Gilbert, AZBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Gilbert’s location in the sun-soaked Sonoran Desert, well-planned neighborhoods and top-ranked schools contribute to the city’s reputation as a suburban oasis. Residents can enjoy a long list of outdoor activities, a thriving economy and a welcoming, inclusive community.
Gilbert, AZ, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Gilbert, AZ, is one of America’s fastest-growing communities, with a population skyrocketing from under 6,000 in 1980 to more than 277,000 today. And it’s easy to see why residents are flocking to this Phoenix suburb. Gilbert has a strong economy, fantastic health care options, competitive schools and safe neighborhoods, all of which help secure its spot as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Also worth mentioning: The sun shines nearly 300 days a year here, and temperatures can get hot. Residents cool down at Frost, a local gelato and sorbet shop serving dozens of flavors to help beat the heat waves. (Get a scoop of the strawberry and champagne.)
As far as jobs go, several exciting industries fire Gilbert’s economic engine, including clean technology and renewable energy, aerospace and aviation, and advanced manufacturing. Gilbert is also advancing life sciences and is leading the way in stem-cell therapies and regenerative medicines. As a testament to the innovation that happens in Gilbert, the community nabs nearly 260 patents a year.
Leading health care companies like Dignity Health, Banner health care and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center all have a presence in Gilbert, and the town has more than 2 million square feet of hospital and clinical research facilities.
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, and 44% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is above the national average of 33.1%. In addition, at the University of Arizona’s Gilbert campus, students have close-to-home educational opportunities to learn a new skill at a coding boot camp or meet demand in the health care industry via a four-year bachelor’s degree program in nursing.
Gilbert residents also find plenty to do in their downtime, from Pure Esports, which has 50 gaming stations, to the Hale Center Theatre, where residents can catch a musical. And creativity flows out of Gilbert. The city has an impressive arts and culture scene, which is reflected in its Saturday Art Walks and colorful murals that brighten up the brick walls throughout town. Also, Gilbert has illuminated art benches that glow at night.
Gilbert, AZ Quality of Life LivScore
Gilbert, AZ Top Categories
Economy
Health
Safety
Gilbert ranks highest for economy, health and safety.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert is a desert climate with super-hot summers (we’re talking 105-degree days in July, so crank up the AC) and winters that rarely dip below freezing. The average highs and lows are 104°F and 74°F (summer) and 68°F and 40°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Gilbert is 0 inches. While the city may experience occasional frost or freezing temperatures during the winter months, snowfall is extremely rare.
The average annual rainfall in Gilbert is 9 inches per year, and the city has a low number of rainy days each year at just 27.
Gilbert averages 296 sunny days a year.
Arizona is known for its world-class golf courses, and Gilbert is no exception. But if hitting the links isn’t your thing, the city is home to six major parks and an array of smaller, specialty parks. Take your four-legged friend to Cosmo Dog Park, a lighted, fenced dog park that has been named one of the best dog parks in the country. Or grab your bike and hit the Central Trail System, which offers 135 miles of fun for outdoor enthusiasts.
Things To Do in Gilbert, AZ
With agricultural roots, Gilbert was once nicknamed “The Hay Capital of the World.”
Go stargazing at the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory on Friday or Saturday nights. It’s free to peep the galaxies through the high-powered telescope, but donations are appreciated.
Enjoy tacos and margs at Joyride Taco House and order hatch green chili queso and corn fries with tomatillo ranch for the table.
Sip on $6 glasses of wine until 5 p.m. at Postino East. Then, pair your vino with a bruschetta board or one loaded with charcuterie.
The Local and State Economy in Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert has a diverse economy with several major industries, including health care, technology and education. Banner Health System, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and the Town of Gilbert are all major employers.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Gilbert is 7.8%.
Yes, Arizona has a state income tax.
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Banner Gateway Medical Center are premier providers in the Gilbert area and offer a wide range of medical services and specialties.
Gilbert is home to a flagship campus for the University of Arizona. The University of Arizona-Gilbert is a regional campus that offers the nation’s first Bachelor of Science in Nursing in downtown Gilbert.
Quick Facts About Gilbert, AZ
- Median Household Income
- $100,327
- Median Home Value
- $413,974
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,648
- Total Population
- 277,284
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,358
- Average Commute
- 22.99 minutes
Gilbert has a strong economy, competitive schools and safe neighborhoods, all of which help secure its spot as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn more about Gilbert and other affordable cities to live in Arizona. Also, consider visiting before you move there.
