Desirable Subdivisions in Chandler and Gilbert (Tempe, Sun Lakes: real estate, custom home, neighborhoods)

[calvingin]

Can someone that is familiar with Chandler and Gilbert please rank the zip codes for Chandler and Gilbert in order of preference where to buy and which subdivisions in those zip codes are the most desirable?

Thanks in advance.

[azcater]

I know the 85234 zip code pretty well. It's hard to name a good subdivision because there are so many... I know Circle G Meadows is really nice because it's not cookie cutter like you would expect, custom homes on nice big lots, there's one in the neighborhood starting at 299k. Unbelievable since it sold in 2007 I believe for 565k.

[thegirlinaz]

I live in 85297 and I love it (Gilbert, AZ)

[homesweetazhome]

With lots of exceptions:
Chandler - 85248, 85249
Gilbert - 85296,85297

[sheena]

Originally Posted by calvingin

Can someone that is familiar with Chandler and Gilbert please rank the zip codes for Chandler and Gilbert in order of preference where to buy and which subdivisions in those zip codes are the most desirable?

Thanks in advance.

85234(Like the Gilbert Schools)
Val Vista Lakes
Carriage Parc

85295
Crossings at Crossroads (mine......LOL)
Gate Way Ranch(Same neighborhood)

[Captain Bill]

Gilbert 85234 with Val Vista Lakes being the premier community in north central Gilbert, and close to the 60 freeway for commuters

Gilbert 85233 in north western Gilbert. The Islands and El Dorado Lakes (a golf community) are a couple of communities there.

Gilbert 85295, 96, 97, moving on to the south of Gilbert. All fairly close to the south loop 202 freeway. So many communities to choose from.

Chandler 85248 and 85286

[azriverfan.]

Chandler 85226 - Tuscany, Trovita and Ray Ranch neigborhoods - really nice homes with a nice central location that borders Tempe and Ahwautukee and is freely accessible to the shopping areas such as Tempe (Ikea), Casa Paloma (Banana Republic, Talbots, Tomaso's, Flemings Steakhouse, Borders), Ahwautukee (Ra sushi, Va Bene Italian, AMC 24) and the Chandler Mall area as well as easy access to the I-10 and 101 freeway. The Cardinals training facility is near this area as well. The downside is the neighborhoods aside from the three mentioned above are starting to go down in quality (Sierra Tempe).

Everyone has mentioned "Ocotillo" (85248, 85286) and I would argue that in terms of overall housing quality, it's clearly the best (Sun Lakes, Fulton Ranch for example) as the overall HOUSING area is upscale and the neighbors are pretty well off. However, it's also pretty remote and there is nothing there aside from nice houses and lakes; they drive north to dine and shop.

We looked at both areas and ultimately we decided on 85226 because the location is amazing. Ultimately, it comes down to what you prefer: location vs housing quality. We have friends that live in both areas and make sound arguments for both areas.

[wng]

Oldest rule of thumb in real estate....
Location, Location, Location.

There will always be nice homes in a particular spot. Factor that out, and focus on the rest of what is on everyone's desirability list. This will separate the examples of appreciable assets and good quality of life, and money pits. We thought about Queen Creek, but then came to our senses.


Of the areas you are looking in, I liked Val Vista Lakes in Gilbert. It's more upscale, but also more built up and had green space/water. The shopping and highway convenience could be viewed as positive or negative depending on your wish list. The schools are some of the best.
It's zip code 85234, and it includes the surrounding Val Vista Park subdivisions which cost a little less.
Some areas have no HOAs. But bear in mind, the property taxes are significantly higher too.

Developments in Chandler hope to mimic the success of Val Vista Lakes (according to a developer I spoke to last Spring).