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Experience the natural beauty of the outdoors combined with luxury living in Gilbert, Arizona. A part of Maricopa County, the town of Gilbert is conveniently within Phoenix’s metropolitan area. This vast town is also at the heart of Arizona’s breathtaking desert parks, bringing residents close to teeming wildlife, sandy dunes, rugged cliffs, and rolling mountains.
While Gilbert is one of Phoenix’s younger communities, it has quickly risen to be one of the most popular suburbs in the state. The town’s proximity to stunning natural parks and affluent neighborhoods place it high on the list of upscale buyers, making luxury homes for sale in Gilbert, AZ hot properties.
Gilbert is one the best places for families in the US because of its competitive academies, robust economy, strong job market, and safe communities. Potential buyers from all over the country often search for Gilbert, AZ luxury homes because of the city’s high safety rating. It is known as the safest city in Arizona and is one of the top three safest large cities in the country.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF GILBERT
In 1902, William “Bobby” Gilbert founded the town after he donated the land to Arizona Eastern Railway. This paved the way to connect Phoenix and Florence by rail and brought about the rapid development that would change this farming community forever. Eight years later, the first store in Gilbert opened and was followed by the establishment of the first post office in 1912.
Once known as the “Hay Shipping Capital of the World”, Gilbert has gone a long way from its humble beginnings. Its historical downtown is teeming with businesses, shops, and restaurants. The development of numerous residential communities made it popular among home buyers who wanted to live close to Phoenix. Today, Gilbert consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in terms of raising a family, livability, safety, and luxury real estate options.
THE HOUSING MARKET IN GILBERT, AZ
Potential buyers and investors seeking exclusive properties will find plenty of options in Gilbert. There is something for everyone. There are single-family homes for those looking for great value. Those who are interested in luxury homes for sale in Gilbert, AZ can choose from waterfront properties, sprawling villas, and classic mansions. Home buyers can also choose from a variety of architectural styles, such as Contemporary or Mid Century Modern, Craftsman, Pueblo Revival, and Ranch.
The luxury properties in Gilbert often make the most of the surrounding scenery that the area is known for. Floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights bring natural lighting in, creating a welcoming ambiance and a continuity of the outdoors into the indoors. The huge backyards often feature comfortable seating areas, shaded patios, and fire pits for enjoying the outdoors day or night. Other features, like in-ground swimming pools, barbecue areas, and spacious garages are also popular features Some Gilbert, AZ luxury homes even have coveted lakefront or golf course views.
Real Estate Market Trends
Compared to properties in Phoenix and Scottsdale, the luxury real estate market in Gilbert is more competitive. The town appeals to homebuyers looking for quiet neighborhoods to move into from busy metros like Seattle, Los Angeles, and Tucson. Most properties in Gilbert sell at their list price, with luxury homes selling at about 1% more.
Homes for sale usually get sold in a month and go pending in 15 days. As of July, 2023 the median sale price of Gilbert properties was around $550,000, with single family homes selling for about $580,000 and townhouses for around $413,700. Seville and Morrison Ranch, two of Gilbert’s exclusive neighborhoods, had a median sale price of $717,500 and $667,878, respectively.
The Most Exclusive Gilbert, AZ Neighborhoods
Gilbert, Arizona has more than its fair share of upscale communities, but there are neighborhoods that are simply a cut above the rest. These are the top communities where you can find some of Gilbert’s most luxurious homes.
Heritage District
Nestled in Downtown Gilbert, The Heritage District is the heart of the community. It has a high walk score with a number of restaurants, stores, and parks located close to each other. Locals often flock here to see exhibitions at the gallery and museum or to watch performances at the theater.
This charming community has an assortment of luxury homes for sale with a casual Mediterranean vibe. Heritage District has oversized properties with swimming pools and RV parking. Cookouts, parties, and community events will make families feel right at home in the Heritage District.
Val Vista Lakes
Val Vista Lakes boasts 900 acres of master-planned luxury real estate in Arizona. This water-centered neighborhood is easily a homeowner’s dream with a private sunkissed beach, tropical lagoon with waterfalls, swimming pools, and a spa built for relaxation.
Homebuyers will find extraordinary lakefront properties ranging from single-family houses to sprawling villas. With Freestone Park mere minutes away, residents can make good use of the childcare center, racquetball courts, weights room, dance and aerobics hall, and rock climbing wall of the award-winning Freestone Recreation Center.
Wind Drift
Wind Drift is a waterfront community close to Freestone Park, which is known as Gilbert’s finest park. Families who live in the area have easy access to the football fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, softball fields, volleyball courts, and the play areas within the park. This neighborhood is also perfect for dog lovers. Locals often take their four-legged friends to the circle trail where the pets and their humans can enjoy long walks while admiring views of the lake. Those drawn to Spanish, Craftsman, and Hacienda Ranch architecture will find several luxury homes in these Arizona style favorites.
The Islands
With its breathtaking water views and lush greenery, this neighborhood is like an oasis in the midst of the desert. The Islands offer residents resort-style amenities set in more than a hundred acres of lakes and verdant areas. There are plenty of aquatic activities to be enjoyed all year round as this community has its own dock, boat rentals, beach volleyball court, and a pool.
What sets the The Islands properties apart from other luxury homes for sale in Gilbert, AZ is their waterfront setting and sweeping outdoor areas. Homebuyers will find fire pits, in-ground pools, and bright patios, maximizing the relaxing indoor-outdoor lifestyle the community provides.
Finley Farms
Finley Farms is a quiet, award-winning community just off Val Vista Drive. Luxury homes in the neighborhood range from 1,200 to 4,000 square feet with one or two stories. Two neighborhood parks, Finley Farms-Mesquite park and South Tot Lot Park, have basketball courts, playgrounds, and walking trails. San Tan Village Mall and Gateway Town Center are also nearby for convenient shopping. Finley Farms Elementary School is also located within the community. Potential buyers will find properties with outdoor features like shaded patios, private pools, and huge backyards.
North Shore
Adjacent to The Islands, North Shore is a luxury real estate community comprising three sub-neighborhoods – the Towne Park at North Shore, Villages of North Shore, and Estates at North Shore. Properties in this community are mostly single-family homes with ample space square footage of between 2,000 and 3,000. Residents usually spend the weekend lounging at the North Shore community pool or fishing at the well-stocked lake at nearby McQueen Park.
Seville
The affluent neighborhood of Seville is home to one of the best country clubs in Phoenix, the Seville Golf and Country Club. Marvelous fairway and mountain views surround the spacious homes of the community, and residents get to practice their swing whenever they want to. Mostly single-family homes, the properties in Seville feature open floor-plans that can be customized to any style, as well as enormous backyards with in-ground pools. Homeowners often head to Cosmo Dog Park to unwind by the lake or go swimming with their four-legged friends.
Morrison Ranch
Located in East Valley, Morrison Ranch is a master planned community just 30 minutes from the bright city lights of Phoenix. Custom-built homes predominantly make up the real estate market here, with vaulted ceilings, classic exteriors, and spacious garages among the popular features. Like other upscale communities in the town, Morrison Ranch has great access to the Greenfield Lakes Golf Course, Cactus Yards Sports Complex, and the EVO Swim School. The wide, tree-lined sidewalks make it convenient for residents to bike to nearby top-rated schools and offices.
El Dorado Lakes Golf Community
Built around the famous Kokopelli Golf Club, El Dorado Lakes Golf Community is the perfect neighborhood for golfers. With a 6,700-yard public course that features 18-hole championship play, Kokopelli Golf Club welcomes both beginners and advanced golfers. Homeowners also have quick access to business areas and highways as El Dorado Lakes is conveniently close to Guadalupe and McQueen roads. The luxury homes for sale in this celebrated community have more than enough space to accommodate the needs of families. Properties range in size from 1,200 to 4,000 square feet and mostly showcase American Craftsman-style architecture.
Lyons Gate
Homebuyers who want more value for money will find plenty of options at Lyons Gate. This popular community is perfect for those searching for newer luxury homes for sale in Gilbert, AZ or those built from the early 2000s to the last five years. The properties range in sizes from 1,100 to 2,500 square feet and feature an open lay-out that allows customizing . Most single-and two-story homes in the neighborhood have outdoor features built for family leisure, such as outdoor seating and in-ground pools. Arizona University Polytechnic Campus, Cosmo Dog Park, and San Tan Village are also just a short drive away. Frequent travelers love the easy access to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway International Airport and the main roads.
LUXURY LIVING IN GILBERT, AZ
Gilbert is home to quiet suburban communities and residents who favor outdoor pursuits, but this beautiful town is also not lacking in urban destinations. There are plenty of epicurean havens, prestige shopping, and cultural pursuits for locals with discerning tastes.
The Best Restaurants In and Around Gilbert, Arizona
While the town is known for its laid-back communities and luxury homes, Gilbert is fast becoming a destination for those in search of gastronomic delights and high-end dining options. The following Gilbert restaurants offer the most delectable cuisine and a distinctive ambiance to match.
Binkley’s Restaurant
Binkley’s Restaurant offers an elevated experience that goes beyond the usual fine dining. Here, diners will find Chef Binkley hard at work in the kitchen creating culinary delights made from the finest local and specialty ingredients direct from the source. Must-tries include the Mesquite Charred Buffalo Tenderloin, the Caramel Octopus, and the Black Truffle Risotto. Those who want to dine in this top-rated restaurant should call in a reservation as seats go fast.
The Brickyard Downtown
The most wonderful dishes are the ones worth sharing, and The Brickyard Downtown is definitely the restaurant for that. The sharing plates of Short Ribs & Eggs Benedict as well as the Chorizo Breakfast Bowl bring family and friends together for brunch. Pork “Banh Mi” Tacos, Lamb Chimichangas, and Salmon Poke are just some of the favorites from the restaurant’s extensive menu. For Happy Hour, patrons can order unique cocktails like the Queen’s Park Swizzle and the Bee’s Knees at the bar.
Acqua Di’ Mare
Acqua Di’ Mare brings its guests to the Mediterranean coast with its vibrant wall murals and authentic cuisine. Its artisanal details and elegant ambiance make this restaurant the top choice for special occasions and intimate celebrations. Acqua Di’ Mare offers a fusion of Italian, French, and Greek cuisine with dishes like Lobster Di’ Mare, Chateaubriand, and Shrimp Provencal. The restaurant’s extensive wine list and table side cooking also add to the fine dining experience.
Things to See and Do in Gilbert
Exploring the Sonoran Desert. Towering saguaro cacti cast shadows on rolling sand dunes as the rugged cliffs are bathed in the orange hues of the setting sun–these are just some of the breathtaking sights in the Sonoran Desert. The Sonoran Desert is one of the world’s most biologically diverse deserts and spans 120,000 square miles across Arizona, Nevada, and California. Those who want to explore its sprawling arid landscape often make Gilbert, Arizona their home base.
Superstition Mountains. Hikers from all over the country are drawn to the surreal beauty of the Superstition Mountain complex. With its stunning canyons and mountains formed by collapsed ancient volcanoes, the wilderness offers a unique experience for hikers of all skill levels. The Siphon Draw is a demanding trail that opens up to the bajadas of the Lost Dutchman State Park. Beginners and families can enjoy the accessible wilderness of the Peralta Trail.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. More than a hundred acres of lush vegetation and water basins make up the Riparian Preserve. Thousands of visitors go to the preserve for water activities, trail hiking, and animal watching. This scenic lake habitat has abundant wildlife composed of about 300 species of amphibians, reptiles, fish, and birds. Bird watchers come from all over to observe the Peregrine Falcon, Abert’s Towhee, and the Western Burrowing Owl, among others.
Hale Center Theater. Those who want an immersive entertainment experience should not miss the performances at Hale Center Theater. While these performances are the real stars of the shows, the theater’s special layout is just as impressive. Shaped like an arena, the tiered seating and the central stage ensure that all audiences have exceptional views of the action. As Gilbert’s premier theater company, audiences are treated to world-class musicals like Fiddler on the Roof and A Christmas Carol. The performances at the Hale Center Theater are so beloved by the locals that residents have been getting season tickets continuously for years.
SanTan Village. Shopping remains to be a favorite pastime of Gilbert locals and SanTan Village Mall has more than enough stores to satisfy all kinds of shoppers. This open-air mall complex has a diverse mix of retail shops, from Macy’s to Dick’s Sporting Goods and HomeGoods to Nordstrom Rack. After hours of satisfying retail therapy, shoppers can grab a bite at Shake Shack or get drinks at SALT Tacos y Tequila.
FIND LUXURY HOMES FOR SALE IN GILBERT, AZ
Gilbert has some of the most coveted real estate in Arizona. It can be quite a challenge for property seekers to find the perfect home when the demand is high and steadily increasing over the years. To gain advantage over other potential buyers, those who want to buy premier properties in Gilbert should work with the top real estate experts in the locale.
Carol Royse Luxury Division has sold over a million homes and counting. When it comes to luxury homes for sale in Gilbert, AZ, Carol and her team of real estate professionals are unparalleled. Carol’s extensive knowledge in luxury real estate, from the builders to the actual communities enable her to find tailored options for her clients. With over 30 years in the industry, she has a high level of expertise in the luxury market as well as remarkable connections in the real estate community.
Carol and her team offer a wide range of real estate services that cater to the distinct needs and goals of luxury buyers. The team has helped CEOs, entrepreneurs, business owners, and sports personalities in finding the homes in Arizona that are perfect for them. Carol has also authored two best-selling books on real estate and has appeared on television and radio shows.
Discover what it’s like to live in the lap of luxury surrounded by both the modern conveniences of Phoenix and the unspoilt beauty of Arizona. Call 480.797.2724 or send a message here to find luxury homes for sale in Gilbert, AZ today.