Living in Queen Creek, Arizona–An Insider’s Guide

As a resident living in Queen Creek, Arizona, for over 14 years, I am continually amazed and proud of the bustling town we have become. The town has tripled its population since my family moved here all those years ago. According to the 2022 Census Bureau report, Queen Creek is the fastest-growing community in Arizona and the third fastest-growing community in the nation.

Yet, when I ask my new neighbors and community members why they chose Queen Creek, they often say it was because of our “small-town feel.”

 The Roots of Queen Creek

Before Arizona became a state in 1912, homesteaders established a community.  They were drawn to the fertile soil at the base of the San Tan Mountains.  Beginning as a scattered farm community, the “Rittenhouse” area was anchored by a railroad spur.  Here, people would flag down the train for a ride into Phoenix or other destinations.

As the population grew and use of the railroad diminished, the town took on the name of  Queen Creek.  The name was inspired by a creek that flowed from the north, over a hundred miles.  It formed at the base of the Silver Queen Mine and flowed to the area surrounding the town.  The Town of Queen Creek was incorporated in 1989, but much of the original heart and history is alive today.

History Inspires the Town Plan and Local Activities

Many of the founding families still call Queen Creek “home.”  The Town continues to celebrate their legacies.  You’ll find their names on area roads, neighborhoods, and businesses: Ellsworth, Power, Sossaman, Hawes, Combs, and Schnepf.

Rooted in agriculture, the Town of Queen Creek is on a mission to preserve open spaces.  The Queen Creek and Sonoqui Wash areas are also protected for flood control and wildlife preservation. The Town has designed several beautiful parks and public trails to encourage residents to be active and social.  As a bonus, San Tan Mountain Regional Park borders Queen Creek to the south, offering even more open space and opportunities to nature watch.

A local culture of “rural fun” has evolved and is evident in local attractions.  For a start, check out Schnepf Farms (peach picking, anyone?), Queen Creek Olive Mill (restaurants and tours), Queen Creek Botanical Gardens (landscaping with edible plants), and Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre (for a variety of events).  Oh, and brace yourself for this community’s love of rain—often resulting in dancing in the streets or events with names like “Monsoon Madness.”

What to Know About Living in Queen Creek

Queen Creek is a growing and thriving community with various housing options to suit any budget. Single-family homes in new or established neighborhoods abound. In addition, homes tend to be larger and newer compared to those offered in other cities in the Phoenix area.  Choose from traditional tract housing, luxurious custom homes with golf course views, acreage horse properties, and a variety of 55+ communities.  The Town is also working on rounding out housing options by approving more multi-family housing like apartments and condos.

With access to highly-rated schools, shopping malls, and grocery stores, living in Queen Creek is an ideal choice for many families. After analyzing data on over 15,000 West Coast cities, Dwellics named Queen Creek the “best place to raise a family in the West” (2022).

Wrapping it up

The proverbial cat is out of the bag, and you now have an inkling of our town’s uniqueness. Queen Creek has so much to offer—from its quaint downtown, beautiful parks, exquisite mountain trails, golf courses, and “rural fun’ activities. Despite mumblings in the Phoenix area of Queen Creek becoming “the new Scottsdale,” we have a small town “heart.”

If you are considering moving to the Valley of the Sun, check out and consider living in Queen Creek.  You’ll be glad you did.

Now, I’m off to pick citrus in my backyard—or to dance in the rain… depending on the season.  Hope to see you around town!