Living in Gilbert, AZ: Is This Phoenix Suburb Right for You?

If you’re considering making the move to the Grand Canyon State, consider living in Gilbert, AZ. This thriving suburb of Phoenix is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Arizona. It’s an excellent place to raise a family, with a fantastic public school system and robust job market (just to name a few perks). And did we mention it also has around 300 sunny days each year? That means there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy an active lifestyle, as well. 

Planning a move to Gilbert? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

But how can you be sure moving to Gilbert is right for you? 

Where Is Gilbert, Arizona?

Gilbert is located in the central part of Arizona, about 22 miles southeast of Phoenix. Considered a suburb of Phoenix, the area has a population of around 275,000.

Gilbert’s Background

Like much of the southwestern U.S., Gilbert is a relatively newer area and was only incorporated in 1920. The town owes its namesake to William Gilbert, who sold a right of way through his land to the railroad company. The town sprung up as the Phoenix and Eastern Railroad Company grew. But in addition to the railroad, Gilbert also saw growth because of the construction of the Eastern Canal and the Roosevelt Dam, which allowed the residents to irrigate fields and grow hay and alfalfa. In fact, Gilbert was once known as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” and much of the supplies went to feed the U.S. Army’s horses during WWI. 

Gilbert really started to grow during the 1970s and 1980s as more businesses and people started to expand outward from Phoenix. 

The Cost of Living in Gilbert, AZ

The average home value in Gilbert is around $574,600, which is higher than the state average ($426,700) and the average price of a home in Phoenix ($422,000). The cost of living in Gilbert, AZ, is also higher than both the state and national averages, with a cost of living index rating of 113. However, the many pros of living in the city certainly help to offset the additional costs.

Q: Is it expensive to live in Gilbert, AZ? A: The cost of living in Gilbert, AZ, is higher than both the state and national averages.

Gilbert Weather

The weather in Gilbert is one of the area’s main draws, and when you’re a resident, you’ll have the chance to enjoy lots of sunny days (around 300, in fact!). Winters are mild in Gilbert, and the temperatures don’t usually drop below the 40s. The summers, however, can get very hot, since Gilbert is located in a desert environment. Expect average highs to be around 97 degrees during the summer. And the average rainfall in Gilbert is only around 9 inches each year.

Q: What are the pros and cons of Gilbert, Arizona? A: Like all cities, there are pros and cons of living in Gilbert, AZ. Some of the major pros of living here include the sunny, warm weather, the booming business and job sectors, and the high-ranking school system. The cons of Gilbert include traffic and congestion, the higher cost of living, and the sweltering summer heat.

What Makes Gilbert One of the Best Places To Live in Arizona?

Living in Gilbert, AZ, is great — especially if you want easy access to Phoenix for work or entertainment options. In fact, a trip from Gilbert, AZ, to Phoenix, AZ, is around 22 miles and, depending on the time of day, is only about a 30- to 40-minute drive. That’s not too bad if you’re planning to commute to the big city for work daily. You can also drive to Mesa and commute to Phoenix on the Valley Metro Rail or ride the bus from Gilbert to Phoenix, both of which take around 50-60 minutes.

Growing families especially love Gilbert’s safe neighborhoods with top-notch schools for their children to attend. After all, you don’t rank as one of the best places to raise a family in Arizona without offering stellar education and lots of learning experiences for kids. 

But Gilbert is also popular with professionals who are looking to advance their careers or go in new directions, as well. With industries like renewable energy, technology, and advanced manufacturing (not to mention its proximity to the Phoenix job market), there are a lot of great job opportunities throughout the area.

Retirees enjoy this suburb, as well, because it’s quieter than the big city, and there are lots of places to stay active and get involved in the community — whether it’s golfing at one of the top courses in the area, spending time in the Gilbert Regional Park, or shopping in the Heritage District.

Finley Farms is a tight-knit community with lots of events to keep everyone engaged, such as movie nights and community garage sales.
(Source: MGroupAZ via Facebook)

Guide to Gilbert, AZ, Neighborhoods

There are 59 neighborhoods in Gilbert, so there’s likely going to be an area of town that’s perfect for your specific lifestyle. Whether you want a quiet street to raise your kids, to have access to trails and mountains to hike, or to enjoy well-placed shopping and dining amenities — and that’s just scratching the surface — these top neighborhoods in Gilbert can deliver.

Power Ranch

If you’ve wondered, “Is Gilbert, AZ, safe?,” you’ll be happy to know that many of the neighborhoods are very safe and great places to raise a family. But if you’re looking for an award-winning, master-planned community that’s a cut above, consider looking for a home in Power Ranch. This highly walkable community is full of charm and features homes of all sizes. 

There are a variety of easy-to-access community parks, including the Barn & Trailside Community Park and Arbors Park (that includes a tennis court). There are also clubhouses located throughout the neighborhood that provide the perfect gathering places for neighbors to enjoy BBQs, picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, and basketball courts. 

Power Ranch has four schools in the area, and its location next to Power Rd. and Queen Creek Rd. ensure it’s easy to get around the area. Folks especially love the nearby Power Ranch Golf Club and grabbing a bite at TC’s Pub & Grub or Sage & Barrel Craft Eatery.

Silver Creek

Ranked as the safest neighborhood in Gilbert, according to Neighborhood Scout, Silver Creek is a great place to settle down. This smaller community has easy access to S Greenfield Rd. and E Ocotillo Rd., which means when you live here, it’s easy to get to where you need to go. And residents love how close they are to Freedom Park Lake, which is full of lovely trails around a picturesque lake. Living in Silver Creek also means you’re a stone’s throw from the popular Gilbert Regional Park that offers a splash pad, fishing lake, pickleball courts, and even an outdoor amphitheater to enjoy concerts and plays. 

Looking for some delicious places to dine out in Silver Creek? Head over to Blue 32 Sports Grill for burgers and wings, or grab a hot cup of coffee and breakfast burritos at Morning Kick.

Q: How is Gilbert, Arizona, as a place to live? A: Gilbert is a great place to live because it’s full of safe neighborhoods, has great access to healthcare, and offers lots of job opportunities — just to name a few perks.

Seville

Whether you’re a retiree or a growing family — or, frankly, just a golf enthusiast — you’ll enjoy living in the Gilbert neighborhood of Seville. This planned community was created around the golf course designed by Gary Panks and includes the Seville Golf & Country Club. In addition to great rounds on the green, the country club offers a pool and aquatics area, tennis courts, a fitness center, and dining options. 

Wilson Way Park and Seville Neighborhood Park are the perfect greenspaces to walk the dog or take a jog through the neighborhood. And there are top-rated elementary, junior, and senior high schools that serve the area, so your kids never need to go far to attend class.

Living in Seville also offers you beautiful views of the Arizona landscape, in addition to the pristine green of the golf course. And when it comes to chowing down, you’ll definitely want to visit Lucky Lou’s for a sandwich and Moreno’s Mexican Grill for guac and chips.

Finley Farms 

A very family-oriented community that’s close to everything? That’s Finley Farms. Whether you’re looking for a smaller three-bedroom home or a larger six-bedroom one, this community has floor plans and architectural styles to meet your needs. The area also has community parks, like Columbus Park and Mesquite Aquatic Center, that are perfect for playing with the kids or relaxing with friends and family. And the Greenfield Lakes Golf Course, an affordable course for all skill levels, is right across the street. 

You’ll find that Finley Farms is a tight-knit community, and the housing authority puts together lots of events to keep everyone engaged, such as movie nights and community garage sales. And if you’re looking for some good eats, grab a taste of Hawaii at the MauiSadas bakery or wood-fired pizzas at Holiday Toast and Tap.

Redstone at SanTan Village is a luxury apartment and townhome complex conveniently located right off the SanTan Village Parkway.
(Source: Redstone at SanTan Village)

What About Apartments in Gilbert, AZ?

If you’d prefer to rent an apartment space in Gilbert, AZ, there are plenty of options, as well. Perfect for retirees, young professionals, and families alike, these complexes offer modern amenities without the upkeep and maintenance of owning a home.

The Flats at SanTan

For modern one- and two-bedroom apartments in Gilbert, you can’t go wrong with the Flats at SanTan. This complex is close to the SanTan Village mall, which features stores like Macy’s, Yankee Candle, and Sephora, and includes all the amenities you could want, like a pool, clubhouse, outdoor lounge, dog park, and even an outdoor yoga courtyard. Apartments have walk-in closets, stainless-steel appliances, custom cabinets, full-size washer/dryers, and much more. This pet-friendly apartment building also has flexible lease terms.

Cambria Apartments

Want to enjoy one-, two-, or three-bedroom floor plans close to the Heritage District of Gilbert? Then consider renting one of the Cambria Apartments. Here, you’ll have easy access to all the shops and restaurants on Gilbert Rd., as well as plenty of resort-like amenities, including two pools, a bark park, picnic areas, a playground area, and a firepit. As a resident, your apartment will include direct access to a garage, 9-foot ceilings, and a private balcony or patio.

Painted Trails

Conveniently located right off of Loop 202 are the Painted Trails Apartments. Here, you can enjoy beautiful desert views with easy access to downtown Gilbert and the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. This is the ideal spot, whether you’re commuting to Phoenix or to Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus, or simply working from home. Enjoy amenities like a spa, clubhouse, pool, fitness center, and covered parking. And every one-, two-, and three-bedroom, pet-friendly apartment comes with large closets, a full-size washer and dryer, a fully equipped kitchen, and hardwood flooring. 

Q: Is Gilbert, Arizona, a wealthy area? A: Gilbert, AZ, is considered one of the wealthiest areas in Arizona.

Redstone at San Tan Village

Looking for luxury living in Gilbert? Then you’ll definitely want to check out Redstone at SanTan Village. Located right off the SanTan Village Parkway, you’re never far from anything in Gilbert. Whether you choose an apartment or a townhome, you’re guaranteed to have a chef-inspired kitchen, plush carpeting and hardwood floors, French doors, oversized closets, a breakfast bar, an in-home washer/dryer, and so much more! And on site, you’ll enjoy a 24/7 fitness center, pool and whirlpool, a picnic area, a kid’s play area, and a poolside cabana. 

The neighborhoods of Gilbert are served by a variety of both public and private schools, including several that are highly rated.
(Source: Legacy Traditional School - Gilbert via facebook)

What About the Schools in Gilbert, AZ?

Gilbert, AZ, has some of the best school systems in the state of Arizona, so it’s hard to go wrong picking a school! And the neighborhoods of Gilbert are served by a variety of both public and private schools, making the choice easier about where to send your kids. These are some of the top schools in both categories:

Public Schools:

• Challenger Basic School
• Legacy Traditional School - Gilbert
• Gilbert Classical Academy High School

Private Schools:

• Pilgrim Lutheran School
• St. Mary-Basha Catholic School
• Seton Catholic Preparatory

Top Things To Do in Gilbert, AZ

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Gilbert, AZ, you’re in luck, because whether you like outdoor fun, cultural activities, or sampling the many dining options, there’s plenty to do in this Phoenix suburb. 

Get Moving Outdoors

Gilbert, AZ, is one of the best areas of Arizona to get outdoors and enjoy yourself. After all, you’ll have close to 300 sunny days each year to do so! Residents love visiting the 110-acre wetland and wildlife sanctuary at Riparian Preserve for amazing walks during the day, and visiting the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory at night for a chance to look at the stars through a high-powered telescope. And there are all kinds of parks that offer plenty of space for hiking and biking, as well as spots to enjoy some downtime, like Gilbert Regional Park. Just a short drive away is the Usery Mountain Regional Park, as well, that includes the popular Wind Cave Trail.

Have Fun With the Kids (or Unleash Your Own Inner Kid)

Because this is a great place to raise a family, you can expect lots of family-friendly activities in Gilbert. Aside from plenty of parks, pools, and playgrounds in the community, you’ll also find fun kid-friendly attractions like Altitude Trampoline Park or the arcade at FatCatsFun. Want to unleash your own inner kid, as well? You can always play 3D mini golf at Imagine 3D Mini Golf.

Perfect Your Swing

Arizona has some of the best golf courses in the country, and Gilbert has easy access to many of them. You can hit up the Greenfield Lakes Golf Course or the nearby Western Skies Golf Club. Even certain neighborhoods have their own courses, including the ones in Seville and Power Ranch. Or if you’d rather avoid the heat while practicing your swing, you can always check out TopGolf.

Get Cultured 

Take a stroll in the Heritage District to browse the shops or people watch. You can also stop by the Gilbert Historical Museum to learn about history, arts, and crafts through engaging exhibits for all ages. And local residents love that the Hale Theatre is right in their town, so they can catch musicals, plays, and concerts without leaving the city limits.

Try All Kinds of Delicious Foods (and Drinks)

Although the dining scene is smaller than Phoenix’s, Gilbert has plenty to offer both foodies and those who love a good craft beverage. Enjoy Liberty Market, located in a historic 1935 building, for quality food, espresso, fresh cocktails, and more, or head over to Romeo’s Euro Cafe for Mediterranean fare. Those who appreciate a creative cocktail will also love the speakeasy vibe of The White Rabbit, while those looking for craft beer will enjoy The Draft Sports Grill.

PODS simplifies the moving process with a month of storage built into every move, so you can pack and load at your own pace.

Moving to Gilbert, AZ

If you’re ready to find out what it’s like living in Gilbert, AZ, PODS can help you get there. When you rent a PODS portable storage container, you can take your time and load it on your schedule. Need help with the heavy items? PODS has recommendations for local packing and loading assistance. And when you’re ready to move, a PODS professional will pick up the container and move it to your new home in Gilbert, where you can take as much time as you need to unload, as well. The best part? One month of storage is always included with every move!

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.