Why do new homes cost more in Chandler than Gilbert? (Phoenix: best suburbs, sales)

[CodyW]

I think a bigger factor than economy or income is simply the land area that is left to be developed. Chandler is very rapidly approaching build-out - there are only a handful of larger undeveloped properties remaining. Thus, land is at a premium, driving up real estate prices at all spectrums of the market. Projects in Chandler are also starting to become more dense and urban - a sign that land is at a premium.

Gilbert, on the other hand, though inching closer and closer to build out, still has a lot more development potential than Chandler. Large chunks of land are easier to come by.

These are not the only factors, but I think they definitely play a part in real estate values.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by DetroitN8V

Just because Gilbert's average income may be higher, it doesn't mean that Gilbert is in any way more affluent. Chandler is simply more diverse. Gilbert has more negatives in terms of location, Mormon concentration/government, ridiculous school board, cookie cutter houses (for the most part).

Gilbert is pretty much bland suburbia all the way around, and nothing really happening there as far as high paying jobs, or fun places to go. Most Gilbert residents commute to Phoenix or other Valley cities for work. And while other suburbs have established themselves as their own unique cities (specifically Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa), Gilbert is still satisfied to be just a bedroom community, and to call itself a "town", despite having a population of well over 200,000.

[ajonesaz]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

Gilbert is pretty much bland suburbia all the way around, and nothing really happening there as far as high paying jobs, or fun places to go. Most Gilbert residents commute to Phoenix or other Valley cities for work. And while other suburbs have established themselves as their own unique cities (specifically Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa), Gilbert is still satisfied to be just a bedroom community, and to call itself a "town", despite having a population of well over 200,000.

100% inaccurate

Gilbert ranks #1 for median income in the US Gilbert ranked No. 1 in U.S. for median income

While not as strong as Chandler for high paying jobs, Gilbert is attracting them at the same pace. Isagenix just opened up their world headquarters. The entire Rivulon is being developed into a hub for 6 figure jobs. Several big companies have been there for a while, Azmark Aerospace, GoDaddy (one of the original offices)

Entertainment wise Downtown Gilbert has exploded and is now one of the hottest restaurant locations in the valley, far above neighboring Mesa and Chandler. There are more people in Downtown Gilbert now on weekends then there are on Mill Avenue in Tempe. The San Tan Mall area is growing like crazy as well.

If you think Gilbert is "bland suburbia" you don't know what you are talking about and you need to come and visit next weekend.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by ajonesaz

100% inaccurate

Gilbert ranks #1 for median income in the US Gilbert ranked No. 1 in U.S. for median income

While not as strong as Chandler for high paying jobs, Gilbert is attracting them at the same pace. Isagenix just opened up their world headquarters. The entire Rivulon is being developed into a hub for 6 figure jobs. Several big companies have been there for a while, Azmark Aerospace, GoDaddy (one of the original offices)

Entertainment wise Downtown Gilbert has exploded and is now one of the hottest restaurant locations in the valley, far above neighboring Mesa and Chandler. There are more people in Downtown Gilbert now on weekends then there are on Mill Avenue in Tempe. The San Tan Mall area is growing like crazy as well.

If you think Gilbert is "bland suburbia" you don't know what you are talking about and you need to come and visit next weekend.

I 100% disagree with the bold, but Gilbert is doing a lot to attract employment, and that is not even counting the healthcare field which has grown there. Downtown Gilbert is doing well with dining, but it by no means has more choice than Chandler. Mesa I am unsure of as I don't hang out there. There are far more people on Mill Ave on weekends than both DT Chandler and Gilbert combined.

[ajonesaz]

Originally Posted by asufan

I 100% disagree with the bold, but Gilbert is doing a lot to attract employment, and that is not even counting the healthcare field which has grown there. Downtown Gilbert is doing well with dining, but it by no means has more choice than Chandler. Mesa I am unsure of as I don't hang out there. There are far more people on Mill Ave on weekends than both DT Chandler and Gilbert combined.

I haven't been down to Mill in about a year, but take a trip to downtown Gilbert on a Friday or Saturday Night. It definately feels a lot busier than what Mill has been. Most people avoid even going down Gilbert Road anymore because of the traffic backups in the evening. It's not one taking away from the other as Mill is a completely different crowd with different peak times. Most of the latest and greatest in Tempe has happened in other areas away from Mill. Even Tempe Marketplace is busier then Mill Ave now.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by ajonesaz

I haven't been down to Mill in about a year, but take a trip to downtown Gilbert on a Friday or Saturday Night. It definately feels a lot busier than what Mill has been. Most people avoid even going down Gilbert Road anymore because of the traffic backups in the evening. It's not one taking away from the other as Mill is a completely different crowd with different peak times. Most of the latest and greatest in Tempe has happened in other areas away from Mill. Even Tempe Marketplace is busier then Mill Ave now.

I have always avoided Gilbert downtown due to the traffic, mostly because they lower the speed limit and there's lots of stoplights so it has always been a problem. I have been to DT Gilbert recently, and it certainly has a lot of activity, but I have also been to DT Tempe recently and it has far more activity for far longer (the sidewalks seem to roll up at 10 PM in DT Gilbert). I occasionally visit the restaurants in Gilbert, but it is still playing catch-up with Chandler in that arena, especially when it comes to certain types of food.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by asufan

I have always avoided Gilbert downtown due to the traffic, mostly because they lower the speed limit and there's lots of stoplights so it has always been a problem. I have been to DT Gilbert recently, and it certainly has a lot of activity, but I have also been to DT Tempe recently and it has far more activity for far longer (the sidewalks seem to roll up at 10 PM in DT Gilbert). I occasionally visit the restaurants in Gilbert, but it is still playing catch-up with Chandler in that arena, especially when it comes to certain types of food.

What I don't understand is why Downtown Gilbert has a 25 mph speed limit on Gilbert Road, while the more densely urban Downtown Chandler has a 35 mph speed limit on Arizona Avenue.

[DetroitN8V]

Originally Posted by Pink Jazz

What I don't understand is why Downtown Gilbert has a 25 mph speed limit on Gilbert Road, while the more densely urban Downtown Chandler has a 35 mph speed limit on Arizona Avenue.

It keeps me up at night.

[asufan]

In somewhat related news, La Bocca and Modern Margarita have announced expansion into DT Chandler. Not sure if I'll like Modern Margarita but La Bocca is very good.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by ajonesaz

If you think Gilbert is "bland suburbia" you don't know what you are talking about and you need to come and visit next weekend.

I actually drove through Gilbert on Christmas Day when I was in the area, and downtown looked like a 1960s version of Old Town Scottsdale ... rather quaint, but very small, and not very impressive overall. Plenty of vacant lots that are practically screaming to be developed. Don't get me wrong: Gilbert is a very nice suburb, but it's still made up mostly of cookie cutter developments, which is bland to some of us. Compared to other east Valley suburbs like Tempe and Scottsdale, Gilbert is pretty low key.

Originally Posted by asufan

I have been to DT Gilbert recently, and it certainly has a lot of activity, but I have also been to DT Tempe recently and it has far more activity for far longer (the sidewalks seem to roll up at 10 PM in DT Gilbert).

Very much so. Downtown Tempe is thriving with activity, especially on Friday nights & the weekends. It has one of the densest urban cores in the entire metro area. Scottsdale has a different kind of downtown area: not as dense as Tempe, but famous for its upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife. Comparing either one to the small townish nature of Gilbert is absurd.