History of Gilbert Real Estate

In 1902, the Arizona Eastern Railway was asking for donations of real estate in order to establish a rail line between Phoenix and Florence. A rail siding was established on property owned by William “Bobby” Gilbert. The siding and the town that sprung up around it eventually became known as Gilbert.

Because of the area’s rich land, Gilbert became a center for growing and shipping cattle, sheep, dairy products, grains, melons, cotton, and alfalfa hay. During World War I, the cavalry needed an ever-increasing amount of alfalfa to feed their horses. Gilbert helped supply their need, becoming known as the Hay Shipping Capital of the World.

The town’s history has been captured in the Gilbert Historical Society Museum. Located in a building that was once the original Town School, this unique museum is open year-round Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays from 9 am – 4 pm.

In 1920, the town’s 500 citizens incorporated, and Gilbert was officially born. Over the next 50 years growth was slow-to-moderate. Then, beginning in 1980, Gilbert experienced a population boom. In the last decade and a half, Gilbert has grown at a pace unparalleled by most communities in the United States, increasing population from 5,717 in 1980 to approximately 145,000 in July 2003.

Gilbert has experienced a rapid transition from a historically agriculture-based community to an urban center and suburb in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  As Gilbert has grown, the community has recognized the need to develop a strong, diverse economy while preserving its highly desirable quality of life and residential real estate.

Moving to Gilbert?

Residents of Gilbert are proud of their lifestyle which focuses on raising a family, quality education, leisure activities, and a booming business community. The sense of community is important and is evidenced by strong public involvement supporting all facets of the community.

Gilbert is one of the fastest growing communities in the nation and continues to welcome 1,000 new residents every month. Development of Gilbert real estate has managed to keep up with this constant influx of new residents.  Doubling its population every five years since 1980, the Town has met the many challenges of preserving the small town atmosphere of the community, while promoting high tech industry and progressive planning for the future.

Insulated from the frantic pace of metropolitan Phoenix, Gilbert offers many lifestyle enhancing amenities. The village concept of planned communities includes parks, equestrian trails, fishing, boating, and local business services all within walking distance. Gated communities, as well as equestrian properties are available in Gilbert. However you define your lifestyle, Gilbert real estate has something for you!

Gilbert lifestyle is among the best in Arizona

Gilbert provides a wide variety of activities for the enjoyment of its residents through the Parks and Recreation Department. Horse shows at Rodeo Park, sports programs such as soccer and softball leagues, and adult education are a few of the programs offered through the recreation department. The Easter Eggstravaganza, Halloween Carnival, So Long to Summer Fest, Summer Concerts in the Park, and the Christmas Tree Lighting are annual events presented by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Community lakes and playgrounds in beautiful Freestone and Crossroads parks afford many hours of leisure for families. The Freestone Railroad offers children’s train rides which also add to Freestone Park’s attraction. Miles of canal banks are maintained by the Salt River Project and the Roosevelt Conservation District for walking, running, biking and horseback riding. The town also maintains hiking and equestrian trails for the enjoyment of its citizens. Neighborhood parks within planned communities offer a variety of activities from playgrounds and pools to tennis courts and clubhouses, all within walking distance.

For the enjoyment of the local golf enthusiasts, four golf courses are open for pay in Gilbert including Kokopelli Golf Resorts and Trilogy Golf Club. Over 25 courses are available within 15 minutes of Gilbert.

Hale Theatre, located in the Heritage District of downtown Gilbert is 380-seat theatre in-the-round presenting live performances for the entire family.

The Gilbert Fine Arts Association brings art to life through education, commitment and support. Recognizing that lives are enriched by exposure to the arts, the Gilbert Fine Arts Association provides opportunities for enhancement through a wide array of activities. The Gilbert Fine Arts Association is best known for its annual musical productions such as Camelot, Annie, Joseph and the Amazing Dreamcoat, Peter Pan, West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz to name a few. They also provide scholarships to talented young people, provide workshops through its Theatrical Academy for Youth, and sponsor various live performances and art shows.

The Gilbert Promotional Corporation sponsors the annual Gilbert Days, which is a celebration of the paving of Gilbert Road in downtown Gilbert. The three day celebration features one of the largest parades in the state, IPRA Rodeo action with some of the finest contestants in the region, along with a carnival and exhibitors area. In addition to Gilbert Days, the Gilbert Promotional Corporations hosts a Fourth of July celebration with a fabulous fireworks display drawing thousands for an enjoyable evening.

The local Gilbert Boys and Girls Club and YMCA offer many activities for children to participate in while learning the values of teamwork, self-esteem and community involvement

Just miles outside of metropolitan Phoenix, Gilbert itself encompasses 43 square miles. The town was planned with the "city of villages" concept, creating parks, trails and businesses all within walking distance of residential communities. For those who crave open space, Gilbert real estate offers gated communities and equestrian properties. Its 145,250 residents are an average age of 30 years old, with an above-average household income of $68,032 and median home value of $135,500.

Gilbert's public education is superior, with all grade levels ranking above the state and national averages in their achievement tests. There are thirty four schools, serving around 33,000 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. The Gilbert Unified School District has been lauded for its fine arts programs and interscholastic activities.

The top notch Parks and Recreation Department provides year round activities for its residents. There are plenty of sports leagues for young people and adults. The Department sponsors annual holiday events such as Easter's Eggstravaganza, free summer concerts in the park, a Halloween festival and Christmas tree lighting. At Rodeo Park, folks gather to watch horse shows and professional rodeos.

Families can while away their leisure time in Gilbert's well maintained parks and open spaces. At Freestone Park, children can tool around on the popular Freestone Railroad. There are plenty of lakes and playgrounds at Crossroads Park. The miles of canal banks are a perfect place to run or bike through the park. And of course, with Gilbert's city of villages plan, nearly every neighborhood has parks, playgrounds, pools and tennis courts within walking or biking distance. Golfers have no shortage of courses to take advantage of. Within Gilbert, you will find Kokopelli Golf Resort and the Trilogy Golf Club. A quick drive to neighboring communities offers over twenty five different courses to hone your skills.

One of the largest annual celebrations is Gilbert Days, a three-day event which boasts one of the largest parades in Arizona. Along with a festival and crafts exhibit, the town brings in top performers for an IPRA rodeo.

With its central location, sports fans can take advantage of professional and college level sports events. The region is home to World Series Champions the Arizona Diamondbacks, NBA's Phoenix Suns, and NHL Phoenix Coyotes. In nearby Mesa, residents can catch the Chicago Cubs during the winter months. Here you will also find Cactus League Spring Training and the Fiesta Bowl Football Classic. At Arizona State University, Sun Devil Stadium is the place to catch the action. You can watch college players at their finest playing for the ASU Sun Devils, or the NFL's Phoenix Cardinals. You can even watch the Anaheim Angels in spring training at Diablo Stadium.

Gilbert Tomorrow

The Town of Gilbert is continuously planning for the future in order to meet the needs of tomorrow. As the Town continues to grow so does Gilbert’s commitment to providing residents, businesses and employees with the best possible services, programs and accommodations. Several new projects, recently completed numerous roadway improvements and the Town’s continued investment in the Heritage District and surrounding real estate.

Gilbert, Arizona is a rapidly growing community that maintains a strong sense of community and family. Residents here have the best of both worlds. They live in a peaceful walking community while having access to major cities and national sporting events. Thousands of people relocate to Gilbert each year, and you just might want to count yourself among them.

If you're thinking of moving to Gilbert, Arizona, or purchasing Gilbert real estate, our relocation packet is yours for the asking.