Santan, Arizona

San Tan Valley is a rapidly growing, unincorporated community located in northern Pinal County, Arizona, adjacent to the towns of Queen Creek and Florence. It’s a relatively new community, emerging from a largely agricultural area into a sprawling residential hub in the early 2000s due to the Phoenix metropolitan area’s expansion. San Tan Valley is known for its affordable homes, family-friendly atmosphere, and direct access to stunning desert landscapes.

Population: As an unincorporated area, its population can be difficult to pinpoint precisely, but as a Census Designated Place (CDP), the 2020 census recorded a population of 99,894. However, recent estimates for 2024 indicate the population has surpassed 100,000, with some sources putting it around 106,179 and continuing to grow rapidly.

Climate/Landscape: San Tan Valley is firmly entrenched in the Sonoran Desert, offering a typical Arizona climate with hot summers and mild winters.

• Climate: San Tan Valley experiences a hot and arid desert climate with plentiful sunshine.
  • Summers are intensely hot, with average daily temperatures in July often reaching 106°F (41°C) and sometimes higher. The monsoon season from July to September brings occasional, brief, but often intense thunderstorms.
  • Winters are mild and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to 70s°F (18-25°C) and cool nights, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The area receives minimal annual rainfall, averaging around 9-10 inches.
• Landscape: The community is named for the San Tan Mountains, which form a beautiful natural backdrop to the south and east. The landscape is characterized by relatively flat terrain adorned with native desert flora, including saguaro cacti, palo verde trees, and various desert shrubs. Much of the development consists of modern, master-planned subdivisions, but pockets of semi-rural areas with larger lots and even some remaining agricultural land can still be found, offering a blend of suburban and rural living.