Between 2010 and 2024, the population of Gilbert, Arizona swelled from 200,000 to 275,000, for two main reasons: The city is home to major employers like Northrop Grumman, GoDaddy and Deloitte, and it offers a family-oriented, suburban appeal when compared to the much larger Phoenix, about 22 miles southeast. An agricultural center in the early 20th century, when it was dubbed the “Hay Capital of the World," Gilbert has in recent decades evolved into a network of residential subdivisions, with a robust downtown full of art venues and locally owned businesses. "Now there’s lots of shopping and restaurants — it's very trendy,” says Kenny Klaus, a Realtor with Keller Williams Integrity First who has over 25 years of local experience. “It’s also well-known for its schools, great freeway access, newer hospitals and the San Tan Village mall,” Klaus says. Like much of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Gilbert also offers an average of 300 sunny days a year.
Shop stylish and charming baby clothes at Forever French Baby in Northwest Gilbert.
12 West Brewing hosts weekly trivia nights, giving Lyon’s Gate residents a reason to meetup.
Gateway Ranch in Arizona is synonymous with spacious living and friendly faces.
Locals love Southwest Gilbert for its local amenities and quality of life.
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Home prices range higher than the national average
“There are very diverse housing options here," Klaus says, "from apartment complexes to single-family homes to high-end luxury homes.” Residential subdivisions with sidewalk-lined, sunbaked streets are common; some are country club communities, like Seville, or 55+ communities, like Trilogy. Throughout the city, two- to five-bedroom homes built between the late 20th century and today are typical, and most feature front yards landscaped with manicured lawns or rock gardens dotted with low-water plantings, like saguaro cacti or the occasional palm tree. New traditional and ranch-style homes are the norm, some with Spanish-style details like terracotta-tiled roofs, tan stucco finishes and exterior archways. Due to Gilbert’s hot climate, homes with pools are particularly desirable.
Depending on the neighborhood, prices for most single-family homes in Gilbert range from $550,000 to $850,000. The median price for a single-family home is about $615,000, higher than the national median of roughly $420,000. Overall, the cost of living here tends to also be higher than the national average, owing in part to the dense population and pockets of newer, master-planned neighborhoods. “Gilbert’s holding its value really well compared to other parts of the valley,” says Josiah Miller, a Realtor with Josiah Miller Homes and a Gilbert local.
From friendly faces to inclusive events, San Tan Village beckons with open arms.
Take a walk through Agritopia and enjoy the manicured lawns.
Each home in Agritopia features its own unique architectural details.
Most homes in Southwest Gilbert have multi-car garages.
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Shopping and dining at San Tan Village
San Tan Village is Gilbert’s most popular open-air shopping mall, with modern architecture, desert landscaping and over 100 stores and restaurants. Retail here includes fashion boutiques and department stores, and dining ranges from elegant multi-course meals at upscale restaurants to happy-hour specials at family-friendly sports bars. Smaller shopping centers and retail plazas are common throughout the city, most offering a mix of national chains, locally owned restaurants and personal-care businesses like barbershops and nail salons.
Experience the genuine friendliness that makes San Tan Village a truly inviting destination.
SanTan Village is an open-air, super regional lifestyle center located near Lyon’s Gate.
Blue Wasabi is a go-to happy hour restaurant at SanTan Village.
Mugsy Dogs is a popular hot dog stop that residents of Coronado Ranch can't get enough of.
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A top-rated public school system
“The schools in Gilbert are some of the best in the valley — great private and charter options, but even the public schools are great,” Miller says. The Gilbert Unified School District serves over 32,000 students and earns an overall A from Niche. All of the district’s schools receive a B-plus rating or better, and many high schools offer career and technical education classes, as well as dual-enrollment courses for college credit at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. There are also several alternative options for schooling, including prep schools like the A-rated Great Hearts Arete Preparatory Academy and the A-plus-rated Gilbert Classical Academy.
Ashland Ranch Elementary School is part of the Gilbert Public School system.
Higley Traditional Academy in Gilbert has served neighborhood students for over 100 years.
Williams Field HS aims to empower students with high expectations with an inclusive atmosphere.
A large sign guides students into Cooley Middle School in Morrison Ranch.
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Limited public transportation options
Gilbert is about 22 miles southeast of Phoenix, a 25- to 50-minute drive during rush hour. From Gilbert, Routes 60 and 202 lead throughout the Phoenix Metro Area. Most Gilbert residents drive to get around, but streets are generally lined with sidewalks and bike lanes. Valley Metro buses stop in a few neighborhoods, mostly near downtown. There are several hospitals within Gilbert, including Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Banner Gateway Medical Center. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 17 miles northwest.
Northwest Gilbert provides accessible and convenient public transportation options.
Agritopia is full of walking paths, both paved and unpaved.
Cycling in Val Vista is a breeze with the well-planned and accessible bike lanes.
A mother walks past a huge geometric sculpture at The Bridges at Gilbert.
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Parks and rec in Gilbert
With over 80 parks throughout the city, Gilbert residents are never far from nature. “Gilbert Regional Park is incredible,” says Miller. Gilbert Regional Park spans 272 acres and features a 4,000-square-foot lighted splash pad, playgrounds equipped with shade sails, and courts for basketball, pickleball and tennis; the park also features an open-air amphitheater where concerts and performances are often held. Another city highlight is the 110-acre Riparian Preserve, anchored by a stocked fishing lake and seven ponds, all bordered by a dirt-packed trail system that weaves through protected wetlands and native wildlife. “Riparian Preserve is a big swamp they rejuvenated. There’s a lot of people who go there to paint,” Miller says. There are also several golf courses within Gilbert, including the 18-hole course at Kokopelli Golf Club, known for its well-maintained Bermuda grass fairways and surrounding lakes.
Freestone District Park features multiple amenities like basketball courts and batting cages.
Kids practice baseball at Crossroads District Park in Gilbert.
Improve your game at Kokopelli Golf Club's excellent courses in Northwest Gilbert.
Southwest Gilbert is a family-oriented neighborhood with a relaxed, small-town feel.
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An artistic downtown
Downtown Gilbert, also known as the Heritage District, is a vibrant, artsy community full of locally owned restaurants, specialty shops and art venues. “Downtown is kind of like the Main Street in a Hallmark holiday movie,” Miller says. The scene here is set by the 120-foot Gilbert Water Tower, which looms over tree-dotted sidewalks and small businesses painted with the occasional mural. On Saturday mornings, the Art Walk is held at the Water Tower Plaza, where folks can support the artisan community by shopping for handmade crafts and artwork. Also, on Saturdays, the Gilbert Farmers Market is held just across the street from the Art Walk. Theatergoers can enjoy regular performances at the Hale Centre Theatre, while admirers of physical art may browse the latest galleries at Art Intersection. Art Intersection also offers classes and a state-of-the-art Photography Lab, equipped with multiple dark rooms, lighting effects and plenty of other resources.
Immerse yourself in the magic of live theater at Hale Centre Theatre in Northwest Gilbert.
The Gilbert Farmers Market serves up fresh coffee that’s easily accessible from Val Vista.
Alta in Gilbert offers climbing for professionals and kids alike.
AZ Ice Gilbert is a multi-use ice rink near Agritopia.
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Gilbert’s crime rate is quite low
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the total number of violent and property-related crimes reported in Gilbert decreased from 2014 to 2023. In September 2024, Gilbert police chief Michael Soelberg said that the city's overall crime was down 10% from the previous year. Soelberg also says community outreach has played a role in the crime’s decrease, particularly through youth- and prevention-focused initiatives.
Due to Gilbert’s arid climate in the Sonoran Desert, extreme heat and wildfires are environmental concerns for residents. Temperatures regularly top 100 degrees in June through August, so air-conditioned days inside and summer trips to public pools or splash pads are routine for residents. Fire insurance isn’t required in Arizona, but homebuyers may want to research insurance options and emergency preparedness plans. There haven’t been any recent wildfires reported in Gilbert.
My name is Sammie Hone, and for the past eight years, I've had the privilege of serving as a real estate agent in the charming town of Wickenburg. I do Residential and Commercial property and would love to help anyone out trying to find their place to call home.
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