COMPARISONEAST VALLEY

Chandler vs Gilbert 55+ — East Valley Guide

The East Valley has Arizona's strongest concentration of newer 55+ communities — Encanterra, Trilogy at Power Ranch, and the Sun Lakes villages sit within 20 minutes of each other. Here is how to choose between them.

East Valley Anchor

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Medical

Banner Gateway, Mercy Gilbert

Premium Pick

Encanterra (Queen Creek)

Value Pick

Sun Lakes (Chandler)

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The East Valley 55+ Landscape

The East Valley is the Southeast Phoenix metro area — Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Queen Creek. It has grown dramatically since 2010 and now has the highest concentration of premium newer 55+ communities in the state outside the original Sun City corridor.

The East Valley advantage for 55+ buyers: newer infrastructure, strong medical facilities, proximity to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport for national travel, and a range of options from Sun Lakes value to Encanterra premium within a 20-minute drive.

The Three Main Options

Sun Lakes (Chandler)

Built 1980s–2000s · New construction: No

$250K–$550K

HOA: ~$150–$220/mo (varies by village)

The value play for East Valley 55+ buyers. Five village HOAs, each with its own character and price point. Oakwood is the largest and most active village. Homes are older (20–40 years) but prices reflect it. Strong resale market. IronOaks has the best golf reputation in the Sun Lakes complex. Best for buyers who want East Valley location at the lowest price.

Trilogy at Power Ranch (Gilbert)

Built 2005–2015 · New construction: No

$350K–$650K

HOA: ~$320–$380/mo

Shea's East Valley entry — the Kiva Club at Power Ranch is smaller than the Kiva Club at Vistancia but still a solid amenity campus. Newer construction than Sun Lakes. Semi-private golf means outside tee times compete. Price sits between Sun Lakes and Encanterra. Good fit for buyers who want Shea quality at a mid-range East Valley price.

Encanterra (Queen Creek / East Gilbert)

Built 2013–ongoing · New construction: Yes — Shea still building

$500K–$1M+

HOA: ~$450–$550/mo

The premium East Valley option — and arguably the best 55+ amenity campus in Arizona at any price. Tom Lehman private golf course, the Algarve Club with professional teaching kitchen and full spa, new construction available. The price premium is real and justified if you will fully use the Algarve Club. Queen Creek location is slightly farther from Gilbert/Chandler core than Sun Lakes and Trilogy.

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Phoenix Metro Market Snapshot

Metro Median Price

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Days on Market

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List-to-Sale

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East Valley buyers — Sun Lakes, Trilogy, or Encanterra?

Nova55Living maps the East Valley 55+ options to budget and lifestyle so the three-way decision is clear before you tour.

Free Consultation · Vetted Agents · No Obligation

Ready to take the next step on
the right 55+ community?

Connect with a specialist who knows this market from the inside — real cost math, honest community comparisons, and what's actually happening right now. Every agent is personally vetted by the Nova55Living founder.

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