East Valley Communities You’ll Want to Keep an Eye On In 2026

If you’ve been following what’s happening around the East Valley, you already know things are shifting fast.
New roads, new retail, new schools...and a ton of new construction. But here’s the thing: not every new neighborhood is worth jumping into.

Some areas have real staying power...the kind that grows your lifestyle and your investment long-term.
Here’s a look at a few of those spots that are quietly (and not so quietly) becoming the next big thing across the East Valley.

San Tan Valley / Queen Creek Border

(Oro Ridge, San Tan Preserve, Borgata Area)

This area sits right where Queen Creek meets San Tan Valley...and it’s exploding with opportunity.
If you drive through Oro Ridge or the surrounding desert, you’ll see brand new luxury builds popping up with bigger lots, mountain views, and some serious breathing room.

What’s cool about this spot is that it’s not overdeveloped yet. You still get that “new frontier” feeling...wide open spaces, trails, and a slower pace...but you’re just a few minutes from all the Queen Creek conveniences.

Why it matters: Buyers who get in now are getting more land, more privacy, and stronger long-term value before the rest of the growth fills in.

My tip: Focus on areas closer to preserved desert land and main roads. They’ll hold value best when build-out hits.

San Tan Valley / East Queen Creek Border

(Soleo Community and Surrounding Area)

Soleo and this pocket of East Queen Creek are what I’d call “the edge of discovery.”
It’s still under the radar, which means more options and a better price per square foot — but everything around it is growing fast.

You’ll see modern builds, new schools going up, and more infrastructure planned in the next few years.

Why it matters: It’s the best of both worlds...the Queen Creek feel without Queen Creek pricing (for now).

My tip: Pay attention to how this area develops...retail and road access will be the next big jump in value here.

Apache Junction

(Blossom Rock and What’s Coming Next)

Apache Junction is one of the most interesting stories in the East Valley right now.
It’s been quiet for a long time, but that’s changing...fast.

Blossom Rock is the new anchor here, a huge master-planned community that’s putting AJ back on the map. It’s bringing parks, trails, and a real community feel that’s been missing in this area for years.

Why it matters: You’re getting in early on something that’s about to take off. As more amenities and retail follow, homes here could see serious appreciation.

My tip: Think long-term. This is a “buy now, grow with it” kind of area.

South Queen Creek

(Legado West and Emberly)

South Queen Creek doesn’t get talked about enough...but it should.
Legado West and Emberly are both sitting in a sweet spot surrounded by open land that’s only just starting to turn into new neighborhoods and amenities.

It’s the kind of area that’s going to look completely different five years from now...and that’s a good thing.

Why it matters: You’re ahead of the crowd here. As the south end fills in, today’s buyers will be the ones sitting on strong equity later.

My tip: Don’t overlook the fringe areas...growth here is expanding fast, and being early is everything.

East Queen Creek

(Barney Farms and Madera)

East Queen Creek has gone from “too far out” to one of the hottest spots for families who want new homes with strong resale potential.

Barney Farms and Madera are leading the way...family-focused master plans with parks, lakes, and all the amenities people are looking for now.

Why it matters: These communities strike that balance between affordability, location, and quality of life. The infrastructure is already here, and the growth isn’t slowing down.

My tip: Focus on builders that are finishing earlier phases...those homes tend to appreciate faster as the community matures.

East Mesa

(Eastmark and the Tech/Commercial Boom)

Eastmark is one of those rare communities that nailed it from the start...strong design, great schools, community feel, and now, huge job growth surrounding it.

The east Mesa corridor is heating up thanks to new tech, industrial, and logistics developments...which means more jobs, more demand, and higher home values.

Why it matters: When people live where they work, stability follows. Eastmark is positioned perfectly to benefit from both residential and commercial expansion.

My tip: Watch the Gateway area...it’s quietly becoming a major hub for the East Valley.

To Wrap It Up...

Buying in the East Valley right now isn’t just about what’s move-in ready.
It’s about spotting the neighborhoods that will define the next five to ten years.

If you focus on where the roads, jobs, and schools are expanding, you’ll not only find a great place to live...you’ll be ahead of the curve on appreciation too.

If you want help narrowing down which community fits your lifestyle and long-term goals best, reach out.
I’ll show you where growth is happening right now, what’s planned next, and how to get in before everyone else does.