When I saw The Business Journals latest rankings of the wealthiest ZIP codes in Phoenix metro, I wasn’t surprised to see Scottsdale and Paradise Valley near the top. What did catch my eye, though, was how Queen Creek showed up. Not because we’re the most expensive ZIP code, but because we’re one of the fastest-growing and most influential communities in the Valley right now.

And as someone who both lives here and helps people buy and sell homes here, I can tell you — this ranking just put into numbers what we already feel every day.

What the Report Actually Said

The new formula didn’t just look at household income. It considered:

• Home values

• Savings and equity

• Poverty rates

• Population density

Here’s where Queen Creek stood out:

• Largest population among ranked ZIP codes: 87,201 residents

• Most housing units: 27,701 homes

Translation? We may not have Paradise Valley’s $3 million average home values, but the sheer number of families moving here shows this is where the momentum is.

What This Means If You Already Live Here

If you’re a local, you’ve probably noticed it: busier roads, more traffic at Costco, and new neighborhoods going up on every corner. But here’s the upside — growth brings value.

• Your home equity is building as demand rises.

• You’ll have more amenities close by (no more 30-minute drives for every dinner out).

• Queen Creek is gaining a stronger voice when it comes to county and state projects like freeways and schools.

Living here now means you’re sitting on one of the strongest appreciation markets in Arizona.

What It Means for People Moving from Out of State

If you’re coming from California, the Midwest, or the East Coast, Queen Creek gives you something Scottsdale can’t: space and upside.

• Homes here are more affordable and larger.

• The community is family-friendly, with some of the Valley’s best new schools and master-planned neighborhoods.

• You’re not buying into a market that’s already maxed out — you’re stepping into one that’s still climbing.

In other words, you get more house, more yard, and more future growth for your dollar.

What It Means If You’re Relocating Within Arizona

Moving from Chandler, Gilbert, or Mesa? Here’s why more families are choosing Queen Creek:

• Lifestyle: QC still feels suburban, with more elbow room.

• Growth: New dining, shopping, and entertainment projects are catching up fast.

• Value: You’ll often get more home for your money compared to established suburbs.

The big difference? Gilbert and Chandler are fantastic, but they’re largely built out. Queen Creek still has room to grow — and that means more opportunity for homeowners.

Looking Ahead

Here’s what I expect over the next 5–10 years:

• Home values will continue rising as more wealth flows into Queen Creek.

• Retail and entertainment will explode, with major projects like The Ranch and Medina Station shaping the local scene.

• Infrastructure will catch up, because a population of nearly 90,000 (and climbing) demands more freeways, schools, and services.

Compared to other Valley cities, Queen Creek is quickly becoming the family hub of the Southeast Valley — not just a small town on the edge.

Why Choose Queen Creek?

If I had to sum it up:

• Scottsdale/PV: Prestige and luxury, but at sky-high prices.

• Chandler/Gilbert: Established and thriving, but with limited room left to expand.

• Mesa/Tempe: Closer to the city, but denser and older housing stock.

• Queen Creek: The balance of affordability, space, family living, and future upside.

That’s why families, professionals, and investors are all zeroing in on QC.

👉 Bottom line: This ranking proves what those of us who live here already know — Queen Creek isn’t just growing, it’s becoming one of the Valley’s most important cities. Whether you’re already a local, moving here from out of state, or relocating from another Arizona suburb, now is the time to plant your roots in a community that’s only going to get stronger.