Next Bet Placed On Future Hot Spot

The Arizona Republic reports that there is a lot of land speculation happening in Gila Bend and Stanfield, which some believe are the next home hot spots.

Developers are quickly and quietly pushing south and west of Maricopa, betting the growth explosion will sprawl toward Stanfield and Gila Bend, about 50 miles southwest of downtown Phoenix.

Several developers estimate Gila bend's boom is five to 10 years off, depending on the economy, fuel prices and transportation issues. But already major retailers such as Walgreens have contacted the town.

Town officials recently approved a 55,000 home master-planned community called Merrill Paloma Ranch. Another 8,000 home development awaits approval.

While land in some parts of Pinal County are selling for $100,000 to $200,000, land in Gila Bend were closer to $25,000 per acre. Gila Bend recently benefited by the improvements to State Route 85 and its access to Interstate 8.

Floodplain issues in Gila Bend and fissure/land subsidence issues in Stanfield were noted as possible concerns for future development in these two areas. More...