Gilbert

The town of Gilbert is sweetly nestled between the city of Chandler on the west and Mesa to the north and east.  The tiny town of Gilbert has the benefit of being centrally located in the East Valley. 

Residents can use Interstate 60 at its north and Loop 101 as a quick and easy way to access the city and the rest of the valley.  Gilbert is 22 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix.

Climate

The climate is typical of the southwest.  There is a mild winter that is balanced by a long hot, dry summer.  Many have claimed that the dry, hot summer conditions have helped to relieve many of their allergy symptoms.

Summer days are clear and spectacular and the temperatures are truly remarkable.  Spring and autumn are mild transitions into the other seasons.  There is a brief monsoon season that is truly extraordinary.

Gilbert Properties

The town of Gilbert is using a great concept for residential developments.  These new developments include planned communities with parks, equestrian trails, fishing, boating, and the convenience of retail/commercial businesses, all within walking distances. 

If you like privacy, and love horses, Gilbert is for you.  Properties range from gated communities with equestrian privileges to single-family homes.  Many homes in the area sit on mini ranch partitions.  Prospective residents will be able to locate the perfect home in Gilbert.

Residents know that Gilbert’s lifestyle is focused on providing quality education, first-rate recreational activities, and offering bountiful business opportunities.  Many companies have moved to Gilbert to take advantage of the town’s business incentives programs. 

This town has successfully blended its farming history into a diverse community that includes a variety of retail and commercial businesses.  Gilbert offers the best of both of these worlds, the upscale suburban lifestyle, along with the urban conveniences of other areas in the Valley of the Sun. 

The tradition continues to play a vital role in Gilbert’s development, but not to the detriment of the natural progress of the little community. 

A fine school system, quality housing with a variety of price ranges, recreational activities, and business opportunities are all reasons why so many people select Gilbert as their home. 

Click now to learn more about properties in Gilbert.

The Market

The spectacular amount of market activity in Arizona over the past decade has been well documented.  People of all walks of life have been moving to Arizona, and particularly Phoenix, in numbers unmatched in recent memory. 

Figures from 2000-2005 show nothing but increased construction, development, unit sales and unit sales prices in virtually every category of structure offered on the market. 

The greatest degree of growth occurred during fiscal 2005, where previous growth statistics, impressive in their own rights, spiked sharply to even higher levels. 

Of particular note to the residential home seller/buyer was the record appreciation in new and resale home values. These rates were up for new homes and resales, rentals, and condominium units, the only difference being one of degree.

While it is true that not all Phoenix area real estate markets showed the same amount of increase it is true that the degree of growth for each area was roughly proportional.

Then along came 2006 and equally well documented has been the decline in the rate of growth of some key market indicators.  The greater Phoenix resale home market is showing marked decreases in sales figures for comparable periods last year across the valley and across most unit categories.

One interesting exception is the median price for resale units has risen slightly.  This rising price accompanied by a decrease in sales seems to be more in keeping with normal market tendencies. 

One would expect spectacular growth to lead eventually to a degree of scarcity that would be reflected in higher prices.  Could this indicate that the market has reached its peak?

Let’s look at another indicator to see what it may tell us.

Since 1985, the Arizona Real Estate Center has computed what it calls “affordability indexes” for the Greater Phoenix area and several nearby cities. 

The index was invented as a guide to predict market activity.  When the index value is 100, the typical home buyer (based on the current median resale price and household income) would be able to afford a median-priced home at the stated effective interest rate.  A lower index value indicates less availability of affordable single-family homes.

The affordability index for the areas selected for the study shows a significant reduction in the availability of that this type of housing within the means of the ordinary consumer. 

Whether this data can be used as a reliable indicator for other groups and other types of housing is arguable, but it does beg the question “how much longer will the market be able to sustain a situation where both sellers and buyers can apparently benefit by getting involved in the market?

The short answer is that these conditions can remain so long as they are supported by the market. 

So when we take a long look at the larger picture we must ask ourselves whether we can realistically expect to realize more potential gain or value now or at some time in the future and it is very reasonable to conclude that the best possible time to buy or sell Arizona really is now.

Gilbert History

Humble beginnings had this town originally known as the “Hay Capital of the World”.  But Mr. William M. Gilbert, after whom the town was named, had another idea.  He donated a generous portion of his land to entice the rail carriers into the area.  This land donation proved to be both beneficial to Mr. Gilbert and to the town that eventually grew up around the rail.

Today, Gilbert is a special town.  It is a town that is working hard to preserve its small-town charm while promoting the many high-tech companies that have come into the heart of this quiet and peaceful haven.. 

The town’s motto, “Community of Excellence,” tells us about the community’s mission for today.  It is a town planning for its brilliant future.

Gilbert Outdoor Recreation

The town of Gilbert is set apart from metropolitan Phoenix and gives its residents many amenities. 

Parks, equestrian trails, golfing, fishing, and hiking are all a part of this town setting.  For early morning risers, both walkers and horseback riders can be seen in town getting their exercise. 

Trips to the surrounding areas only multiply the good times!

Gilbert is a unique place to live.

Gilbert Entertainment

Getting the opportunity to experience a hometown feeling is why many residents chose Gilbert to live.  One of the largest rodeos in the southwest is held in Gilbert each year.  The event is called Gilbert Days.  It includes a parade and exciting activities that celebrate the town’s heritage.  This event brings the community together for a week of fun. 

The Gilbert Historical Museum helps to retrace the town’s rich history.  Artifacts and collectibles are on display in the museum and many visitors will be surprised to discover how deeply the agricultural roots tap deep in this community. 

It is a great place for families to spend some time remembering the past.