Recently ranked the most prosperous city in the entire nation in areas including employment, poverty rate, and median income ratio, Gilbert, Arizona has soared to the top as one of the nation’s most sought-after places to live. The town also can boast a claim as one of the nation’s best places to raise a family.

The high rankings don’t come as surprise to those who live here. The town, once considered the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World,” has evolved from an agriculturally led community to a diverse economic hub of the Greater Phoenix Area. The fifth largest municipality of the Metro area, the town’s population increased 13 percent annually from 1980 to 2010, also earning it the fastest-growing municipality in the U.S. from 1990 to 2003. Though the city has welcomed newcomers from all over the country and thriving employment opportunities like Banner Health, Go Daddy, and Intel, the community is equally committed to parks and recreation, historic preservation (like the Gilbert Historic District), and education, with a majority of residents zoned for Gilbert Public Schools, garnering the town another accolade as one of the best places to live and learn. 

With shopping at San Tan Village, outdoor adventures like nature preserves, over 135 miles for equestrian riders and cyclists, multiple parks, and nightlife in its downtown area that hosts restaurants and theaters, including Hale Centre — known for being the longest-running theatrical theatre company in the U.S —  there is something for everyone in Gilbert. Whatever your prerequisites are for enjoying a town, you can be certain Gilbert offers it.

Gilbert Heritage District

Interior of the new Art House Gilbert, where art classes are offered
Courtesy of Art House Gilbert

The dining scene and symbolic center of Gilbert, this is the spot visitors and locals come to dine, shop, enjoy entertainment, and explore the arts. South of Juniper Avenue and north of Elliot Road, with smatterings of locations in between, the main excitement happens along Gilbert Road. Events like the Gilbert Art Walk, which coincides with The Gilbert Historical Museum, and weekly farmers markets lend to a bustling day, while at night a smoother vibe welcomes performances at Hale Center, where multiple bars and outdoor patios allow you to take in the scene. All the buzz is about The Art House. This bar turned art studio provides an impressive wine and beer list while teaching its students to master the ways of the brush and canvas.

Morrison Ranch

A scenic lake and fountain at the master-planned community of Morrison Ranch in Gilbert, AZ

This highly sought-after 3,000-acre master-planned community combines desirable living with sustainability and rich in character. Considered to be a “model for high-quality living” by Gilbert Mayor Jean Daniels, Morrison Ranch offers diverse land uses with a mixture of low-, medium-, and high-density residential areas connected to the commercial, professional, and recreational areas through tree-lined, interconnected open spaces and walking trails to encourage outdoor experiences. Ashton Woods, Taylor Morrison, Maracay, and Fulton Homes have homes or are currently building homes in the community from the mid $300,000s to the mid $600,000s with square footage ranging between 1,600 and 4,500. The community has over 400 acres of common space, numerous playgrounds, catch-and-release fishing lakes, and miles of trails along with Morrison Town Center, which contains 115 acres of shopping and dining galore. Tailoring the community so residents can work and play where they live, the Morrison Ranch Business Center offers a 275-acre campus that hosts businesses and a technology complex. 

Recker Pointe

Rendering of the Altair model for the upcoming Shea Homes community Recker Pointe in Gilbert
Courtesy of Shea Homes

Just opened in the fall of 2017 are three new communities making up 300 homes in Recker Pointe. The new community by Shea Homes on the southeast corner by Ray and Recker Roads, near the Bella Vista and Ashley Heights neighborhoods, celebrated the grand opening of all three neighborhoods, each of which provides a prime location near shopping, dining, and recreation. Compass at Recker Point offers three two-story homes that range from 1,855 to 2,197 square feet, Inspire at Recker Pointe offers four plans between 2,462 to 3,351 square feet, and Ambition at Recker Pointe offers four plans between 1,710 and 2,991 square feet. Prices are between $284,000 and $370,000.

Power Ranch

Trilogy Golf Club located in the master-planned community of Power Ranch of Gilbert, AZ

Power Ranch remains one of the top-selling and most coveted communities in Gilbert and serves as a perfect example of how a community can provide the accessibility of modern amenities and conveniences while holding fast to small-community values. The 2,084 acres, which includes Trilogy at Power Ranch, are divided into 11 distinct subdivisions. There is an array of home styles and floorplans, from condos to single-story homes to ultra-luxurious estates, with views of the lakes, golf courses, mountains, or parks. The master-planned community has won multiple awards and showcases close to 20 different builders in the community. Current homes for sale range from $200,000 to $500,000. 

The Farm at Agritopia

A community farm located in the master-planned community of Agritopia of Gilbert, AZ 

Keeping in line with the current trend of millennials trading golf courses for agricultural-focused housing developments,  The Farm at Agritopia holds true to the values of sustainability and giving back to the community— it doesn’t hurt if you like to play in the dirt, too. Owners The Johnston Family have persevered throughout the years in working with builders, planners, and the Town of Gilbert to bring forth the village life of farming to the urban tastes of today by conforming the neighborhood and offering a place for the public to get involved.

More than 450 Craftsman-style homes ranging in size from 1,321 to 5,536 square feet and priced between the high $200,000’s and the mid $600,000’s surround the working farm. A daily farmers market provides staples and an opportunity to thrill newcomers with organic foods and a chance to eat at an on-site restaurant, Joe’s Farm Grill. There are also classes and the farm hosts events, like parties and weddings. Most beloved by residents is the Community Garden, with individual plots for the residents to grow anything from sugar cane to colorful ornamentals. Pointed out by NBC Nightly News as one of the nation’s first ‘Agrihoods,’ Agritopia made farm-to-table history and is a model for businesses giving back to the community.

Gilbert Town Square

A newly developed Regal Cinemas and Creative Hands Studio at the Gilbert Town Square
Courtesy of Vestar

This suburban shopping center is not what you’d expect. Near the Raven Ranch neighborhood, this shopping, dining, and entertainment center continues to evolve with the demands of the locals. Built by Triple Five Arizona Development, the site boasts a 14-screen megaplex theater in addition to trendy restaurants and boutiques. Friday nights offer an unusual and ever-changing roster of up to 20 different food trucks with multiple street vendors, musicians, and special offers from local businesses.

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

Outdoor patio and bar at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Gilbert, AZ
Courtesy of Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row

In the heart of the Heritage District at 323 N. Gilbert Rd., is a lively bar and restaurant that serves up more than just drinks and a meal. Designed to be in-sync with the town’s farm roots, the ambiance is intended to feel like an old barn or trading post. Southern fries and deep-fried pickles are favorites, as are the live music events Thursdays through Sundays. Two well-stocked bars, a dance floor, a full stage, and 4,600 square-foot patio have made this bar a hit since opening last spring.