & Directions ↗Maricopa County school district maps — verify the exact address ↗AZ511 — current road conditions ↗U.S. Census — 2025 representative place coordinates ↗Redfin Fountain Hills market — three months ending september 2026, all home types ↗
Explore buying power in Fountain Hills →GilbertEast Valley
Gilbert's Heritage District provides a downtown dining and arts hub, while the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch supplies a very different outdoor setting. These destinations help orient a home search without treating the whole town as one neighborhood.
Housing
The Heritage District and Water Ranch area provide different starting points for a search. Compare neighborhood age, lot size, HOA terms and the full cost of any community amenities.
Commute & access
Compare the route to your actual Chandler, Mesa or other workplace. Check both Mesa Gateway and Sky Harbor where flight options fit; southeast and central locations differ.
Schools
District examples: Gilbert Public Schools; Higley Unified School District; Chandler Unified School District. Confirm the exact address with the school district. Municipal and mailing boundaries do not determine school assignment; use the linked county maps and Arizona School Report Cards.
Places to know
- Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch — A habitat, water-recharge and recreation site with gardens, educational features and an observatory.
- Heritage District public art — Murals, pocket parks and the illuminated water tower add to a downtown visit.
- Western Skies Golf Club — A Gilbert golf course with a driving range and public play; verify maintenance dates and tee-time availability.
Keep in mind
- Maricopa County.
- The sale median reflects Redfin’s market boundary and the mix of homes sold; it is not an individual-property valuation or a current asking price.
- Verify property-level HOA terms, utilities, flood information and permitted uses before committing. Golf access and fees must be confirmed with the operator.
$584,722 median sale price · Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026. Source and market boundaries →
Gilbert Office of Economic Development: Heritage District ↗Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: About Us ↗Western Skies Golf Club: course ↗Town education and schools directory ↗Arizona Department of Education: School Report Cards ↗Phoenix Sky Harbor: Maps and Directions ↗Mesa Gateway Airport ↗Maricopa County school district maps — verify the exact address ↗AZ511 — current road conditions ↗U.S. Census — 2025 representative place coordinates ↗Redfin Gilbert market — three months ending september 2026, all home types ↗
Explore buying power in Gilbert →MesaEast Valley
Mesa spans a broad East Valley footprint with a downtown arts core, the Asian District in western Mesa and distinct southeast growth areas. Its size makes address-specific travel and school-boundary checks especially useful.
Housing
Downtown, the Asian District and locations farther east create very different search areas. Compare property type, age, community restrictions and the route to work within this extensive city.
Commute & access
Compare west, central and east Mesa routes separately. Check the actual transit connection if that matters, and compare Mesa Gateway with Sky Harbor for your usual flights.
Schools
District examples: Mesa Public Schools; Gilbert Public Schools; Higley Unified School District; Queen Creek Unified School District. Confirm the exact address with the school district. Municipal and mailing boundaries do not determine school assignment; use the linked county maps and Arizona School Report Cards.
Places to know
- Mesa Arts Center — A city-owned performing and visual arts campus in downtown Mesa.
- Dobson Ranch Park — A public park with an inclusive playground, lake and paved walking path.
- Dobson Ranch Golf Course — A Mesa golf option linked from the city's Dobson Ranch Park page; check the course directly for tee times and terms.
Keep in mind
- Maricopa County.
- The sale median reflects Redfin’s market boundary and the mix of homes sold; it is not an individual-property valuation or a current asking price.
- Verify property-level HOA terms, utilities, flood information and permitted uses before committing. Golf access and fees must be confirmed with the operator.
$454,733 median sale price · Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026. Source and market boundaries →
Mesa Arts Center: About Us ↗Mesa Arts Center: Plan a Visit ↗City economic-development office: Asian District ↗Dobson Ranch Park ↗Workforce and Education Development ↗Mesa Gateway Airport ↗Arizona Department of Education: School Report Cards ↗Maricopa County school district maps — verify the exact address ↗AZ511 — current road conditions ↗U.S. Census — 2025 representative place coordinates ↗Redfin Mesa market — three months ending september 2026, all home types ↗
Explore buying power in Mesa →Queen CreekEast Valley
Queen Creek combines a developing Town Center with parks, wash corridors and golf. Its cross-county geography makes exact municipal, county and school boundaries an important part of comparing properties.
Housing
Compare Town Center locations with the Ironwood/Gantzel corridor and other town neighborhoods. For new construction or larger parcels, review total price, remaining development, utilities and association obligations.
Commute & access
Test the full route toward Gilbert, Chandler or your workplace, including local streets. Compare Mesa Gateway and Sky Harbor flight options and allow for road construction.
Schools
District examples: Queen Creek Unified; Chandler Unified; Higley Unified; J.O. Combs Unified; Florence Unified; Coolidge Unified. Confirm the exact address with the school district. Municipal and mailing boundaries do not determine school assignment; use the linked county maps and Arizona School Report Cards.
Places to know
- Mansel Carter Oasis Park — A town recreation destination with a fishing lake; follow current town and state fishing requirements.
- Town Center shopping — Queen Creek Marketplace, QC District and other town-center destinations provide shopping and dining options.
- Las Colinas Golf Club — A public Queen Creek course with a driving range and practice areas.
Keep in mind
- Queen Creek spans Maricopa and Pinal counties. A Queen Creek mailing address alone does not establish town limits or county; verify the parcel.
- The popup covers the whole town, including its Pinal County portion. A Queen Creek mailing address is not sufficient to establish jurisdiction.
- The sale median reflects Redfin’s market boundary and the mix of homes sold; it is not an individual-property valuation or a current asking price.
- Verify property-level HOA terms, utilities, flood information and permitted uses before committing. Golf access and fees must be confirmed with the operator.
$640,694 median sale price · Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026. Source and market boundaries →
About Queen Creek ↗Town Center Plan Update ↗Visit Queen Creek: Shopping ↗Town park lakes ↗Las Colinas Golf Club ↗FY2024/25 Adopted Budget: community profile and school districts ↗Arizona Department of Education: School Report Cards ↗Mesa Gateway Airport ↗Maricopa County school district maps — verify the exact address ↗AZ511 — current road conditions ↗U.S. Census — 2025 representative place coordinates ↗Redfin Queen Creek market — three months ending september 2026, all home types ↗
Explore buying power in Queen Creek →ScottsdaleEast Valley
Scottsdale stretches from Old Town's arts, dining and retail streets to northern desert preserves. Compare those very different settings with actual routes to work, amenities and airports.
Housing
Old Town and northern preserve-edge locations offer different search contexts. Compare property type, association costs, terrain and maintenance requirements; one citywide median cannot describe every area.
Commute & access
Old Town and far-north Scottsdale are not interchangeable commute locations. Test north–south travel and your actual airport route from each candidate address.
Schools
District examples: Scottsdale Unified School District. Confirm the exact address with the school district. Municipal and mailing boundaries do not determine school assignment; use the linked county maps and Arizona School Report Cards.
Places to know
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve — A permanently protected desert landscape with multi-use trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use. Check current closures, heat precautions and trail rules.
- Old Town arts and shopping — Explore downtown galleries, museums and shops using the city's current Old Town resources.
- Scottsdale Country Club — A public club formerly known as Starfire, with an 18-hole course and a shorter course. Verify current names and tee-time options with the operator.
Keep in mind
- Maricopa County. A Scottsdale postal address does not always establish incorporated Scottsdale city limits.
- The sale median reflects Redfin’s market boundary and the mix of homes sold; it is not an individual-property valuation or a current asking price.
- Verify property-level HOA terms, utilities, flood information and permitted uses before committing. Golf access and fees must be confirmed with the operator.
$889,576 median sale price · Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026. Source and market boundaries →
Old Town Business Resources ↗McDowell Sonoran Preserve ↗Scottsdale Country Club ↗Scottsdale Unified: schools and district map ↗Scottsdale Airport: General Information ↗Arizona Department of Education: School Report Cards ↗Phoenix Sky Harbor: Maps and Directions ↗Maricopa County school district maps — verify the exact address ↗AZ511 — current road conditions ↗U.S. Census — 2025 representative place coordinates ↗Redfin Scottsdale market — three months ending september 2026, all home types ↗
Explore buying power in Scottsdale →TempeEast Valley
Tempe pairs the Town Lake and downtown area with established park districts farther south. Rail, streetcar and bus connections provide alternatives worth testing against the precise locations you visit.
Housing
Town Lake/downtown and the Kiwanis Park area are useful contrasting search locations. Compare parking, building or HOA costs, home condition and the actual walking or transit route for each address.
Commute & access
Compare the exact route by car, bicycle or transit rather than assuming every Tempe address has the same connection. Check current service and the airport route for your schedule.
Schools
District examples: Kyrene School District; Tempe Elementary School District; Tempe Union High School District. Confirm the exact address with the school district. Municipal and mailing boundaries do not determine school assignment; use the linked county maps and Arizona School Report Cards.
Places to know
- Tempe Town Lake — An urban waterfront with paths and boating-related recreation; check the city's current boating and activity requirements.
- Kiwanis Park — A large park offering a lake, recreation center, playing fields, courts and a splash playground.
- Ken McDonald Golf Course — One of Tempe's two municipal golf courses.
Keep in mind
- Maricopa County.
- The sale median reflects Redfin’s market boundary and the mix of homes sold; it is not an individual-property valuation or a current asking price.
- Verify property-level HOA terms, utilities, flood information and permitted uses before committing. Golf access and fees must be confirmed with the operator.
$474,274 median sale price · Median sale price · all home types · Three months ending September 2026. Source and market boundaries →
City economic development: Tempe Town Lake ↗Tempe Town Lake facility listing ↗Kiwanis Park ↗City of Tempe golf ↗New Community Member Directory ↗Sky Harbor public transportation ↗Arizona Department of Education: School Report Cards ↗Maricopa County school district maps — verify the exact address ↗AZ511 — current road conditions ↗U.S. Census — 2025 representative place coordinates ↗Redfin Tempe market — three months ending september 2026, all home types ↗
Explore buying power in Tempe →Nearby, outside Maricopa CountyAlso considering San Tan Valley?
A separate Pinal County community ↓
San Tan Valley is an incorporated town in Pinal County—outside Maricopa County. It remains part of the broader southeast-Valley home search for many people.
Compare newer subdivisions and desert-edge housing with the actual drive to work, utilities and school assignment. Districts serving the area include Florence Unified and J.O. Combs Unified; confirm the address with the district.
Pinal County school resources →Read the San Tan Valley guide →
Town status and regional context →
The rest of your move
Know the place.
Plan the practical details.
Plan on a car for most everyday trips in this spread-out region; suburban transit coverage and frequency vary. Use our moving guide to plan an in-person house-hunting visit, test commutes and check utilities, schools and moving costs.
Plan a house-hunting visit →Information without obligation
Your shortlist.
A local perspective.
Ask a local expert. Share which communities you are comparing and what matters to your move. Exploring this guide does not require a form; local help is here when you want it.
Your inquiry will be identified as a East Valley relocation request.
Editorial review: October 27, 2026. Regions are browsing groups, not official boundary determinations. City descriptions do not prescribe who should live where. Verify schools, services, conditions and market information for the specific property. Every price identifies its source and reporting period; no estimate is invented where current data was not verified.
Sources, map & photo credits
The map uses approximate geographic place points and a generalized county outline, not parcel boundaries or driving routes. Some municipalities extend beyond Maricopa County. City profiles link to their research sources and image credits.
County places directory · Maricopa photo attribution · Phoenix photo attribution
Existing East Valley imagery retained from the original guide includes work by Designism, Dru Bloomfield, Alan Stark, Cygnusloop99, Beyond My Ken and BowenLarsen. Chandler sign photo: taniasmile.smirnova / Wallpapers.com. Photos show identified places, not homes for sale or every part of a community.