considering a move to Gilbert, Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale: cul-de-sac, crime, houses)

[jberrn]

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I are considering a move to Gilbert AZ, specifically looking at the Val Vista Lakes community. We have two boys (ages 9 and 12), so a very safe and family friendly area with good schools are the highest priority! We are moving from rainy Brussels Belgium and prior to that lived in Northern Virginia but I am originally from SoCal and I love the heat I'm looking for some honest feedback on this area as I have never been to Arizona before. Again, I understand it will be hot (we definitely plan on having a pool), but I want to know about the quality of life etc. Thanks for any info and tips, including different communities we should consider. My husband will work in Phoenix.

[hawkbiz]

I live right near Val Vista Lakes and it's a very nice community. The area is safe and close to everything you'll need. i can't speak to the schools but I'm sure others can. Good luck with the move!

[observer53]

I'd be curious as to the commute you would be looking at. It is a very nice community (don't know about the schools) but you have lots of options.

[AZtoCO1]

Val Vista Lakes is very nice. Depending on what part of Phoenix your husband works in, that will determine the length of the commute. I live in Gilbert and drive to the Biltmore area, and that's an hour for a 32 mile commute. Something to definitely keep in mind.

[ajonesaz]

Great schools in the area (both public and charter), friendly people and their country club area is very nice. Great freeway access as well.

[AZ Tracy]

Gilbert has the reputation of being one of the safest places to live in the country: Town of Gilbert, Arizona : Gilbert Digital Newsroom

[Dom-NY2AZ]

My family and I relocated to Chandler from New York back in 2008 when our two boys were 6 and 3. We love it here! The thing we were most concerned about was whether the school districts were any good. All of our research indicated that the Chandler, Tempe, and Gilbert school districts were rated amongst the best, so we decided on Chandler.


My parents as well as my wife's parents have been out here several times and they love it, but just haven't pulled the trigger yet as far as moving out here. I have one cousin from New York that visited us about five years ago, put his house on the market as soon as they got home and has been here ever since.


What I tell all my family/friends that are interested in moving out here from NY is.... If you need all the amenities and lifestyle that a larger city like Manhattan has to offer then you might not be happy here. However, if you are one of those people that really are more interested in suburban living, than the Phoenix Metropolitan area ( in our opinion ) surpasses what suburban areas in NY had to offer, in terms of overall infrastructure / shopping / home prices / property taxes and whether obviously.


Hope that helps...

[lovecrowds]

I lived in Gilbert. It is a great place to live, especially for families. Although parts have quite a few seniors and even singles. Its a good city for all.

South Chandler is nice but far more expensive per square foot then Gilbert. Gilbert for the cost of living is great and it is very, very well-run town.

You get more house for your money then anywhere else in Valley in Gilbert. They have lots of retail in the city.

I also noticed people in Gilbert are much, much friendlier then most cities/towns in the area. It is amazing how mentality of the people changes so much once you cross McQueen.

The for price there isn't another city in Arizona that offers the amenities that Gilbert does. It is also a very clean city. Probubly the cleanest city in Arizona.

They a very large parks and recreation department with lots of programs for all, they have nice bike paths and the parks are immaculate. They have tons of little pocket parks in most neighborhoods run by the strong home-owners associations that keep the city near perfect.

They have a large downtown filled with sidewalk cafe's. The only other place that compares is Scottsdale.

They have a massive outdoor mall, every mile or two in the city there is a large shopping center. Despite all the retail though, much of the city is cul-de-sac neighborhoods so there is not as much traffic on the streets where the houses are.

It has one of the lowest crime rate's of any city of it's size in the country. This is because of the many pro-active home owners associations and the city is extremely well-run and efficient.

[jberrn]

This is great to hear. Thanks so much to everyone for the feedback. Any specific information on schools there in Gilbert? Especially the school assigned to the Val Vista Lake community, which is where we will likely try to live. I have read a few reviews and looked at the schools websites but would love to hear from people who have children in the schools. Thanks again!!

[SMG]

I have been living in Gilbert for almost 20 years. My wife and I live about two miles from Val Vista Lakes. We love it here. Please message me if you would like to discuss.