Gilbert, Arizona
Small-Town Heart, Big-City Access
Gilbert started as a farming town and was once known as the "Hay Capital of the World." Money Magazine later ranked it among the best places to live in America. It's now the fourth-most populous municipality in Arizona, with about 287,000 residents, yet it still feels like a hometown, with a historic downtown, festivals, and farmers markets.
The Heritage District
Downtown Gilbert, known as the Heritage District, is the heart of the town. It's home to Gilbert's top attractions, historic landmarks, and entertainment. The district centers on the Gilbert Water Tower, built in 1927, and mixes modern shops and restaurants with historic buildings and public art. It's ranked among the top food neighborhoods in Greater Phoenix.
Water Tower Plaza hosts community favorites like the Downtown Concert Series and the Gilbert Art Walk, and there's a splash pad right below the tower.
Neighborhoods to Know
Gilbert has a neighborhood for nearly every lifestyle:
Agritopia: Built around a working urban farm, with Joe's Farm Grill and the Barnone craft community.
Val Vista Lakes: Known for its private lakes, beaches, and waterfront homes.
Power Ranch: A large master-planned community with pools, parks, and miles of trails.
Morrison Ranch: Farmhouse-style architecture, tree-lined streets, and plenty of green space.
Seville: Built around a golf course and country club lifestyle.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Gilbert has more than 700 acres of designated open space, seven golf courses, six major parks, four community pools, four recreation centers, a performing arts center, and an indoor ice arena.
Highlights include:
Gilbert Regional Park: Planned to be Gilbert's largest park at 272 acres. It already has a 17-foot signature playground, a splash pad with 57 water features, a fishing lake, an amphitheater, and pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: A 110-acre preserve with more than 4.5 miles of trails, an urban fishing lake, and an observatory that hosts stargazing nights. The National Audubon Society has named it an Important Bird Area, and more than 300 bird species have been spotted there.
Freestone District Park: Sports fields, a playground, a train, carnival rides, a skate park, and an amphitheater.
For a bigger desert adventure, San Tan Mountain Regional Park covers more than 10,000 acres with trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Schools
Most of Gilbert is served by Gilbert Public Schools. Smaller areas are served by Higley Unified and Chandler Unified, both nationally recognized districts.
Gilbert Public Schools stand-outs include:
Gilbert Classical Academy: "A" rated and a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School.
Gilbert High: "A" rated and an International Baccalaureate World School.
Highland High and Mesquite High: Both earned "A" grades from the Arizona Department of Education.
Close to Work, Travel, and Everything Else
Gilbert's economy is strong in healthcare, finance, education, and technology. Major employers include Banner Health, Deloitte, GoDaddy, and Northrop Grumman. Gilbert is also close to both Sky Harbor International and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, with easy freeway access across the Valley via the Loop 202 and US 60.
Gilbert Homes For Sale
Thinking About Gilbert?
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