Gilbert, Arizona is a town located in the southeastern region of the Phoenix metropolitan area. With a population of over 208,000, Gilbert has grown rapidly over the past couple of decades as people have flocked to the area for its warm climate, affordable housing, and strong job market.
Economically, Gilbert benefits from its proximity to Phoenix and location in the Sun Corridor region, which contains over 70% of Arizona’s employment. The town has a diverse economic base including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and finance. Major employers include Banner Health, GoDaddy, Orbital ATK, and Bank of America. In 2019, the median household income in Gilbert was $93,328, well above the national median of $68,703. Unemployment is low at around 3.5%.
The Gilbert Public Schools system consists of 39 elementary, 10 middle, and 5 high schools. Great Schools gives the district an overall rating of 8 out of 10. The high school graduation rate is 91% compared to 85% statewide. Higher performing schools are located mainly in the northern part of town. Charter schools are also available as an alternative to public schools. At the post-secondary level, Gilbert is close to several community colleges and universities in the Phoenix area.
For entertainment and dining, Gilbert has a wide variety of options. Downtown Gilbert has a quaint main street lined with boutiques, restaurants, wine bars and cafes. Popular family-friendly attractions include Rip Roarin’ Waters water park, OdySea Aquarium, Big Surf Wave Pool, and High Altitude Archery. Gilbert has an extensive park system with miles of trails, sports fields, skate parks, and playgrounds. Nightlife and performing arts can be found at venues such as the Hale Theatre, ImprovMania comedy club, and the Mesa Arts Center which is just a short drive away.
The climate in Gilbert is typical of the desert Southwest. Summers are extremely hot with average highs over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the dry heat makes it more bearable than humid climates. Evenings cool down into the 80s. Winters are mild with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Rainfall is sparse year-round. Sunshine is abundant – Gilbert enjoys sunshine 85% of the year.
For families, Gilbert offers a safe environment with low crime rates, good schools, and plenty of community amenities. The town has everything from picturesque neighborhoods to master-planned communities. Housing ranges from modest apartments and condos to luxury homes in gated golf communities. Most residents seem to enjoy the small-town feel while also having access to big city opportunities nearby. With its ideal location, dynamic economy, and enviable quality of life, it’s easy to see why Gilbert is one of the fastest growing and most desirable communities in Arizona.
