Moving to Gilbert, AZ? What It’s Really Like to Live in Gilbert

If your mental picture of Gilbert is farmland, horses and a few subdivisions surrounded by dirt, you're about 20 years behind. Actually, maybe 25.

I've been selling real estate around the Phoenix area long enough to remember when people regularly talked about Gilbert as being "way out there." Nobody says that anymore.

Gilbert has gone from an agricultural community to one of the largest municipalities in Arizona, with nearly 292,000 residents as of 2024. Here's the weird Gilbert trivia you can use at your next cocktail party: it is still technically a town, not a city, and Gilbert calls itself the largest town in America.

More importantly, Gilbert has developed into one of the more recognizable suburban destinations in the Phoenix metro area.

Restaurants. Shopping. Parks. Healthcare. Employment. Newer neighborhoods. Older neighborhoods. Master-planned communities. A legitimate downtown entertainment district.

And yet Gilbert still has little reminders of what it used to be. That's part of why I think people like it.

If you're considering moving to Gilbert, AZ, here's how I'd explain the area if we were driving around together instead of reading another relocation page written by somebody who has apparently never left their keyboard.

And no matter where you choose, you should know certain things before moving here. Make sure to read our blog about the 15 things to know before moving to Phoenix.

Is Gilbert, Arizona a Good Place to Live?

For the right buyer, absolutely. But that's also the answer I'd give you about Chandler, Scottsdale, North Phoenix or a dozen other places around the Valley. The question isn't whether Gilbert is "good."

The better question is whether Gilbert fits the way you want to live.

Gilbert tends to appeal to buyers who like an established suburban environment, newer housing choices, parks and recreation, a strong restaurant scene and easy access to a lot of everyday shopping and services. It also feels different from neighboring Chandler. And by the way, if you want more info on moving to Chandler---you know what to click on. Oh and here is an article about the best neighborhoods in Chandler.

Chandler has more of an established employment-corridor feel in certain areas. Gilbert feels a little more residential and master-planned to me, especially as you move south and east. Then you get into the Heritage District and suddenly you're sitting on a patio with a beer wondering when suburban downtowns became this much fun.

That's Gilbert.

First, Understand How Much Gilbert Has Changed

This is one of the more interesting parts of moving here. Gilbert didn't slowly evolve over 150 years. It exploded.

The town had only 5,575 residents in 1980. By 2024, Gilbert reported more than 292,000. Town planning officials now expect Gilbert to approach build-out around 2030, meaning the era of seemingly endless vacant land inside Gilbert is coming to an end.

That matters if you're buying real estate. Some people still think of Gilbert as a place where brand-new subdivisions will just keep appearing forever. Not necessarily.

There is still development happening, but Gilbert is becoming a much more mature community. Future growth will increasingly involve infill, redevelopment and making better use of the land that's already here.  That makes today's location decisions more important.

Gilbert Is Definitely Not One Neighborhood

This is where relocation buyers can get themselves into trouble. They search "Gilbert homes for sale," see 40 houses they like and assume they all offer basically the same lifestyle. They don't.

North Gilbert around the Heritage District is very different from the neighborhoods around SanTan Village.  Agritopia has its own personality.

Pro Tip from Blair-you HAVE GOT TO stop by here during Christmas time for the light displays. WOWZA!!

Val Vista Lakes feels different again.  Then head toward southeast Gilbert and communities near Queen Creek Road, and the area becomes newer and more spread out.  Same Gilbert address.  Very different Tuesday morning.

Heritage District and Central Gilbert

If I were introducing someone to Gilbert for the first time, I'd probably start here.

Downtown Gilbert is officially called the Heritage District, and it now has more than 30 restaurants along with shops, entertainment, public art and the iconic Gilbert Water Tower. Twenty-five years ago, nobody was saying, "You have to move to Gilbert because of the downtown nightlife."

Things change. The Heritage District gives Gilbert something many suburban communities struggle to create: an actual gathering place.

You can have dinner, walk to another restaurant or bar, see a show, grab dessert and actually spend an evening there without getting back into your car every 13 minutes. For Phoenix, that's practically a walking tour of Boston.

Housing around central Gilbert also gives you access to some older neighborhoods and more established areas that feel different from the master-planned communities farther south.

If you tell me character and restaurants matter more than having a brand-new house, I'd want you to see this part of Gilbert.

Agritopia Might Explain Modern Gilbert Better Than Anything Else

Agritopia is one of those places I'd take a relocating buyer even if we weren't looking at a house there.  It captures what Gilbert has become.

Agritopia grew around historic farmland on Ray Road that dates back to the early agricultural days of Gilbert. Today the broader area combines farming, housing, restaurants, shops and gathering spaces while still keeping part of that agricultural history alive. The working farm itself traces its history to 1927.

It's old Gilbert and new Gilbert sitting next to each other.

Nearby you have the Epicenter development along with restaurants and local businesses, while the broader Agritopia area has become one of the places people specifically visit rather than merely drive through. Discover Gilbert currently highlights businesses around Epicenter including restaurants, shops and the Agritopia Farm Store.

Even if Agritopia isn't where you end up buying, I'd still put it on your Gilbert orientation tour.

Blair's Pro Tip-As mentioned above, you HAVE GOT TO stop by the light shows during Christmas time. STUNNING. 

What Are Homes Like in Gilbert, AZ?

One of Gilbert's strengths is housing variety, although you're going to see a lot more suburban development than you would in central Phoenix.

Depending on where you look, you'll find starter-sized single-family homes, larger two-story homes, gated communities, lake communities, townhomes, newer construction, luxury properties and master-planned neighborhoods with parks, pools and trails.

You also have some genuinely interesting established communities.

Val Vista Lakes, for example, has a very different personality from Morrison Ranch.

Morrison Ranch is recognizable for its grass-lined streets, mature trees and distinctive community design.

Agritopia feels different from both.

And southeast Gilbert gives you another generation of newer subdivisions entirely.

This is why I don't love somebody telling me, "We want to live in Gilbert."  Great.

We've narrowed the Phoenix metro area down to approximately the size of a small European country.

Now tell me what you actually want.

I Wouldn't Put a Gilbert Median Home Price in This Article

That is intentional. Home prices change. Inventory changes. Mortgage rates change.

And I don't want you reading this article two years from now and seeing a market statistic that belongs in a museum.  My Gilbert real estate page already shows current homes, inventory and market information.

Use this link to see what's out here for sale in Gilbert.

I'm much more interested in what you're getting for the money.

What's the lot size?  How old is the HVAC system?  Does it have a pool?  What are the HOA fees?  What's the commute?  Does the neighborhood have amenities you'll actually use?  A house can look fantastic online and still be the wrong purchase.  Granite countertops have yet to shorten anyone's commute.

Blair's Pro Tip-Gilbert was/is farm land. Be aware of the potential dairy smell where you are looking (especially in the summer).

Living in Gilbert Means Paying Attention to the Loop 202

Location within Gilbert matters a lot if you commute.

The Loop 202 Santan Freeway runs through the southern portion of the area and provides one of Gilbert's most important regional connections. And yes, the freeway is currently going through widening work in portions of the Chandler/Gilbert corridor, which tells you something about how heavily this part of the Valley has grown.

If you work nearby, that's one thing.  If you're commuting toward Tempe, Chandler or parts of Scottsdale, another.  If your office is in North Phoenix, we need to talk.  I'm not saying you can't live in Gilbert.  I'm saying I'm going to make you drive the commute before you fall in love with a five-bedroom house with a pool.

Phoenix newcomers regularly underestimate distance because everything looks reasonably close on Google Maps.  It isn't.

If you're relocating to the Valley for the first time, my 7 areas Buyers should consider is a great resource. 

Gilbert Is More Than a Bedroom Community

Gilbert has developed a substantial employment base of its own.

Major employers include Gilbert Public Schools, Banner Health, the Town of Gilbert, Northrop Grumman, Dignity Health and Deloitte, among others. Gilbert's economic development data also points to continued growth in STEM-related jobs and significant commercial investment over the past decade.

Healthcare is particularly visible.  Banner Gateway Medical Center and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center sit in Gilbert, and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is another major healthcare presence in the community.

That employment infrastructure matters because Gilbert no longer exists simply as a suburb where everybody drives somewhere else each morning.

Now We Get to the Important Part: Where Are We Eating?

This may be where Gilbert has changed the most.

The Heritage District has become one of the better concentrated restaurant areas in the East Valley.  Liberty Market is a perfect example because the building itself connects modern Gilbert with its history. It started life as a grocery market and today operates as a restaurant in the heart of the Heritage District.

You also have places such as Postino East, O.H.S.O., Joe's Real BBQ and other restaurants clustered around downtown. Discover Gilbert continues to feature them as part of the Heritage District's current restaurant and business mix.

This is where I want these relocation guides to be different from typical Realtor content.  Where you're going to eat matters.  Where you're going to grab coffee matters.  Where you meet someone for a beer matters.  Those are the places that turn a collection of subdivisions into somewhere you actually feel connected to.

If you're spending $600,000, $800,000 or $1 million on a house, we can probably dedicate 20 minutes to figuring out whether you like the area surrounding it.

SanTan Village Changed the Convenience Factor Too

SanTan Village sits around Williams Field Road and the Loop 202 area and has become a major shopping and dining hub for Gilbert.

The outdoor center is at 2218 E. Williams Field Road and serves as a central retail destination for that portion of town.  More important to somebody moving here is everything that has developed around it.  Restaurants, entertainment, hotels, services and additional retail stretch well beyond the mall itself.  Living relatively close to SanTan Village gives you a different everyday experience than living in older North Gilbert or farther southeast.

Again, this is why "Gilbert" isn't specific enough when we're talking about your home search.

Blair's Pro Tip-STV is like Desert Ridge but...better?

Gilbert Has Legitimate Outdoor Spaces Too

No, you're not living against the side of a mountain.

If immediate desert hiking is your top priority, I'd probably show you North Phoenix or parts of Scottsdale before Gilbert.  But Gilbert does parks very well.  The Town reports more than 600 acres of open space and several major parks throughout the community.

The standout for me is the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.

It's 110 acres and combines water recharge, wildlife habitat, recreation and education. The preserve has more than 4.5 miles of trails and nearly 300 identified bird species, along with ponds, viewing areas, a floating boardwalk and an observatory.

It's one of those places that surprises people who think Gilbert is nothing but subdivisions.  Farther south, Gilbert Regional Park is another major recreation space.  And you have neighborhood parks scattered all over the town.

That matters more in everyday life than some giant attraction you'll visit twice a year.

What About Schools in Gilbert?

Gilbert school discussions can get confusing quickly because a Gilbert mailing address doesn't automatically tell you everything you need to know about the school situation.

There are different districts serving parts of the area, including Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified School District, and Arizona also allows open enrollment.  Gilbert Public Schools publishes current boundary maps and offers open-enrollment opportunities subject to availability.

My recommendation is the same here as everywhere else.  Don't let a real estate blog decide where your child goes to school.

Research the specific programs important to you, verify boundaries directly with the district, tour schools if appropriate and make your own decision.  I'll help you understand the real estate implications and locations.

I'm not picking a school for you.

What Does It Cost to Live in Gilbert?

This is another place where generic relocation articles love giving you one number.

I'd rather give you the categories you should actually think about.  Housing.  Property taxes.  HOA fees.  Utilities.  Pool maintenance.  Landscaping.  Transportation.  Insurance.

And eventually the air conditioner that wakes up one July morning and decides it has fulfilled its purpose on Earth.  Gilbert isn't where I'd automatically send someone whose only goal is finding the lowest-priced house in metro Phoenix.  You're paying for an established suburban location, infrastructure, shopping, restaurants, parks and access to the East Valley.

Whether that premium makes sense depends on you.

My Hidden Costs of Buying a Home in Arizona is a great read to find out...well.. some of the hidden costs of living in Arizona. 

Gilbert vs. Chandler

BRING OUT THE GLOVES!

This comparison is going to come up constantly, especially now that we're building both relocation pages.

And that's good. I don't think the answer should be "Gilbert is better." It should be useful.

Chandler tends to feel a little more established and employment-centered in certain areas, particularly around the Price Corridor.

Gilbert tends to give me more of that polished suburban, master-planned feeling in many areas, with the Heritage District and Agritopia giving it pockets of personality that break up the suburbia.

Both have strong restaurant scenes. Both have Loop 202 access. Both offer everything from relatively modest homes to luxury properties. And they're literally next to each other. So if you're moving to the East Valley, I'd probably show you both. Then you can tell me which one feels more like you.

That's much more useful than me deciding for you based on a ZIP code.

Blair's Pro Tip-look at both. And know that some parts of Chandler could be 30 minutes away from some parts of Gilbert. If you need to be near something specifically, and don't want a longer commute--you have your answer.

Gilbert vs. Queen Creek

This becomes a different discussion.

Queen Creek generally pushes you farther southeast and tends to offer more newer development and, depending on the property and location, opportunities for more space.  Gilbert gives you a more built-out environment with a substantial amount of existing shopping, dining and infrastructure already around you.  Neither is automatically right.

But if you work in Phoenix or Scottsdale and you're comparing Gilbert with Queen Creek, commute becomes a bigger part of our conversation.

The Gilbert Summer Is Still the Phoenix Summer

I wish I could tell you Gilbert figured out how to negotiate a separate climate agreement.

They did not.  It's hot.  Really hot.  Pools become more valuable.  Covered patios matter. You could also get a super cool roller shade for your patio through this company.  Garage orientation starts seeming strangely important.  And your HVAC system becomes one of the most important pieces of equipment you own.

If you're moving from Southern California, Chicago, Seattle or basically anywhere where touching your steering wheel isn't an act of courage in July, there is an adjustment period.  People adjust.  You schedule things differently.  You appreciate mornings.

And from roughly fall through spring, you remember why you moved here.

So, Who Should Consider Moving to Gilbert?

I think Gilbert deserves serious consideration if you're looking for a suburban East Valley lifestyle with established amenities, parks, restaurants, shopping, different housing styles and relatively convenient access to Chandler, Mesa and the broader southeast Valley.

I'd especially look at it if you like the idea of a suburban community but don't want your entire social calendar to revolve around chain restaurants next to the freeway.  Gilbert has developed enough independent restaurants, gathering places and recognizable districts that it has its own identity.

That's the key difference.

My Advice Before Buying a Home in Gilbert

Don't spend your first Gilbert house-hunting day looking at 14 houses.

Spend some of it looking at Gilbert.  Walk around the Heritage District.  Drive through an established neighborhood.  Go through Morrison Ranch.  Visit Agritopia.  Drive around SanTan Village.  Head south toward Gilbert Regional Park.  Go east and see how the feel changes.  Have lunch somewhere.  Then let's talk about houses.

I would much rather have you tell me:  "I really liked this part of Gilbert."  That's actionable.  "I found a 2,741-square-foot house online with white cabinets."  Congratulations.  There are approximately 900 of those.

The neighborhood is what we need to figure out first.  After more than 25 years selling real estate around Phoenix, I've seen plenty of buyers change their minds about where they wanted to live once they actually experienced the area.  That's not a problem.

That's the point of looking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Gilbert, AZ

Is Gilbert, AZ a good place to live?

Gilbert can be a very good fit for buyers looking for an established suburban East Valley location with restaurants, shopping, parks, employment centers and a wide variety of housing. Whether it works for you depends on budget, commute and lifestyle.

Is Gilbert a city or a town?

Gilbert is officially incorporated as a town. Despite having nearly 292,000 residents in 2024, it retains the Town of Gilbert designation and describes itself as the largest town in America.

What is Gilbert, Arizona known for?

Gilbert is known for its rapid transformation from an agricultural community into a major Phoenix suburb, along with the Heritage District, Agritopia, Riparian Preserve, SanTan Village, parks and growing employment base.

What are some popular areas of Gilbert?

Buyers frequently explore areas around the Heritage District, Agritopia, Morrison Ranch, Val Vista Lakes, SanTan Village and newer communities in southern and southeastern Gilbert. The best choice depends on what you're looking for rather than which neighborhood appears on somebody's generic "Top 10" list.

Is Gilbert expensive?

Gilbert isn't generally one of the least expensive choices in the Phoenix metro area. Housing costs vary significantly based on community, age, lot size, amenities and location. I recommend checking current Gilbert listings rather than relying on an article with outdated median prices.

Is Gilbert close to Phoenix?

Gilbert sits southeast of Phoenix and is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Actual commute time varies substantially depending on where in Gilbert you live, where you're traveling and the time of day.

Is Gilbert better than Chandler?

Not universally. Chandler and Gilbert offer different housing, employment and lifestyle characteristics, and many East Valley buyers should consider both. My preference is to show you each and let the differences become obvious in person.

Should I move to Gilbert?

Maybe.  And I actually mean that as a good thing.  I don't think a Realtor should be trying to convince every person reading a city guide that this is obviously the greatest place ever created.  Gilbert might fit you perfectly.  Chandler might fit better.  Maybe you're really a Scottsdale person.  Maybe you need more space and Queen Creek wins.  My job isn't to sell you Gilbert.

It's to help you figure out where your life works best.

Thinking About Moving to Gilbert, Arizona?

If you're considering relocating to Gilbert or comparing it with another part of the Phoenix metro area, I'm happy to help you sort through the options.  I've spent more than 25 years selling homes around the Valley, and I think choosing the right area matters every bit as much as choosing the house itself.  Look at current Gilbert homes.  Read the Chandler relocation guide.  Explore the other communities you're considering.

Then reach out.  We'll figure out the location first.  Then we'll find the house.