The East Valley is one of the fastest-growing areas in Arizona. Situated east of Phoenix, most of the East Valley is located along State Highway 60. The usually dry Salt River has its path to the north, the Superstition Mountains in the east, South Mountain and Interstate 10 in the west, and stretching southward toward Tucson is its southern boundary. These southern most sections of the East Valley are called the Golden Corridor. This corridor is a strip of land between Phoenix and Tucson. The entire East Valley continues to grow and expand each year.
Four of the largest cities in the state are in the East Valley. The area includes eight cities (Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Chandler, Coolidge, Tempe, Mesa, Maricopa, and Arizona City), three towns (Queen Creek, Florence, and Gilbert), and two villages (South Moun.ain Village and Ahwatukee Village.
Although the East Valley began as farmland, today it is bustling. There are a variety of cities and towns that are a part of the East Valley. It is a part of the Valley of the Sun that is filled with possibilities. From the rising of the sun in the east to the sun setting in the west, residents soon learn that there are many opportunities in the East Valley.
East Valley Properties
For those who have decided to make the East Valley their home, they have discovered the area’s community charm. A friendly spirit and hometown attitude have made the East Valley the envy of other parts of the Valley of the Sun. The East Valley combines rural living, fine educational institutions, and technical opportunities,
A wide range of living options is available in the East Valley. Condominiums, townhouses, patio homes, single-family homes, custom homes, and estates are found in all the cities and towns. Homes with large lots to historic quiet neighborhoods, there is something for everyone. Horse properties with ranch-style homes and large custom residences are also located in the East Valley. Affordable single-family homes in master-planned communities with unique amenities are sprinkled throughout the area. Families, retirees, and professionals have all found that the East Valley has what they want.
One section that is expanding into the East Valley is a strip called the Golden Corridor. This area includes cities and towns that line both sides of Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. With so much growth predicted many believe that this section will no longer be a desert landscape. Instead, the Golden Corridor will be a mixture of residential and commercial developments connecting both metropolitan cities. The Golden Corridor is technically in Pinal County, not Maricopa County. This section includes the cities of Casa Grande, Coolidge, Arizona City, Maricopa, and the town of Florence. There is much potential in this part of the East Valley.
Residents of the East Valley have it all! The Sonoran Desert landscape is the perfect backdrop for capturing the true essence of Arizona. With Arizona State University, thriving computer and high-tech companies, cultural facilities, and a variety of outdoor recreation options, the East Valley have woven a rich friendly southwestern tapestry that offers a bit of everything to its residents.
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East Valley Outdoor Recreation
Beautiful desert views can be found throughout the East Valley communities. One of the most popular adventures is a trip along the Apache Trail. This winding scenic road offers amazing sights. Travelers will spot an authentic stagecoach stop, ghost town, Canyon Lake, and much more.
Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, and Canyon Lake are all to the north of the East Valley. However, it is well worth the short drive to these lakes to spend time in their cool waters. Waterskiing, jet skiing, boating, and fishing are all popular outdoor recreational activities that many East Valley residents enjoy each weekend.
The Tonto National Forest is another unique place to visit. This forest is on the northeastern edge of the East Valley. This forest is unlike many forests. Visitors will discover this forest has landscapes ranging from cactus deserts to pine forests. Hiking, camping, bird watching, and horseback riding are just some of the outdoor activities available in the Tonto National Forest. The East Valley has a of kind backdrop of natural beauty.
The best amenities, including parks, sports facilities, golf courses, and much more are found here. Outdoor recreation is found sprinkled throughout the East Valley communities. Cactus League Baseball Spring Training is found in both Mesa and Tempe. The Chicago Cubs play games in HoHoKam Park and the Anaheim Angeles swing the bats in Tempe’s Diablo Stadium. It is easy to find a game in play if you live in the area. The majestic Superstition Mountains tower off in the distance in the far eastern section of the East Valley. These stately mountains offer hiking trails, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
East Valley Entertainment
A great destination for cultural experiences is the East Valley. There are plays, symphonies, and live music found in all areas. The Mesa Arts Center is an art, visual arts, and arts education facility. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive arts centers in the state of Arizona. The Mesa Symphony has also selected the Mesa Arts Center to be its home. The East Valley’s cultural experiences are reflected in the area’s rich tradition of community and pride.
East Valley residents have everything that they can possibly want within its boundaries. Historic buildings and shops are found in Mesa and Tempe. Convenient malls for great shopping are dotted all over the East Valley. Chandler Fashion Center is one of the most convenient places to shop, just off of Loop 101. Many popular department stores and specialty shops can be found at Chandler Fashion Center. Tempe’s Arizona Mills provides visitors stores with good values. The City of Mesa includes both Fiesta Mall and Superstition Springs Malls, which are conveniently located for all East Valley shoppers. These malls have everything that you want, without having to go into Phoenix.
Higher education plays a big role in the East Valley. Arizona State University is an internationally recognized metropolitan research university. The East Valley contains two of its three campuses. Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona is situated on University Drive and Mill Avenue. This is the main campus for Arizona State University. Arizona State University East in Mesa has located Arizona on Power Road and Williams Field Road. This campus is home of the College of Technology and Applied Sciences and the Morrison School of Agribusiness and Resource Management. The East Valley is very proud to have two large campuses, along with other smaller private trade colleges.
Cities, Towns, and Villages in East Valley
The East Valley makes up a large portion of the Valley of Sun. It includes eleven cities/towns and two Phoenix Villages. Stretching from the Superstition Mountains on the eastern fringes of the East Valley to Arizona’s Golden Corridor 50 miles south, west to South Mountain bordering Phoenix, and north following the path of the Salt River, the East Valley is a huge area.
The city of Apache Junction is a reminder of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine in the Superstition Mountains. Today, it is a popular retirement destination. New shopping, restaurants, and businesses are cropping up each day in both of the cities of Chandler and Gilbert. These cities have become very popular. Residents looking for good parks and schools will find them in these cities. Mature neighborhoods and solid schools are the hallmarks of the city of Mesa. A renovated downtown has spurred Mesa into becoming a city of the future. Queen Creek continues to draw people to the area with its hometown charm. New developments and planned communities are part of this town. University living, sporting events, entertainment, cultural activities all make up the city of Tempe. Cool Salt Water River boating gives Tempe residents another place to hang out.
Arizona’s Golden Corridor stretches southward from the East Valley into Pinal County. The corridor includes the town of Florence and the cities of Coolidge, Arizona City, Maricopa, and Casa Grande. This collection of communities is projected to be connected to all the others within a matter of time. It is predicted that someday The Golden Corridor may become part of the Valley of the Sun.
There are 15 urban villages designated by the City of Phoenix Planning Commission, a citizen-based planning committee. These 15 villages were created to offer prospective residents a unique choice of lifestyle. These villages were designed to provide residents a place to live, work, and participate in leisure activities all within close proximity. The East Valley includes two villages, South Mountain Village and Ahwatukee Village.
