Gilbert, AZ is located in Maricopa County’s greater Phoenix’s East Valley, thirty minutes southeast of Downtown Phoenix. With a population of approximately 259K, Gilbert’s incorporated town makes it one of the US’s largest towns.
The charming Town of Gilbert was known over a hundred years ago as the Hay Capital of the World. Gilbert is now a modern metro of rich history beaming with hometown pride.
Here are 5 things to know about living in Gilbert, AZ
- Gilbert Parks & Recreation
The parks and recreation opportunities in Gilbert are, well, HUGE! Playgrounds, parks, lakes, preserves, habitats, aquatics, sports leagues, special events, community centers, pools, water towers, trails, ramadas, dog parks, adult & youth programs, lessons, activities, activities, activities. You name it, Gilbert Parks and Rec has it.
Gilbert, AZ, manages nine significant parks within its town limits as well as fourteen neighborhood parks.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is worth a special mention due to its uniqueness and focus on preserving and protecting natural resources, namely water, and wildlife.
- Downtown Gilbert Heritage District
The downtown scene in Gilbert, AZ, known as the town’s Heritage District, provides a plethora of options for people of all ages, including craft eateries, breweries and nightlife, historical landmarks and museums, local artisan markets, public art, a performance art theatre, specialty shopping, and local family-friendly events.
Gilbert’s famous Water Tower housed in downtown’s Water Tower Plaza is the heart, soul, and most iconic landmark of the Heritage District and the Town of Gilbert. Water Tower Plaza has a beautiful water fountain sculpture, fun splash pads for the kiddos, charming park benches, tables, and grassy areas for relaxing and periodic special live music and entertainment by local artists in a serene park setting.
- Schools in Gilbert
Gilbert, Arizona, houses over 160 schools in its fair town, both public and private, ranging from preschools, elementary, middle, and high schools. Per GreatSchools.org, there are several top-rated public schools for Gilbert’s youth to attend, including charter schools.
Gilbert’s public school districts are Gilbert Unified District (4239) and Higley Unified School District (4248).
For those looking for higher education, Park University Gilbert, located in the Downtown area Heritage District, is a viable option for several types of collegiate degrees. Park University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education and Health Professions, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the College of Management. Online learning and NAIA-level athletics programs are also at Park University Gilbert. Go, Buccaneers!
- Gilbert Real Estate
In Gilbert, residential real estate includes luxury homes, horse properties, county island acreage, single-family homes in master-planned communities and subdivisions, condo and townhome complexes. Prices, of course, range greatly depending on the type of real estate desired. Waterfront living, golf course, gated, active adult communities, and HOA managed are all popular real estate options available in Gilbert.
- Gilbert Neighborhoods
Gilbert neighborhoods range from large master-planned communities of single-family homes to townhomes and condo complexes. A variety of amenities are in most Gilbert neighborhoods, including parks and playgrounds, walking and biking trails, community pools, and rec centers.
Some areas offer security gates, mountain views, golf courses, age restrictions, and community lakes. Several Gilbert neighborhoods offer their residents attractive outdoor settings containing stunning water features and exceptional, extensive waterways.
Val Vista Lakes and The Islands are two excellent Gilbert neighborhoods with urban lakes and waterfront living. Val Vista Lakes master-planned community has a massive rock waterfall display at its multi-million dollar clubhouse alongside a giant lakefront swimming pool equipped with its very own sandy beach lagoon!
A few popular single-family home neighborhoods in Gilbert are Adora Trails, Power Ranch, Seville Gilbert, and Layton Lakes.
Breckenridge Townhomes and Ikon Hayfield Condominium are a couple of townhome and condo complex possibilities in Gilbert, AZ.
