Before You Buy in Gilbert: What Out-of-Towners Don’t Realize About This “Small Town” Suburb

Gilbert has been on every “best suburbs” list for years, and for good reason.

But if you’re coming in from out of state—or even from another part of the Valley—there are a few things you should know before you decide Gilbert is “the one.”

Let’s skip the brochure and talk about the real Gilbert.

Who Gilbert Is Really For (And Who It’s Not)

Gilbert is a fit if you want:

• Family-oriented neighborhoods

• Strong schools

• Parks, sports fields, and playgrounds everywhere

• A “small town” feel with a real downtown core

Gilbert might not be your spot if you:

• Want heavy nightlife and late-night energy (that’s Tempe/Scottsdale)

• Can’t stand HOAs or master-planned communities

• Want land, horses, or ultra-rural vibes (there are still pockets, but they’re not the majority)

If your mental picture of “home” includes kids on bikes, neighborhood events, and community parks right down the road, Gilbert is worth a serious look.

Types of Neighborhoods in Gilbert by Budget

Gilbert isn’t one thing. The feel changes depending on where and what you buy.

Older established neighborhoods:

• Bigger trees, wider streets, more personality

• Often closer in, better access to main roads and amenities

• Homes may have older systems or need updating—but lots of potential

Master-planned communities:

• HOAs, community pools, paths, lakes, and playgrounds

• Consistent curb appeal, strong resale demand

• Perfect if you want that polished, “everything is maintained” vibe

In the $750k–$1M range, you’ll typically see:

• Nice family homes with pools and upgraded interiors

• Homes near solid schools and good commuter routes

• Some semi-custom or larger-lot options, depending on location

The exact house will depend on which part of Gilbert you’re in, but at this price point you’re shopping in the “comfortable, not bare minimum” tier.

Commutes, Traffic, and Drive Time People Don’t Consider

On a map, everything looks close. In real life, traffic lights and rush hour matter.

Things to think about:

• Where are you working? Chandler tech hub? Tempe? Downtown Phoenix? Scottsdale?

• Are you okay with a 25–35 minute commute, or do you want under 20?

• Do you prefer easy freeway access (60, 202) or quieter surface streets?

Some parts of Gilbert give you:

• Great freeway access but more traffic noise

• Slower, quieter neighborhoods but a little more time in the car

If your job or kids’ schools are outside Gilbert, commute comes first, fantasy house second.

New Builds vs Older Areas in Gilbert

You’ll see both.

Newer builds / newer communities:

• More energy-efficient homes

• Modern layouts, open concepts, big kitchens, bigger master baths

• Tighter lots, more construction around you if the area is still building out

• Nearly always in HOAs with some level of rules

Older neighborhoods:

• Larger lots, mature trees

• More unique layouts, sometimes bigger single-story options

• May need updating: AC, roof, windows, flooring, kitchens, etc.

• Mix of HOA and no-HOA

There’s no “right” answer. It’s trade-offs:

• Do you want shiny finishes now, or more lot and space with some projects?

• Is it more important to have a brand-new build or less traffic and a more established neighborhood?

5 Questions You Need to Answer Before You Commit to Gilbert

Before you fall in love with staging and granite, answer these:

1. How important are schools to you—really?
   Just “good” or are you hunting for specific districts/programs?

2. How much yard do you actually want to maintain?
   Pool? Grass? Low-maintenance desert?

3. Are you okay driving for nightlife and big events?
   For a lot of people, Gilbert + occasional trips to Scottsdale or Tempe is perfect. For others, it feels too quiet.

4. How do you feel about HOAs?
   Deal-breaker, or are you good with rules if the neighborhood looks great?

5. What’s your realistic budget—and monthly comfort zone?
   It’s not just what you can qualify for. It’s what won’t keep you up at night.

If Gilbert still fits after those questions, you’re not just chasing hype—you’re making a real fit decision.

If Gilbert is on your list, it’s time to get specific.

Thinking about buying in Gilbert in the next 6–18 months?
If so get the your Gilbert Buyers Guide so you’re not scrolling blindly through listings with zero context.