Community Resources for Parents of the East Valley
Have you recently moved to the East Valley or are you coming for a visit? Arizona's East Valley is proud to include 3 cities (Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe) in America's Promise Alliance 100 Best Communities for Young People 2007!
The East Valley is considered one of the most 'livable' regions in the country with strong communities filled with exceptional schools, parks and open spaces, convenient access to shopping and recreational activities, extensive arts and cultural opportunities, as well as sports attractions such as spring training baseball! The East Valley, with its quality master-planned communities, caters to families, professionals, as well as active seniors.
We have provided you with a brief overview of the cities in the East Valley. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar and Business Directory and start planning things to do while you are here! Use our Parent Planner to check the things that interest you!
Ahwatukee Foothills Village is an urban village within the Phoenix city limits. With South Mountain Park as its northern boundary, it is geographically separated from the rest of the Valley, giving it the feel of a city unto itself. It is a rapidly growing area where young, educated professionals are raising families in an environmentally attractive location. Good-quality schools, hiking, horse-back riding, a community center, country clubs and easily accessible Interstate 10 make Ahwatukee Foothills an attractive place to live and play.
Founded: Original Ahwatukee Ranch built in 1921.
Incorporated: Land developers purchased large portions and began building houses in 1971.
Elevation: 1,280 feet
Size: 35.8 square miles
Population: 85,000 (2000 census)
Major Attractions: South Mountain Park with hiking and horse-back riding trails, 3 golf courses.
The City of Chandler transformed itself from a small farming community into a "High-Tech Oasis of the Silicon Desert" (the city slogan), within the space of a few years. It's one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. A growing cultural life which includes public art and the performing arts, numerous museums, parks and recreation, and libraries have contributed to Chandler's appealing lifestyle. In addition, a variety of annual festivals, including the Chandler Ostrich Festival, attract tourists and residents from surrounding communities. Chandler is one of the East Valley Cities awarded in America's Promise Alliance: 100 Best Communities for Young People 2007.
Founded: 1912
Incorporated: 1920
Elevation: 1,213 feet
Size: 71 square miles
Population: 176,581(2000 census)
Major Attractions: Chandler Museum, Arizona Railway Museum, Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler Ostrich Festival, Chandler Tumbleweed Christmas Tree Celebration, Annual Cotton Festival.
The Town of Gilbert prides itself in maintaining a small-town atmosphere. It grew from a population of 5,717 in 1980 to 145,000 in 2003, making it one of the fastest growing communities in the country. Once the hay-shipping capital of the world, today Gilbert is family oriented with village-concept planned communities. The Heritage District in downtown Gilbert is home to the theater-in-the-round Hale Theatre where live performances are given. The Riparian Institute, Gilbert Historical Society Museum, four golf courses and many annual festivals including the Gilbert Days Rodeo add to the town's lifestyle.
Founded: 1891
Incorporated: 1920
Elevation: 1,273 feet
Size: 76 square miles
Population: 109,697 (2000 census)
Major Attractions: Gilbert Days Rodeo, Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.
In order to honor the past while moving into the future of rapid growth, the City has developed a vision for itself in the year 2025: The City of Maricopa is known as "a community with a heart" with a conscience for taking care of its people, its land and all its resources. Maricopa offers educational excellence; is family-oriented with safe neighborhoods and many recreational and cultural opportunities. A strong business community is anchored by a diverse employment base that provides a balance between housing and jobs. Maricopa has a unique small-town feel, reflective of its agricultural roots and western heritage.
Region: 20 miles south of Phoenix
Size: Approximately 45 square miles
Residential Population: 33,000
Number of Businesses: 350
Average Household Income: $75,000
Education: 61% hold a bachelors degree or higher
Libraries: 1
Golf Courses: 2
Parks: 1
Annual Events: Founder's Day, Salsa Festival, Holiday Homes on Parade, Stagecoach Days, Parent-Child Fishing Derby, Great American Barbecue
EastValleyParent.com is proud to be a member of the City of Maricopa Chamber of Commerce.
Mesa is the third largest city in Arizona. It was founded by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) missionaries who dictated the layout of the original town site. It is a rapidly growing, family-oriented community with a strong public school system, and plans for arts and aquatics centers. Two museums, dozens of public and private golf courses. A baseball stadium, and tubing on the nearby Salt River provide recreation choices for Mesa families. The Arizona Temple's spectacular Christmas lights display and Easter Pageant are annual festivities that attract thousands of visitors. The Easter Pageant is noted as the largest annual outdoor Easter pageant in the world.
Founded: 1878
Incorporated: 1883
Elevation: 1,255 feet
Size: 122 square miles
Population: 395,375 (2000 census)
Major Attractions: Mesa Southwest Museum, Arizona Museum for Youth, numerous public and private golf courses, Cactus League baseball at HoHokam Stadium, and tubing on the Salt River.
The Town of Queen Creek, located at the base of the San Tan Mountains, was named for the wash that runs through it. The rural, agricultural heritage that is the town's foundation is an integral part of the community's character. An abundance of citrus, cotton, pecans and vegetables are grown in the area. While urban growth spreads toward the community, the town works to manage and direct it so that their rural, small-town charm is not over-run. Four golf courses, numerous annual festivals, including the Peach Festival, Potato Festival, and Schnepf Farm's Pumpkin and Chili Party provide locals and visitors with year-round recreation.
Founded: 1989
Incorporated: 1989
Elevation: 1,400 feet.
Size: 25.8 square miles
Population: 4,316 (2000 census)
Major Attractions: Pick-it-yourself fruit and vegetable crops, annual Peach Festival and Pumpkin Fest, San Tan Mountains, San Tan Regional Park, Superstition Mountains, historic sites.
The City of Scottsdale was built on land once farmed by the Hohokam. Canals that run through Scottsdale are built exactly where the Hohokam laid them out 2,000 years ago. Over 200 miles of irrigation canals enabled the tribe to farm the desert. In 1888, Army chaplain Winfield Scott bought 640 acres of land for $2.50 per acre. Orangedale, later named Scottsdale, became a community that has a national reputation for affluence, upscale resorts, and shopping. Arguably the artistic heart of the Valley, Scottsdale has thriving Scottsdale Center for the Arts which hosts fine arts performances. The Scottsdale Civic Center Mall includes galleries, fine dining, and a series of outdoors events including jazz concerts, food, and arts festivals which attract tourists and residents alike. Scottsdale is one of America's Promise Alliance: 100 Best Communities for Young People 2007.
Founded: 1888
Elevation: 1,160 feet
Size: 185 square miles
Population: 204,680 (1999 census)
Major Attractions: Numerous world-class resorts, including the Scottsdale Princess Resort and The Phoenician; nearby Camelback Mountain; the Scottsdale Center for the Arts; spring training for the San Francisco Giants Major League Baseball team; approximately 200 golf courses, 23 of which are public; numerous art galleries, boutiques and restaurants in historic Old Town Scottsdale; upscale shopping at the Borgata and Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall.
Tempe is home to the main campus of Arizona State University and its more than 40,000 students. Tempe is the 6th largest city in the state. It is situated geographically in the center of the major metropolitan area, bordered by Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Chandler. Tempe's newest attraction is Tempe Town Lake, a 220-acre lake with sailing, kayaking, pedal boats and river cruises. An annual July 4th picnic and fireworks show is held at the lake. The main ASU campus is adjacent to downtown Tempe, and on any evening, students and residents can be found visiting shops and restaurants along Mill Avenue. Because Tempe is "land-locked," most residential areas are fully developed. Tempe is one of the cities recognized in America's Promise Alliance: 100 Best Communities for Young People 2007.
Founded: 1881 by Charles Trumbull Hayden
Incorporated: 1894
Elevation: 1,163 feet
Size: 39.5 square feet
Population: 165,000 (2000 Census)
Major Attractions: Arizona State University, Tempe Town Lake, Mill Avenue, Anaheim Angels spring training, NFL Arizona Cardinals training field, ASU Sun Devils, Tostito's Fiesta Bowl.
