If you’re thinking about buying a home in Gilbert, Arizona, there are a few things you should know before you start touring homes.
From the outside, Gilbert can seem pretty straightforward. Beautiful neighborhoods, great parks, restaurants, newer homes, and master planned communities are all part of the appeal.
But once you actually start looking at homes, you’ll quickly realize that where you buy in Gilbert can make a huge difference in your commute, monthly expenses, and overall lifestyle.
Before you buy a home in Gilbert, here are seven things I think every buyer should consider.
1. Not All of Gilbert Feels the Same
Gilbert isn’t one giant neighborhood. Different parts of town can offer completely different experiences.
North Gilbert is generally more established and can provide convenient access toward Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix via the US 60.
Central Gilbert puts you closer to Downtown Gilbert, the Loop 202, shopping, restaurants, and many established neighborhoods.
As you move farther south, you’ll find newer development and get closer to Queen Creek.
Before choosing a home, think beyond the Gilbert address. The specific part of Gilbert you choose can have a major impact on your everyday routine.
2. Your Commute Can Change Everything
A home might look perfect online. The price works, you love the neighborhood, and the backyard checks every box.
Then you realize your daily commute is much longer than expected.
Depending on where you live in Gilbert, you may rely on the US 60, Loop 202, surface streets, or a combination of all three.
If you’ll be commuting to Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, or another part of the Valley, I recommend actually driving your potential commute before buying.
And don’t test it on a Sunday afternoon. Drive it during the time you would normally be heading to or from work.
An extra 10 or 15 minutes each way may not seem significant during your home search, but it can add up quickly once you’re making that drive every day.
3. HOAs Are Common in Gilbert
Gilbert has many master planned communities, which means homeowners associations are very common.
That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Many buyers specifically choose these communities because of amenities such as pools, parks, walking trails, sports courts, community events, and maintained common areas.
The important thing is understanding what you’re paying for.
Before buying, look at the HOA fee, what amenities are included, the community rules, and whether there are any additional association fees.
Instead of simply asking, “Does this neighborhood have an HOA?” ask, “What am I actually getting for my HOA?”
4. Newer Doesn’t Always Mean Better
Gilbert has plenty of newer homes and new construction, and there are obvious reasons buyers find them appealing.
Modern kitchens, open floor plans, energy efficient features, newer systems, and community amenities can all be great benefits.
But newer doesn’t automatically mean better for your lifestyle.
An established home could offer a larger lot, mature landscaping, additional privacy, a more convenient location, or easier freeway access.
A newer home may have the finishes and floor plan you love, but it could also mean a smaller lot or longer commute.
Ask yourself what matters most.
Would you rather have a newer home farther out or an established home in a more convenient location? Would you choose modern finishes or a larger backyard?
There isn’t one right answer. It’s about finding the right combination for you.
5. Your Monthly Cost Is More Than the Mortgage
It’s easy to focus on the purchase price and mortgage payment when determining what you can afford.
But your true cost of homeownership may also include:
• HOA fees
• Electricity, especially during Arizona summers
• Pool maintenance
• Landscaping
• Homeowners insurance
• Water
• Repairs and regular home maintenance
One thing I pay especially close attention to when looking at Arizona homes is the age and condition of the air conditioning system.
Your AC is definitely not something you want to discover has a major problem in the middle of July!
Before deciding whether a home fits your budget, consider the full monthly and long term cost of owning it.
Sometimes a slightly less expensive home with older major systems isn’t actually the less expensive option over time.
6. The Neighborhood May Matter More Than the House
This is one of the biggest things I tell buyers.
You can change a lot about a house.
You can change the paint, flooring, kitchen, bathrooms, and landscaping.
You can’t move the house to another neighborhood.
And Gilbert has some very different neighborhood experiences.
Power Ranch feels different from Morrison Ranch. Agritopia feels different from Seville. The Islands feels different from some of the newer communities farther south.
Some neighborhoods revolve around parks and community amenities. Others offer golf, larger lots, newer construction, or proximity to shopping and restaurants.
Before falling in love with a kitchen, spend some time exploring the neighborhood.
Drive around. Visit the parks. See what’s nearby. Come back at different times of the day.
Most importantly, ask yourself: Would I actually enjoy living here every day?
The house might get you excited during the showing, but the neighborhood is what you’ll experience every day after you move in.
7. Don’t Assume Gilbert Is Automatically Your Best Option
If you’re moving to the East Valley, don’t automatically decide that you have to live in Gilbert.
Gilbert can be a great fit, but Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and surrounding communities may offer something that better matches your priorities.
Chandler may make sense if access to major employers and an established area are important to you.
Mesa offers a wide variety of neighborhoods and housing options.
Queen Creek may appeal to buyers looking for newer development and additional space who don’t mind living a little farther out.
Gilbert may stand out if you’re looking for a master planned suburban environment with parks, restaurants, community amenities, and access to the rest of the East Valley.
The point is to compare your options.
You’re not just choosing a city. You’re choosing the lifestyle that comes with it.
Should You Buy a Home in Gilbert, Arizona?
Gilbert can be a great option if you’re looking for established neighborhoods, newer developments, parks, shopping, restaurants, and a strong sense of community.
But before buying, make sure you understand where in Gilbert you’re buying, what your commute will look like, what the HOA includes, your true monthly costs, whether you prefer newer or established homes, and whether the neighborhood fits your lifestyle.
Those details can make a huge difference after you move in.
Thinking About Buying a Home in Gilbert?
If you’re considering buying a home in Gilbert, Arizona, or comparing Gilbert with Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, or anywhere else in the East Valley, we’d love to help.
Tell us your budget, where you work, what you’re looking for in a home, and what matters most to you in a community. We can help you narrow down your options and find an area that fits the lifestyle you’re looking for.
And if you’re researching moving to Gilbert, living in Gilbert, or buying a home anywhere in the East Valley, follow along for more local real estate tips, neighborhood guides, and everything you need to know before making your move.
From Janine