Happy Monday, Friends!

Hope you had a chance to enjoy the weather this weekend because things are heating up, and I don’t just mean the temps. From data centers breaking ground in South Phoenix to a 44-acre business park moving forward in Goodyear, it feels like every corner of the Valley is under construction.

The Recap

This week’s updates include a massive data center expansion in South Phoenix, a new retail and restaurant hub in Glendale, and some long-awaited progress in Goodyear and Buckeye. On the real estate front, inventory continues climbing while pricing holds steady—for now. But with the Cromford Index dipping below 80, things could be shifting. Plus, if you’ve got kids, scroll down to the Events section… there’s plenty happening around the Valley this weekend.

Click here for live mortgage rates 
_{Rates vary based on credit score, loan type, and lender policies. For the most accurate estimate, consult with a lender.}

East Valley News & Developments

PHX02: PhoenixNAP’s Massive Data Center Expansion
South Phoenix is about to become a serious data hub. PhoenixNAP is breaking ground on PHX02, a 530,000-square-foot facility that more than triples their local footprint. What makes this project different is its focus on smaller-scale enterprise clients—ideal for companies that have outgrown shared space but aren’t yet ready for massive custom builds. With data center demand booming across the Valley, this is one to watch.
📍 3221 E Elwood St, Phoenix
🔗 Read more

The Gilmore: $200M Mixed-Use Project Coming to Gilbert
Big things are coming to Gilbert. The Gilmore is a 35-acre project set to bring 300 apartments and a high-end mix of retail and restaurants to the corner of Val Vista and Germann. Tenants already lined up include Safeway, Over Easy, Better Buzz Coffee, and Handel’s Ice Cream. Construction starts this month—and when it’s done, this spot could become a new local favorite for shopping, food, and weekend hangs.
📍 NW Corner of Val Vista Dr & Germann Rd, Gilbert
🔗 Read more

Mesa Looks to Modernize Zoning for RV & Manufactured Lots
Mesa is exploring a zoning change that could allow traditional homes and ADUs to be built on lots currently designated for RVs and manufactured housing. Over 11,000 parcels across the city would be affected. Supporters argue it’s a smart move to increase safety, property values, and insurance options. If passed, this could lead to some serious reinvestment in long-overlooked neighborhoods.
📍 Citywide – Mesa
🔗 Read more

Axon’s North Scottsdale HQ Expansion Faces Pushback
Axon—the company behind the Taser—is trying to expand its North Scottsdale headquarters with a mixed-use campus that includes nearly 2,000 residential units and a big economic boost. But zoning opposition has turned it into a statewide issue. Lawmakers introduced a bill to override local rules, and while it’s not dead yet, the vote was razor-thin. If this one moves forward, it could set a precedent for how Arizona handles high-profile developments in the future.
📍 North Scottsdale
🔗 Read more

West Valley News & Developments

Goodyear Celebration Plaza Back in Play
After stalling out last year, Celebration Plaza is back under city review. The 70-acre site—next to the old CTCA campus—is being pitched as a mixed-use center with restaurants, retail, apartments, and a grocery store. But city council isn’t sold yet. They’re pushing back on the number of drive-thrus and multifamily units, calling for more walkability and sit-down dining options. The developer says it's still early, and more revisions are coming.
📍 143rd Ave & Litchfield Rd, Goodyear
🔗 Read more

Florio at Teravalis Gets Green Light in Buckeye
Buckeye just gave the go-ahead for Florio at Teravalis, a massive piece of the 37,000-acre Teravalis master plan (formerly Douglas Ranch). This section alone will include up to 8,500 homes and more than 7 million sq. ft. of commercial space. With Buckeye’s population projected to explode, the city also updated its development code to streamline approvals for future mega-projects.
📍 Teravalis, Buckeye
🔗 Read more

Goodyear Industrial Park Moves Forward
Construction is moving fast on Formation Park 10, a 44-acre industrial development that will bring five buildings and over 427,000 sq. ft. of space to the I-10 corridor. The site will also include a small public park. With phase one expected to wrap by Spring 2025, this is one of several projects helping Goodyear become a logistics and light manufacturing powerhouse in the West Valley.
📍 Bullard Ave & Celebrate Life Way, Goodyear
🔗 Read more

Shops at the Cardinal Breaks Ground in Glendale
A new retail and restaurant hub just broke ground near State Farm Stadium. Called The Shops at the Cardinal, the 9-acre site is already 90% leased with a lineup that includes Starbucks, McDonald’s, Swig, Bonchon, Five Guys, and more. This adds even more energy to Glendale’s sports and entertainment district—and positions the area for big game-day foot traffic.
📍 91st Ave & Cardinals Way, Glendale
🔗 Read more

🏡 Real Estate Trends

We’ve got more homes on the market—and buyers are gaining power.
There are way more homes for sale now than this time last year. In fact, active listings are up 47%, which means buyers have more options—and more room to negotiate. At the same time, sales are up slightly too, so people are still buying... but it’s not exactly a seller’s playground anymore.

Prices are hanging on, but pressure is building.
The median home price in the Valley is now $459,500, which is still up compared to last year. But the price per square foot dipped a bit from last month, and with more listings hitting the market every day, sellers are starting to feel the pressure—especially outside the luxury market.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

• 🏘️ Active Listings: +47.4% (year-over-year)

• 🔄 Monthly Sales: +2.6%

• 💰 Median Price: $459,500 (+3.3% YoY)

• 📉 Price per Sq. Ft: $311.19 (down from March)

• 🧭 Cromford® Index: Below 80 (means it’s a buyer’s market)

What does this mean for you?
If you’re buying: this could be your window.
If you’re selling: expect more competition, and possibly longer days on market.

Bonus Stat:
Homes owned by Canadians are hitting the market fast—listings tied to Canadian owners are up 268% compared to last year. Most are condos or manufactured homes in snowbird communities.
Check current mortgage rates
_{Mortgage rates vary based on individual qualifications, including credit score, loan type, and lender policies. For a personalized rate estimate, it’s best to consult with a lender.}

🎉 Events Around the Valley

🎪 Venardos Circus
A Broadway-style, animal-free circus packed with aerial acts, comedy, and live music—great for families.
📅 April 10–20
📍 Outlets North Phoenix, Anthem
🔗 Get Tickets

🎡 Maricopa County Fair
Classic fair fun: 35+ rides, deep-fried everything, live music, and farm animals.
📅 April 4–13
📍 Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix
🔗 More Info

👧 KidFest 2025 (Free!)
A free event for young families with games, crafts, food trucks, and tons of kid-friendly fun.
📅 April 12 | 9 AM–1 PM
📍 Friendship Park, Avondale
🔗 Details

🎸 Country Thunder Arizona
One of the biggest country music festivals of the year with camping, food vendors, and big-name headliners.
📅 April 11–14
📍 Florence, AZ
🔗 Tickets & Lineup

🌵See You Next Week in the Desert

That’s a wrap for this week’s edition of The Desert Real.
Appreciate you being here and staying plugged in with what’s going on around the Valley. Whether you’re thinking about making a move or just like being in the know, we’ve got you covered.

If you ever spot something interesting in your neighborhood—or have a question about anything you see here—just hit reply and let me know. we’d love to hear from you.

See you next week!

-Brad