Gilbert, AZ
Why You’ll Love Living in Gilbert, Arizona
If you enjoy the great outdoors, Gilbert, Arizona, may be the perfect place for you. Boasting more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Gilbert is the perfect place to get outside and soak up the sun. Weekends are best spent savoring the city’s natural beauty at places like Greenfield Lakes Golf Course or Freestone Park. You can also take advantage of the city’s 135 miles of trails on foot, bicycle or horseback. Downtown is teeming with eclectic dining, a renowned Heritage District, and literally hundreds of annual events that draw in residents and tourists alike. In addition to its recreational offerings, Gilbert is backed by a strong economy, a growing job market and nationally ranked schools.
Thinking of moving to Gilbert, AZ? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Gilbert, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Gilbert, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Gilbert, AZ, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Gilbert, AZ, is one of America’s fastest-growing communities, increasing from some 6,000 people in 1980 to nearly 280,000 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 Gilbert is one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Clean technology, aerospace and aviation, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy all fire Gilbert’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 like Banner Health Center, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Dignity Health are known names here, and Gilbert 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, AZ Quality of Life LivScore
Gilbert, AZ Top Categories
Economy
Health
Transportation
Gilbert ranks highest for economy, health and transportation.
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 winter, snowfall is extremely rare.
The average annual rainfall in Gilbert is less than 10 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
Go stargazing at the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory on Friday or Saturday nights. Seeing the galaxies through the high-powered telescope is free, but donations are appreciated.
Gilbert is packed with fun activities for families, like exploring Gilbert Heritage District with its vibrant collection of shops, restaurants and seasonal events. The Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is another great spot for families who want to get outdoors. It’s packed with local wildlife, walking trails and beautiful scenery. If you want something a little more adventurous, consider the playgrounds, recreational facilities and mini amusement park at Freestone Park instead.
Gilbert has a rich history in agriculture, which has led to some seriously great places to eat that make the city a mecca for foodies. Joe’s Farm Grill is in a converted farmhouse and serves farm-to-table meals with local ingredients.
Locals often frequent the bustling SanTan Village, a popular shopping center with a wide range of well-known retailers, boutique shops and dining options. Most people consider it a one-stop shop when they need to tackle errands, meet up with a friend or get in some good, old-fashioned retail therapy.
Enjoy tacos and margs at Joyride Taco House and order hatch green chili queso and corn fries with tomatillo ranch for the table.
The Higley Center for the Performing Arts is Gilbert’s local hub for live performances and cultural events. Throughout the year, you can find all manner of shows there, ranging from live music to plays and dance recitals.
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 2024, 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.
Weather in Gilbert, AZ
Average Temperatures
86 High / 57 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
10 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
0 Inches
Quick Facts about Gilbert, Arizona
- Median Home Value
- $412,685
- Median Property Tax
- $3,906
- Total Population
- 279,140
- Average Commute
- 23 min
- Median Household Income
- $115,591
- Median Rent per Month
- $1,377
Map of Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert, AZ: Where to Live Now
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