By Local Realtor Cody Sperber

 

          

 

In 1902, the Arizona Eastern Railway asked for donations of right of way in order to establish a rail line between Phoenix and Florence. A rail siding was established on property owned by William "Bobby" Gilbert. The siding, and the town that sprung up around it, eventually became known as Gilbert, Arizona. Gilbert was a prime farming community, fueled by the construction of the Roosevelt Dam and the Eastern and Consolidated Canals in 1911. It remained an agriculture town for many years, and was known as the "Hay Capital of the World" until the late 1920s. Gilbert began to take its current shape during the 1970s when the Town Council approved a strip annexation that encompassed 53 square miles of county land. Although the population was only 1,971 in 1970 the Council realized that Gilbert would eventually grow and develop much like the neighboring communities of Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler. This proved to be a farsighted decision as Gilbert positioned itself for growth in the 1980s and beyond.

    

 

Gilbert has experienced a rapid transition from a historically agriculture-based community to an urban center and suburb in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. In the last two decades, Gilbert has grown at a pace unparalleled by most communities in the United States, increasing in population from 5,717 in 1980 to over 138,000 in January 2003. As Gilbert has grown, the community has recognized the need to develop a strong, diverse economy while preserving its highly desirable quality of life. To proactively direct the growth and development of the community, the Town Council adopted the General Plan 2001 on July 10, 2001, which revised existing elements, added those required under Arizona "Growing Smarter" legislation, and incorporated new land use and economic growth considerations.

 

 

The Town of Gilbert is continuously planning for the future in order to meet the needs of tomorrow. As the Town continues to grow so does Gilbert's commitment to providing residents, businesses and employees with the best possible services, programs and accommodations. Several new projects, recently completed or currently under construction, demonstrate this commitment. These include the new Public Safety Complex, Community Development Building, Freestone Recreation Center and the Town's continued investment in the Heritage District.

 

 

 

What I like most about Gilbert is that it offers excellent freeway access, great schools, and it still maintains its small town feel!  US-60 runs along the northern border of the Town, connecting to the other cities in the East Valley. The San Tan freeway runs directly through Gilbert from US-60 south, and west to the Interstate 10. Gilbert is only about 15 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and 30 minutes away from downtown Phoenix.  With its small town feel, you find that the sense of community is focused on raising a family, quality education, plentiful leisure activities, and a fantastic business core. It is an excellent reference for businesses and residents alike. Gilbert was ranked #22 as one of the safest cities in US in 2006.  The Gilbert, Arizona School District, which is recognized for its rigorous well-defined curriculum, and for the quality of academic programs and extra-curricular activities at both elementary and secondary levels, continue to be a huge motivation for families relocating to Gilbert.  Plus Gilbert, Arizona has two amazing DOG PARKS!  Overall, whatever your choice of lifestyle, Gilbert offers an excellent quality of life!