Whether you are a new transplant or a long time resident, you will not be blind to the rapid growth of Queen Creek. Simply driving down the roads you will spy a new structure suddenly pop up on a corner, joining a multitude of exciting new businesses and projects that have come to town. Doreen Cott, Director of Economic Development for Queen Creek, has seen that trajectory first hand in her 18 years with the town.
Queen Creek currently has a population of 83,700, the median age is about 36, and the average income is $135,000. Therefore with such a demographic and still at the beginning of so much, residents will be happy to hear how well their investment in Queen Creek is paying off. Doreen says that the town would ultimately like to become a 'live, work, and play' location for residents, meaning that commute times are low, leaving more time for family and entertainment.
The latest addition of LG Energy Solutions which manufactures cylindrical batteries, will bring a number of good paying jobs to the area. It is also an indication of a continuing shift from Queen Creek's agricultural past to a more dynamic and modern town. Even as Queen Creek moves from the rural to the suburban, the town leaders planned thoughtfully for this and continue to maintain high design standards of buildings, open spaces, and a high aesthetic. Therefore the combination of Queen Creek's charm and job opportunities will continue to attract more people.
Already recognizable names such as Costco, Trader Joe's, Nordstrom Rack, and others have come to town. There have also been exciting additions such as Pecan Lake Entertainment, Fat Cat's, and Slick City that have brought more things to do for families or couples. However, as Doreen listed future projects, it is clear there is no slowing down for Queen Creek.
Upcoming developments like The Switchyard is a mixed use project that will bring Postino's and The Porch. The 54,000 square feet will include retail, restaurants, and office space. This will enhance the downtown area and add to the list of existing developments like Queen Creek Marketplace and Vineyard Towne Center that already boast many shops and businesses. In fact, a second Target is slated to open at Vineyard Towne Center in Fall of this year.
Queen Creek is also slowly growing as a place for foodies too. Alongside Old Ellsworth Brewing Company, Sushi Creek, and Queen Creek Olive Mill, more restaurants are looking to feed Queen Creek's growing appetite. Badlands Bar and Grill recently opened, and the Perch Brewery (which has a location in Chandler) will have another spot in town too. An interesting future project is the Barn Bar Courtyards which will feature local restaurants and shops inside repurposed shipping containers.
Yet while there are cranes and traffic cones announcing the buzz and activity of new builds and new names coming to town, there are also familiar sights and established businesses that are sensing change and meeting those demands. Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, which hosts several rodeo and horse riding events all year, are looking to add a steak house on its property. In addition, Desert Horizon Nursery, which is locally owned and operated, is hoping to open its own bakery and restaurant on-site. Their vision is to combine a dining experience set within a beautiful garden setting called True Story.
Doreen says that at local town events like 'What's Poppin' in QC,' residents have voiced a desire to see more sit down restaurants in town. The incoming projects appears to be addressing some of those demands. There are also requests to see a more vibrant and walkable down town for residents to flock to on a Friday or Saturday night. Doreen says the town is mindful of that and they are 'working hard to diversify amenities and support entrepreneurs.'
As Queen Creek attracts more interest from businesses and more people move in, Doreen says that the town doesn't want to lose its identity or core vision in the midsts of all this change. There is, for example, a need for more hotels to cater to tourists who attend events like Roots N' Boots or the Pumpkin Chili Festival at Schnepf Farms. Therefore planning well for the right kind of projects is important. Doreen says 'We listen to our residents and try to be strategic.' Residents are even encouraged to participate and engage with their town at local events and on their website. The future is not only bright for Queen Creek, but it is practically here.
www.investtheqc.org
'Simply driving down the roads you will spy a new structure suddenly pop up on a corner...'
'Even as Queen Creek moves from the rural to the suburban, the town leaders planned thoughtfully for this and continue to maintain high design standards...'