Firstly why Gilbert, Arizona?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Gilbert
- State: Arizona
- Population: 262,449 people
- Gilbert’s quick summary would be Once known as the ‘Hay Shipping Capital of the World,’ now recognized for its family-friendly communities and vibrant downtown.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 10,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 6,000 annually
- Net Migration: 4000 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 4,000
- Number of Homeless people: 300
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it boasts strong schools and family-friendly amenities appealing to young families
Perk #1: Gilbert Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 71%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $97,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Gilbert is $95,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-2000 in negative cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Gilbert’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 92 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,662
- Property Tax %: 0.83%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,550
- Rent for an average house: $2,300
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Power Ranch
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Gilbert, San-Tan-Valley, Queen-Creek, West-Gilbert, and probably could include Higley
- Avg. Age of Homes in Gilbert: 19 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.9%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Gilbert’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Gilbert are Healthcare, Retail, and Technology
- Gilbert Job Scene: healthy job market driven by healthcare and education
- The General Tech Scene: rapidly growing tech community with a focus on tech startups and innovation , ,
- Gilbert Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Gilbert: 8.1%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 160 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 6
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Gilbert
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
- Freeway Access: Railroad Avenue offers local connectivity through Gilbert
- Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: evening traffic jam on Higley Road
- Transportation Score: 49 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Gilbert: 100,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.4
- No. of Car Washes: 8 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Gilbert: azdot.gov/motor-vehicles
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
- Local Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Gilbert’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
- General Weather in Gilbert is best described as experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters with cool nights
- Winter Weather in Gilbert i’d describe as mild with sunny days
- Spring Weather in Gilbert can be described as warm with low humidity
- Summer’s in Gilbert are mostly hot and dry
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Gilbert is usually warm and dry
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 49 days in summer
- Days in a row in Gilbert below Freezing: 0
- Average Annual Rainfall: 9 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality with some local pollution sources
- Gilbert Winter Air generally good air quality influenced by urban emissions
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Gilbert Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Gilbert 1
- While the number of trade schools inside Gilberts’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Gilbert Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Gilbert Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Gilbert only Doctors is about 90
- Local Hospitals here is 3
- Full-time Gilbert only Police Officers is about 320
- Crime Rate Index: 15/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Gilbert’s Monthly utility bill average is $110
- Gilbert’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
- Gilbert’s Water Quality Score: 76
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Gilbert
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: family-oriented community with parks and community events
- You might enjoy live music events in local parks
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Gilbert features a friendly atmosphere with local breweries and outdoor dining options for evenings out
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Gilbert
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a mix of lively restaurants and casual dining options
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Gilbert
- The Popular Sports Team is Gilbert Tigers
- Top Level Political Climate in Gilbert can be described as suburban with conservative values emphasizing family and community
- Gilbert’s Longer standing religious establishment is The Hillsong Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Gilbert Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Gilbert has 50 Parks?
- Higley Basin Park is Gilbert’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Gilbert Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-12pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Fishing, hiking, and bird watching
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Gilbert Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Gilbert can be described as family-friendly suburban pace with numerous parks and events
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Gilbert fishing at local lakes bike rides exploring community gardens
- The Cities people commute to from Gilbert are Mesa 8 miles away Chandler 6 miles away Queen-Creek 19 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Gilbert or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: evening traffic jam on Higley Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Gilbert’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Power Ranch is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Gilbert are Mesa 8 miles away Chandler 6 miles away Queen-Creek 19 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 15 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Gilbert has 0 days in a row below freezing and 49 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Gilbert people have an average (positive or negative) $-2000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
300 homeless people living in Gilbert. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general suburban with conservative values emphasizing family and community could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Gilbert.
Retiree & Senior Life in Gilbert
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may be eligible for homestead exemptions lowering property tax obligations
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale Springs Mesa
- Gilbert Senior Center provides meal services fitness programs and recreational activities
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Gilbert, Arizona?
If Gilbert, Arizona ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Gilbert, Arizona, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!