Master-planned community Val Vista Lakes has been revered as one of the cornerstone developments in Gilbert, Arizona. Built in 1985, the community was the first to have a lake subdivision and set the stage for the region’s growth,  according to AZCentral. 

Known for promoting an active, family-friendly lifestyle, the 900-acre, award-winning community has remained in high demand as one of Gilbert’s most sought-after neighborhoods thanks to a variety of home options, 24 different custom subdivisions, and a “water wonderland” featuring green spaces, four parks, a deluxe clubhouse, and even a pool with a sandy beach. That doesn’t even take into account the access to shopping and dining options. 

The Location

San Tan Village in Gilbert, AZ / Photo by Cygnusloop99 / CC BY-SA

Gilbert has been racking up the accolades in recent years. The Phoenix suburb has been nationally recognized as one of the safest cities, most prosperous U.S. cities, and one of the best places to live in America. 

The location provides easy access for commuters traveling to Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Chandler thanks to U.S. Routes 60 and 87 as well as Loop 202. Also, Gilbert is just 15 minutes from Mesa’s Gateway Airport and 20 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The Homes

A typical looking home of Val Vista Lakes in Gilbert, AZ

Per AZCentral, this community of 400 or so residents earns a median income of $166,719. As such, their prestigious neighborhoods are full of higher-end homes that have only gained in the value over the years. 

Current listing prices fall between $180,000 to $1,135,000 with the median sale price around $322,000. Homes typically range from 673 to 5,706 square feet, thanks to a mixture of condos and single-family homes. The typical home here includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and common architectural styles include Mediterranean Revival, Spanish Revival, and Adobe. 

Within Val Vista Lakes’ 24 subdivisions, many homes are located on waterfront properties. As the name suggests, there are a series of lakes scattered across the community. Homes in neighborhoods such as Castaway Bay, Enclave, Lakeside, Regatta, Voyager Cove, and West Lake Estates are among those with direct water access. 

Along with the single-family homes, there is also a gated townhouse community located at Breckenridge Bay as well as a condo complex at Beach Club Village. 

Things to Do

The Riparian Preserve

The community amenities that stand out include the lagoon swimming pool with sandy beach and waterfalls, an eight-court championship tennis complex, racquetball courts, a fitness facility, and a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool and spa at the Clubhouse. There are also numerous bike paths and opportunities to get in the water for swimming or by boating. 

Just across the street from the community is Village Square at Dana Park, a shopping center full of high-end and boutique shops and eateries, such as Seafood Market and Cafe Zupa’s. 

Residents looking to venture out of the community for a bit of adventure will enjoy nearby Freestone Park with its 65 acres of lakes, amusement attractions, and ball fields. There’s also Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, a series of man-made lakes that attract over 200 species of birds. 

Golfers will appreciate access to over 200 golf courses in the outlying metro area while sports fans will want to head to Big League Dreams Sports Park, a $40 million development with Major League Baseball stadium replicas, two restaurants, batting cages, and an indoor soccer pavilion. 

Schools

Courtesy of Val Vista Lakes Elementary

Younger residents in the community will attend Gilbert Public School District, which was recently ranked as the fourth-best school district in America by the National Council for Home Safety and Security. 95 percent of students here graduate, which is near the top of the list in Arizona. Highly rated Patterson Elementary School, Val Vista Lakes Elementary School, Highland Jr High School, and Highland High School are several school options within the district.

About Gilbert

Courtesy of AZ Ignition Repair

Currently the most populated incorporated town in the U.S., GIlbert encompasses 76 square miles. It increased in population at a rate of 13 percent annually from 1980 to 2010, undoubtedly due to the transition from an agriculturally-based community into a suburban municipality. Though a high number of modern residential communities are flourishing, the area still holds tight to its farming traditions. There are still many working farms in the area that supply the community with locally grown produce and goods.

This isn’t a retirement community by any means. According to the Gilbert Economic Development, the area has a median age of 33.3 and 71 percent of the population is under the age of 45. The area is also highly sought-after by young families “focused on planting roots in the suburban periphery of metro areas,” with over 70 percent of the population having some form of a college education.

Gilbert continues to expand with the population expected to reach 330,000 over the next decade. Home to many companies in booming industries, such as technology, engineering, and aerospace, there’s a commitment in Gilbert to attracting new residents while also retaining the earmarks of a safe and vibrant town.