Moving to Queen Creek vs Peoria, Arizona (Mesa, Scottsdale: new home, schools)

[Rohitr]

Hi all,

Not able to decide between Queen Creek and Peoria, AZ for moving to a new home. Work is in Tempe, so distance-wise both look almost similar. Peoria looks well developed, and Queen Creek seems to be growing but don't see many options comparatively, like a mall, restaurants, etc, and have to drive to Gilbert or Chandler. Main criteria: Schools, malls, entertainment, restaurants, quality of life, and distance to nice places.

TIA

[asufan]

Queen Creek is much closer to Tempe than Peoria, assuming you'd be looking in North Peoria which has similar housing stock as QC. South Peoria is a dump and QC has nothing like that. North Peoria has better mountain views and proximity to Lake Pleasant, QC is greener and flatter but has San Tan mountains nearby. Both have similar shopping. QC is more religious (LDS).

[Sno0909]

Queen Creek is a pain to get in and out of, and infrastructure hasn't really kept up with the growth of the city. That being said, there is really no situation in which I would ever pick living in Peoria over QC. I used to live on the West Side for many years. Since I moved to Gilbert over 3 years ago, I'm mad that I didn't make the move sooner. There is so much more to do over here. And even though I live in South Gilbert, we spend a lot of our time in QC.

[KurtAZ]

Something else to consider during your commute. Peoria to Tempe, sun in your eyes to and from work. QC would be the opposite.

QC is out there but there are cool things to do. Not sure why a mall is top of priority, they have all been closing down with Chandler Fashion and Scottsdale fashion being noticeable holdouts. Really haven't been to a "Mall" per se in a few years if I didn't have to.

[Rohitr]

Originally Posted by asufan

Queen Creek is much closer to Tempe than Peoria, assuming you'd be looking in North Peoria which has similar housing stock as QC. South Peoria is a dump and QC has nothing like that. North Peoria has better mountain views and proximity to Lake Pleasant, QC is greener and flatter but has San Tan mountains nearby. Both have similar shopping. QC is more religious (LDS).

Thank you. Yes looking at North Peoria vs South Queen Creek. QC is about 5-7 minutes more than Peoria depending on the time. What to expect when there is a majority LDS? Sorry, never had an experience so wanted to see if it is any different.

[Rohitr]

Originally Posted by Sno0909

Queen Creek is a pain to get in and out of, and infrastructure hasn't really kept up with the growth of the city. That being said, there is really no situation in which I would ever pick living in Peoria over QC. I used to live on the West Side for many years. Since I moved to Gilbert over 3 years ago, I'm mad that I didn't make the move sooner. There is so much more to do over here. And even though I live in South Gilbert, we spend a lot of our time in QC.

Thank you. On the west/north, we like Desert Ridge Marketplace and Westgate entertainment district. Do you know if there are any entertainment centers like those over in the Easy Valley to stroll?

[Rohitr]

Originally Posted by KurtAZ

Something else to consider during your commute. Peoria to Tempe, sun in your eyes to and from work. QC would be the opposite.

QC is out there but there are cool things to do. Not sure why a mall is top of priority, they have all been closing down with Chandler Fashion and Scottsdale fashion being noticeable holdouts. Really haven't been to a "Mall" per se in a few years if I didn't have to.

Yes, I see the sun is a problem while commuting. Peoria has a mall in about 10 minutes, but if in QC, have to travel a minimum of 30 minutes I believe. So not sure if there will be a mall coming in the future in QC given the growth it is going through. We do shopping once in a while, so that is one of the criteria and not a deal breaker for me.

[KurtAZ]

Originally Posted by Rohitr

Yes, I see the sun is a problem while commuting. Peoria has a mall in about 10 minutes, but if in QC, have to travel a minimum of 30 minutes I believe. So not sure if there will be a mall coming in the future in QC given the growth it is going through. We do shopping once in a while, so that is one of the criteria and not a deal breaker for me.

Ah...so your definition of "Mall" isn't the self enclosed 80s malls. Well, San Tan Village is about 9 miles from Queen Creek. Gilbert Gateway is about the same distance. A few others scattered around but if you want a department store, San Tan would be the closest.

[Sno0909]

Originally Posted by Rohitr

Thank you. On the west/north, we like Desert Ridge Marketplace and Westgate entertainment district. Do you know if there are any entertainment centers like those over in the Easy Valley to stroll?

San Tan Village in Gilbert is very similar to Desert Ridge. Gilbert also has Epicenter, which is brand new and very cool. Queen Creek Marketplace is growing and has a lot available. Most of your entertainment type stuff will be in Gilbert, though. Queen Creek has more "country" entertainment like rodeos and San Tan Flats.

Are you referring to Arrowhead Mall as your close "mall?" That place has kind of been a dump for years.

Lastly, the LDS population in QC is nothing like Gilbert or East Mesa. It's definitely not the majority - not even close. I'd say the majority of the population are people who moved here from other states.

[KurtAZ]

I don't see the problem with having LDS neighbors...they are usually pretty chill and take care of their homes. May have a few kids running around but all in all I can think of worse folks to have as neighbors.