The East Valley of Phoenix: Where Growth, Innovation & Lifestyle Meet

The East Valley, a dynamic collection of communities east of Phoenix, is a living region where history, innovation, and lifestyle converge. Composed of cities like Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, and San Tan Valley, this corridor offers booming suburbs, outdoor adventure, and a tech-driven economy.

What Cities Make Up the East Valley?

Defined by the PHX East Valley Partnership and local media, the core cities include:

• Mesa
  
  
• Chandler
  
  
• Gilbert
  
  
• Tempe
  
  
• Queen Creek
  
  
• Apache Junction
  
  

Additional communities typically associated with the region are Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, San Tan Valley, and Gold Canyon.

Which East Valley City Is the Oldest? 🏛️ 

Among the East Valley cities, Mesa traces its roots back to 1878 and was formally incorporated in 1883, making it the oldest in the region. Others like Gilbert and Chandler emerged in the early 20th century. Mesa’s rich heritage helped shape the region’s identity as one of Arizona’s earliest settlements.

How Many People Live in the East Valley?

Together, the East Valley is home to over 1.4 million residents. Mesa alone has over 500,000, making it Arizona’s third-largest city, and draws families to its mix of affordability, amenities, and growth.

Things to Do in the East Valley 🎯 

The East Valley offers a wide range of activities:

🔸 Arts & Culture

• Mesa Arts Center: Arizona’s largest arts venue with five galleries and four theaters.
  
  
• Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Gilbert Historical Museum, Tempe’s Tempe Center for the Arts—vibrant performance spaces throughout the region.

🔸 Outdoor Recreation

• Superstition Mountains, San Tan Mountains, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and Tonto National Forest offer hiking, biking, climbing, horseback riding, desert exploration, and lake access at places like Saguaro and Roosevelt Lakes.

🔸 Family & Community Events

• Queen Creek hosts farmers markets and overnight camping under desert skies.
  
  
• Mesa features weekly summer concerts, night markets, and seasonal children’s programming.
  
  

Tech & Innovation in the East Valley

The region is quickly turning into a high-tech engine:

• Intel: Expanding two new semiconductor fabs in Chandler—a $20 billion investment creating thousands of jobs.
• Meta, Google, and Amazon: Establishing massive data centers in Mesa along the Elliot Road Tech Corridor, expected to come online between 2025–2030.
• Virgin Galactic: Opening spaceship manufacturing operations near Mesa Gateway Airport.
• Comtech: Relocated its national HQ to Chandler, reinforcing the region’s critical role in aerospace and telecommunications. 
• PHX East Valley Partnership continues to promote STEM and attract firms like Boeing, Orbital ATK, and others.
  
  

Coming Soon: Big Developments & Lifestyle Hubs 🔮 

• Fiesta Redefined (Mesa): Redevelopment of former Fiesta Mall into 4,000 apartments, office space, and retail expected by 2026.
  
  
• Downtown Mesa’s “The Grid” & Heritage Park: Mixed-use developments adding residential, hospitality, and retail space.
  
  
• Gilbert’s Harvest Grove: Large master‑planned community launching in 2025 with homes, parks, and services.
  
  
• Rivulon at Agritopia: Central mixed-use village with restaurants, health clubs, apartments, and shops.
  
  

East Valley Real Estate by City 🏠 

Looking to live near tech hubs, cultural spots, or trailheads? Here are the cities and home search links:

• Mesa (MESA homes for sale) – ideal for access to arts center, tech corridor & new residential zones.
  📍 Browse homes in Mesa, AZ
  
  
• Chandler – central to Intel, Comtech, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway developments.
  📍 Browse homes in Chandler, AZ
  
  
• Gilbert – emerging entertainment and culinary district with Harvest Grove mixed-use.
  📍 Browse homes in Gilbert, AZ
  
  
• Tempe – home to ASU and riverside urban redevelopment like South Pier.
  📍 Browse homes in Tempe, AZ
  
  
• Queen Creek – fast-growing, suburban family communities near new retail centers.
  📍 Browse homes in Queen Creek, AZ
  
  
• Scottsdale (East Valley edge) – luxury living near golf, shopping, and trail access.
  📍 Browse homes in Scottsdale, AZ
  
  

Why It Matters

The East Valley is more than suburbia, it’s a hub of innovation, new jobs, community growth, and outdoor lifestyle. Whether buying, investing, or relocating, its cities offer:

• Robust job market in tech, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing
  
  
• Strong demand for master-planned communities and urban infill
  
  
• Access to top amenities: arts centers, dining hubs, lakes, trails, and golf
  
  
• Quality of life enhanced by events, schools, and evolving infrastructure