Gilbert or Peoria??

[marelle]

Thank you so much for the info on the schools and the hospitals! I really appreciate it!

[azphotog]

Originally Posted by jssp02

Is there anyone that can tell me the difference between Gilbert and Peoria?? I know the schools are a little better in Gilbert, but are there any drastic differences in the community, home prices, traffic, shopping, parks and rec, etc???

Gilbert gets my vote, hands down. Peoria is more locked in--not as easy freeway access or access to other parts of the area. I think Gilbert will be more expensive but the schools and services are supposed to be better.

[sweettearose]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

There is a private lake community in Gilbert where water skiing is allowed.

The emphasis should be placed on the word private. It's not going to do him any good to live near there if he is unable to purchase a home in that community. Not only are homes like that extremely expensive but unavailable too.

[AZ Tracy]

You might check out the site Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed
. You can compare different zip codes and check out the demographics. The main zip code for Peoria is 85345, and for Gilbert it is 85233.

[Captain Bill]

Originally Posted by AZ Tracy

You might check out the site Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed
. You can compare different zip codes and check out the demographics. The main zip code for Peoria is 85345, and for Gilbert it is 85233.

A few more zip codes in Gilbert are 85234, 85296, 85296, 85297, 85299.

[mrsmlong]

I am also looking at the Gilbert and Peoria areas, but have never actually been to either. I love the mountains, at least the views. Can the mountains be seen in either town like they can in say, Apache Juntion? If so, what might be the best neighborhoods for this?

Thanks

[AZ Tracy]

Originally Posted by mrsmlong

I am also looking at the Gilbert and Peoria areas, but have never actually been to either. I love the mountains, at least the views. Can the mountains be seen in either town like they can in say, Apache Juntion? If so, what might be the best neighborhoods for this?

Thanks

The Phoenix metropolitan area is also known as the "Valley of the Sun." Hence, we are in a valley, surrounded by different mountain ranges. You don't always get a mountain view from your home, but if the air is clear, you'll see mountains as you're driving around.

[zenkonami]

Lived in (southern) Peoria for several years, and it's fine. Fairly typical suburban character. The development in the north is nice enough, and having gone to school at Peoria High I can tell you that for the most part, the schools are fine.

As far as outdoor activities go, there is nothing *close* to either of them, but a moderate drive will get you out of the city and up / across to the lakes within an hour (or less depending on where you live in Peoria or Gilbert.) I have friends who live in Gilbert and visited them frequently...the two cities are pretty comparable. Phoenix suburbs are a bit homogenous, so it's not hard to find shopping and services in any of them for the most part. In fact, you can largely rely on ever 2 square mile block having some kind of shopping center including grocery, retailers, fast food and some entertainment.

All things being equal, at about 40 miles apart, I'd say pick the one you work closer to. There's no point in adding to freeway gridlock (and though not Los Angeles, it does gridlock pretty solid for a bit both in the morning and in the evening) by living in Peoria and working in Gilbert.

Phoenix is not really a town where "access to downtown" really counts for much at the moment (unfortunately.) Even sports venues are kind of spread out. Higher education needs are well met around the valley by the excellent (and relatively inexpensive) Maricopa Community College system...schools can be found close to almost anywhere. Libraries aren't too hard to find. There's a mall roughly every eight miles or less.

Basically (and to reiterate), if you're just interested in suburban living, pick the one closer to where you'll work. If you're interested in helping to vitalize the City of Phoenix proper, there are some nice neighborhoods closer to downtown, a new light rail line and adequate bus system, easy road access to just about anywhere and good access to the airport, baseball, basketball and hockey.

[Great Joy]

Originally Posted by mrsmlong

I am also looking at the Gilbert and Peoria areas, but have never actually been to either. I love the mountains, at least the views. Can the mountains be seen in either town like they can in say, Apache Juntion? If so, what might be the best neighborhoods for this?

Thanks

Northern Peoria has mountains. The mountains near Gilbert can be seen in the distance.