Living in Gilbert, AZ
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• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2024 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Why You’ll Love Living in Gilbert, AZ

Gilbert, AZ, is one of America’s fastest-growing communities, increasing from some 6,000 people in 1980 to nearly 273,000 today! Along with that growth comes a booming economy, fabulous health care facilities, safe neighborhoods and highly ranked schools. What more could you ask for, you say? Well, this Phoenix suburb also offers a creative arts scene (check out the city’s colorful murals) and restaurants, coffee shops and bars to discover. It’s no wonder people love living in Gilbert.

Clean technology, aerospace and aviation, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy all fire the city’s economic engine, and there’s a strong talent pipeline, too. Life sciences are also taking hold, with innovative stem-cell therapies and regenerative medicine leading the way. Health care companies are plentiful, and there are several well-known names here. The area has more than 2 million square feet of hospital and clinical research facilities.

The University of Arizona has a campus here, offering an opportunity for students to stay close to home while learning a sought-after skill and feeding into the high number of residents with graduate and professional degrees. More sunny days mean more time to enjoy more than 600 acres of open space and over 50 parks. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a 110-acre wildlife sanctuary where residents can unwind amid serene surroundings.

Gilbert is a sunny desert town in Maricopa County, southeast of Phoenix. U.S. Route 60 ties it to the Phoenix metro. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is around 20 miles away, a busy spot for flights near and far. When you’re ready to roam, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Phoenix is just 25 miles northwest, where you can explore the Desert Botanical Garden, visit the Heard Museum or catch a Suns game at Chase Field.
• Mesa sits 5 miles north, offering the Mesa Arts Center, Arizona Museum of Natural History and Usery Mountain Regional Park.
• Chandler is about 5 miles west, known for its lively downtown, the Chandler Museum and the quirky Ostrich Festival.

Thanks to its semi-arid climate, the area has hot, dry summers and mild winters, with mostly clear skies year-round. The city has an average of 270 sunny days per year, and summer temps can top 100 degrees.

The economy is booming here. One of the reasons so many employers are picking Gilbert to launch or grow their operations is because of the strong talent pipeline: A high concentration of residents have graduate and professional degrees. There are many job opportunities in health care, technology and education fields, and Banner Health System, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and the Town of Gilbert are all major employers. 

The cost of living in Gilbert is higher than the national average. The median home value in Gilbert is $496,010, and the average household income is $159,653. 

Arizona residents pay a state income tax, and local residents can expect a 2.0% sales tax rate in 2025.

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Get going in Gilbert! The city’s vibrant downtown, particularly the Heritage District, has more than 30 restaurants, live theater, a farmers market and a plentiful public art collection, including murals and integrated designs. History enthusiasts can explore the Gilbert Historical Museum housed in the original 1913 Gilbert Elementary School or pay their respects at the 9/11 Memorial.

Beyond the urban attractions, the city stands out for its community-minded approach. Residents gather for an annual BARKtoberfest and at the International Sister Cities Garden in Gilbert Regional Park. The commitment to the arts is evident in galleries like Gallery 4 at HD South and public art displays around town. Visitors can also support local businesses by exploring unique shops like State Forty Eight, Studio 223 and Why I Love Where I Live.

Endless sunshine lures people outdoors in Gilbert. The city has an extensive network of trails — spanning 135 miles — perfect for hiking, biking and even horseback riding. Parks like Freestone District Park and Gilbert Regional Park are fun for the whole family, with lakes, playgrounds and sporting facilities. Looking for something more unique? Agritopia Farm is an urban farm that allows visitors to learn more about sustainable agriculture. The Riparian Reserve at Water Ranch is a haven for birdwatching, with more than 200 different species!

Beyond the city limits, the Sonoran Desert beckons with mountain biking adventures and hiking trails in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park and Lost Dutchman State Park, offering stunning desert landscapes. Get your feet wet by kayaking, paddleboarding or tubing on the Lower Salt River.

The city has recently experienced a foodie boom, particularly within its Heritage District. From cozy spots like High Tide Seafood Bar & Grill and Joe’s Real BBQ to modern eateries like Liberty Market, there is something to satisfy every craving. Local agricultural roots shine at farm-to-table spots like Joe’s Farm Grill at Agritopia.

Residents are served by both the Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified School District, which serve a combined nearly 50,000 students. Public schools in Gilbert rank higher than most in the state and have above-average math and reading proficiency scores. Private education is great here, too, and there are several different schools for families to choose from.