If you are thinking about moving to the Phoenix area, two cities that come up again and again are Gilbert and Queen Creek. As a local Realtor who helps buyers relocate to the East Valley every day, this is one of the most common comparisons I hear.
Both Gilbert and Queen Creek offer great neighborhoods, strong home values, and a ton of things to do. The difference comes down to location, lifestyle, home style, and what matters most to you.
If you are searching for homes for sale in Gilbert or Queen Creek, here is what you should know.
The biggest difference between Gilbert and Queen Creek
The simplest way to think about it is this.
Gilbert is more established and centrally located.
Queen Creek is newer, more spacious, and a little quieter.
Gilbert offers:
• Established neighborhoods with mature landscaping
• A walkable downtown area in the Heritage District aka Downtown Gilbert
• Shorter commute times to Phoenix, Tempe, and Chandler
• More shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences nearby
Queen Creek offers:
• Newer homes and modern floorplans
• Larger lots and more outdoor space
• A quieter suburban feel
• Rapid growth with new restaurants, retail, and entertainment opening each year
Neither city is better than the other. It really comes down to the lifestyle you want.
Home prices and affordability
When buyers compare Gilbert vs Queen Creek real estate, price and value are always part of the conversation.
Right now:
• Queen Creek median list price: around $692,945
• Gilbert median home price: around $660,000
What this means for buyers:
• Queen Creek often costs more because many homes are newer, larger, and located in newer master-planned communities. In Queen Creek, you are typically paying a premium for new construction, modern layouts, and bigger outdoor spaces.
Commute and location
Location matters, especially if you work in Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, or Scottsdale.
Average commute times:
• Gilbert: about 30 minutes
• Queen Creek: about 30-45 minutes
Both cities are close to major freeways now that the newer 24 freeway has opened.
Lifestyle and community feel
One of the biggest differences buyers notice after they move is the overall feel of each community.
Living in Gilbert means:
• Easy access to Downtown Gilbert with restaurants, coffee shops, and events
• Established parks, trails, and recreation centers
• A wide variety of shopping and dining options
• Neighborhoods with mature trees and a more established look
Living in Queen Creek means:
• A quieter pace and more room to spread out
• Newer master planned communities
• Larger backyards and open residential layouts
• Growing destinations like Queen Creek Marketplace, Schnepf Farms, and the Olive Mill
• New retail and dining continuing to open as the area expands
Housing styles and growth
When comparing homes in Gilbert and Queen Creek, the housing options look a little different.
Gilbert offers:
• A mix of older and newer neighborhoods
• Townhomes and single family homes
• More variety in price points and home styles
Queen Creek offers:
• Mostly newer homes
• Larger square footage and modern designs
• Open floorplans and energy efficient features
• Strong new construction opportunities
Buyers who want newer homes with space for outdoor living often focus their search in Queen Creek.
Both cities have a lot of options for the luxury home buyer.
Long term value and growth
Both Gilbert and Queen Creek have strong real estate markets and continue to attract buyers moving to the East Valley.
Queen Creek has seen rapid appreciation in recent years due to population growth and demand for newer homes.
Gilbert continues to hold strong value because of:
• Its central location
• Established infrastructure
• Long term buyer demand
From an investment and resale perspective, both communities offer solid long term potential.
Final thoughts
Choosing between Gilbert and Queen Creek is not about which city is better. It is about which one fits your lifestyle, commute, budget, and long term goals.
Gilbert may be the right fit if you want:
• Shorter commute times
• An established community feel
• Walkable dining and entertainment
• Easy access to everyday amenities
Queen Creek may be the right choice if you want:
• A newer home with modern features
• A larger lot or more outdoor space
• A quieter pace
• A growing area with long-term potential
Both cities offer great schools, safe neighborhoods, and strong home values.
If you are trying to decide between Gilbert and Queen Creek, I can help you compare neighborhoods, home prices, commute times, and lifestyle options so you can feel confident about your move. The right decision is not just about the house. It is about finding the community that fits your life.