The community pool at Acclaim at Jorde Farms gives residents another way to enjoy time at home and make the most of sunny Arizona days.
The Valley Is Expanding: What to Look for in a Growing Community
Oct 16, 2026 • Phoenix Area, AZ
The Greater Phoenix area is growing in every direction. From the West Valley to the Southeast Valley and north past the edges of Scottsdale and beyond. New homes, higher-density living, mixed-use spaces, businesses, restaurants, shopping, and much more are changing communities all over town.
For Arizona buyers, that growth means more choices, but it’s also a reminder that there’s a lot to consider when buying a new home. When comparing communities, the surrounding area can be just as important as the floor plan. As they say, “location, location, location.”
Look Beyond the Home
A new home doesn't exist in isolation. The roads you use, the places you visit, and the amenities around you all become part of everyday life.
Grocery stores, health care, and recreation are all worth noting when deciding where you want to plant your roots. Some newer communities are already surrounded by established conveniences, but many others are developing retail and services right alongside new homes.
![Jorde Farms Pool]()
For buyers looking for the best of both worlds, Acclaim at Jorde Farms in Queen Creek would be a definite must-see. This quaint community offers proximity to established shopping, grocery stores and restaurants, even as new residential development continues to surround it. That combination can give you the feel of a growing area, not far from the everyday conveniences already in place.
Access to major roads and freeways can also be a big plus. Home buyers considering Ascent at Avalon Crossing in Mesa, for instance, have access to the Gateway Freeway and the San Tan Freeway, while Skymark at Northpointe in Peoria is near the Loop 303.
![Skymark 4036 Plan]()
See What’s Coming Soon
When considering a newer community, take time to research what is planned around it, including roads, schools, parks, shopping and other developments.
Emblem at Blossom Rock in Apache Junction is a good example. The community is continuing to grow, with a new Great Hearts school planned and expected to open in Fall 2027. Paying attention to new projects like these can give you a better sense of what the surrounding area will look like in the years ahead.
![Painted Sky Park]()
Consider How You Want to Live
The appeal of a growing community isn't only about what's around it. It's also about what you want your day-to-day life to look like.
Do you want nearby parks and trails? Are community amenities important to you? Would you rather be close to restaurants and entertainment, or have more space and a quieter setting?
The answers will be different for everyone. Think about how you spend your time and what you’d like to do close to home.
Choose a Home that Works for You
Once you’ve narrowed down your location, think about how the home itself will work for you.
How many bedrooms would you need? Would a dedicated office be useful? How much storage would you prefer, including how much garage space? How do you feel about flex spaces, and what’s your favorite floor plan? And don’t forget to think about the great outdoors, your preferred lot size, and your home’s elevation. Is a front porch a must-have? Is a pool a deal-breaker? These are all fun decisions that are personal to you that will make your house feel like your home.
The goal is to find the best fit for the way you live now while giving yourself enough flexibility for what the future might hold.
Find Your Place in the Valley
The Valley’s growth has given homebuyers more choices than ever before, from established areas with everyday conveniences already in place to communities that are still taking shape. As you compare your options, consider what matters most to you.
With communities throughout the Greater Phoenix area, Shea Homes® Arizona offers a range of locations and home designs you’ll no doubt have fun exploring. To learn more about owning a Shea Home, click here.
For Arizona buyers, that growth means more choices, but it’s also a reminder that there’s a lot to consider when buying a new home. When comparing communities, the surrounding area can be just as important as the floor plan. As they say, “location, location, location.”
Look Beyond the Home
A new home doesn't exist in isolation. The roads you use, the places you visit, and the amenities around you all become part of everyday life.
Grocery stores, health care, and recreation are all worth noting when deciding where you want to plant your roots. Some newer communities are already surrounded by established conveniences, but many others are developing retail and services right alongside new homes.
For buyers looking for the best of both worlds, Acclaim at Jorde Farms in Queen Creek would be a definite must-see. This quaint community offers proximity to established shopping, grocery stores and restaurants, even as new residential development continues to surround it. That combination can give you the feel of a growing area, not far from the everyday conveniences already in place.
Access to major roads and freeways can also be a big plus. Home buyers considering Ascent at Avalon Crossing in Mesa, for instance, have access to the Gateway Freeway and the San Tan Freeway, while Skymark at Northpointe in Peoria is near the Loop 303.
Thoughtful home design meets the convenience of a well-connected Peoria community at Skymark at Northpointe.
See What’s Coming Soon
When considering a newer community, take time to research what is planned around it, including roads, schools, parks, shopping and other developments.
Emblem at Blossom Rock in Apache Junction is a good example. The community is continuing to grow, with a new Great Hearts school planned and expected to open in Fall 2027. Paying attention to new projects like these can give you a better sense of what the surrounding area will look like in the years ahead.
A look at Painted Sky Park and surrounding development sites shows just how much Emblem at Blossom Rock is continuing to grow.
Consider How You Want to Live
The appeal of a growing community isn't only about what's around it. It's also about what you want your day-to-day life to look like.
Do you want nearby parks and trails? Are community amenities important to you? Would you rather be close to restaurants and entertainment, or have more space and a quieter setting?
The answers will be different for everyone. Think about how you spend your time and what you’d like to do close to home.
Choose a Home that Works for You
Once you’ve narrowed down your location, think about how the home itself will work for you.
How many bedrooms would you need? Would a dedicated office be useful? How much storage would you prefer, including how much garage space? How do you feel about flex spaces, and what’s your favorite floor plan? And don’t forget to think about the great outdoors, your preferred lot size, and your home’s elevation. Is a front porch a must-have? Is a pool a deal-breaker? These are all fun decisions that are personal to you that will make your house feel like your home.
The goal is to find the best fit for the way you live now while giving yourself enough flexibility for what the future might hold.
Find Your Place in the Valley
The Valley’s growth has given homebuyers more choices than ever before, from established areas with everyday conveniences already in place to communities that are still taking shape. As you compare your options, consider what matters most to you.
With communities throughout the Greater Phoenix area, Shea Homes® Arizona offers a range of locations and home designs you’ll no doubt have fun exploring. To learn more about owning a Shea Home, click here.
