Gilbert is a town in central Arizona incorporated on July 6, 1920.  The town has experienced tremendous growth during the past two decades. Gilbert has been known as “The Hay capital of the World” until the late 1920’s because of its farming production.

A BIT ABOUT GILBERT’S HISTORY…

The Arizona Eastern Railway, in 1902, asked for donations in order to establish a rail line between Phoenix, and Florence, AZ.  William Gilbert, owned property that a rail siding was established on. The town that popped up around this property eventually became known as Gilbert.  Once a farming community, Gilbert was fueled by the construction of the Eastern and Consolidated Canals and the Roosevelt Dam.  Gilbert was an agricultural community for many years.

The Gilbert that we currently know began to take shape during the 1970’s.  At this time, a 53 square mile annexation was approved by the town.  The Town Council realized that Gilbert would grow and develop much like the other nearby communities (Tempe, Mesa, Chandler). Gilbert put itself in a position for future growth, and that is what happened.

 

ABOUT GILBERT, AZ

Residents of Gilbert, Arizona are proud that their city has ranked in national polls: the “36th Best Place to live in the nation,” and “24th safest (municipality) in the nation”. Also, the town’s quality as a safe community was honored, as Gilbert was named the Fifth safest community America by Business Insider (2013). In this Maricopa County family-friendly community, there are many great activities and amenities.

Gilbert is noted as:

• the fastest growing city in the US from 1990-2003.
• one of the best places to live in the US (ranked by CNN Money magazine in 2008)
• one of the top 25 safest cities in the US.
• an educated city: 34.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• having the highest household median income in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area for a town +50,000 in population(2005).

Gilbert, Arizona is located in Maricopa County southeast of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Once a prominently agriculture-based community, Gilbert has made a transformation to a diverse suburb that is economically diverse. Gilbert’s population is 208,453 (2010).

Ayer’s Grocery Store was the first store and location of the first post office in Gilbert in 1910. Gilbert officially was incorporated into a town in 1920.  Primarily a farming community and agricultural town, Gilbert became known as the “Hay Capital of the World” until the late 1920s.

 GILBERT IS NOTED FOR “SMALL TOWN FEEL WITH BIG CITY APPEAL.” 

Because it is located just 20 minutes southeast of Phoenix, Gilbert offers the charm of a small, quaint community with the convenience of a metropolitan city. From farm-fresh cafes to barbecue diners to the elegant formal fine dining, Gilbert has much to offer. Gilbert averages 310 days of sunshine each year.  Because of the desirable climate, there are many outdoor activities in the city. The Riparian Institute, a 110-acre nature preserve and wetland, attracts over a million visitors.  Also Gilbert is home to Big League Dreams Sports Park and Cosmo Dog Park.SanTan Village is a premier open-air shopping complex located in Gilbert.  There is also unique shopping in Gilbert’s Heritage district.

Visit the official site of Gilbert, AZ

 

Gilbert, Arizona has received the following awards and recognitions: (taken from Gilbertaz.gov)

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  22nd Best Place to Live in the United States (Money Magazine, 2014)

• 3rd Best City to Find a Job in the United States (WalletHub, 2015)
• 2nd Safest City in the United States (Law Street Media, 2014)
• 20th Best City to Live In America (24/7 Wall St., 2014)
• Gilbert Among Nations Fastest Growing Communities (Arizona Republic, 2014)
• Gilbert 4th Best Community for Hispanic Entrepreneurs(WalletHub, 2014)
• Best City for Working Parents (WalletHub, 2014)
• 17th Best City for First-Time Home Buyers (WalletHub, 2014)
• 5^th Best Food Neighborhood in Metro Phoenix (Phoenix New Times, 2014)
• 9th Best City for Families (WalletHub, 2014)
• 8th Most Thriving City in the United States (The Daily Beast, 2013)
• Fastest Growing City in Arizona (Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, 2013)
• 2nd Best City in Arizona (Movoto.com, 2013)
• Playful City USA: 8-Time Honoree (KaBoom!, 2014)
• Tree City USA (National Arbor Day Foundation, 2013)

• 

  Bicycle Friendly Community (League of American Bicyclists, 2013)

• 41st Best City to Live in the United States (Businessweek.com, 2011)
• Top Places in the Nation to Live and Learn (GreatSchools.org, 2010)
• Lowest Poverty Rate of 3.8 % among Arizona cities with a population of 100,000 or greater (U.S. Census Bureau, Phoenix Business Journal)
• Cosmo Dog Park – Ranked 4th best dog park in the United States (Dog Fancy Magazine, 2010)
• 2011 recipient of the Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Secretary of Defense to organizations for the support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve
• Gilbert Classical Academy ranks 28th in Best-Schools List (U.S. News & World Report, 2013)
• Gilbert Classical Academy ranked in top five high schools in Arizona by SAT Score