If I Were Moving to Phoenix AZ in 2027, I’d Live HERE

If you're thinking about moving to Phoenix in 2027, there's one question you should ask yourself before you start scrolling through homes online:

What does your life look like right now—and what do you want it to look like after you move?

Because the best place to live in the Greater Phoenix area can change dramatically depending on your stage of life.

Are you raising a young family?

Do you have older kids who need activities, sports, schools, and social opportunities?

Are you an empty nester who wants restaurants, shopping, golf, fitness, and a more active lifestyle?

Or are you retired and looking for a community where you can slow down a little, enjoy your mornings, stay active, and actually have time to enjoy everything Arizona has to offer?

The Phoenix Valley is huge, and there are excellent communities for all of these lifestyles.

But they aren't the same communities.

So, let's break down three different stages of life and three very different parts of the Greater Phoenix area that deserve a look if you're planning a move to Arizona.

STAGE ONE: RAISING A FAMILY IN THE SOUTHEAST VALLEY

When I think about raising a family in the Phoenix area, two things immediately come to mind:

Schools and safety.

There are plenty of suburbs throughout the Valley that offer both.

But when you add in family activities, social opportunities, shopping, recreation, and commute times, there's one particular area that really stands out.

I'm talking about the South Chandler, South Gilbert, and West Queen Creek area.

And I don't mean all of Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek.

I'm talking specifically about this pocket of the Southeast Valley.

Why?

Because it brings together a combination of strong schools, family-oriented communities, recreation, shopping, employment, and different housing options.

And that last part matters.

You don't have to have a $2 million budget to live here.

There are different types of homes at different price points, which means this area can work for a wide range of families.

CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT IS A MAJOR DRAW

One of the biggest reasons families look toward this part of the Valley is education.

Much of this area is served by the Chandler Unified School District, which has a strong reputation throughout the Greater Phoenix area.

And it's not just traditional academics.

Families have access to a wide variety of programs, including STEM, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and arts-related opportunities.

There are also charter schools, specialty schools, and additional educational choices throughout the area.

That variety is important.

Every child is different, and having options can make a big difference for families trying to find the right fit.

SAFETY MATTERS WHEN YOU'RE RAISING KIDS

Of course, schools aren't the only consideration.

Parents want to know that their kids can grow up in a community where they feel comfortable.

The Southeast Valley has many suburban areas with lower crime rates compared with more urban portions of the Valley.

But don't simply look at the city name.

Look at the specific neighborhood.

Crime can vary from one part of a city to another, which is why we recommend researching the actual area you're considering rather than relying on a broad citywide reputation.

FAMILY AMENITIES ARE WHAT REALLY SET THIS AREA APART

Here's where things get interesting.

It's one thing to have good schools.

It's another thing to have good schools and a lifestyle that keeps your kids active and engaged.

South Chandler, South Gilbert, and West Queen Creek have an incredible variety of family-oriented amenities.

We're talking about:

• Parks 
• Splash pads 
• Recreation centers 
• Libraries 
• Community centers 
• Youth sports 
• Playgrounds 
• Swimming 
• Indoor entertainment 
• Family events 
• Festivals 
• Farmers markets 
• Seasonal activities 

And there's a huge advantage to having these things close to home.

You get your time back.

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE INDOOR ACTIVITIES IN ARIZONA

If you're moving to Arizona with kids, this is something you need to think about.

Summer is hot.

Really hot.

And when your kids are young, you don't want to spend three months telling them to stay inside because it's 110 degrees outside.

The Southeast Valley has a tremendous number of indoor activities.

There are places for:

• Trampolining 
• Bowling 
• Indoor mini golf 
• Indoor slides 
• Ice skating 
• Hockey 
• Roller skating 
• Skateboarding 
• BMX 
• Scooters 
• Ninja-style activities 
• Parkour 
• Indoor sports 

And that's a big deal.

You don't have to wait for some future development to eventually build an indoor playground.

The activities already exist.

That's especially important when you have younger children.

If your eight-year-old is waiting three years for a new park to be built, by the time it opens, they're going to be eleven.

Their interests have changed.

When you're raising kids, timing matters.

THERE ARE PLENTY OF OUTDOOR FAMILY ACTIVITIES, TOO

And when the weather finally cools down?

That's when Arizona really shines.

This part of the Southeast Valley has access to farms, farmers markets, pumpkin patches, seasonal events, and opportunities to pick fresh produce.

There are also plenty of family-oriented community events throughout the year.

Those are the experiences your kids remember.

It's not always the expensive vacation.

Sometimes it's picking peaches, going to a pumpkin patch, attending a community festival, or spending Saturday morning at a farmers market.

And when those things are close to home, you're much more likely to actually do them.

ESTABLISHED COMMUNITIES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Here's something else I think families should consider.

If you're choosing between a brand-new community and an established neighborhood, understand what you're giving up and what you're getting.

New construction can be exciting.

You get a brand-new house, modern finishes, and potentially years of future appreciation in a developing area.

But there may not be much of a community yet.

You might be surrounded by construction.

There may not be many families living there.

And there may not be established neighborhood events.

An established master-planned community can give you something completely different.

You may have:

• Larger mature trees 
• Established parks 
• Community pools 
• Clubhouses 
• HOA events 
• Holiday celebrations 
• Sports programs 
• Neighborhood gatherings 
• Established families 

That can make it easier for kids to meet other kids.

And with open enrollment and families attending different schools, neighborhood and community activities can become even more important socially.

A SHORTER COMMUTE CAN MEAN MORE FAMILY TIME

This is one of the biggest advantages of the Southeast Valley.

Many residents in this area work in Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, or around the East Valley employment corridors.

That can mean a significantly different daily routine than someone commuting across the entire Valley.

Because here's the thing:

Your commute affects your quality of life.

A shorter commute can mean:

More time with your kids.

More time for dinner.

More time for sports.

More time for homework.

More time for yourself.

And less time sitting in traffic.

That's one reason we always tell relocation buyers to start with where they work before choosing a community.

EVERYDAY CONVENIENCE MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK

Another reason this part of the Valley works well for families is convenience.

You can find a tremendous variety of grocery stores and everyday services throughout the area.

Depending on exactly where you live, you'll have access to things like:

• Costco 
• Sam's Club 
• Aldi's 
• Whole Foods 
• Farmers markets 
• Gas stations 
• Medical care 
• Restaurants 
• Retail 
• Car washes 
• Big-box stores 

When you're raising kids, convenience isn't a luxury.

It can mean the difference between spending your evening together and spending it driving around doing errands.

STAGE TWO: EMPTY NESTERS AND THE "SWEET SPOT"

Now let's completely change gears.

What if your kids are grown?

Maybe they're in college.

Maybe they've launched their careers.

Maybe you're finally an empty nester.

And you're still working—but you're at the point in life where you want to enjoy yourself.

This is what I call the sweet spot.

You've got more freedom.

You've got more flexibility.

And maybe you have a completely different housing budget than you did when you were raising your family.

You might want restaurants.

Shopping.

Golf.

Pickleball.

Tennis.

Fitness.

Travel.

Fine dining.

Entertainment.

Healthcare.

And you don't necessarily want to spend your life driving 30 minutes to get to everything.

That's where I would look closely at Desert Ridge.

WHY DESERT RIDGE IS SO ATTRACTIVE FOR EMPTY NESTERS

Desert Ridge is located in North Phoenix, near the intersection of major Valley freeways.

And the biggest advantage is simple:

Proximity.

You are close to an incredible number of things.

Shopping.

Dining.

Entertainment.

Healthcare.

Golf.

Fitness.

Resorts.

Scottsdale.

Cave Creek.

The Scottsdale Airpark.

Major transportation routes.

And there are housing options ranging from condos to luxury homes.

That's a big reason this area can work for people at different price points.

DESERT RIDGE GIVES YOU CHOICES

One of the things I like about Desert Ridge is that you don't have to buy a massive house just because you're moving into an upscale area.

You can find homes that are easier to maintain.

You can find condos.

You can find single-family homes.

You can find golf-course views.

You can find mountain views.

You can find larger homes designed for entertaining.

The choice depends on how you want to live.

And that's especially important for empty nesters.

Maybe you want a large backyard and a pool.

Or maybe you travel frequently and don't want to maintain a giant property.

Why pay for space you don't use?

SHOPPING AND DINING ARE EVERYWHERE

Desert Ridge is essentially a destination.

You've got shopping, restaurants, entertainment, fitness, and activities all clustered around the area.

You can find:

• Big-box retailers 
• Boutiques 
• Restaurants 
• Fine dining 
• Casual dining 
• Bars 
• Movie theaters 
• Live entertainment 
• Fitness centers 
• Family activities 
• Outdoor spaces 

And if you want to take it up another level, you're just a short drive from Kierland and Scottsdale Quarter.

That's another major shopping and dining destination with upscale stores, restaurants, outdoor gathering areas, and plenty of entertainment.

WANT A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ATMOSPHERE?

Head north toward Cave Creek.

This is one of the fun things about living around Desert Ridge.

You can have modern North Phoenix amenities in one direction and then head north and find a completely different Arizona experience.

Cave Creek has a western feel with:

• Local restaurants 
• Outdoor dining 
• Live entertainment 
• Art 
• Rodeo events 
• Motorcycle culture 
• Golf 
• Country clubs 
• Desert scenery 

You can go from upscale shopping to a casual sunset dinner in the desert without driving across the Valley.

That's the kind of proximity that makes this area appealing.

RESORTS, GOLF, PICKLEBALL AND WELLNESS

This stage of life is also about experiences.

You may finally have the time to enjoy them.

Desert Ridge and the surrounding North Phoenix/Scottsdale area offer access to an enormous variety of:

• Golf courses 
• Country clubs 
• Tennis 
• Pickleball 
• Fitness clubs 
• Spas 
• Resorts 
• Wellness centers 
• Restaurants 
• Social clubs 

And that's where your social calendar can get surprisingly busy.

Golf club.

Pickleball club.

Fitness class.

Wine tasting.

Dinner.

Concert.

Weekend trip.

You may eventually find yourself having to learn how to say no.

That's a pretty good problem to have.

HEALTHCARE IS ANOTHER MAJOR ADVANTAGE

As we get older, access to quality healthcare becomes increasingly important.

The Desert Ridge area is close to major medical facilities and specialists, including the Mayo Clinic and other healthcare resources throughout the North Phoenix/Scottsdale area.

That proximity can be a major consideration for empty nesters and retirees alike.

You're not just buying a house.

You're buying into a lifestyle—and access to the services you'll want as your needs change.

STAGE THREE: RETIREMENT AND THE NEXT CHAPTER

Now let's talk about retirement.

And I'm not necessarily talking about someone who wants to sit at home and watch television all day.

Quite the opposite.

I'm talking about someone who wants to:

• Stay active 
• Meet people 
• Play golf 
• Play pickleball 
• Hike 
• Bike 
• Travel 
• Enjoy good food 
• Attend events 
• Spend time outdoors 
• Have a strong social calendar 

If that sounds like you, I would take a very close look at Victory at Verrado in Buckeye.

WHY VICTORY AT VERRADO IS SO DIFFERENT

Verrado itself is one of the most distinctive communities in the West Valley.

It has something you don't find everywhere in the Phoenix area:

A sense of place.

The community has a charming Main Street area with shops, restaurants, coffee, neighborhood events, and tree-lined streets.

You'll see people walking around.

You'll see golf carts.

You'll see families.

You'll see residents gathering.

It feels much more like a small town than many of the newer master-planned communities throughout the Valley.

VERRADO HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY

One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the growth of Verrado Marketplace.

The addition of major retail has made everyday shopping significantly easier for residents.

You now have more restaurants, retail, big-box stores, healthcare, and everyday services without having to drive into Goodyear for everything.

And that's important because one of the biggest concerns people have when they first hear "Buckeye" is:

"Isn't that really far away?"

Well, parts of Buckeye are.

But Verrado is a very different conversation.

VICTORY AT VERRADO IS DESIGNED FOR ACTIVE ADULTS

Now let's get into Victory.

Victory is a 55+ community within Verrado, and it offers a completely different experience from simply buying a house elsewhere in the community.

The centerpiece is the Victory Club.

And it has a lot going on.

We're talking about:

• Fitness center 
• Resort-style pool 
• Lap pools 
• Spa services 
• Tennis 
• Pickleball 
• Fitness classes 
• Social events 
• Wine tastings 
• Happy hours 
• Community gatherings 
• Dining 
• Walking trails 

And there's a full-time lifestyle director organizing activities throughout the year.

That's important.

A 55+ community isn't just about the house.

It's about what happens after you move in.

YOU CAN BE AS SOCIAL AS YOU WANT

This is another reason Victory stands out.

Some people want an active social life.

Others want peace and quiet.

The beauty of a community like Victory is that you can choose.

Want to play pickleball at 9 AM?

You can.

Want to take a fitness class?

You can.

Want to meet friends for happy hour?

You can.

Want to go for a walk and then sit on your patio with a cup of coffee?

You can do that, too.

And because so many residents are in a similar stage of life, there's an existing social network waiting for you.

THE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE IS A HUGE PART OF VERRADO

Victory also benefits from its location near the White Tank Mountains.

Hiking and biking are a major part of the lifestyle here.

There are trails throughout the community and access to the surrounding desert environment.

And then there are the golf courses.

Verrado has two golf courses, adding another major lifestyle component for active adults.

The community is also very golf-cart friendly, which gives it a different feel from a typical suburban neighborhood.

AND YOU STILL GET EVERYTHING VERRADO OFFERS

One of the biggest advantages of living in Victory is that you're not isolated from the rest of Verrado.

You get the 55+ community amenities, but you can also enjoy the broader Verrado lifestyle.

That includes:

• Main Street 
• Restaurants 
• Coffee shops 
• Shopping 
• Community events 
• Golf 
• Parks 
• Trails 
• New retail 
• Healthcare 

That's a big reason people choose to live within Verrado rather than simply choosing a 55+ community somewhere else.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO SPEND MILLIONS TO LIVE IN THESE AREAS

One misconception about these communities is that you need a massive budget.

That's not necessarily true.

There are different housing options throughout these areas.

Depending on the community and property type, you can find options starting around the $400,000 range, while luxury properties can reach well into the millions.

That range is important.

Your lifestyle doesn't automatically have to change because your budget changes.

You just need to know where to look.

THE BIGGEST LESSON: DON'T CHOOSE YOUR CITY FIRST

This is probably the biggest takeaway I want you to have.

When you're moving to Phoenix, don't start with:

"Which city is the best?"

Start with:

"What do I want my life to look like?"

If you're raising children, you may prioritize schools, safety, activities, community, and commute.

If you're an empty nester, you may prioritize restaurants, shopping, golf, healthcare, entertainment, and convenience.

If you're retired, you may prioritize an active social calendar, recreation, community amenities, low-maintenance living, and access to everything you enjoy.

Those priorities can point you toward completely different parts of the Valley.

And that's okay.

THE PHOENIX VALLEY HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE

That's one of the things I love about Greater Phoenix.

You have choices.

You can live in an established suburban neighborhood.

You can buy new construction.

You can live in a master-planned community.

You can buy a condo.

You can have a giant backyard.

You can live on a golf course.

You can have mountain views.

You can live near restaurants and shopping.

You can live farther out in the desert.

You can have a highly active 55+ lifestyle.

The challenge isn't finding a good community.

The challenge is figuring out which good community is right for you.

MOVING TO PHOENIX IN 2027? START EARLY

If you're thinking about moving to the Greater Phoenix area in 2027, you don't need to have everything figured out today.

In fact, starting early can be one of the smartest things you do.

If you're 18 months away, we can talk about communities.

If you're two years away, we can talk about growth and areas to watch.

If you're moving next month, we can help you narrow things down quickly.

We'll look at your:

• Budget 
• Timeline 
• Employment 
• Family situation 
• Schools 
• Lifestyle 
• Housing preferences 
• Commute 
• Healthcare needs 
• Recreation 
• Long-term goals 

Because the goal isn't simply to find you a house.

It's to help you find the part of Phoenix that fits your life.

If you're considering moving to Phoenix, give us a call, shoot us a text, or send us an email. We're your Greater Phoenix Valley specialists, and we cover the entire Valley—not just one city or one neighborhood.

And if you're still trying to figure out where you belong, download our free relocation guide. It breaks down different parts of the Valley and helps you compare communities based on the things that actually matter when you're making a move.

You're not just moving to Arizona. You're choosing your next chapter. Let's make sure you choose the right place for it.