Queen Creek, AZ

The area now known as Queen Creek was once home to Native American tribes before settlers began arriving in the 1800s. The early homesteaders used the fertile land to farm cotton, vegetables and other crops, and by Arizona's first year of statehood in 1912, a lively rural neighborhood had been established. As you walk around town, you can still find the original post office, church and general store.

Queen Creek was incorporated in 1989, and the San Tan Historical Society Museum now preserves its rich history. For a taste of local culture, watch a play at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, or buy a vase for your home at the Art Be True pottery studio. Don't miss the community's holiday festival and parade, Earth Day celebration and other annual events for some family fun.

Take a stroll through the downtown area near the corner of Rittenhouse and Ellsworth to find an abundance of cheap eats ranging from fast-food favorites to chic coffee bars that cater to the town's young population. The unique dining scene blends old-fashioned Arizona favorites like BBQ rib joints alongside Mexican eateries and eclectic cafes where you can enjoy artisan salads with a pint of craft beer. For a casual night out, take your pick from Queen Creek's diverse spread of sports bars and pubs.

For your daily brunch, head to The Bistro Queen Creek for a fusion of hearty hometown favorites like bacon breakfast burritos and trendy treats like frozen berry tea. If you're just stopping by before work, sit up at the sleek bar to sip on a chai latte while nibbling on some pita and hummus.

Soul food may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Phoenix, but that all changes when you sit down at the family-run Rhema Soul Cuisine. For a nostalgic treat, order a big platter of extra creamy mac and cheese. If you're looking for a guilty pleasure, the smothered chicken thighs with garlic mashed potatoes never leave you hungry. You face some tough choices while browsing the menu's creative dishes, but don't leave without trying the home-style red velvet waffles.

Whether you want to enjoy a quick beer or watch the game while chowing down on some slow-cooked ribs, meet your buddies at TC's Pub & Grub. Locals pack in for karaoke on Saturday, and the icy beer is the perfect drink to wet your whistle.

Queen Creek's suburban location keeps traffic to a minimum, while the Santana Freeway provides easy access to Interstate 10 when you need to drive into downtown Phoenix. Around town, locals enjoy free street parking throughout the neighborhood. Public transportation options are limited, but the Valley Metro buses stop in northern Queen Creek for an alternative route into the city.

If you need a quick ride to the nearby airport, call up the East Valley Shuttle Service, Uber or a local cab like Valley Taxi. If you're a bicycle enthusiast, enjoy year-round biking weather as well as bike lanes on the west side of the neighborhood along streets like Queen Creek Road and Hawes Road. Although bikers and pedestrians feel safe trekking to the Bistro Queen Creek for a bite to eat, keep in mind that most errands require a car.

When you're looking for a quiet desert escape or a safe place for your children to play, take advantage of Queen Creek's free public parks scattered throughout the residential areas. Head to Desert Mountain Park to find several playgrounds for different age groups and several picnic pavilions, or play a game on the park's volleyball and basketball courts.

For a taste of Queen Creek's passionate equestrian culture, watch a free horse show at Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre. This community treasure is also a hot spot for concerts and weddings. For a more wild experience, take the short trip south to San Tan Mountain Regional Park. After paying a minimal entrance fee, hike or bike through more than 10,000 acres of desert wilderness, or take your kids to see the wildlife exhibits at the visitor's center.

Queen Creek residents enjoy an overall cost of living that falls a little below average for the Phoenix metro area. You also find a host of new apartment complexes with a median rent of $750 to $800 for a one-bedroom apartment. If you want to get to central Phoenix by bus, a ride from the nearby airport costs around $4 when you buy a day pass. Locals pay $4 to $5 for a pint at TC's and other local bars, and gas prices generally hover around 9 percent below the national average.

Explore Queen Creek's retail center near the corner of Rittenhouse Road and Ellsworth Loop to satisfy all your basic shopping needs. You don't find many fashion boutiques and high-end jewelry stores in this family-focused shopping area, but bargain hunters find a treasure trove of high-value shoe stores and fashion items on clearance.

Queen Creek Marketplace has earned its place as the town's heart of shopping with its rich spread of big-name fashion retailers. Stroll through desert greenery as you explore national clothing, footware and houseware mainstays along with some local shops. Be sure to check out Justice for the latest teenage fashion trends, or find some cowboy boots at Saba's Western Store, an Arizona favorite.

Whether you're planning a wedding or looking for a rose bouquet to surprise your sweetheart, head to The Cottage at Queen Creek for the town's biggest selection of floral arrangements. While you're making an order, take some time to look through the store to find beautiful garden trinkets and statues.

If you're looking for something to do on your day off, visit OohLaLa Boutique, a little shop situated just outside of town a few blocks west of Power Road. Stocking everything from rhinestone-studded Western jeans to bohemian skirts, OohLaLa has become a center point for local fashion.

When you need to pick up your groceries, stop by the Walmart Supercenter or Albertson's. Be sure to check out the San Tan Valley Farmers' Market during the growing season for fresh fruits and vegetables.