Chandler, Ariz., is a city 30 minutes southeast of Phoenix. One of the quickest-growing cities in the greater Phoenix area, Chandler is becoming a popular destination for young professionals, families, and retirees alike, as it’s alive with yearly festivals and fun activities to take part in. Alongside its museums and theaters, Chandler also offers its residents top schools, beautiful Pueblo homes, and a wide selection of restaurants and shops in town. That’s why more and more people are looking to invest in Chandler real estate each year. If you’ve decided this is your year to relocate to Chandler, too, you’ll want to get to know the city and what it has to offer.
Six things to know about Chandler
It’s easy to get around and stay active
All the best sights and amenities in Chandler are accessible primarily by car, though a light rail system is currently in the development phase. It’s a genuinely residential area with more than 50 parks to explore. Hiking is available at Veterans Oasis Park and the Paseo Vista Recreation Center. For golf enthusiasts who want a piece of Chandler real estate, the Ocotillo Golf Club is just southwest of Tumbleweed Park. Alternatively, there are the Bear Creek Golf Complex, the Springfield Golf Resort, and the Lone Tree Golf Club. It's fair to say that Chandler is the place to be for anyone who wants to spend their weekends on the green.
Chandler has plenty of high-end shopping
Those browsing for homes for sale in Chandler will be glad to know that, in addition to stunning homes, Chandler has more than 10 malls and shopping centers with high-end options to peruse. Located on West Chandler Boulevard, the Chandler Fashion Center is an indoor mall where visitors can catch a movie or shop at various stores ranging from Ann Taylor, Lululemon, and Nick’s Menswear. The Shoppes at Casa Paloma on West Ray Road is an outdoor mall featuring some of the best restaurants in Chandler and Valley Nails and Spa, Ulta, and the Lash & Sugar Company. Finally, the Phoenix Premium Outlets on the western side of town is a go-to for all things designer, with Coach, Ralph Lauren, Armani, and more onsite.
The steakhouses are second to none
Chandler wouldn’t be a proper southwestern town without a great selection of steakhouses. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is located within the Shoppes at Casa Paloma and is known for exceeding expectations through its exquisite service and delicious menu options. For a top-tier ambiance and great Brazilian spices, Galeto Brazilian Steakhouse is another staple at the Shoppes that offers top sirloins, beef ribs, and more in addition to their gourmet bar. Finally, Chop Chandler is a locally-owned grill on West Queen Creek Road that provides perfectly-cooked steaks and a great selection of cocktails.
For something different, Chandler also has several restaurants celebrating cuisines from across the globe. Try Roy’s Restaurant for Asian fusion or Ocean Blue Caribbean Restaurant & Bar for a taste of Jamaica.
There’s a strong arts and culture scene
For all things arts and performance, visit the Chandler Center for the Arts on North Arizona Street. Equipped with a 1,500-seat theater and an onsite art gallery, the Chandler Center is a hub of creativity and expression. Performances range from regional ballets to local jazz quartets to performances by well-known artists like Corinne Bailey Rae and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Chandler also hosts many yearly events and festivals, including the Chandler Jazz Festival and the unique Chandler Ostrich Festival in the spring, celebrating the early history of ostrich farming in the city.
The Chandler Museum is a must-see, with seasonal exhibits and regular educational programs. The Arizona Railway Museum is another unique activity in Chandler, housing over 42,000 artifacts from railway history in the southwest.
Chandler’s schools are well-ranked
The Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) serves Chandler and was ranked in the top two school districts in the state by Niche. Chandler has several schools at each level, and many of them rank highly in Arizona:
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The Knox Gifted Academy ranks #2 in Arizona elementary schools
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Chandler Traditional Academy ranks #4 in Arizona elementary schools
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Arizona College Prep ranks #2 in Arizona middle schools
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Hamilton High School ranks #21 in Arizona overall
With so many great schools mere steps from home, owning a piece of Chandler real estate is a wise investment for any family.
It’s a great place to raise kids
Speaking of families, Chandler is brimming with kid-friendly activities for the whole family to enjoy. It even won the Playful City USA award 11 years in a row. Chandler has a Crayola Experience in the Chandler Fashion Center that allows kids to get colorful and creative by exploring how crayons are made. Or, there’s the Uptown Jungle Fun Park, an indoor amusement center with trampolines, ninja courses, zip lines, and climbing walls. On particularly warm days during the summer, families can also cool down at the Nozomi, Mesquite Groves, or Hamilton Aquatic Centers.
Chandler even has an annual Day of Play, where Tumbleweed Park is turned into a playground for the whole family. Promoting health and fitness for all ages, families can participate in life-size board games or try their hand at a series of obstacle courses on the grass.
Is Chandler the place for you?
With dozens of parks, shops, restaurants, and kid-friendly venues, it’s no wonder that Chandler is growing in popularity as one of the best cities to move to in Arizona. Whenever you consider moving to Chandler, make sure you hire a qualified Arizona real estate agent with a strong history in the city. Once you’re ready to start looking at homes for sale in Chandler, reach out to a trusted Chandler real estate expert at The Santistevan Group, and they’ll connect you with the resources that will make the entire process seamless.
