About San Tan Valley, AZ

San Tan Valley derives its name from the nearby San Tan Mountains. Previously referred to as San Tan Heights, San Tan Foothills, Greater San Tan and simply the San Tan Area, the community lacked any official name and residents used nearby Queen Creek for their mailing addresses.

To coincide with the addition of a new ZIP code for the community on July 1, 2009, the United States Postal Service was petitioned to provide the area with a new name. As part of the initial request, "Bella Vista" name was submitted to the postal service, drawing the ire of some local residents who opposed the suggested name. In response, the Greater San Tan Area Coalition organized a non-binding vote on June 23, offering residents the opportunity to vote on a name for the community.

The area, which had consisted primarily of undeveloped desert and agriculture prior to 2000, experienced considerable growth in the early part of the decade. As early as 2004, attempts to incorporate the area were underway. An initial attempt, which proposed a name of simply "San Tan" for the area, was blocked by the neighboring town of Florence after rural residents expressed concern that allowing incorporation would accelerate the urbanization of the area.

AZ Renaissance Festival   

San Tan Valley in March becomes festive as everyone around Arizona celebrates the annual Arizona Renaissance Festival.  

This annual festival has a reminiscent theme of the 16th-century English village built throughout the festival fairgrounds northeast of San Tan Valley.  It has a 16-stage theater that regularly hosts jousting, while other activities include archery, ax-throwing, and Birds of Prey display.  

Adding color and fun to the festival is the artisan marketplace. You can buy a plethora of crafts and arts made by local artisans in San Tan Valley while adding excitement is the carnival.  Socialize with more than a thousand people dressed as 16th European settlers in this festival with your loved ones.  

The Arizona Renaissance Festival has so much to do and see that you’ll likely spend a few days celebrating this unique revelry.