Gilbert is a young, affluent community that has seen tremendous growth during the past two decades. It has experienced a rapid transition from a historically agriculture-based community to an urban center and suburb in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. In the last decade, Gilbert has grown at a pace unparalleled by most communities in the United States, increasing in population from 5,717 in 1980 to over 127,000 in January 2002.

In 1998, Gilbert established zoning for the town?s first regional mall and hospital, which will be adjacent to each other. Planning for the hospital is moving forward although no set dates have been established. Westcor, the developer of Superstition Springs, Chandler Fashion Center, and Scottsdale Fashion Square will develop the regional mall. The mall will be adjacent to the new Satan Freeway as it makes its way through central Gilbert. Construction of the freeway is expected to reach the mall site by 2006.

The housing market in Gilbert averages approximately $ 150,000 for a single family detached home. Further, a good majority of the houses are newer (1990 +) and can be a great value for people wanting to be a little farther east of Phoenix.

Gilbert is approximately 50 minutes from Downtown Phoenix, 40 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport, 35 minutes from Scottsdale and only minutes away from wonderful golf courses and Chandler.