Archives for July 2025

Taste the Best of Local Flavor at Queen Creek Restaurant Week 2025

August 18–24 | Hosted by the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce

Hosted by the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce (Photo Source.)

Queen Creek is turning up the heat this summer—not just with temperatures, but with flavor! The Second Annual Queen Creek Restaurant Week is set to return from August 18–24, 2025, and it’s the perfect opportunity to discover your new favorite local dining spot.

Presented by the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, this weeklong culinary celebration puts the spotlight on the incredible diversity and creativity of Queen Creek’s local restaurants. Whether you’re a longtime foodie or just looking for an excuse to skip cooking, you won’t want to miss this delicious week.

What to Expect

  • Special menus crafted just for Restaurant Week

  • Prix fixe meals at a great value

  • Exclusive discounts at participating eateries

  • The chance to explore new restaurants, support small businesses, and enjoy the best of Queen Creek’s culinary talent

According to Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, “Last year, over 20 restaurants participated in our inaugural restaurant week. We received so much positive feedback from businesses and residents that we are thrilled to host Queen Creek Restaurant Week for its second year. This event is a testament to the strength and diversity of our local restaurant scene.”

How to Participate

Diners: All you need to do is show up hungry and explore! Visit the official event page at explorequeencreek.com/queencreekrestaurantweek2025 to see a list of participating restaurants and any special menus or offers.

Restaurants: Interested in participating? Sign up through the same website and showcase your restaurant to the entire Queen Creek community.

Support Local, Eat Well

Whether you’re craving comfort food, global flavors, or an elevated dining experience, Queen Creek Restaurant Week 2025 has something for everyone. It’s a fun, flavorful way to support the businesses that make Queen Creek such a vibrant place to live and visit.

Stay updated by following @ExploreQueenCreek on social media.

Source: CITYSunTimes, “Second annual Queen Creek Restaurant Week to spotlight local eateries,” July 3, 2025.
For full event details, visit: explorequeencreek.com/queencreekrestaurantweek2025

 

20 Best Places to Live in Arizona (2025-2026 Rankings)

Thinking about moving to or within Arizona? You’re not alone—and now, there’s fresh data to guide your decision.

U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025–2026 Best Places to Live in the U.S., and Arizona cities are shining on the list. The rankings evaluate cities based on quality of life, value, job market, and desirability—making this one of the most comprehensive looks at where Americans want to live right now.

This year, the study expanded to include over 850 U.S. cities, offering a more community-level view than ever before. The top 250 were recognized, and among them, 20 cities across Arizona earned their spot.

Top 20 Best Places to Live in Arizona (According to U.S. News & World Report)

1. Queen Creek

Overall Score: 6.2

  • Population: 68,717

  • Median Home Value: $547,271

  • Median Rent: $1,678

  • Median Household Income: $133,328

  • Average Commute: 29 minutes

Queen Creek claims the No. 1 spot in Arizona thanks to its blend of luxury, suburban charm, and booming family-friendly growth.

2. Gilbert

Overall Score: 6.2

  • Population: 272,479

  • Median Household Income: $120,156

  • Median Home Value: $496,010

3. Marana

Overall Score: 6.1

  • Population: 55,483

  • Median Home Value: $358,011

4. Chandler

Overall Score: 6.1
A tech hub with strong infrastructure and a great job market.

5. Scottsdale

Overall Score: 6.0
Known for luxury living, golfing, and vibrant tourism appeal.

6–10

6. Sierra Vista – Affordable and military-friendly
7. Peoria – Family-oriented with lots of green space
8. Surprise – Strong community vibe, growing infrastructure
9. Maricopa – Affordable homes and suburban feel
10. Mesa – Large, established city with growing opportunities

11–20

11. Goodyear – Up-and-coming west valley suburb
12. Buckeye – One of the fastest-growing U.S. cities
13. Phoenix – Arizona’s capital with a diverse job market
14. Avondale – Balanced affordability and access to downtown
15. Tucson – Historic culture and affordable cost of living
16. Prescott – Mountain town charm with higher home values
17. Glendale – Entertainment, sports, and affordable homes
18. Casa Grande – Short commutes and affordable living
19. Lake Havasu City – Outdoor recreation hotspot
20. Tempe – College town energy and innovation

What Makes a City Desirable in 2025?

According to Erika Giovanetti of U.S. News, quality of life remains the top factor, but growing weight is given to job market strength, especially as economic uncertainty affects housing trends.

The methodology behind the rankings includes:

  • U.S. Census data

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • FEMA and NOAA for environmental safety

  • Consumer sentiment surveys on priorities like affordability and commute time

Why This Matters for Arizona Home Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating, or investing in real estate, understanding how cities rank can guide smart decisions.

  • Buyers can compare affordability and lifestyle across locations.

  • Sellers in top-ranked areas may see stronger demand and pricing power.

  • Investors can target high-growth, high-value markets for long-term gains.

Spotlight: Why Queen Creek Tops the List

Queen Creek stands out with:

  • High median household income

  • Excellent schools and community amenities

  • Strong real estate market with beautiful new developments

  • Easy access to Phoenix without the urban congestion

If you’re considering relocating to Queen Creek or the East Valley, now may be the perfect time to explore your options.

Source:
“The 20 best places to live in Arizona, according to U.S. News,” AZ Big Media
Read the full report at azbigmedia.com

The Latest Mortgage Rate Forecasts

If you’re tempted to delay your move in hope that mortgage rates will come down, you may want to rethink that strategy based on the latest forecast.

Experts say mortgage rates are projected to stay in the 6s this year. So don’t expect a big drop.

If you want to talk about what this means for your move, let’s connect. As forecasts change, having an expert who can keep you updated is essential.

Home Price Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025

With all the headlines circulating recently, you may be wondering what’s next for home prices?

Here’s what the expert forecasts say. Home prices are still forecast to rise nationally this year, just at a much slower pace. But price trends are going to vary by area.

To have a quick conversation about what’s happening in our local market, let’s connect.

Upcoming August Events You Won’t Want to Miss at Encanterra®

August is packed with exciting opportunities to connect, celebrate, and live your best #MyTrilogyLife! Whether you’re into food, music, fitness, or just having fun with friends and neighbors, Encanterra® has something for everyone this month. Here’s a full lineup of can’t-miss events designed exclusively for our members and their guests.

1. Brews & Bites: Beer Tasting

Friday, August 1 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Mallorca Events Center Room A
Tickets: $32.60

Beat the summer heat with an evening of craft beer tasting from Four Peaks and Firestone Walker, perfectly paired with light bites prepared by the Encanterra Chef. Guests receive a take-home freezer mug to keep the chill going long after the event.
➡️ Limited tickets available – grab yours soon!

2. Name That Tune! Music Trivia Night

Friday, August 1 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Algarve Pool
Complimentary

Think you can name that tune? Head to the Algarve for a night of music trivia, cocktails, and appetizers. After the game, stick around for an hour of DJ music and dancing.
➡️ Form a team, sip a drink, and enjoy a music-filled evening with friends!

3. National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day – Cookie-Fest

Monday, August 4 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | La Cocina
Complimentary

Celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day with freshly baked treats and icy milk or coffee. Want to show off your baking skills? Bring your best cookie recipe to share with Gail and the team!
➡️ Cookies available while supplies last.

4. Ballroom Dance Instruction – Swing Dance Lessons

Every Tuesday in August (Aug 5, 12, 19, 26) | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Mossa
Tickets: $21.79 per person, per class

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or new to the floor, this swing series led by dance professional Kevin is fun and energizing. No partner required—just bring your dance shoes and enthusiasm.
➡️ First class free for new students!

5. Grab-n-Go Breakfast Ideas | Focus on Fitness Month

Wednesday, August 6 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | La Cocina
Tickets: $10.90

Fuel your day with quick, healthy breakfast ideas like overnight oats, smoothies, oatmeal cookies, and more. This fitness-focused event offers inspiration and great tasting options for an on-the-go lifestyle.
➡️ Support your wellness goals with delicious, nutritious options.

6. Dinner and the Cinema – Offsite Trip

Friday, August 8 | 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Mesa & San Tan Village
Tickets: $50.12 (includes dinner stop, movie, $10 concession credit, and transportation)

Join your neighbors for a night out featuring a Mediterranean dinner and a movie! We’ll head to Princess Mediterranean Market in Mesa before catching The Naked Gun reboot at Harkins Theater.
➡️ Bus departs Encanterra at 3:30 PM. Don’t wait—seating is limited!

7. Cryptogram Scavenger Hunt | National Book Lovers Day

Saturday, August 9 – Monday, August 18 | Starts at Concierge Desk
Complimentary

Celebrate your love of books with a clever scavenger hunt through the Encanterra Library. Solve cryptogram clues to find hidden book titles and win prizes!
➡️ Start the challenge anytime between Aug 9–18.

8. Live DJ at Algarve Pool

Sunday, August 10 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Algarve Pool
Complimentary

Grab your sunscreen, pool float, and your favorite summer drink for an afternoon of live DJ music poolside. It’s the perfect way to relax and soak up the fun.
➡️ No RSVP required—just show up and enjoy!

9. Jukebox Bingo: Kool White Party

Thursday, August 14 | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Mallorca Event Center
General Admission: $16.34 | VIP Table of 10: $32.69/person

Put on your crisp white outfits and enjoy a unique spin on bingo with a music twist. Jukebox Bingo combines song clips and classic gameplay for a high-energy party atmosphere.
General admission includes a snack and materials. VIP tables come with premium seating, sparkling wine, and charcuterie for your group.
➡️ Limited VIP tables remain—reserve your spot today!

Don’t Miss Out!

All events are designed for Trilogy Members and their guests, so invite your favorite people and make the most of the Encanterra lifestyle this August. Whether you’re dancing, relaxing poolside, or solving puzzles in the library, there’s no better place to be.

👉 Register now via MyTrilogyLife.com to reserve your spot.

 

Alina Has been to 39 Countries!

Alina has traveled to 39 countries around the world and counting! Her global perspective brings a unique edge to how she connects with her clients.

And the best part?
When one of us travels, you still get the other one.

At Shea Preferred Realty Group, you’re never without support. We’ve always got you covered, from Encanterra to everywhere.

 

Contact us! SHEA PREFERRED REALTY

Why Isn’t Your Home Selling? 


We’re seeing a wave of frustrated sellers, and many are pointing fingers at their agents.

But here’s the truth:
✅ Beautiful marketing
✅ Thoughtful staging
✅ No major buyer objections

If all those boxes are checked, the real issue might be the price. The market speaks loud and clear, don’t ignore it. A smart price adjustment can be the fresh start your listing needs to get sold.

Ready for a reality check on your home’s value? Let’s chat.

SHEA PREFERRED REALTY

 

 

Homebuyers Lingering Might Just Be Your Buyers

 A few weeks ago, one of my sellers called me frantic! The buyers and their agent were lingering in the home way past their scheduled time.

But here’s the thing… we want them to linger.

When buyers don’t want to leave, that’s a great sign. It means they’re picturing themselves living there.
Yes, it’s inconvenient to drive around with your pets or load up a cat who’s never left the house — but remember:

A few weeks ago, one of my sellers called me frantic! The buyers and their agent were lingering in the home way past their scheduled time.

But here’s the thing… we want them to linger.

When buyers don’t want to leave, that’s a great sign. It means they’re picturing themselves living there.Yes, it’s inconvenient to drive around with your pets or load up a cat who’s never left the house — but remember:

Lingering buyers just might be your buyers.

Weekend Open Houses in Encanterra – July 19th

TWO Stunning Open Houses – This Saturday in Queen Creek!
Live the resort lifestyle in the heart of Encanterra®

199 E Tangerine Path
Open House: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,124 SqFt
Resort-style backyard with infinity-edge pool, 10-person spa, outdoor fireplace, BBQ, luxe chef’s kitchen, designer finishes, and more — all just steps from the Algarve.

699 E Watermelon Ln
Open House: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
2 Beds + Den | 2 Baths | 1,770 SqFt
Backs to walking trail for ultimate privacy. Features include luxury vinyl plank flooring, granite kitchen, custom backsplash, and a spacious open-concept layout.

Come tour these exceptional Encanterra homes this Saturday.
Tag a friend who needs to see these!

#QueenCreekAZ #EncanterraLiving #OpenHouse #LuxuryHomesAZ #ArizonaRealEstate #EncanterraLife #SaturdayOpenHouse #QueenCreekHomes #SheaPreferredRealtyGroup

 

Ben Leeson, Alina Suprak and TJ Kelley

Arizona Experience Realty Group Resale Broker for the SHEA Preferred Program

480-677-8170

Info@ENCBrokers.com

 

36460 N Encanterra Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85140